James' Place

Review summary

1. c

   chris

   San Diego

   3 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   We’ve dined here and had great experiences but last night was horrible. The salad was passable but the main course was barely edible - the short rib was dry and chewy with no sauce. We will not return, which is very sad because there’s no other fine dining options in the theater district.
   

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2. M

   Michael

   San Diego

   6 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   6 reviews

   Dined today

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   We have been coming to James’ Place for drinks and dinner before the show for years. Let me start by saying that the service was good and so were the drinks from the bar. But that’s where it stops! The quality of their food has gone down and this last experience was the worst yet. They have taken the sushi off the menu which was a disappointment, but I ordered one of my past favorites - the Miso Chilean sea bass. I knew something is wrong because the fish was so stinky and you could smell it as she was delivering it to our table. Just a terrible smell. The side vegetables were bland with no taste whatsoever and completely mushy. Needless to say I only tried a few bites quite worried about the stink, and I still got sick. My wife ordered the shrimp and lobster fried rice to share with my daughter. The lobster tail was uneatable! Too hard and too chewy, we couldn’t even cut through it, like leather!!! The lobster tail also was left behind. The three of us all just ate some of the fried rice and some of the rice side dish of the sea bass, leaving most of the two pretty expensive entrees behind. We had shishito peppers as appetizer, and also ordered desert which were ok. Unfortunately, all three of us have been sick all night!! A terrible experience and now ruining our Thanksgiving day. We go to LJPH regularly but this is our last time eating any food at James’ place! What a shame!
   

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3. S

   Susan

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 1

   Wish James had the sushi menu still. Other food is just average. Nothing special
   

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4. L

   Leslie

   San Diego

   3 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Though the location is convenient, there is no longer any sushi on the menu - making this destination less exciting and with less of a draw than in previous years.
   

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5. O

   Olga

   San Diego

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We eat here often on our way to the theater. We are always impressed with the quality of the food and service. We enjoy the meal, and are always served and finished in time for the show!
   

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6. A

   Ann

   San Diego

   34 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   34 reviews

   Dined on 20 November 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Favorite place to dine before seeing a wonderful performance in the La Jolla Theater district. Atmosphere is quiet with an elegance. Varied selection of entrees with a decent wine list.
   

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7. E

   Ethel

   San Diego

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined on 20 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Love the restaurant. Delightful atmosphere, good food and excellent service. Perfect place to dine before theatre.
   

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8. M

   Mike

   San Diego

   11 reviews

   4.0

   11 reviews

   Dined on 20 October 2024

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Disappointed the sushi bar wasn’t open. We enjoyed everything else though.
   

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9. D

   Derelynn

   San Diego

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on 19 October 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Missed the sushi during our visit last night— I tried something different and it was ok but I was really looking forward to the California tolls, my usual go-to before theater. Lovely service.
   

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10. W

    William

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 18 October 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Fantastic menu, food and ambiance! And the location at La Jolla Playhouse could not be better!!
    

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