Truluck's Seafood, Steak and Crab House - La JollaFine DiningImpressive! We came here to celebrate our co-workers birthday. There were four of us and we really enjoyed the atmosphere. The piano bar was inviting and great to hear the music from where we sat. Our server was superb. He showed us the variety of crab and made some recommendations. We chose the date nite dinners. Delicious! The price fit each of our budget...salad, entree and dessert...wow fantastic! Two of us ordered the scallops and the other two crab cakes. We will be back for sure! Thank you for making it special to have dessert with writing "Happy Birthday" for our celebrant. To bring out three desserts was delightful. Our favorite one was the coconut creme pie. See you soon!6/14/2013 12:00:00 AMPlace to dineGreat ambiance and food. Love this restaurant. Prices are off the chart so definitely for an every day meal. Corey is an awesome waiter. The deserts are amazing!6/11/2013 12:00:00 AMCrab FestTruluck's all you can eat crab claws is a complete feast. All of the sides were quite tasty too! YUMMY!6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMMemorable anniversaryI really enjoyed the whole experience of Trulucks. Walking in, I felt very welcomed by the host staff. The server made the night memorable, sharing a few laughs, but really making us feel at home without being too invasive. I really appreciated that two other gentlemen (I imagine they were managers) stopped by to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. It's nice to know they take a moment on a busy Friday to check on their guests. The food was amazing especially the chocolate box. It was something out of the ordinary but was an amazing way to end the night. The follow up phone call Sunday morning was the icing on the cake. I will keep them top of mind for all occasions6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMMissing ReservationWhen we arrived Truluck had NO Record of a reservation through the OpenTable reservation system.
I showed them my confirmation number which I received via email.
They quickly found a table for us and dinner was great.
But things started off a little rocky since they had no record of the Open Table reservation. The gal at the front desk mentioned that it has happened several times.6/6/2013 12:00:00 AMI hope there will always beI hope there will always be a place for restaurants like Trulucks. They have determined who and what they are and then execute their mission extremely well. All of the staff we encountered, from entry to bartender to server all appeared to enjoy their jobs. Would not say they seek to be cutting edge. If, however, you want to be treated well, enjoy well prepared food and walk out thinking $100+ per person was worth every cent, then Trulucks is highly recommended.6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent food but my steakExcellent food but my steak was a little under cooked as I had asked for medium and it was more like rare.
Service was excellent also as always.5/31/2013 12:00:00 AMTruluck was a delight!I thought the restaurant was a bar and grill for some reason and took out a couple of friends from out of town. We weren't dressed for dinner, but we didn't feel out of place. Our waiter was very helpful and informative. My Tomahawk steak was made to perfection (not on the menu). It was a Wednesday and the special for that day was a list of wines for half off. I was pleasantly surprised of Trulucks. Plan to go back soon. We parked at the Hayatt, don't forget to get validated.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMAn $8 valet fee is inconsistentAn $8 valet fee is inconsistent with this restaurant. Free parking should be available or at lest an option with the price of the meals in mind.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect eveningEverything from cocktails at the bar, to the finishing details table side with dessert, this place fantastic. Best Seabass and salmon we've ever had. I can't wait to come back to San Diego just so we can go here! Matt made our evening perfect with all his recommendations and friendly, funny demeanor.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMFun 21st birthday.Three generation birthday meal was fun for all and food was great.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMAnniversaryWe celebrated our anniversary there and it was a great restaurant with great food and great wine selection. We would definitely dine again.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMMade our anniversary memorable.We were seated in a booth within five minutes upon entering Truluck's (thank's Open Table). Our meal was outstanding! I had pan seared scallops and my wife had the Alaskan king crab. Both items were very tasty, My wife said that it was the best crab she has ever had. I think that the service was more of a gem than the food (that was hard to state) David had our drinks and appetizers at our table quickly and he was very good at his job! We never had to wait on any service. He went above and beyond. The "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY" chocolate lava cake with the flaming cherries was a super way to end the evening! Super Job everyone!5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstanding!It was our first time to Truluck's Crab House and we will return. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by a very curtious and professional hostess. Then proceeded our way to the bar for a cocktail and had a wonderful bartender as well. We then were seated for our dinner and had an AWESOME waitress Jamie!! She was so friendly, curteous, professional and new Truluck's items and made wonderful suggestions! The staff made the experience top notch!!5/24/2013 12:00:00 AMFantasticExceptional service, great food! Looking forward to heading back!5/17/2013 12:00:00 AMPersonalized serviceVery attentive and knowledgeable staff. Food is great.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food and service!great food and great service by Andy (did a great job since the moment we sat). we had the stone crab entree and the filet mignon with king crab combination. would definitely recommend this to friends and i am looking to already come back again! :)5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMBest dining experienceOur server seemed very knowledgable so I went along with his suggestions for wine and dinner. He was right! Everything was fresh and succulent! I will definitely return.5/16/2013 12:00:00 AMWe visited Trulucks for Mother'sWe visited Trulucks for Mother's Day dinner. It was our first visit to this establishment and I'm happy to say that it did not disappoint. Every aspect of the evening was excellent - food, ambiance, and, especially, the service from "Chick"! Thanks for making this special occasion one that we will always remember!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMTRULY AN OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT!TRULY AN OUTSTANDING RESTAURANT! WE NEED MORE LIKE TRULUCK'S IN THE AEA5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBirthday DinnerFood was impeccable! The staff really go out of their way to make sure you are satisfied. I even got two birthday cakes!!!5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMBest service and great foodLoved, loved, loved our service. We had a very friendly waiter named Kris that knew his food and was helpful in suggesting food and wine. The best cioppino I have had in a long time. My mother was ecstaticly happy with Truluck's overall experience to make her birthday extra special.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways outstandingTruluck's is THE place for fresh seafood and amazing service that starts as soon as you walk in the door. The staff make a point of recognizing special occasions with greeting cards and a decadent dessert. We usually go for the Florida stone crabs but everything from the salads to the fresh fish is always spectacular. This is the only restaurant that we've ever been to that personally calls you the next day to thank you for your patronage and to make sure the evening exceeded your expectations. It's a nice touch that makes you feel like a valued guest. The fresh seafood is pricey but both the quality, portion size and presentation is worth every cent.5/5/2013 12:00:00 AMHappy HourThis is the best happy hour we have been to. We originally had plans for dinner, but decided to go to happy hour. We were able to order off the happy hour menu as well as the dinner menu. Our favorite is the crab mac and cheese.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMA memorable eveningWhat can I say, the service was outstanding. Ivan, our waiter was not only attentive and thorough, but extremely knowledgable with the menu and provided excellent recommendations. Ambience was great with live piano music at e bar, large comfortable booths, dim lighting and stylish decor. The wine list was extensive leaving nothing to be desired, the food, wow! I had an unbelievable seared ahi tuna entree, melt in your mouth good.The timing for all service components was superb. A beautiful evening. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who truly wished to experience 5 star wine and dining.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMBest FL Stone Crabs ; comingBest FL Stone Crabs ; coming from a former Miami girl5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMSurpriseFar better food than expected,with a varied menu and great deserts,will be going back soon5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat experienceHad a pleasant dining experience at our first visit. The service was outstanding and will definitely dine again if we visit the city again.4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Birthday GiftMy wife took me to Truluck's for my birthday - wow! What a great present. The food was excellent from the Stone Crab Claws all the way through to the surprise Birthday dessert at the end. Although we ordered one of our favorite white wines, the list was impressive just to read. It was Monday so the piano at the bar was going strong making the ambience very energetic. That level of noise is usually not to my taste but for this special occasion, it seemed to fit and my the occasion perfect.
I highly recommend going to Truluck's for the fresh seafood - it was fabulous!4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThe Best of the Best!My husband and I woke up the next morning talking about Truluck's. The seafood was the best I believe I have ever had. Perfect blends of spices, cooked to perfection, presentation was beautiful, and when you finally put that first bite in your mouth, heaven. The calamari was so tender, it just melted in your mouth. The crab legs, I really don't have words to describe how wonderful they were. Our server was fun, there when we needed him, without being intrusive. And to top it off, we received a phone call the next day from the manager asking about our experience. Class act!
Truluck's truly has it going on!
Dedra Finninger4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMThe server (Matt) providedThe server (Matt) provided outstanding service while the food and wine was fantastic. This was a special dinner for us in that we were celebrating my son's 23rd birthday. They provided an AMAZING chocolate lava cake with cherry's jubilee set afire poured on top. Further, the restaurant gave him a birthday card with the staff's signatures. Very personalized and classy.
The next day I received a message on my cell phone that was short, friendly and extremely professional from the manager of the restaurant. The call was to ensure that I had enjoyed our visit and to thank us for the business.
This place is fabulous!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMTrulucks cant be missedI have eaten at 100's of restaurants and most of the top rated steak and seafood restaurants in the US and I can honestly say the food and dining experience i had at trulucks was the best. Everyone in the restaurant had a friendly attitute and the waiter was excellent with a great combination of service, fun and wanting to ensure we had a great experience.
The food was fantastic. The shrimp cocktail was some of the best i ever had and the steak and crab meal was perfect. I love carrot cake and the carrot cake dessert with carmel was the best i ever had.
I also could not believe the next day when the manager called me just to ask if I had a enjoyable experience at the restaurant. This is now my favorite restaurant in all of the US.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMAmazing SeafoodThe Alaskan crab leg is awesome and the steak is great. Had the salmon before and is was really good as well.4/25/2013 12:00:00 AMCheck out the happiest HappyCheck out the happiest Happy Hour ! Chock full of crab cakes! All yummy!
Stone crab was so delicious and fresh! The side dishes had wonderful variety such as sweet potato fries, crab fried rice, and Sichuan green beans.
Well worth the dining experience!4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMBest seafood and service in S.D.Great service and Great food , The best calamari I have ever had tender not chewy and the sweat chill sauce topped it off, great crab legs and very tasty blue crab grits. The lobster tail was in the top 3 I have ever had and I have tried it at many places in the world.
A note on service we were there this past Monday 4/22/13 for our 1st Anniversary , we mention it while our waitress was at the table just in passing , well at the end of out meal she came out with a chocolate cherry jubilee bread pudding with Happy Anniversary wrote in chocolate on the plate and a signed card from the staff, WOW thats old school stellar service. We have found our new favorite place to eat when visiting S.D.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a swell time, serviceHad a swell time, service superb and food was great except parmeson mashed potatoes which were "gummy". The $8 valet was uncalled for with the below restaurant parking available.4/20/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways good food and reliableAlways good food and reliable service. Really enjoy Wednesday nights and the wine specials.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMThe bar at Trulucks is oneThe bar at Trulucks is one of the most comfortably appointed, and visually appealing in San Diego. The agate bar surface has lighting under it so it gives off a warm glow with pleasant pattersn. The Piano player serenades with enjoyable songs but does not drown converstion. Perfect combination of entertainment and ambience. Then when your booth is ready, a couple is escorted to a private, romantic seating situation devoid of another conversation happening in close proximity, like so many "urban" eateries seem to favor. So whether romance, or conversation, or peaceful uninterrupted dining is your goal, Trulucks provides it in spades.
The service is impeccable, prompt, and knowledgable about both the food and the wine. Stone crab cl4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMOverall 8 out of 10 on a busy nightloved call day after to see if we enjoyed it! Ambiance: dark & lively, open bar with ample tables. Lighting: subdued with lamps directed onto your table. Tables: comfortable circular booths and tables. Waiter: attentive & great. Critiques: stone crab medium claws too 'small', food brought out with the temperature stick still in fish & repeated request for straws (should have on them). Food: lobster bisque - smooth & tasty, cioppino: flavorful broth (too many mussels), miso chilean seabass: nice flavor (but if piece too fat, parts are possibly undercooked & slimy inside.) Asparagus: crispy & perfect. Slaw on top: not very tasty or visually pretty. Would order both meals again as quality & flavors were top. Give it an 8 out of 10 overall4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was very good, but notFood was very good, but not stellar. Wine list had nice range of prices, but limited options and no chef recommendations for pairings. Still a very enjoyable meal with excellent service and thoughtful touches.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat stone crab clawsOn business in La Jolla. Saw ad on TV for stone crab claws here, so it drew me. Ate at bar, great batenderess. Crab grits, 6 oysters on half shell, and 3 very large stone crab claws. Perfect after my 10 mi run. I'll come back. The stone crabs were seemingly fresh. Had to ask for warmed drawn butter which they happily provided. Should have asked for horseradish for oysters but the frozen champagne sauce was quite good.4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWe celebrated our anniversaryWe celebrated our anniversary at Trulucks with all you could eat Stone crabs and deliciously fresh Chilean Sea Bass and great desert. Loved it and we were excited to see the location in La Jolla.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMKid-FriendlyLove everything about Truluck's. Even Kid-Friendly. Amazingly kid-friendly. My children are well behaved so that helps but the wonderful people taking care of us made a point to speak directly to the kids, ask them questions and compliment them. It is my 9 year olds favorite restaurant!!4/7/2013 12:00:00 AMHad a very nice and romanticHad a very nice and romantic dinner with my wife. The food was great and cooked to perfection. I will be back.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMThis classy restaurant isThis classy restaurant is nothing short of amazing! From the top notch staff, to fantastic cocktails( lemon drop martini and raspberry martini) and food( lobster bisque soup, pan-seared sea scallops,cioppino and chocolate malt cake). Matt was our waiter and he was wonderful. The pianist was very good and had a nice selection of songs. Another thing that really made this place stand out was getting a phone call the day after, to follow up! I will definitely be a repeat customer!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMUnbelievable Experience!Unbelievable experience! Our server, Sammy, had an extensive palette and was a sommelier, as well. The service was exceptional, the food was served timely, and everything was cooked exactly as asked. I would highly recommend this restaurant all!3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMFirst timers @ Truluck'sFirst time there. My wife and I are not really drinkers so we passed on the wine list. Our waiter, David, was on his game. It is refreshing to see a person take pride in their craft.
The food was excellent. I enjoyed a crab and bernaise covered salmon and my wife had the seabass. Both cooked well and presented nicely. One tip on the crab claws is that over cracking them means you get a bit of shell in every bite no matter what you do. I would pare that down a bit.
As someone who grew up in the bay area and went to SF restaurants his whole life, I think the prices were a bit on the excessive side. I get it. LaJolla and all. That aside, a nice dining experience.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMwonderful dining experienceThis is a beautiful restaurant! We had cocktails and appetizers outside on the patio prior to dinner... delicious!
Our dinner was lovely and the wine was fabulous.3/29/2013 12:00:00 AMPrivate Room and Heavenly Bisque!We booked for a group of 10, 8 showed up and Trulucks gave us a private room. We were treated like royalty and fed like kings! Try the lobster bisque-that alone was worth going for. We loved the crab cakes also.
While the restaurant was full and there was some noise, our room was cozy and quiet.
Our server Vladmir was efficient and professional. He recommended an excellent wine. He really knows his menu. I'm sure he has a degree in Marine Biology with his extensive knowledge of crab varieties, preperation and fishery locations.
I enjoyed the surf and turf. My steak was perfectly grilled.
The gluten free menu was also quite nice.
Try the carrot cake, but plan to share it.
We will be back next time we visit San Diego hungry for more!3/24/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat atmosphere! Great food!Great atmosphere! Great food! Great service! We had a wonderful dining experience!3/23/2013 12:00:00 AM