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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

Jun 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 60 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Lively
Good for special occasions
Great for creative cocktails

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.

What 1,479 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
4.3Value

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 is celebrated for its "great service," "delicious food," and "fun vibe." The menu offers eclectic, shareable dishes, with standout favorites including the duck meatballs and eggplant. Patrons enjoy the "amazing cocktails" and lively atmosphere, particularly on the rooftop. Ideal for special occasions, though some note the "music can be a bit loud."

1,479 Reviews

T
Tiffany
Chicago / Illinois3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was fantastic! The service was fantastic! I'm only in San Diego for 6 seeks but I would come back just to visit Kettner!
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s
shannon VIP
Las Vegas28 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Great rooftop spot. 6-7:00 reservation is perfect timing for a great vibe, food, cocktails and music. Gets clubby as the night goes on. Unique menu never disappoints.
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I
Isabel
San Diego2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been here plenty of times. Never disappoints. It’s my favorite place. Love the food, the drinks and the atmosphere. Came to celebrate my birthday this time.
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A
Adam VIP
Los Angeles19 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
We were excited to try Kettner Exchange, and while the ambiance was great and the menu looked promising, unfortunately, not all of the food met our expectations. One of the meat dishes, including the pork chop, arrived almost cold, and the pork itself was undercooked, which was disappointing. Hoping it was just an off night, as we’ve heard good things—perhaps we’ll give it another try in the future.
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R
Ross VIP
Los Angeles8 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 2, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
great service, terrific food...can't wait to go back!
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K
Kevin VIP
Los Angeles7 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 26, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
We had a very nice dinner at KE. Our server was great, and we went double duck (meatball and half-duck, former great,latter a little overcooked), market fish, eggplant, garlic noodles (shrimp seemed farm raised, which was a noticeable miss). There was a good vibe and everyone left happy.
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B
Bonu
San Diego5 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 26, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great place, amazing food, perfect place for a special occasion
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S
Sam and Jeff VIP
Oklahoma City46 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Zach B is a Five Star Waiter! Szechwan Chicken was Great!
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J
Jamie
Los Angeles5 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
The ambiance was great. There was a jazz guitar player, which I really enjoyed. I had 3 dishes. Whipped ricotta, curry rubbed salmon collar, and eggplant. Whipped ricotta was the best of the three. The collar is ok. Salmon collars are typically fatty. The fattiness in addition to Curry flavor. It can be too much. I should have devoured that because I love fish, but it couldn't. The eggplant sat yogurt. It was too sour. I understand I was dining alone, and perhaps sharing the food would have made a difference. But from past experience, it shouldn't be a factor.
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S
Stephanie
San Diego4 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 22, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were lucky enough to enjoy the Chef's table for a special curated wine and food pairing experience. I felt like I was dining at a Michelin Star restaurant with the wines and food we indulged in, but it was the service that really stood out. Nikki, the wine director, touched the table with precision and our wines were always at the perfect level. Chef Brian came to explain each course, which must have been difficult during a busy service but he delivered the parings with ease and excitement. If you haven't dined at Kettner I highly recommend, this is one of the best restaurants in San Diego!
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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 1479 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 12, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 60 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

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Experiences

Small Cabana Reservation

Menu

What 1,479 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