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Herb & Wood, San Diego, CA
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Herb & Wood

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Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50
Californian
2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 69 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
  • Charming
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Carlos Anthony

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Plate2022

From the OpenTable editors: Spectacular wood-fired mains and a strong cocktail game are the twin draws at this sceney Cali-Mediterranean restaurant. Owner and Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey created a place that’s just as charismatic as his on-air persona, complete with candlelit tables, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and modern art on the walls.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean, American
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    From our spaces to your plate, we specialize in crafting California-inspired events. Each ingredient carefully sourced. Every server dressed to the nines. The perfect lighting, temperature, and music levels. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Cross street
    Kettner & Ivy
  • Parking details
    Street Parking and 4 parking lots within 2 blocks of the restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 6,768 people are saying

Herb & Wood 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Californian

  • San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Wood offers an exceptional dining experience with "outstanding food and service" in a chic, vibrant atmosphere. Guests rave about the "unique flavors" of dishes like oxtail gnocchi and roasted Branzino. The restaurant is perfect for "special occasions" with attentive staff and "delicious" cocktails, making it a must-visit in San Diego's Little Italy.
6,768 Reviews
  1. Chitra VIP

    Calgary / Southern Alberta12 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautifully appointed, the ambience is definitely a 11/10. The food was interesting yet underwhelming. while I understood that the chef intended to create interpretations combining the classic Mediterranean with a California flair, it was slightly unimpressive for how much it might have been talked up. We also felt a little rushed when the restaurant had a lot of room. At some point while I was not finished eating my entree , the server asked me if I was ready for dessert. At that point I decided not to bother with ordering anymore.

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  2. Alexandra

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The most spectacular anniversary meal! The hostess was cordial and kind. We were seated for our reservation right away and given water. Our waitress, Alexis, was amazing. She had super creative nails, chili pepper 🌶️ earrings, and an impeccable knowledge of the menu and coordinating wines. We ordered the oysters and bone marrow with the Daou Chardonnay, then the pork chop, broccoli (wow the broccoli was delicious), filet, and potatoes (which were also mouth watering) and paired the entree with glasses of the Tempranillo. I’m so happy that I was able to enjoy this meal with this crew. They made the evening a night to remember.

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  3. Jim

    San Diego4 reviews

    3.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 5
    The food I had was delicious, seared Tuna. The bar staff was super friendly but my wife and I went to celebrate my birthday and the rest of the dinning experience seemed rushed and the staff was going through the motions. This wasn’t the best overall experience. Based on other reviews going to celebrate a special occasion this place is probably not the best option

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  4. ENRIQUE

    Mexico City2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    The place was closed what a waste of time During a trip with family time is precious

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  5. Gabriel

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The most wonderful dining experience. Celebrated my husbands birthday and will definitely return! From the food to the service everything was excellent and exquisite 🙏🏼

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  6. James VIP

    San Francisco Bay Area39 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 2
    Let me state that the food, and especially the service were very good. However, the experience of a relaxing evening out was largely ruined by being seated adjacent to a party of 16. The noise level ratcheted up all evening until the point of being unbearable. Finally fed up with it all, we had our unfinished bottle of wine corked and then headed for the exit. Who seats a table of 16 in the middle of a dining room anyway? Not cool.

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  7. Leslie VIP

    San Diego2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on July 8, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We were a group of 8 and we ordered a bunch of appetizers for all to share. They were all delicious! I had the chicken which was flavorful and very good. There was also a delicious pasta that my son in law ordered. The issue was the branzino which 3 of us had and was just not good as well as one totally flavorless pasta. So mixed reviews on the mains. We loved the desserts specially the date cake and service was very good.

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  8. Maria

    Chicago / Illinois9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I loved the openness and light in the space . It wasn’t quiet but the noise level was moderate . The server Calvin was excellent bringing comp glasses of champagne in honor of our anniversary, a nice way to start the evening . We ordered the butter lettuce appetizer salad that was generously portioned which we shared . The lettuce was fresh, crunchy, and delicious with an excellent dressing. My husband ordered the iberico pork dish over white beans which was delicious . I ordered the branzino wrapped in prosciutto and stuffed with spinach that had a lovely slightly spicy sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly . It was generously portioned . I paired it with a lovely Pinot Grigio from the Friuli region of Italy that was crisp, dry and delicious . We didn’t order dessert given we were so stuffed but a comp dessert consisting of homemade pistachio ice cream with a sauce and delicious butter cookie was delivered to our table and of course we could not resist . It was amazing . We will definitely return on our next visit to San Diego . Oh, there is a paid parking lot across the street if you are interested .

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  9. Daniela VIP

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, ambiance and service. Was definitely a bit loud.

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  10. Toni VIP

    San Diego6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on July 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love going to Herb & Wood for date night, but every year we go for my birthday. I request it every year as I know we will have a great experience. We were not disappointed. They are consistent with their service, food, and cocktails. Each dish has such unique flavor and the drinks are top-notch. Great music, and the ambience is so moody and romantic. We highly recommend trying Herb & Wood for a casual drink or dinner at the bar, which is beautifully done, a romantic dinner for two, or a grand celebration.

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FAQs

Herb & Wood offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 955-8495.

Herb & Wood is rated 4.7 stars by 6768 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Little Italy

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 69 times today
Google Map for Herb & Wood

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross street
    Kettner & Ivy
  • Neighborhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean, American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking and 4 parking lots within 2 blocks of the restaurant.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
  • Private party facilities
    From our spaces to your plate, we specialize in crafting California-inspired events. Each ingredient carefully sourced. Every server dressed to the nines. The perfect lighting, temperature, and music levels. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
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