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Kettner Exchange

Name: Kettner Exchange
Address: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 255-2001
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails
Lively

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Brian Redzikowski

MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2023
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2022
MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2021

From the OpenTable editors: Anchored by a striking 20-foot eucalyptus sculpture, this two-story, indoor-outdoor showstopper has been a Little Italy hotspot since opening in 2014. Snag a seat on the rooftop patio with swinging daybeds, a roaring fireplace, and bookable private cabanas for sweeping harbor views and inventive American dishes with Asian twists like Szechuan frog legs and spicy tuna and crispy rice with eel sauce from James Beard Award-winning chef Brian Redzikowski.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Phone number
(619) 255-2001
Website
http://www.kettnerexchange.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual

Location
2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Cross street
Grape St
Parking details
Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
Entertainment
Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

Small Cabana Reservation
$100.00 per party
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
THIS IS NOT A STANDARD RESERVATION, please read below: *Mon-Wed evening Small Cabana Reservations have no F&B minimum but tax and 22% service charge will be applied. *Thurs-Sun evening Small Cabana Reservations have a $400 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. *Sun Brunch Cabanas have a $200 F&B minimum + tax and 22% service charge. The Small Cabanas offers a space where groups of up to (6) guests are able to enjoy Kettner Exchange’s elevated cuisine and unique beverage program in a casual lounge style VIP setting. Guests may dine from the Lounge Menu till 10pm while being seated at the core of a lively open-air rooftop. Everything ordered will go onto one bill. Each reservation is for (3) hours maximum.
Fortaleza x Kettner Exchange Chef's Dinner
$195.00 per person
Prepaid
Jul 31, 2025 only
6:00 PM
Join us for an unforgettable five-course culinary journey created by executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, expertly paired with five expressions of Fortaleza Tequila. Each course will highlight seasonal ingredients and regional inspirations, designed to compliment the unique character of Fortaleza's Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and other special expressions. You won't want to miss this evening of flavor, storytelling & spirit.
Samsara August Chef's Table
$260.00 per person
Prepaid
Aug 13, 2025 only
6:00 PM
Join us for a specially curated dinner by Chef Brian Redzikowski, showcasing his seasonal cuisine alongside a selection of Samsara wines featuring winemaker Matt Brady. This collaborative evening brings together expressive food and site-driven wines for a dynamic and intimate tasting experience.

What 1,501 people are saying

Kettner Exchange 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
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Contemporary American
San Diego
Contemporary American

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Kettner Exchange in San Diego's Little Italy is an exceptional dining destination, known for its "inventive American cuisine" and "vibrant rooftop ambiance." With "exceptional service," it offers a unique blend of modern sophistication and coastal charm. The menu features globally influenced dishes, ensuring a "fresh and unique" experience every visit.

1,501 Reviews

J
Jacqueline VIP
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had the most amazing dinner at the chef's table. Chef Brian, Nikki and the whole staff were fabulous!
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a
anastasiia
San Diego3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
This is my third time coming here and they never disappoint! The food is so delicious, I think I’ve probably tried the whole menu now and definitely the spicy tuna crispy rice is my favorite! it does get pretty loud closer to 10 so if that’s not your vibe, it might not be the best option for you to come in later.
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R
Raquel
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I chose Kettner Exchange to treat my bff to her birthday dinner. She is a foodie and she enjoyed everything from the drinks to the food and the lovely complimentary birthday dessert they brought her. We will definitely come back.
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K
Kelli
Tampa / Central Florida West3 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Kettner Exchange is by far my favorite restaurant in the San Diego area. The food and drinks are truly second to none. The Post Water-Malone cocktail is to die for—refreshing, creative, and perfectly balanced. And the Duck Meatball? Absolutely delicious—rich, flavorful, and memorable. Every visit feels like a treat. The vibe is upscale yet relaxed, and the service is consistently top-notch. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough!
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S
Sean
Atlanta6 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We’ve eaten at some of the top rated restaurants across the entire world… amd this may be recency bias but, Kettner Exchange just blew them ALL out of the water. This is probably the best restaurant I’ve ever eaten. Every single plate was phenomenal. What a treasure!
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D
Darryl VIP
San Diego37 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Ketteer Exchange is easily on my list of top 10 restaurants in San Diego. The food is consistently good, they have a great craft cocktail program, service is outstanding, and both the indoor and outdoor dining areas have great vibes. If you've not dined here before, I'd highly recommend it.
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J
Jennifer
San Francisco Bay Area1 review
2.0
Dined on July 2, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Not enough gluten friendly options were offered. Additionally, we were told it was small plates and order two plates per person. This ended up being an excessive amount of food, and a waste of money since we are traveling and could not take food home.
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A
Anthony
San Diego1 review
4.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Extremely good food & solid service, nice interior. Only reason I gave 4 stars instead of 5, there must have been about 2-3 different items we asked to order and the servers respectfully told us they ran out. It was upsetting that so many of our choices were “out of stock” that were listed on the menu, but every dish we were served was outstanding. Highly recommend, just be decisive when you order. When I went to finish my meal with the Steak, they replied “oh we are out of that too. Unfortunately if you ordered the steak at the beginning of your dinner we probably would’ve had one”. Mind you we were not sitting there for hours, maybe 60-90 minutes? Keep that in consideration
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D
Daniel VIP
Greater Boston3 reviews
5.0
Dined on July 1, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best meals I’ve ever had. We were up top on the roof at a large table. Music was bumping and service was friendly. Food outstanding. A bit pricey but overall great experience.
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P
Patrice
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 30, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had 5pm reservations that accommodated a 1-year old! Worked great staff very helpful and low number of diners so we didn’t disturb much. They had a highchair that worked great. Delicious food, excellent wait staff and beautiful early summer weather made a family birthday celebration a success.
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FAQs

Kettner Exchange offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 255-2001.

Kettner Exchange is rated 4.7 stars by 1501 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 16, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 36 times today

Experiences are available.

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2023
2. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2022
3. MICHELIN Bib Gourmand 2021
Cross street
Grape St
Neighborhood
Little Italy
Hours of operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Bar Mon–Wed, Sun 5:00 pm–12:00 am Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Asian, Californian
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Valet is available for $10.00 Cash or $12.00 Credit Card.
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Live Djs Thursday-Saturday + occasional live bands (call venue for nightly entertainment)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.kettnerexchange.com/
Phone number
(619) 255-2001

Kettner Exchange

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Why they're an Icon

Additional information

Featured in

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Experiences

Small Cabana Reservation

Fortaleza x Kettner Exchange Chef's Dinner

Samsara August Chef's Table

Menu

What 1,501 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Kettner Exchange offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Kettner Exchange restaurant rated?

Is Kettner Exchange currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information

Featured in

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

West Coast Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day