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Rustic Root Two Story Rooftop Restaurant Exterior  - Rustic Root, San Diego, CA

Rustic Root

4.4
4.4
1330 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair.
Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients.
Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:30 PM


Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American, Grill

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 10:00 am–2:00 am Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (619) 232-1747

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Private party facilities

    The trendy multi-level space features a street-level patio that opens to a spacious main dining room, and an iconic Rooftop Lounge that overlooks the bustling Gaslamp Quarter.

  • Private party contact

    RMD Group Events: (619) 457-6521

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Cross street

    Market Street

  • Parking details

    *** Please note new updates to weekend parking on 5th Avenue *** Parking is prohibited at all meters on 5th Avenue from L Street to Broadway from 8pm - 3am on Friday & Saturday nights. Closest parking garage is "Park It On Market" located on 6th Avenue and Market Street. Horton Plaza also offers garage parking for the Gaslamp.

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

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Experiences

  • $600 Minimum-Late Night Cocktails Only Firepit

    Multiple dates available
    Join us at one of our premier fire pit tables with specular views of the Gaslamp. This table is perfect for groups of 4 to 8 whether you're looking for a night out or celebrating a special occasion. This table comes with a $600 beverage minimum which does not include tax or gratuities. There is a two hour time limit on all Rooftop Firepit Tables.
  • $800 Minimum-Late Night Cocktails only Firepit

    Multiple dates available
    Join us at one of our premier fire pit tables with specular views of the Gaslamp. This table is perfect for groups of 4 to 8 whether you're looking for a night out or celebrating a special occasion. This table comes with a $800 beverage minimum which does not include tax or gratuities. There is a two hour time limit on all Rooftop Firepit Tables.
  • $600 Minimum-Premier Firepit Table

    Multiple dates available
    Join us at one of our premier fire pit tables with specular views of the Gaslamp. This table is perfect for groups of 4 to 8 whether you're looking for a night out or celebrating a special occasion. This table comes with a $600 Food & beverage minimum which does not include tax or gratuities. There is a two hour time limit on all Rooftop Firepit Tables.

Popular dishes

What 1,330 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4
4.4 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

  1. Erika

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    I booked a reservation 2 months in advance and manager Mary called me two hours before my reservation to cancel it. She mentioned she now had a private party and my reservation was cancelled. What’s the point of making a reservation if management is going to cancel the day of.
  2. TomiB

    Edmonton

    10 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience3
    Very disappointing! Our server tried to upsell menu items when explaining the menu and was dismissive regarding dietary restrictions. When we placed our order that wasn’t an upsell his response was “I think we are sold out of that” He went to the kitchen to confirm, but didn’t return to let us know that yes, our order was placed. No one checked to see how our meal was throughout dinner and we had to wave down our server for more drinks. Drinks were added to our bill, but were never delivered to our table. When we asked for our bill, corrections were needed. Our severs’ response to the evening: “I had a big table come in and my other tables are dying” RFC was the worst I’ve ever had and the half chicken was only adequate. So disappointing.
  3. DonnaS

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food and drinks. Nice ambiance and attentive waiters

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Donna! Thank you for joining us. Hope to see you again soon!

  4. KevinH

    Houston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Absolutely everything about our experience was excellent!! Service was excellent, food was fantastic, and the price was reasonable. Claire made excellent recommendations and was very friendly. I will return when I’m in San Diego for business.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Kevin! We appreciate you coming in and taking time to leave a review. We'll pass this on to our team. Hope to see you again soon!

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was so amazing. Such an amazing experience. The food highlight of our girls weekend!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thank you for choosing to spend your girls weekend with us! We hope to be able to serve you again soon!

  6. Hills

    Palm Springs

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    We booked the fireside table for 7 people ($600 F&B minimum). The service and atmosphere were good. The food has definitely slipped over the past year... it is fine, but not outstanding like it used to be. The atmosphere is energetic and fun, but slightly too loud. I couldn't hear people talking at our table.
  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    Bachelor party. Great food. Drinks just ok

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Congrats on the upcoming wedding! Thanks for celebrating with us.

  8. CaitlinM

    Central Coast

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time with our Bachelorette Party! Food and drinks were amazing and we loved the fire pit table on the roof top!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thank you for celebrating the bride-to-be with us! We love hosting special occasions and are grateful you chose to spend it with us. Hope to see you again soon!

  9. JanetM

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rustic root was amazing. My friends and I had great time here while enjoying good appetizers and entrees. Will definitely be back to this place once I’m in San Diego again

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We love hosting visitors and we're thrilled you chose to check us out while you were here! Keep us in mind the next time you're in SD!

  10. DavidA

    Las Vegas

    116 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    116 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    After a day at the Safari Park, my wife and I sat down here for a nice dinner. The server, Tom, was great. The smoked ribeye was the highlight of the meal for me, and I nice presentation of it too (it is enclosed in smoke and opened in front of you, making a nice show and aroma). My wife had the pork chop that she enjoyed too. We would return here on our next trip for sure.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi David! We're happy we could serve you after a busy day! We appreciate your review and will be sure to pass it along to our team. Hope to see you again when you're back in town!

  11. KayH

    Jordan

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall4food4service1ambience3
    The service was very slow although when the food finally arrived it was very good. The manager did comp us a meal and took 20 % off the bill. He claimed it was not usual for the food to take an hour. The ambiance and vibe were fun! If not for the delay I would give it a good review!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Kay! I'm sorry to hear your service was slow. We take pride in providing exceptional service, so I'm happy to hear the rest of your experience was positive. We hope we can host you again soon!

  12. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The experience was great and the staff was Amazing! Food was delicious and the drinks were spot on!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We appreciate you coming in and taking the time to leave a review. Hope to see you again soon!

  13. JamieA

    Greece

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Hostess was very rude, but the rest of the staff was very friendly. Food was pretty good and the atmosphere was lively and we enjoyed our evening
  14. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 26, 2023

    overall1food3service1ambience2
    A server gave attitude when asked to remove unused or extra item from table. Music was so loud, people were yelling at each other to be heard which increased the noise level to it’s maximum. If you want to go to a club to drink with drunk single 20somethings girls this is the place! If you want to spend $$$, eat, be courteously served, or talk at all in a place with a hip vibe, I would not recommend this place.
  15. Rastro

    Tulsa

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    16 people and we would all come back in a heartbeat, just wish we lived in San Diego!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Love a big party! Thank you for allowing us to host you - hope to see you when you're back in town!

  16. Celina

    San Diego

    52 reviews

    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I love the location, ambiance, food and service at this place. This is a neighborhood gem and great for everything. It’s also a great place for entertaining guests that are from out of town.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Celina! We love hosting out-of-towners and we appreciate referring us to friends/family. Hope to serve you again soon!

  17. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe, atmosphere, food, and music

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thanks for joining us! We appreciate your review.

  18. Jose

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    V-Day ‘23: Great staff! I was greeted immediately with a smile and seated about 20 minutes before reservation time due to table availability. I was given a glass of champagne on the house with my SO and was treated with nothing but respect and consideration from the waiter. Thank you to everybody for making this experience a great one.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Jose! We're thrilled you chose us to spend the holiday with. Keep us in mind for your next special occasion!

  19. BoerneFoodie

    San Antonio

    30 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    We had a group of 6 with a 7:45 reservation. We arrived on time and were asked to sit at the bar while they got our table ready. Then around 8:15, we were told that the group who had the reservation at an earlier time at our table had paid their bill and finished their food and drinks but would not leave. The restaurant would not put on any pressure for them to leave. Around 8:40, they opened the rooftop and attempted to seat the 6 of us up there. They first tried to put us at a 4 top, which we told them wouldn’t work. They then sat us at a fire pit that was more suited for drinks vs full dinner. We ordered drinks and almost all of them were made incorrectly including a simple Tito’s and soda that came out as tequila. We ordered appetizers for the table and they were only okay. The pork belly was tough and dry and almost couldn’t be cut with a knife. The main course was decent but multiple people ordered the filet at different temperatures; when they came out, the server told us all were cooked the same. We had to cut into them and trade plates and all the steaks were generally overdone. The most redeeming qualities of the restaurant were the setting (nice rooftop) and the attractive waitstaff. But not enough reason for a return visit.
  20. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience3
    Overbooked and understaffed in the front of the house. Food was good.
  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience5
    very packed on valentine’s day, we got there in time for our reservation and didn’t get sat until 30 min later
  22. Taeler

    Salt Lake City

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We brought a group of 10 in for a business dinner the last night of a conference. The rain came, pushing the crowds in doors. We were thankful to find this gem in such short notice for such a large party. Thank you for accommodating.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Taeler! We're so happy we were able to accommodate your party during bad weather. We appreciate your business and hope you'll join us again soon!

  23. KajA

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great crab cake and tuna tartar…and service, and decor. Elegant, yet comfortable.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Kaj! We appreciate you taking the time to write a review! Based on what you ordered, I think you'd love the Pork Belly Fried Rice during brunch. Hope to see you again soon!

  24. melissar

    New Mexico

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2
    I was really surprised at they had a decent rating on yelp. It makes me question if the reviews are legit. The food quality and style was similar to something you’d get at a grab and go at the airport. Patio was loud AF and the music choices were so lame.
  25. DavidS

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is great and the mix your own mimosa's are great for a celebration.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi David! We're so happy you tried our Bubbles & Berries tray...it's our favorite part of brunch! Hope you'll join us again soon!

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall4food3service4ambience4
    Grt time for wife’s bday!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thanks for celebrating with us!

  27. ChristineD

    San Diego

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Shrimp and grits were delicious. Cornbread was a little different…good but not a traditional corn bread.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Christine! Thanks for joining us! We love to put a good twist on a classic dish. =) Hope to see you again soon.

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Portland

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great vibe on the rooftop! Service was excellent and the food and drinks amazing! Will def add to my favs list! Highly recommend!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thanks for joining us! Can't wait to serve you again soon.

  29. MWPS

    Hawaii

    28 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience3
    Nice meal during our first visit to the gas lamp district. Excellent salads and sides, salmon outstanding, cocktails passable. Noise level high so hard to have conversation however venue is unique and overall it was an enjoyable evening.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We appreciate you joining us! There are a lot of places to dine in the Gaslamp, and we're happy we could host you. Keep us in mind the next time you're in the area!

  30. saras

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing dinner with work friends. Food was perfect!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We appreciate your review! Come back and see us again soon!

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our server. So welcoming and so entertaining. The food was excellent too.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thanks for your review - I'll be sure to pass along to our team!

  32. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Service was very slow. It was very cold but they wouldn’t close the front door. Steak was very dry.
  33. VickieR

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my friends and I first time there. Alex, our server was excellent as well as hostesses that greeted us. Food and drinks was very good!!! Will come back again.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Vickie! We appreciate you dining with us and taking the time to write a review. We hope to host you and your friends again soon!

  34. Torres10

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Better service. Made reservations online. Very convenient. Server was very nice. Food came out quick and tasted amazing

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thank you for your review. We appreciate you coming in and hope to see you again soon!

  35. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    46 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious. I sat at the upstairs bar and the service was great. The drinks and food were delicious. I will be back the next time I’m in San Diego

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We know you have a lot of options to choose from in San Diego, and we appreciate you checking us out! Come see us again when you're back in town!

  36. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    it was a fun time with great food :)

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Love to hear this! Hope you'll join us again!

  37. Smelle

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and service . Music to loud for conversations

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Thank you for your review! We appreciate you coming in and hope to see you again soon!

  38. DianaA

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2023

    overall4food1service5ambience3
    Service was excellent but the food was not. Salmon was not cooked all the way through and the cauliflower that came with it didn’t have any flavor . Ordered some gin tonic drinks that tasted flat, the tonic had no gas.
  39. JerickS

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great view from the 2nd floor. Service was top notch. Waitress was on the ball. Food was good too. Will definitely be back!

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023Hi Jerick! Thank you for your review - I'll be sure to pass it on to our team. Hope to host you again soon!

  40. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on January 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect spot to catch up with a friend! Brunch was outstanding! David took great care of us and was so patient when we still needed time to look over the menu. Portions were perfect. Flavor was on point. Everything arrived rather quickly after being ordered. Definitely will be back.

    Rustic RootResponded on April 5, 2023We're so happy to hear you had a great time with us. Next time you join us for brunch, try our Bubbles & Berries Mimosa Tray - it's a weekend favorite! Hope to see you again soon!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Rustic Root using the Order Online button. Rustic Root also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 232-1747.

Rustic Root is rated 4.4 stars by 1330 OpenTable diners.

Rustic Root does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:30 PM


Experiences are available.
Google Map for Rustic Root

535 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Market Street

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / Gaslamp

  • Hours of operation

    Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri 5:00 pm–2:00 am Sat 10:00 am–2:00 am Sun 10:00 am–10:00 pm

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary American, American, Grill

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    *** Please note new updates to weekend parking on 5th Avenue *** Parking is prohibited at all meters on 5th Avenue from L Street to Broadway from 8pm - 3am on Friday & Saturday nights. Closest parking garage is "Park It On Market" located on 6th Avenue and Market Street. Horton Plaza also offers garage parking for the Gaslamp.

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (619) 232-1747

  • Private party facilities

    The trendy multi-level space features a street-level patio that opens to a spacious main dining room, and an iconic Rooftop Lounge that overlooks the bustling Gaslamp Quarter.

  • Private party contact

    RMD Group Events: (619) 457-6521

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
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