Terra American Bistro

7091 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
(619) 293-7088

Recent Reviews

Winky Cameron

Delicious! Quality food.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Fried Brussels Sprouts, Flourless Chocolate Cake, Red Wine Braised Short Rib

RonR

Great hidden gem tucked away off the main street. Good food, tried it for restaurant week but also ordered some appetizers off the main menu. Brie appetizer and dirty fries are both worth it!

ElizabethA

Despite it being a very busy Saturday nite during restaurant week, service was friendly and efficient. The food was delicious and well prepared. I'll be back again to dine from their regular menu.

ChristinaVW

We were there for restaurant week this year, and the food was delicious. The service was impeccable, and they just were so accommodating. really appreciate them understanding we aren't desert eaters and allowing us to make some modifications really went along way for us. Thank you so much for a great dining experience, and the food was over-the-top delicious

Our server, David was amazing. He was friendly and funny and attentive. Our food was so good. We had the short rib the fillet and banana pudding and a wonderful espresso martini.

JoseL

Food is made with care and well done. It may be a small restaurant, but it has ambitions. I like that. Lots of gluten free options. People from the area come to have drinks at the bar. Couples and families.

Eustacia Barrios

Waited 45 minutes for our 7 pm reservation. Only 2 servers on duty? Not allowed to sit at the bar while we waited! Who is running this place? Will not return. The food was rather pedestrian. Parking is really bad too.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

PamP

I hate to give Terra a bad review. We've eaten here many times and always loved the food, service, and ambience. But we picked it for Valentine's Day......big mistake. It's probably why we haven't gone out on Valentine's Day for many years (we've been married for 47 years!) But, heck, one of our favorite restaurants?? Let's go! We had 7:15 reservations, and got there at 7:10. And waited until 8:10 for a table. We couldn't even sit at the bar. FINALLY got a table, and then waited there for 10 minutes to be greeted by the waiter. Someone brought the first course (cheese fondue) for us to share. Then, I had a chance to order a Valentine's Cocktail...But we had to order the remainder of the prix fixe menu right then. I asked the waiter -- twice -- to hold off on bringing more courses until we had a chance to enjoy our cocktail. I asked twice and he said no problem. BUT.... a few minutes later, our next course comes -- and no cocktail. I was stunned (we still had the cheese fondue) and the waiter came by and apologized, but really, I wasn't ready and we were SO RUSHED!!! The waiter knew I was upset and then took the next course away so I could have my cocktail. But my husband had his asparagus bisque. They then brought my next course, which was a ravioli with lemon and a sauce. This was a wonderful course -- my favorite. Then, quickly, our next course came. I had the fresh fish, which was told was halibut, but I question it. It was dry and lukewarm. The sauce was good, but..... Nothing special. We finished with the berry tart, which was fine. All in all, we felt rushed throughout the evening. There was a note on our table saying to limit the time to 1 - 1 1/2 hours because of Valentine's Day. Very disappointing. We were out of there in 50 minutes. Moral of the story: stay home for Valentine's Day. Go to Terra on another day. And the regular servers were not working??? Wha' happened??

JimG

Everything was wonderful and outstanding. David our server was fantastic. The only reason we marked service down a little is because it took about 20 minutes to get our drinks from the bar (not the server's fault). We love Terra and will for sure be back.

ShirleyL

A bit disappointed at Terra for Valentine's celebration. I had requested a table along the perimeter which wasn't offerred even when I reminded of my request and a table was available. The beginning course of fondue was marginal and presented poorly. The soup/salad/ and main courses were good but not great. The dessert was nothing special although the two macarons were tasty. The cocktail was tasty. The noise level was high and not conducive to a romantic dinner. The hospitality was far from gracious. Perhaps that's what to expect on a busy night such as Valentine's Day. Nevertheless, we won't be returning next year.

AndreB

The food was wonderful. Our waiter Spencer was new, but was working really hard at his new craft. He was awesome. He said that he came from catering and was helping out. The restaurant was very busy, it was valentines day. We weren't rushed even though they were booked up. My wife and I had a very nice dinner. Thank you

Alagria

Fantastic food at a more or less reasonable price. The restaurant has no ambience at all - concrete flood and metal chairs and tables crammed into too small of a place. Not nearly enough servers. However, the food is so delicious we plan to return.

live2savor

Our table of three met here to celebrate a birthday and enjoy a pre-theater dinner. We appreciated the various dining options available at the early dinner hour. The calamari, baked brie, seafood bowtie pasta, and salmon sliders were all delicious. The celebrant even received a complimentary dessert! The hostess and servers were all friendly and accommodating. Terra is a gem in this neighborhood.

Cindy

Terra is a cute, little bistro with excellent service and delicious food. Well priced. The baked Brie is served in a hot skillet with an ample, warm baguette. The baked salmon entree and the short rib pasta were both really, really good. The vanilla scoop of ice cream was the creamiest we've ever had and the perfect finale. Loved our dinner at Terra.

RobertW

We started going here during Covid with pick up. Love the In-dining experience. Our short-rib/Gorgonzola pasta and Mac and Cheese with bacon were terrific. The beet and strawberry sorbet was the pièce de resistance. Service was friendly and attentive. What a gem!

Load More