Best Restaurants for People Watching in Sorrento Mesa

We thoroughly enjoyed this delicious meal! The chef is pretty brilliant with fusing flavors that enhance the meal. We highly recommend!

Beautiful view from the deck and atmosphere was relaxing in the historic villa. Food was unique and delicious. Came during happy hour so discounts on appetizers and drinks were awesome as well.

Love this hidden gem. The staff are fabulous, the food is delicious with beautiful presentation and their craft cocktails are magic. Amazing happy hour and a fun tipsy tea. Don’t forget to try the scones. Gorgeous outside area as well especially when the weather is nice. Haven’t tried the Sunday brunch yet but I can’t wait to get there soon.

The Whaling Bar is hands down our favorite local spot, whether it’s for a cozy date night or an evening out with friends. The atmosphere is fantastic, the cocktails are exceptional, and the food never disappoints. We love everything on the menu, but our personal favorites are the celery salad, Caesar salad, the baos, and the chicken—each dish is perfectly executed. We’re also lucky enough to have George as our server every time we dine here. He’s simply the best, making every visit even more memorable with his friendly demeanor and excellent service. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The burger dessert is an absolute must-try. We can’t wait to come back again soon!

The food staff and service not only met but exceeded our expectations. The menu was creative and extremely fairly priced. From the chefs sushi tasting to the rib steak beyond what a hotel restaurant typically offers. Jose, Ken, Mindy & Chris went above and beyond to ensure world class service during our short stay. Can not wait to return.