Quixote — Restaurant in San Diego

Walking in you basically go from bright sunlight to basically dark dungeon lighting. Not necessarily a bad thing due to having the "Gothic church" vibe. The interior is stunning and gorgeous and then that's kind of where things stop. Came here for a date night and neither of us realized we were walking into to what you basically consider a club vibe. Loud music, loud people and could barely hear the hostess. Even better we had a reservation for 5:30p and they somehow managed to drop the ball on ever having a table ready for us at the time we were supposed to be there. So that lead to us standing around for another 10 mins or so while they quickly cleaned off the first table they could find and then rush us over. And let the "experience" begin. Being dark as a crypt you could barely read the menu, service was at least quick to come give us a run down. The water they offer tasted like it came from the tap. Anyways, we ordered our drinks being two cocktails and ordered food. Between the pulsing insane rhythm of everyone being drunk loud and random music playing in the background. The food came, it's mediocre at best a very sad attempt at anything close to authentic Oaxacan food. The greatly over priced, lack in quality ratio is definitely not in the diners favor. So expect to pay way above what you should for food that does not taste anywhere near its price. Our server tried at least so thats one thing. But then our drinks, or lack there of for pretty much the whole dining experience. I've been to a few restaurants and usually when you order a drink they try to bring it before your food and somewhere near receiving it, well this establishment likes to bring it when you're basically done with your plate. To me that states, "hey we may have forgot to make your drink earlier... sorry! Here you go anyway! Hope the food was good!" These were some of the poorest cocktails I've ever had in my life. They weren't well crafted or anything. They just tasted like pure mezcal with a small attempt of adding flavor. I've had good mezcal cocktails these are not it. Overall to put it in perspective, the lighting sucks so don't expect to comfortably see much, the noise and crowds are overwhelming so if you want yo have a nice conversation or enjoyable dinner, good luck with that, and the food is definitely not authentic nor is it worth the pricing they charge. Basically one of the biggest flops of a "gimmick" restaurant I've ever experienced. If being a dark loud nightclub environment for dinner is your vibe then by all means. But for it to be anything close to a restaurant no thank you. Only saving grace is the great interior setup. Save your money and just go to a mariscos or taco shop, it'll be better quality and less sad attempt at...

Upon entering Quixote, a restaurant nestled in the heart of San Diego, one is immediately transported into an ambiance reminiscent of an old Catholic Church. The setting is both mystical and inviting, with flickering candles, intricate motifs, and various Catholic symbols adorning the walls, creating an ethereal dining experience.

The highlight of my culinary journey was undoubtedly the Lamb belly dish. Each bite of this succulently prepared lamb belly was a symphony of flavors, perfectly cooked to tender perfection, and seasoned in a way that enhanced the natural richness of the meat without overpowering it. The dish was not only a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, presented with an artistic flair that matched the restaurant’s overall aesthetic.

Complementing my meal was the “Sudden Death” cocktail, a concoction that lived up to its dramatic name. It was a delightful surprise, with a complex profile of herbal and floral notes that danced on the palate. This drink was not just a beverage but an experience in itself, perfectly balancing boldness and subtlety, and leaving a lingering taste that invited sip after sip.

The staff at Quixote were attentive and knowledgeable, adding to the overall exceptional dining experience. Their recommendations and insights into the menu were invaluable, making the meal not just a dinner but a journey through flavors and history.

For those looking to extend their evening, a short walk next door to the Lafayette Hotel is a must. The hotel’s vibrant bars and inviting pool area offer the perfect backdrop for a leisurely post-dinner drink or a casual stroll to enjoy the lively atmosphere.

In summary, Quixote in San Diego is not just a restaurant; it’s a destination that offers a unique blend of culinary excellence, enchanting ambiance, and a touch of historical charm. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience...

The food was great, but unfortunately, our experience was dampened by the service. Our server disappeared for long stretches of time (10–15 minutes), and it wasn’t clear if they were just overwhelmed with too many tables, feeling unwell, or simply distracted. If you told me they were sneaking out for smoke breaks, I’d believe that too — honestly, if you told me they were stoned, I wouldn’t be shocked.

Meanwhile, the table right next to us had a different server who was incredibly attentive, friendly, and gave them tons of helpful information about the restaurant and menu — which would’ve been great for us as first-time visitors. It was strange and honestly a bit disheartening to watch another table get such great service while we were essentially ignored. Due to the low light (literally the teeniest candle), we couldn't really see the menu so it would have been nice to get a little walkthrough from our server. The place has got some horrific acoustics as well, we were SHOUTING at each other to hold a conversation. It just got weirder and weirder lol.

By the end, it almost felt like we were on a hidden camera show waiting for someone to pop out and let us in on the joke… but no one ever did. We finally managed to flag our server down just to pay and leave, which was a disappointing way to end what could have been a fantastic evening.

In today’s economy, dropping a couple hundred dollars on a meal comes with the expectation of at least decent service. I shouldn’t have to repeatedly ask just for a water refill or practically beg for my bill. At one point, we were so unattended that we could have walked out without paying and I don’t think anyone would’ve noticed.

The steak was phenomenal, but service matters — and unfortunately, this experience left us feeling like we wouldn’t come back despite how good the food was.

I reached out to the restaurant before leaving this review, but...