James' Place Prime Seafood Sushi — Restaurant in San Diego

As a former NYC chef I have higher than most expectations. This was our first time to James Place .

We arrived on time last night and asked for a table by the window that has a garden in serious need of help. Young apathetic indifferent student looking host at the check in podium desk said we couldn't be seated at the window because the server for that station wouldn't be in for 15 minutes !

So he seated us and we waited ...... but fortunately the sever one table over was happy to take our order after seeing our frustration.

We had a late lunch so we thought we would just order appetizer and salads and have a light pre Theater bite .

The menu is limited and unremarkable especially now that they don't offer sushi .

We ordered Edamame to snack on . Which was standard like any sushi restaurant But an ample portion and worth $10 .

Next course was a crispy rice cake stacked with spicy tuna avocado slices crispy jalapeño and topped with an artistic drizzle of eel sauce Nice presentation , flavor and blend of textures . Definitely a winner.

Next course sounded great on the menu for a summer salad. But arrived with so much heavy handed dressing that the lovely mixed greens were in edible soggy and flat .

An imbalance of quantity with at least a cup of raw walnuts . They could have at least sliced and candied them minimal blue cheese barely a tablespoon and one sliver of grapefruit .

Seems like no one is checking plate ups before They leave the kitchen .

We watched the young student host that checked us in slouch over the podium the entire time we were there . Our server that showed up later was sweet and bussed or table as we finished but we had to ask for water refills twice.

Dessert Was Crème Brûlée cloyingly sweet No vanilla flavor Unnecessary overly sweet whip cream and over ripe not fresh strawberries Despite the menu saying mixed berries This needs a recipe redo that would be easy .

We were right next to the Bar at our table by the neglected Garden and we observed that the bar tender was never engaged or smiling at guests as a good bartender should always be.

We didn't get the larger than life Frank Sinatra Art With pool. The only art in the room . We thought maybe they would play Frank Sinatra music which would have been lovely since the majority of the diners we over 50 locals .

As a retired chef I see James place as a diamond on the rough that has potential . But after all these years in business one would think that a refresh attentions to detail would really elevate this restaurant to not make basic mistakes like soggy salad Indifferent greeting hosts and water glasses left empty . San Diego County has become a fantastic and competitive culinary mecca so if you are listening and care Chef James ....... Take this review as constructive criticism from a former chef that lives here now and someone that really hopes your heart is still in this restaurant to elevate it to excellence.

Ofherwise transfer your lease to a young ambitious creative chef to innovate and inspire diners with a great culinary experience not just a meal before a show .

And please get that Garden spruced up and magical with a simple water Feature and healthy not half dead succulents. And play some soft music .

So much untapped potential at this restaurant In ambiance and food . You could actually be a culinary destination Regardless of its pre-theater proximity . With such a lovely setting you could be a year round restaurant !

We will return to try your fish entrees in October To give you another chance to get a better review From us . Fingers crossed you are listening to what your local discerning well traveled community members want from James' Place !

Good Luck thinking...

I don't normally leave reviews but we had such a poor experience. Went for a show at the playhouse and got dinner beforehand. We weren't in a rush, but after taking our initial drink and appetizer order our waiter completely forgot about us. We ate our appetizer, finished our drinks and water, and waited for over 20 minutes before having to call them over to place our dinner and drink refill requests. The food and water refill came, our drinks never did. The waiter never checked on us despite walking by us constantly even looking at us and our table. We called them over after another 20-25 minutes of seeing if they remembered us, and asked about our drinks, we were told the bar lost the ticket and the drinks would be right out. We finished our meals and sat there with empty plates and water cups, our drinks never showed, despite us seeing them at the bar (we were tempted to just go up and grab them). No one stopped by to pick up our plates, refill our waters, or even ask how we were doing. We finally got the attention of the waiter and asked for the check. We felt completely invisible. The food was fine but expensive for what it was and paired with the poor service...

Food: 3/5 Service: 3/5 Atmosphere: 3/5

Came here for a quick bite to eat on a Thursday. They do take reservations but if you walk in right at 5, when they open, you might get a table or you can sit at the bar.

I sat at the bar and had a Moscow mule and the Bunless Kobe Burger (medium). It took about 20 mins for the food to come out and I had to ask the bartender “how much longer for my food?” Otherwise I don’t know when I would’ve eaten.

The mule was good but the bunless Kobe burger didn’t sit right with me. It’s essentially a fancy way to say that you get a burger patty with asparagus and 2 slices of bell peppers drenched in balsamic vinegar with cheese. It wasn’t great but I was hungry. They also don’t have sushi available on Thursdays.

The bartender was nice but seemed distracted. I had to keep grabbing his attention for things.

The space is pretty and if you’re seeing a show at La Jolla Playhouse they’ll put a rush on your food and drinks.

Sadly I won’t be back again but you can try this place for yourself just don’t get the bunless...