Costa Brava — Restaurant in San Diego

Awesome food apart from the Paella.

Awesomeness:

1. Best list of Spanish wines I have ever seen, better than many places I frequent in Catalunya even. 1a) amazing list of wines from Priorat, my favorite wine region. We picked Camins del Priorat a familiar favorite.

2. Our server Rolando was totally awesome.

3. The tapas selection was awesome. Tried a couple types of croquets, and pan tomate. The pan tomate wasn't really authentic since it was served with tomatoe, garlic, olive oil etc. already on the bread instead of putting the fixings on the table and letting us do it. It was still pretty darn good.

Major Bummer part:

I asked our hostess if we should order the Paella right away when we sat down, she said it takes 45 minutes so definitely. Our server took the order for the Paella right away. Our wine and tapas were awesome, but after 25-ish minutes our Paella showed up. I was enjoying myself so much I forgot that that is a bad sign. I served us each a plate, then it set in. There was no Socarrat (the crispy bit at the bottom of the pan). I tasted a bit it was just super bland. Looked great on top, not real underneath. The pan was served with napkins covering the handles giving the illusion that the pan was hot, but on further inspection the pan itself was barely warm. So the paella was merely served in the pan but not cooked in it which is a major no-no, since that's the only way you can get the socarrat. Paella without socarrat is not really paella IMO. I asked the waiter over and explained my dilemna, and he summoned the owner. I told the owner I was disappointed that it wasn't cooked in the pan it was served in, he said it was absolutely cooked in that pan. I explained why that wasn't possible, then this ... "So now you are calling me a liar?". Yes he actually said that verbatim. Many other lame excuses on his part followed, including the typical "I don't know what I'm talking about attitude", and I just asked him to take it away, and bring us the menus again.

After the Bummer part: Not certain how, but we recovered from the incident and got a soup and a couple other tapas, incredible rendition of crema catalana and the night was saved.

If we had not ordered Paella, I'm certain this would have been a 5 star review. It should be 1 star simply due to the owner's behavior but I'm giving it a 2.

Yes it was not on the bill so at least I didn't have to argue about that.

I can't beleive I am saying this because of the owner's behavior, but I would go back again and enjoy the many other good things on the menu.

So overall unless they assure you they have made ammends on the Paella don't order it, and if it comes in under 40 minutes just send it back...

Costa Brava is like a little piece of Spain right in San Diego! It’s the perfect meal for a night out! It’s probably the best and authentic Spanish food you’ll ever have without going to Spain! The tapas here is top notch with something for everyone no matter any diet restrictions and it will be delicious, I guarantee. I highly recommend the tender on the inside and addictively crunchy on the outside calamari, ultra tender baby eels, and fresh, tender shrimp in a butter sauce. And the bigger entrees like the fall right off the bone oxtail which feels like it melts in your mouth without even chewing is a must have. And I highly suggest you do not miss out on the paella, a Spanish classic which is a saffron flavored rice dish decked out with all the seafood you can imagine. The only complaint I have is the croquettes which have a nice crispy exterior that pairs nicely with the creamy interior, but we ordered two different kinds and they both taste the same. So, I suggest only getting one order. And the atmosphere of the place is so warm and comforting, making it a perfect place for people to relax after a long day. As I was dining, I saw several groups of friends laughing themselves to tears at the bar, young couples enjoying their meal at a candle-lit table, and families with young toddlers enjoying a night out. So, whether your party is small or large and of all kinds, this is an excellent place to make a night you won’t forget. Throughout the night, me and my family were met with first rate service. Our waiters were charming, constantly making jokes, and ready to make our night a great one. They took time to make sure our water glasses were refilled every few minutes and offered to give us clean plates and cutlery each time a new course was about to be served. Some of the friendliest service I’ve ever gotten. You do not miss out on this place! Go...

Have been wanting to come here for a while, I love tapas! Our Server Gustavo was so kind to us and was so so tentative! He recommended a great wine and made sure our glasses were constantly full. The inside was very Spanish in decor with a live guitar player that made the ambiance so inviting. We had some bread which held us over while we waited for the food. We ordered the Pulpo A La Vinagreta (octopus), Gambas Al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic), Croquetas de Pollo (chicken croquettes), Rabas (fried calamari), Datiles Con Tocino (dates wrapped in bacon) and the Paella de Marisco (shrimp paella). Oh and flan for dessert!

The pulpo a La vinagreta was delicious with a sauce I could dip my Dre’s in after and it was cooked perfectly! The Gambas al ajillo also had good flavor and were cooked perfectly as well. The croquetas de pollo were nice and crispy, not greasy and the chicken inside was well seasoned. The rabas (calamari) was lightly breaded but just a little too soft for calamari.. they were cut into skinny fry shapes then fried which I wasn’t really a fan of.. they were just okay. I’d skip it next time since there’s so many better options on the menu. The datiles con tocino (dates wrapped in bacon) were delicious sweet and savory with a nice sauce on the plate to compliment them. The paella though.. the paella was the best I have ever had! It was delicious? All the seafood in it was cooked to perfection and the rice has so much delicious flavor oh my gosh I would get an order to go and just go home and enjoy it if I could! And the flan for desert was absolutely amazing.. the best I’ve ever had.. and I’m Mexican! Crazy I know!!

Over all such a nice vibe with great service and energy all around. Perfect...