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Our menu is meant to be shared with others! - California English, San Diego, CA

California English

4.5
4.5
197 Reviews
$31 to $50
American
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.
The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes.
The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, British, Californian
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (858) 201-3461
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Richard Blais

What 197 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Innovative

197 Reviews
  1. MR99

    Montreal

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was out of this world! Richard Blais has once again outdid himself. The fish and chips was the best I've ever had. The service was impeccable and friendly, full of little information. The drinks we,re so good and fun. Great glasses A+ all around

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  2. DillonV

    Greater Boston

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent all around - great food and lovely service

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  3. Fondue

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We took friends here for a birthday dinner. We ordered entries (chicken, fish of the day, fish and chips, and short ribs) as well as some bits and bites to share among 4 of us. Everything was reasonably priced and delicious! Craig, our server, was great, answering all our questions, providing food explanations as well as recommendations. He checked on us several times throughout the meal and later delivered a complimentary birthday dessert. Dinner was a big hit!

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  4. jena

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful restaurant. The outdoor and indoor has nice ambience. Service was excellent. We had an early Saturday lunch so it wasn’t busy. Foods are excellent. I’m not impressed with the risotto. Fish and chips a little pricey. Overall the experience with had for first visit was good.

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  5. KimSanDiego

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique menu for San Diego plus high quality service.

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  6. VanD

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Definitely not worth the $150 tab. Went there for anniversary with gf, no acknowledgement of it even though note was left to waiting staff. Food was below average. Ordered the branzino and while it was cooked properly, there was nothing worth the 38 bucks of the dish. Gf ordered the je pesto orichiete, but it was way below par. Pesto tasted really bitter and there was so much sprigs in the dish, almost like the whole basil plant was blanched and just thrown in the plate. But he part of the dishes that saved it was the scallops we asked on top. And for a place that tries to be business dress code but has a couple people wearing a hoodie and sweat pants, that dismisses the experience.

    1 person found this helpful

  7. LawrenceR

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Attractive venue. Interestingly prepared food. Excellent service!

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great space! We will be back for sure. The menu had so many great options.

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  9. JRDD

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great food menu and drinks selection, particularly Scotch which although not extensive were excellent choices. Service friendly and well informed on both food and beverages.

    1 person found this helpful

  10. MiguelP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A must go for amazing food and lovely environment

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  11. Seda

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved it, will definitely be back to try other menu items.

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  12. SohoGrl1

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ambience was great. Lovely indoor and outdoor spaces. Friendly staff and the food was amazing. Highly recommend the beef Wellington.

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  13. havok1980

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Went on a Friday evening. The Wellington was very good and the sticky toffee pudding was great.

    1 person found this helpful

  14. MarieC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food and ambience !! Service was outstanding

    1 person found this helpful

  15. TinnyC

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent customer service! The food was amazing! I came here to celebrate my 40th birthday celebration! I ordered their English Scotch egg ( it's a must try)! Fish and chips (the batter is perfect and crispy) served with 4 different kinds of sauces! You won't regret it! Of course, finally they have provided me with a complimentary dessert which was absolutely heaven in my mouth! I am definitely coming back here with my husband who missed it for his deployment! Thank you California English team for making my day so special ❤️

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  16. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    10 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Great food choices! Decent portion sizes to share. Risotto was a bit hard and plain. Charred peas were my favorite as was panzanella salad were both refreshing! Short rib was great and soft but tad expensive. Branzino was done right with crispy skin. Service was a tad slow for a our large party but great ambiance and beautifully decorated.

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  17. IvorF

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very nice. English and American combination, excellent food. A little pricey.

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  18. Reviewer

    San Diego

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    The team had a nice time! The triple fried chips were a little on the airy side, and the vegetable plate was a bit small, but people enjoyed the experience!

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  19. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very delicious our server was amazing. Very knowledgeable

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  20. Giege

    San Diego

    31 reviews

    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We tried the fish and chips, chicken tikka masala, scotch egg, and Cornish pasty. Overall the food was good, but being British I’d say the Cornish pasty was more like a beef empanada.

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  21. Erebar

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    The food was so bland. Not at all what I expected from the menu descriptions. None of our party of 4 was impressed or would go back. The two best things were the sweet potato fries ( that we were served by mistake ) and the spicy blackberry mocktail. It should have been a clue when I had no problem getting a reservation and it was pretty empty on a Sat at 6:30pm.

    1 person found this helpful

  22. Alan

    San Diego

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday celebration for my wife at her favorite restaurant. Started with the classically prepared Scotch Egg done to perfection. We shared the traditional Fish & Chips plated lovely with Peas and an Avocado Tartare Sauce, all tasty and served piping hot. Also shared the Panzenella Tomato Salad with Ahi Tuna. The scones as the bread added a wonderful touch to the texture to the balanced vinaigrette and a mixed of heirloom cherry tomatoes. To top off the meal the restaurant served us a Birthday Flourless Chocolate Molten Cake. Truly a wonderful dinner!

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  23. PeggyA

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was so delicious and the wait staff were very polite and accomdating. We were sitting on the patio and a few bees were swarming around our food, so they quickly responded and moved us to a nice table inside.

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  24. miken

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food in a causal open air location. Unique offerings, with great flavor. Drinks were amazing and served by a personable and knowledgeable staff.

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  25. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Caught wind of this location through social media; elected to have a wonderful dinner. Everything tasted phenomenal - especially the dessert!

    Is this helpful?

  26. Charles

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our visit was on Saturday, August 5 at 5:30PM. It was a wonderful experience. The service was outstanding. The food exceeded our already elevated expectations. The atmosphere was delightful. I especially appreciated the music which was loud enough to enjoy but allowed for easy conversation. We will absolutely be back. Can't recommend California English enough.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good and service was great! Will come back. Especially for Happy Hour.

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  28. Allan

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    I've been here twice the food was good. But the portions and quality you pay for is not worth $$$.

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  29. CherD

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Overall an excellent experience, mostly due to our amazing & very knowledgeable waiter Matt, the cocktails, & setting. Food was great, the best mushy peas i have had, definitely fresh.

    1 person found this helpful

  30. Mike

    San Diego

    22 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    22 reviews

    Dined on July 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Had lunch there with a friend and enjoyed our experience. It’s a great business lunch spot.

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  31. Happy

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    We had the Scottish egg and pasty appetizer and the beef Wellington and fish and chips. The chips were amazing with the mashed potatoes on the inside but the rest of the dishes were good but not extraordinary based on the prices.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drinks. Really good portions, clean creative flavors. Sam’s service was spot on. The manager came and checked on our table which is always nice. Last time we were here the bar didn’t have TVs and the patio seating wasn’t covered so these are great new additions. We celebrated Wimbledon by drinking Center Courts…. Great drink!

    1 person found this helpful

  33. Saks

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 12, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience2
    Check was incorrect and nothing was done to correct it once it was caught by the server upon arriving with the check.

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  34. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and amazing service. Can’t remember my servers name but he just moved from Virginia. Was extremely attentive and shared some highlights of the plates we chose. Highly recommend this place. Decor is super cute as well!

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  35. DawnB

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on July 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a beautiful setting and our waiter was knowledgeable and so welcoming. I loved the scones and the Scottish Egg! Wow! The champagne came in a coupe glass! Very classy, we will be back to try the Fish-n-chips!

    Is this helpful?

  36. Shua

    St. Louis

    8 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    Ambiance is great but the food leaves much more to be desired. The sides and condiments don’t really compliment the dishes. Lots of potential, but I worry about the shelf life of this place.

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  37. barini

    Orange County

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Gabriel was fantastic. The food was extremely taste and well made. The drinks are a must. London Fog and the a old Fashion were perfectly crafted. The vibe and atmosphere of the restaurant were also amazing. Keep up the excellent work.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience4
    Drinks were great. Food was underwhelming. Fish and chips needs a classic tartar sauce to go along with it.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience4
    Cocktails were good. Food was just okay. Happy hour seems like a good deal.

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  40. ErikW

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service. Really good flavors and quality.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

California English is rated 4.5 stars by 197 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 24 times today
Google Map for California English

9276 Scranton Rd, San Diego, CA 92121-7701

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Sorrento Mesa
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Tue–Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sun 3:00 pm–5:00 pm Dinner Tue, Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, British, Californian
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    None
  • Executive chef
    Richard Blais
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