This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Terra American Bistro

Name: Terra American Bistro
Address: 7091 El Cajon, San Diego, CA, United States, 92115
Telephone: (619) 293-7088
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.6

4.6

1496 Reviews

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Top Tags:

After a 3 Year hiatus on Opentable....they're back!!

Terra American Bistro and Chef Jeff Rossman have been binging the Farm To Table-Modern American Bistro experience to San Diegans for over 25 years now. Having relocated from Hillcrest to the East College area close to SDSU 11 years ago, the rotating menu features local fish procured from Tommy The Fishmonger @ Tunaville and local farm fresh produce from the bounty of San Diego County. Featured menu items include 12 Hour Braised Short Rib, Grilled Flat Iron Steak Chimichurri, Roasted Salmon with Herb oil, Terra's Wagyu Burgers, Nashville Chicken Sandwich and the famous Banana Bread Pudding with Jim Beam Butterscotch! The team’s ambition at Terra is to create a relaxed and casual atmosphere to enjoy great food, local craft beer & wine. Terra has many awards for best neighborhood joint: it's where the locals go!!

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Tapas / Small Plates, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
Phone number
(619) 293-7088
Website
http://www.terrasd.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive chef
Jeff Rossman
Catering
Whatever the occasion, our goal is to make your event a complete success. With overflowing creativity and a gracious and dynamic staff, let Terra be your hospitality partner. We promise to exceed your expectations with an uncompromising commitment to perfection. Whether you are planning a simple luncheon or an elaborate six-course dinner, Chef/Owner Jeff Rossman will work with you from the start. He would be delighted to create a custom menu for you and your guests.
Private party facilities
small parties up to 16 can order off the menu and larger parties need to contact our banquet department for special menu with pricing. Private parties can buy out the restaurant or possibly host an event on Saturday afternoons or Monday evenings.
Private party contact
Lisa or Jeff: (619) 993-1437

Location
7091 El Cajon, San Diego, CA 92115
Neighborhood
La Mesa
Cross street
El Cajon and 71st St
Parking details
Street parking available and on weekends & evenings parking in business lots around restaurant.
Public transit
San Diego Trolley stop on 70th street.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Christmas Family Feast( serves 4)$179.99
Holiday Salad / arugula, baby kale, apples, dried cranberries gorgonzola, maple-balsamic dressing gf choice of: Carved Sage Turkey Breast with cranberry compote - Sage Turkey Breast & Bourbon Apple Glazed Ham - Bourbon Apple Glazed Ham - Tofu with cranberry-apricot compote Served with choice of two: Balsamic & Parmesan Roasted Brussels Sprouts - Roasted Butternut Squash & Cauliflower - Rosemary Truffle Roasted Potatoes - Italian Sausage & Caramelized Onion Stuffing - Parker House Rolls with herb butter Assorted Petite fors Double Chocolate Brownies Molasses Ginger Cookies

Appetizers & Platters

supplement for your gatherings

Large Baked Brie$54.00
with dried cranberry, honey & toasted walnuts baguette and crackers
Pumpkin Raviolis (dozen)$42.00
roasted corn cream, toasted pecans
Hot Cheeses(serves up to 25)$169.00
Baked Brie with dried cranberry, honey & toasted walnuts Smoked Gouda & Tomato Fondue with artisan bread
Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie Platter(serves up to 25)$110.00
Chef's selection of assorted salamis & grilled sausages, Chef's selection of hard blue & soft cheeses, pickled vegetables, assorted fresh & dried fruits, nuts rosemary-cranberry mustard artisan bread & crackers
Holiday Board(serves up to 25)$299.00
Baked Brie with dried cranberry, honey & toasted walnuts Cheese Torte with sun dried tomato & arugula pesto Walnut Pepper Spread with walnuts, olives and honey Molasses Cured Pork loin with caramelized garlic-apple chutney Grilled Flatbread
Farm Fresh Raw Vegetables(serves up to 25)$85.00
peppers
Holiday Bruschetta Bar(serves up to 25)$209.00
kale & sun dried tomato with whipped feta, olive-roasted tomato spread butternut squash and caramelized onion with cherries served with rosemary garlic crostinis

What 1,496 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Neighborhood gem
San Diego
Contemporary American
East County
Best Overall
East County
Best Food
East County
Best Value
East County
Good for business meals
East County
Healthy
East County
Neighborhood gem
East County
Great for fine wines
East County
Romantic
East County
Good for special occasions
East County
Lively

1,496 Reviews

J
John
San Diego
41 reviews
vip
5.0
41 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We went to Terra on the evening after Thanksgiving to celebrate my birthday. the staff were friendly, the food was amazing and it all made for a lovely birthday. All of the staff wished me a Happy Birthday. This a great place to celebrate any occasion.
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g
gaiters
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Everything on the menu is worth a try! Very friendly service, and the bread pudding is to die for!
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S
Sdfoodlover
San Diego
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food and great service. Highly recommended
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EA
ElizabethA
San Diego
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 11, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
The restaurant was very crowded and one of the servers called in sick. Despite being short handed, and noisy with celebrations, the food was amazing. I try to get the specials when I’m here and the soup was so flavorful and the hamachi appetizer was delicious! Service was a bit slow but the food more than made up for it.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 5, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is a cool little gem hidden on El Cajon blvd
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DD
DynamicDuo
San Diego
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on October 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great neighborhood gem. The food and service is always excellent. Chef Jeff adds delectable touches to his meals at all levels. They also have great gluten-free choices for those of us who need them. Bartender Satatia loves to create new libations for the seasons that are fantastic!
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EA
ElizabethA
San Diego
22 reviews
vip
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was great! The soup was flavorful, the witch’s brew cocktail was fun and tasty. The Asian bowl was my entree and it was good and I had the option of which protein to get. I usually get their Brussels sprouts which is hysterical since I thought I didn’t like them until I tried them here. And the pumpkin ravioli is a seasonal item that I definitely will get while they still have them on the menu. Treat yourself and try something new…
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t
tohlsson
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely outstanding! Food was great, drinks were good too. Grat little place. Hard to tell from outside, but this place is one of those gems. Try it!
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RB
RickB
San Diego
10 reviews
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on October 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Terra American Bistro is always five star food at a value price. Specialty cocktails are excellent and worth the money.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food & ambience. Definitely will be back to try other dishes.
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PT
PatT
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Had the Grandmas brisket it does not disappoint the flavor will make you smile the minute you place it in your mouth.Also Don’t forget to save room for the baby read pudding with bourbon sauce the perfect ending to a great meal
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LG
LindaG
San Diego
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
On line info about 40$ special dinner,said pumpkin ravioli and Maine lobster Mac and cheese included When we ordered our dinner ,we were then told Mac and cheese lobster was $48 The wine we ordered by the glass was fair,not so great… Brie cheese and pumpkin ravioli was the best along with desserts Made a reservation for 5 o’clock and place only had one other table occupied Hostess took us to a table in back corner. When we asked to sit up front she said people had reserved those tables. I said we had reservations too. So she made a face and took us to another table. Not very pleasant… We will return because there is always good and bad and we usually like everything
Terra American BistroResponded on September 30, 2023
Linda, I'm sorry you didn't realize there was an upcharge for the Lobster dish: It was posted online for the Restaurant Week Menu. I'm curious which wine you ordered that you didn't care for; it is quite possible the bottle wasn't perfect. So glad you enjoyed the brie, raviolis and dessert. I do apologize for the table mixup, I will definitely review this with our manager and hostess to see about table assignments. Thanks for sharing your comments and hope to see you again soon. Cheers!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a great experience to dine here! Initially came for restaurant week but ended up doing happy hour!
Terra American BistroResponded on September 30, 2023
I can't tell you how much it means to hear about such a great experience. We care deeply about all of our customers getting to enjoy their meal, whether it's for dinner or happy hour. All the best, Jeff Rossman, Chef/Owner How did you first hear about us, by the way? It would be great to know!
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LW
LisaW
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, everything we have tried so far has been wonderful. Highly recommend the Brussel sprout appetizer and the lemongrass ginger lemonade. Great service as well and friendly atmosphere.
Terra American BistroResponded on September 30, 2023
There are some great places to eat around, so hearing that everything has been wonderful is just incredible. Thank you so much for the support -- I can't say how much it means to everyone here. Can't wait to serve you again!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
So grateful this place popped up during restaurant week. Everything was absolutely delicious! I’m very excited to return.
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S
Susan
Yosemite
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food is excellent, fresh & service personalized. Their early dinner options provide excellent value. I love their variations on martinis 🍸! And the decaf freshly brewed coffee is exceptional.
Terra American BistroResponded on September 30, 2023
I'm thrilled that you enjoyed dinner with us, Susan! I hope you'll come back for another one before too long. Just curious, but what did you have to eat? I'd love to let the kitchen know what impressed! Talk soon, Jeff Rossman, Chef/Owner
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We loved Terra. The service was top notch, everyone loved their food. The calamari was fantastic. I wished I got the shirt ribs after I tasted it, but was loving my pasta.
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JM
JoshM
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was great, very friendly. The food was also very good. Fresh and delicious with quality ingredients. Not overpriced and well worth it. We'll be back for sure.
Terra American BistroResponded on September 30, 2023
Thank you for your comments. Our team really tries hard.
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R
Robbie
San Diego
19 reviews
4.0
19 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
We had company from out of town and I was so happy to get them to Terra. The food was outstanding and the service before and during the meal was also top of the line. There was a problem with the servers handheld device when it came time to pay. Just computer snafu and not server’s lack of ability or caring. We got it worked out and I will happily come again and again to Terra. My rockfish was so tasty!
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W
bobW
San Diego
5 reviews
3.0
5 reviews
Dined on September 1, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
The pork chop was very poorly prepared the salad was delicious,,, service was excellent
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s
stamos
San Diego
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
Was so disappointed in both the service and food. Took forever to get wait staff's attention and then had to wait nearly 45 minutes for our appetizer and our entrees were also very delayed. Food was just average. Definitely will not be back. A shame because it was a usual spot for us to go to several years ago.
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MD
MoanaD
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on August 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing food, fabulous staff. Our waitress was excellent. Highly recommend it.
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ML
MichaelL
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience4
Delicious and unique food for a moderate price. Great ambiance. Perfect for dates and special occasions.
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LW
LisaW
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My boyfriend and I have been coming to Terra for a few months now. I absolutely love the Lemongrass Ginger lemonade. All the food is delicious, we haven't had anything yet we didn't like. Date Night on Thursdays is definitely a great way to sample the menu without blowing your budget. Great staff and great service.
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HH
HollyHands
San Diego
7 reviews
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on August 25, 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
A little noisy in there but we were attened to like royalty and the food was excellent!! Wine paring was spot on!
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KS
KarenS
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on August 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We love the food at this restaurant. The service is also great! Great job to all who work there.
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SD
SanDiegobag
San Diego
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on August 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Terra is a neighborhood gem. The food and service are great !
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
1.0
1 review
Dined on August 11, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience3
used to love this place but not anymore. They are understaffed and the burger came out with no onion. no aioli and very soggy bacon.
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KP
KP15
San Diego
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place. Great food. Nice place to have in the neighborhood with high end food….
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e
eastandwest
San Diego
23 reviews
4.0
23 reviews
Dined on July 16, 2023
overall4food3service3ambience3
first it sounds like there is a motorcycle running on the back side of the restaurant off and on? Second i gad the Bolognese which was lacking in sauce
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent food, awesome service and easy to find. Our dinner was so tasty! Kids ordered mac and cheese and pasta chicken, we ordered short ribs and salmon. All delicious! Would definitely return for another meal.
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MP
MehulP
San Francisco
6 reviews
vip
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Enjoyed our meal and service at Terra, would definitely come back.
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j
jiml
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on July 1, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Jeff served up his lobster mac....soo good. now i have to come up with a minimum of 50 characters....really?
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DD
DynamicDuo
San Diego
34 reviews
vip
5.0
34 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Friendly, always great service, and the food is fantastic! I love that the menu has a great variety for whatever mood I'm in. Menu and kitchen are gluten/vegan friendly. That's a big plus in our family.
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WM
WayneM
San Diego
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We eat here once a week and have declared this our favorite restaurant. The food is delicious and the service is outstanding.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
3 reviews
vip
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 16, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Overall a great place to eat. Had the short ribs with mac n cheese.
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MA
MaryAnneB
Nashville
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Metal chairs somewhat uncomfortable and into the wine pairing dinner the noise level greatly increased. But this is a wonderful place with a very creative chef.
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LA
LeslieAllyse
San Diego
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience3
Had a nice, quiet anniversary dinner at Terra. Short rib was excellent. The star of the night was the banana bread pudding with bourbon caramel glaze — outstanding (top 5 restaurant dessert of all time on my list)
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LZ
LesleeZ
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The service was excellent and the food was hot and delicious. I will make this restaurant one of our go-to places to dine.
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AH
AliceH
San Diego
5 reviews
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience4
Was very enjoyed. Good service. Nice commemoration of birthday. Made special request for substitution easy. All good. Frequent diner. Brussel Sprouts fabulous even tho over priced.
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FAQs

Terra American Bistro offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 293-7088.

Terra American Bistro is rated 4.6 stars by 1496 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Order delivery or takeout

7091 El Cajon, San Diego, CA 92115

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
El Cajon and 71st St
Neighborhood
La Mesa
Hours of operation
Dinner Tue–Thu 4:30 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:30 pm–9:00 pm Happy Hour Tue–Sat 4:30 pm–6:30 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Contemporary American, Tapas / Small Plates, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking available and on weekends & evenings parking in business lots around restaurant.
Public transit
San Diego Trolley stop on 70th street.
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Jeff Rossman
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.terrasd.com/
Phone number
(619) 293-7088
Catering
Whatever the occasion, our goal is to make your event a complete success. With overflowing creativity and a gracious and dynamic staff, let Terra be your hospitality partner. We promise to exceed your expectations with an uncompromising commitment to perfection. Whether you are planning a simple luncheon or an elaborate six-course dinner, Chef/Owner Jeff Rossman will work with you from the start. He would be delighted to create a custom menu for you and your guests.
Private party facilities
small parties up to 16 can order off the menu and larger parties need to contact our banquet department for special menu with pricing. Private parties can buy out the restaurant or possibly host an event on Saturday afternoons or Monday evenings.
Private party contact
Lisa or Jeff: (619) 993-1437

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Terra American Bistro

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Menu

Package

Christmas Family Feast( serves 4)$179.99

Appetizers & Platters

Large Baked Brie$54.00

Pumpkin Raviolis (dozen)$42.00

Hot Cheeses(serves up to 25)$169.00

Artisanal Cheese & Charcuterie Platter(serves up to 25)$110.00

Holiday Board(serves up to 25)$299.00

Farm Fresh Raw Vegetables(serves up to 25)$85.00

Holiday Bruschetta Bar(serves up to 25)$209.00

What 1,496 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

FAQs

Does Terra American Bistro offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Terra American Bistro restaurant rated?

Is Terra American Bistro currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information