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Kettner Exchange, San Diego, CA
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Kettner Exchange

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Visa Dining Collection

$31 to $50
Contemporary American
2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Good for groups
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

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2023
  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Bib Gourmand2022
  • Award icon
    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

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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.

Menu

Kettner Exchange's menu was last updated on 7/5/2025.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 1,495 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's Little Italy is a "dynamic culinary destination" known for its "inventive American cuisine" and vibrant rooftop ambiance. Reviews highlight "exceptional service" and an atmosphere that blends "modern sophistication with coastal charm." The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, offers bold contemporary American dishes with global influences. The restaurant's inclusion in the Michelin Guide underscores its "quality ingredients" and "distinct personality." Ideal for both intimate dinners and lively nights out, Kettner Exchange promises an "experience that satisfies the palate and delights the senses."
1,495 Reviews

  1. Joey VIP

    San Diego1 review

    3.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 1
    Sat with an empty glass for half the meal. Easy way to run up the bill is to check if I’d like another cocktail or glass of wine. Also the table across from us had a magician performing at the table…very odd behavior for a supposed Michelin plated restaurant - felt more like adult chuck e cheese with all the club music and magic going on. Usually really enjoy this place but very disappointing this time.

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  2. Darryl VIP

    San Diego37 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    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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  3. Daniel VIP

    Greater Boston3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    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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  4. Patrice

    San Diego1 review

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    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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  5. Anu

    California Central Coast1 review

    3.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We got seated near the bar. It was super noisy. The view was horrible, we were looking at the exhaust vent of the building on the street opposite to us. The plates were too small and simple for the price. The cocktails were very average. The taste was average. However, the service was excellent and quick.

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  6. Manas VIP

    Chicago / Illinois1 review

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food! My girlfriend and I had a great dining experience. Zach was an incredible server!

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  7. Brian

    San Diego10 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always amazing. The food is fantastic and the service is impeccable.

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  8. Jorge

    London1 review

    3.0

    Dined on June 20, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    El lugar muy agradable, el servicio estupendo, pero la comida dejó mucho q desear y entonces el precio no parecía justo para la calidad de la comida

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  9. Matteo

    Dallas - Fort Worth1 review

    4.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Bel locale, menu sufficiente, prezzo corretto, buona scelta di birre.

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  10. Sameer

    Las Vegas2 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on June 18, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Kettner Exchange is more than just a restaurant—it’s a dynamic culinary destination in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy. With its inventive American cuisine, vibrant rooftop ambiance, and exceptional service, it’s no wonder this local favorite has earned recognition in the Michelin Guide. The ambiance is an experience in itself. Kettner Exchange masterfully blends modern sophistication with coastal California charm. The open-air rooftop, lush greenery, and nautical-inspired design create a buzzing yet laid-back atmosphere, perfect for both intimate dinners and spirited nights out with friends. The rooftop cabanas offer a touch of exclusivity and make for a stunning setting under the San Diego skyline. The food is a bold and exciting take on contemporary American cuisine, with global influences woven throughout. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski delivers a menu that’s as playful as it is precise. The menu is constantly evolving, showcasing seasonal ingredients and creative flair, making each visit feel fresh and unique. Equally impressive is the service. The staff is polished, professional, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food and experience. From the moment you’re greeted to the last sip of a handcrafted cocktail, every detail is handled with care. The team is knowledgeable about both the menu and the extensive drink list, always ready with a recommendation that hits the mark. Kettner Exchange’s inclusion in the Michelin Guide is well-deserved. It exemplifies what the Guide looks for: quality ingredients, distinct personality, and consistently high-level execution. Whether you’re a local or visiting San Diego, Kettner Exchange is a must-visit for those who appreciate modern American cuisine in a setting that feels effortlessly upscale. In short, Kettner Exchange doesn’t just serve food—it serves an experience. One that satisfies the palate, delights the senses, and keeps you coming back for more.

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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 1495 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Little Italy

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Kettner Exchange

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

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