Semola La Jolla

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1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fantastic food. Engaged service. Very cool vibe. Love this place!!!

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wedding anniversary

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3. M

   Mandie

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Fantastic in all respects. One of the most inventive resturants we have been to in the San Diego area.

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4. N

   Nattie

   San Diego

   27 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   27 reviews

   Dined on May 11, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   came for dinner and it was amazing! Enjoyed everything I got :)

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5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 9, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Sincere greeting, excellent accommodations, great character and personal service.

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6. CT

   ChristopherT

   San Diego

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined on May 8, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Hidden gem in La Jolla! Elegantly prepared and delicious Italian food with attentive service from very friendly wait staff. We will be back!

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7. F

   Friend

   San Diego

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on May 5, 2022

   overall4food3service5ambience5

   I'm a big fan of Ambrogio, so was looking forward to this "higher-end' option from our Milanese friends. Food was solid, service excellent, but we'd like to go back and explore more, and we want the guys from Milano to succeed here in San Diego!!

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8. JA

   JimA

   Denver

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on April 23, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Great place. Special food and excellent service. Definitely recommend this place for lovers of Italian food with a flair.

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9. TD

   TedD

   San Diego

   39 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   39 reviews

   Dined on April 17, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Very modern fusion similar to Shanghai restaurants

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 16, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience4

    This place really wants to be something special, and it has all the elements it needs, but it’s just not quite coming together for them. The quality of the ingredients is there, but they’re getting in their own way with the execution. Risotto was cooked perfectly, but lacked depth, salt, and butter. Pasta was perfectly made and cooked, but arrived cold. Complimentary dessert was delicious, but the gelato was half melted by the time it got to me.

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11. JL

    JimLocal

    Minneapolis

    126 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    126 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    First, I will qualify by explaining that I have been to several Michelin-star restaurants, among them French Laundry, Pet Se, Alinea, Eleven Madison, Le Bernardin, Daniel, etc. I only mention this because I was informed that Semolo aspires to earn a Michelin star, and, so, I judged accordingly. I enjoyed the 5-course tasting menu. It was exceptionally well-conceived; the dishes were unique, prepared with fine ingredients, creative combinations (such as scallops with shaved wasabi with red pepper flakes and marinated in ginger), and two types of raw tuna served with a Bloody Mary sauce and accompanied with a hearty glass of Barolo. The dishes all benefited from superb knowledge and an appreciated willingness to please the palate of their guests. My one caution: I paid $99 for the upgraded wine pairing (standard is $49). Given that this translates into $10 additional per “glass” (which are small pours), I found no value in the upgrade, and would definitely recommend against it. Frankly, I would have been further ahead if I’d ordered two servings of the standard pairings ha-ha), or stopped at Bev Mo to get a nice bottle of red, and paid Semolo a corkage fee.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Semola js my new favorite restaurant in San Diego! I have always been passionate about new dining experiences and every time i eat there is a special one! Yesterday i got to try the new summer menu and jt was jncredible! The creativity of the chef, the presentation, the flavors, everythjng was spot on! I had many dinners around the world, from Noma to Pujol, from Alinea to Dom and i can tell you, the team at Semola is going the right direction! 10/10!

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13. r

    rashg

    San Diego

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall3food2service2ambience4

    The food was highly overpriced for the quality and portion size. Appetizers were under-seasoned and my steak was over salted with sides on the plate being cool when it arrived. The servers were very nice but the promise of a Michelin inspired meal is highly over sold. Note that the scallop appetizer is one scallop sliced thinly for a lot of $$. Good wine list

    Semola La JollaResponded on April 11, 2022

    Dear Ms. Rashmi Ghandi, we are sorry you did not enjoy your experience. Our menu is developed by Chef Daniela Martinez & Michelin Star Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi with the goal of creating a modern fusion between different cuisines, with an Italian soul and a Japanese Kaiseki Style. Our dishes are correctly priced based on the quality of the raw material and the creativity behind it, with our Acquerello Scallop SASHIMI being a great example of Chef Silvio's cuisine. We wish you the best

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14. T

    Torontiff

    San Diego

    73 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    73 reviews

    Dined on April 10, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Very special food. Something for everyone. We shared 3 dishes and were very satisfied.

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15. D

    David

    San Diego

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Average - won’t be going again.

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16. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best meals EVER! The tasting menu was so well curated and delicious, it’s a must try! The lamb ragu was out of this world. I live in Chicago and have dined at the restaurant that was rated number one in the world and this food was at that caliber of excellence!

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17. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was some of the best food I’ve ever had. We did the 5 course chefs meal, it was INCREDIBLE and the whole team was so sweet

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18. HD

    HaloDeck

    San Diego

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on March 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The absolute best dining experience of my life. Read the whole review to understand why. We dined as a party of four, at the Chef's table with the premium wine pairings. So admittedly, we had the best that Semola offers. For credibility, we have enjoyed many fine dining meals including French Laundry, Le Bernardin, Eleven Madison Park, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Lasserre, Marsan par Helene Darroze, and many others, many times. We have had incredible dishes, and wine pairings by Aldo Sohm himself, but what made Semola special was the intimate dining experience delivered by Chef Daniela Martinez and co-founder Giacomo Pizzigoni. Chef Daniela weaved stories from her life, and references to the staff and owners, with each course that she directly presented, highlighting its personal meaning. Giacomo similarly shared each wine's provenance, and the special reasons why he chose each one, and he did so in a way that connected emotionally. We felt we were dining in their home. Each of the eight courses were superbly presented, and most were Michelin Star worthy. Creative, playful, smart. Each of the 8 wine parings were excellent, with three being exceptional. The amazing thing about Semola is that it's in a simple space, on an off-street, in the quaint Village of La Jolla. They will surely grow, and become another great destination restaurant, but likely lose the intimacy. Go now, and when you do, enjoy the Chef's table. An experience that you will treasure.

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19. S

    Schin

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on March 27, 2022

    overall3food5service5ambience1

    The food was excellent and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable. However, we sat at a table inside the small adjoining room and every time the servers opened the door they let in the cold air and left the door open. It was like a parade of servers and one of the diners had to jump up and close the door. Unfortunately, the couple at the table next to us brought their two boisterous young children , one of whom liked to stand on his chair and argue with his mother. Next time, we’ll do takeout.

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20. FB

    FrederikaB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Semila created the most exquisite meal I have had since moving to San Diego from New York City. I was in the food world in NYC, and what a joy to find such a passionate chef and restaurateur in La Jolla. They understand the table is where family and friends come to celebrate each other’s company. Every dish was delectable and the personal attention was remarkable.

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21. AP

    AllieP

    Central Coast

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 25, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Second time at Semolla La Jolla. Exceptional food! Great service. Definitely will be back!

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22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Austin

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Visited for my wife’s birthday based on a recommendation. We were so impressed. We have limited diets based on allergies and the restaurant accommodated everything. We even had dessert! Cannot recommend highly enough. Quiet romantic vibe. Staff was friendly and answered all of our questions, even silly wine related queries. What a great experience, we may go back to try the full tasting menu!

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23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The waiter is hot, my friend Kirsten loved him.

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24. KK

    KojoK

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Good good, fantastic service

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25. F

    Foodlover

    San Diego

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had the wine pairing with the 5 course experience, it was excellent!

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall1food1service2ambience4

    Garbage food.

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27. AM

    AgnieszkaM

    Chicago

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    Very disappointing. For a restaurant that has a chef we expected a better quality of food. We ordered arugula salad with shaved carrots I am OK we did not like it but it looked as if it was prepared a week ago - wilted and unappetizing. I had a sea bass presentation was nice but it was overcooked. My daughter had saffron rice it was not bad but it tasted similar to the sea bass dish in terms of spices. Lamb ragu was good but the look of it not so much. We had tiramisu looked very nice but it was a cream mostly. The best was the Earl Grey tea. As for the service - the empty plates were not collected promptly and we were asked about a dessert while we were still eating our main course. The check was brought quickly though.

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28. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Awesome food, service and atmosphere! We will be back:)

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29. EP

    EncinitasPV

    San Diego

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience5

    Truly an Italian experience! Small plates, a little on the expensive side, but worth it. Plan for a leisurely dinner - hard for us Americans some times - and make sure you save room for dessert!

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30. DB

    DB92075

    San Diego

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on February 27, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Beautifully prepared Italian food. Innovation, delicious salads and pasta as well as starters.

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31. NS

    NoahS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 20, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience4

    Don’t go for value but it was a good experience to try once. Not worth the cost in my personal opinion but of all the tastings I’ve done this place had a very nice food offering. Some of the plates I felt were too simple for the price tag of the menu, the wine pairing was wonderful.

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32. HJ

    HectorJ

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    My girlfriend and I had an amazing experience! The food was absolutely amazing! Highly recommend this place!! I was very impressed

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33. RS

    RSingh

    New York Area

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall3food1service3ambience4

    The ambience & service was good, however wasn’t impressed with the food.

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34. t

    tyrellian246

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    Food was okay, but overpriced. No vegetarian option for the 2nd Entree on the a la carte. Didn't really blow me away for the price point.

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35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The service was amazing. The food was the best food I’ve ever had!! Very expensive.

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36. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall2food2service1ambience1

    Limited food menu not posted for Valentine’s Day. Could not find anything to eat

    Report
37. CA

    CaptainAubs

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    Im not sure what to think of Semola, I wish i knew it was an experimental restaurant, my impression was that it was more of a traditional italian. it seems to be more of a italian/california fusion.

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38. M

    Maui

    San Francisco

    45 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    The restaurant did a terrific job of on-site accommodating our booking that was originally for 2 people & adjusted to 3 people which could only be filled with an outdoor seat. The service was initially slow and then quickly caught up to be attentive and otherwise lovely. The food was well plated, tasty and delicious. We will be coming back again...

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39. FS

    Foody2Shoes

    Los Angeles

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Went here for Valentine’s Day. Food - delicious! We went heavy on the pasta and shared an entree. The lamb ragu was our favorite. Duck entree was also outstanding. Service - our server made the experience exceptional. He was knowledgeable and confident, but not pushy in any way. His recommendations felt genuine and he explained the menu really well. They also surprised us with champagne, which we appreciated and made our night extra special. Ambience - we got seated in their beautiful patio, which we recommend. It’s quiet enough to carry a good conversation, but not too quiet with the background music. Overall, recommend to anyone visiting La Jolla.

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40. KS

    KrishS

    San Francisco

    18 reviews

    2.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience2

    Pretty underwhelming food and service for the price.

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