Juniper and Ivy in San Diego: Delicious Modern Roast Duck 🦆

Craving roast duck in SD? You've gotta try "Juniper and Ivy" in the Little Italy neighborhood! 🏙️ I originally visited because of its Bib Gourmand recommendation, and after checking Xiaohongshu, I discovered their modern roast duck is the MUST-TRY signature dish. I was so intrigued, placed an order, and became an instant fan after the first bite! 😍 Now I'm totally recommending it to everyone! The restaurant blends SoCal vibes with innovative culinary skills, creating an upscale yet relaxed dining experience. ✨ It's super popular, so make sure to book in advance! 📅 For parking 🚗, you can find street parking a bit farther away, or use the valet parking right at the entrance for $15. Their roast duck totally reimagines the traditional version—it's like "two dishes in one"! 🦆🔥 The whole duck, weighing 3.5 to 4 pounds, is prepared with extreme care: the breast is glazed with honey mixed with herbs like cilantro, cinnamon, and cloves, while the leg is marinated with salt, pepper, and thyme, then slow-roasted overnight. The combination of these two methods creates an incredibly rich and layered flavor. The skin is thin, crispy, and caramelized, making a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the meat inside stays tender and juicy, with no gaminess at all. It highlights the natural sweetness of the duck even better than traditional versions—no wonder some foodies on Xiaohongshu call it "the best duck in SD"! 🥹 The dish is served with fried wheat berries, grilled seasonal veggies, and a fried duck egg, adding even more texture and a savory, subtly spiced finish that’s never greasy. 😋 The restaurant's vibe is another major plus! Industrial-chic decor with high ceilings and exposed brick walls, natural light streaming through large windows, and an open kitchen where you can watch the skilled chefs at work. 🧑🍳👀 The place has two floors, including private dining spaces, perfect for gatherings. The service is incredibly attentive and professional—for example, they easily accommodate dietary restrictions like gluten allergies. When I got up to go to the restroom, a staff member kindly guided me, and when I returned, my napkin had been neatly refolded. 👏 Besides the roast duck, the Hokkaido Scallop is also totally worth ordering—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and paired with an amazing unique sauce. So delicious! 🍴 This time, we only ordered two dishes because the roast duck portion is huge, and we were completely stuffed afterward. Oh, and before the meal, they serve a little tangy appetizer to get your taste buds ready! 🍋 Juniper and Ivy is a regular on San Diego’s "Best Restaurants" lists. With its creativity and dedication, it totally redefines what roast duck can be. Fresh ingredients, exquisite seasoning, great ambiance, and top-tier service make it an unmissable food destination in SD. I’ve heard many of their other dishes are fantastic too, and I’m already excited for my next visit! 🥳 After your meal, take a stroll around the neighborhood to digest—there's a yummy ice cream shop nearby and lots of cool bars to check out! 🍦🍹 #SanDiego #SanDiegoLife #SanDiegoEats #UCSD #SanDiegoFoodAndFun #SanDiegoTravel #SanDiegoExploration #SanDiegoWeekends #SDSU