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Kettner Exchange, San Diego, CA
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Kettner Exchange

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Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50
Contemporary American

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2 people
10:30 pm
Booked 65 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Good for special occasions
  • Hot spot
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Redzikowski

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2023
  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2022
  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2021

From the OpenTable editors: Anchored by a striking 20-foot eucalyptus sculpture, this two-story, indoor-outdoor showstopper has been a Little Italy hotspot since opening in 2014. Snag a seat on the rooftop patio with swinging daybeds, a roaring fireplace, and bookable private cabanas for sweeping harbor views and inventive American dishes with Asian twists like Szechuan frog legs and spicy tuna and crispy rice with eel sauce from James Beard Award-winning chef Brian Redzikowski.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
    3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
  • Area
    Little Italy
  • Cross Street
    Grape St
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
  • Entertainment
    Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Small Cabana Reservation

    USD 100.00 per party

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    THIS IS NOT A STANDARD RESERVATION, please read below: *Mon-Wed evening Small Cabana Reservations have no F&B minimum but tax and 22% service charge will be applied. *Thurs-Sun evening Small Cabana Reservations have a $400 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. *Sun Brunch Cabanas have a $200 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. The Small Cabanas offers a space where groups of up to (6) guests are able to enjoy Kettner Exchange’s elevated cuisine and unique beverage program in a casual lounge style VIP setting. Guests may dine from the Lounge Menu till 10pm while being seated at the core of a lively open-air rooftop. Everything ordered will go onto one bill. Each reservation is for (3) hours maximum.
  • Chef's Table May 21st

    USD 260.00 per person

    Prepaid

    21 May 2025 only
    This experience is available for parties of minimum of 1 guest up to 8 guests maximum, at $260 per person tax and gratuity included. ** All purchases are final sale.

What 1,445 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

  • San Diego

    Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Kettner Exchange offers a vibrant dining experience with "amazing food," "impeccable service," and a "welcoming atmosphere." Guests praise the unique fusion of flavors, especially the duck and cocktails. Although it can be pricey and portions small, the ambiance and creativity make it a top San Diego destination, perfect for special occasions.

1,445 Reviews
  1. Lauren

    San Diego4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    We ordered a variety of dishes to share. A few were excellent, several were good, and a couple were underwhelming. We liked the variety offered. Service staff were attentive, but they did take away 2 plates we weren't finished with, without asking. We were offered several seating options, and chose the upstairs patio lounge, which was moderately loud despite not having many people in it at first. Later, the noise level made conversations difficult and then impossible once the live music began. We were not informed about the live music and might have selected a different location had we known. Despite it being a cold evening, the patio temperature was kept comfortably warm by outdoor heaters. Atmosphere and experience overall were very good, and we would go again.

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  2. Kathy VIP

    Los Angeles8 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 24 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Incredible service by Alex. Food was so delicious, flavors on point. Bartenders was awesome, drinks were good. Definitely recommend this place.

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  3. Charles

    Los Angeles3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 23 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Food was delicious and the service was the best we've had in a long time at a restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego2 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 22 March 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    It is definitely very packed and social on Friday nights. We made a reservation, hoping for a nice dinner, since we loved the food there. We were seated in the lounge area, right when the DJ started playing and crowds were gathering all around our table. We could not hear each other nor could we enjoy our food. I definitely have to say that the food is still amazing, a little overpriced for the portions.

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  5. Brett

    Central Coast3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Nothing but positive things to say about Kettner Exchange. Authentic ingredients and menu items. Creatively inspired Asian fusion cocktails and tapas plates. Definitely recommend-- 5 stars all around.

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  6. Medic VIP

    San Diego15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always have loved their food. Getting a bit pricey.

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  7. betsyq

    Greater Boston2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 21 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food in a great location. Can’t wait to try the rooftop bar next time we come!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 20 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a fabulous meal and outstanding service! One of my favorite restaurants in San Diego.

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    New York City1 review

    5.0

    Dined on 17 March 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great restaurant but beware they add a 6% service charge which is annoying 🙄.

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  10. Les VIP

    Chicago5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 16 March 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Tithe food and service were excellent. We were seated on the patio, which was very pleasant, until live music began. It was too loud.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Kettner Exchange offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 255-2001.

Kettner Exchange is rated 4.7 stars by 1445 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
10:30 pm
Booked 65 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kettner Exchange

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
    2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
    3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
  • Cross Street
    Grape St
  • Area
    Little Italy
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Smart Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeaway, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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