Cellar Hand

4.7 (158)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

1440 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-3405

Make a reservation

2 people

May 21, 2025

May 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Innovative
Good for special occasions

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.

Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and weekend brunch!

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Mediterranean, Seafood
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 876-4099
Website
http://www.cellarhandhillcrest.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1440 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-3405
Neighborhood
Hillcrest
Cross street
University Ave. and Normal St.
Parking details
Street Parking
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Happy Hour
Multiple dates available
Enjoy 50% off all wine by the glass, beer, and sangria, alongside deals on bar snacks and our seasonal dips. This special offer is available Wednesday through Sunday, 4-5pm.
Brunch at Cellar Hand
Multiple dates available
Join us Saturdays & Sundays starting at 10am for decadent dishes including our house made brioche toasts, our take on traditional brunch eats, locally-sourced tea & coffee, and our handcrafted cocktails!

Offers

Happy Hour, 4-5pm
Multiple dates available
Sun - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM,Wed - Sat - 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
When the clock strikes four, our prices hit the floor. Glasses of wine at half price, pair them with pitas, so nice. For a whole hour, be happy, in the Hillcrest sun. Join us at Cellar Hand—the evening’s just begun. Happy Hour, Wednesday - Sunday from 4 PM - 5 PM!

What 158 people are saying

Cellar Hand reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Innovative

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Cellar Hand offers a vibrant dining experience with "amazing" service and "locally sourced" tapas. Guests rave about the "great wine selection" and "unique, flavorful dishes." The atmosphere is perfect for special occasions, making it a "hidden gem" in San Diego. Chef Logan's expertise creates a "next level" culinary adventure.

158 Reviews

A
Alexis VIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely place for an anniversary! Will be back soon
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D
Diane VIP
New York City26 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious and Napa Valley vibe for me. Great wine selection and tapas!
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B
Betty
Orange County4 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 11, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
It was a little busy for Mother’s Day so we understood and were patient. It took a bit of time just to get water. The fix price menu seemed reasonable but the options didn’t give vegetarian or lactose free options that felt worth the price. Appreciated the freshness of locally sourced ingredients. The fish option was raw and the description didn’t emphasize that. Overall not sure we will return.
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M
Michael
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 10, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This was our first experience eating at the Cellar Hand. It was amazing, from the staff, to the service, to the atmosphere, and the wonderful locally sourced food (tapas). The food being locally sourced sold us on the menu. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Cellar Hand!
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J
Jennifer VIP
San Diego16 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Run, don't walk. Exceptional Sunday Brunch. Impossible to decide, but thanks to Bianca, we were able to make some decisions. Dark chocolate babka toast with vanilla labneh, Homemade fermented and fired pita with labneh, roasted beets, strawberry and almond, and a delicious shakshuka. So many more delicious things to order, we've already made a future reservation. Great vibe, friendly staff.
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G
Gina VIP
Nashville10 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Delicious meal with excellent service and great recommendations! We were there for brunch and I’m excited to come back and try dinner!
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n
nikom VIP
Las Vegas30 reviews
3.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We order rockfish crudo, delicious the marinade just right. The garlicky dip about 3-4 tbsp dip with a pita . Not impressed. 1 pita for sharing dish. The whole fish was fresh and delicious. The chicken highly recommended by the waitress taste like salted chicken with some yogurt dressing. Over salted not impressed. My husband commented to the server and took half of the order home. We order the $17 glass of Pinot is ok.
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L
Louise
Austin1 review
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great food, great service. Each dish is unique and flavourful. Highly recommend.
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D
David VIP
San Diego81 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 20, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Absolutely wonderful. Food was amazing with wonderful wine selections. Our waiter Johnny was a helpful delight. Highly recommend.
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A
Angelynn
New York City4 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent service paired with stellar food made for a memorable first time experience here. Can't go wrong with anything off the menu- we ordered a special and something off of almost each section plus drinks both cocktail and non-alcoholic. Faves: tuna nduja toast, rib eye, and the carrot cake made extra special by not including the pistachios so our daughter could enjoy it with her tree nut allergy.
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FAQs

Cellar Hand is rated 4.7 stars by 158 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Booked 9 times today

Experiences are available.

1440 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-3405

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
University Ave. and Normal St.
Neighborhood
Hillcrest
Hours of operation
Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Wed–Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Sun 4:00 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Wed–Sun 4:00 pm–5:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Farm-to-table, Mediterranean, Seafood
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street Parking
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Beer, Corkage Fee, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.cellarhandhillcrest.com/
Phone number
(619) 876-4099

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

Cellar Hand

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Experiences

Happy Hour

Brunch at Cellar Hand

Offers

Happy Hour, 4-5pm

Menu

What 158 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is Cellar Hand restaurant rated?

Is Cellar Hand currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information