Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Wormwood – San Diego
Wormwood - San Diego
Photo from Wormwood
Wormwood at a glance
San Diego Normal Heights
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#363 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#56 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
744
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Outdoor ambiance
- Attentive service
- Creative cocktails
Frequently criticized
- Poor value
- Loud indoors
- No parking
The restaurant Wormwood, located in San Diego’s vibrant Normal Heights neighborhood, is a top-tier establishment known for its exceptional dining experience. You’ll discover an upscale and romantic atmosphere perfect for a special evening out.
With its reputation for great dessert, you’re in for a treat that perfectly caps off your meal. This trendy spot offers a cozy ambiance, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking quality and style.
Overview: Introducting Wormwood
Wormwood offers a distinctive dining experience, particularly praised for its captivating ambiance and attentive service. Guests often highlight the enchanting back patio and the creative cocktails, making it a notable spot for special occasions.
However, some aspects warrant consideration. Concerns have been raised regarding the overall value for money, with mentions of high prices and unexpected surcharges.
Additionally, the indoor atmosphere can sometimes be quite loud, and parking can be a challenge.
Good
7.4
out of 10
744
Reviews
71.6%
Satisfaction
174
negative
37
neutral
533
positive
Wormwood garners a respectable 7.4 overall score, indicating a generally positive reception. Customer satisfaction stands at a solid 71.6%, reflecting that most diners leave content.
This assessment is drawn from 744 customer observations, with 533 positive remarks outweighing 174 negative ones. Delving deeper, Ambience (8.1) receives high marks, particularly for its unique settings like the secret garden.
Food (7.7) also performs well, with many appreciating the culinary offerings. Service (7.3) is consistently noted for its attentiveness.
However, Value (3.4) stands out as a clear area for improvement, with many finding the pricing structure challenging.
What people like
- Captivating outdoor ambiance
- Attentive, knowledgeable service
- Creative cocktails, good food
What people don't like
- Poor value for money
- Loud indoor atmosphere
- Challenging parking situation
Wormwood offers a distinct experience, particularly if you prioritize a unique setting and well-crafted drinks. The 7.7 recommendation score suggests it’s a place many would encourage others to try.
It shines for special occasions where the atmosphere and service can truly elevate the evening. However, be prepared for the cost, as value is a common concern.
If you’re seeking a quiet, budget-friendly meal or easy parking, this might not be your ideal choice. For those willing to splurge on a memorable evening, Wormwood could be a worthwhile destination.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wormwood
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners generally have a great time, with a solid 7.7 score and 76% customer satisfaction. Out of 430 comments, 327 rave about the gastronomic experience, praising the delicate and deliciously prepared treats, the chefs creative vision, and the masterful balance of French flavors and textures. However, some experiences werent as stellar, with 82 negative comments.
Concerns often revolved around miniature portions, disappointing and bland flavors, or dishes being under seasoned. A few even mentioned cold entrees, which can definitely put a damper on the meal.
Food
430
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
82
negative
21
neutral
327
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exceptional flavors
- Creative vision
- Beautiful presentation
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland flavors
- Cold dishes
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of excellent food and service, but ultimately ruined by their group policies. While the food and service were rated highly (4/5 and 4/5 respectively), and the atmosphere was a perfect 5/5, the evening was marred by undisclosed charges and rigid rules.
- drinksFor a restaurant with high expectations, they did not deliver. Maybe focus less attention on your drinks and more on your service and plates. The manager helped excuse some dishes but unfortunately, we will not be back.
- cocktailsAnd to top it off he had been wanting to try a Sazerac and kept saying everywhere didn’t seem like they did it quite right, but Joe did an awesome job making it to match his vision and even going as far as to use a lighter to light the absinthe they spritzed on the glass. Overall Joe and Jo were amazing and so gracious with us, my husband and I are not huge absinthe fans but the cocktails were amazing and even if they were half as good we would go back just for how they treated my FIL.
- absinthethoroughly enjoyed trying the absinthe
- scallopsdeft hand in searing them perfectly and accompanying them with a get sweet and spicy garnish
- beet saladGet the beet salad, it has surprises at the bottom.
- breadthe bread - a winner with the onion butter
- menuMy experience at this restaurant was interesting, with a very good menu and a lovely courtyard. The service was cordial and well-informed, but unfortunately, largely absent, possibly due to being understaffed.
- mushroom pastaI would absolutely visit again. We started with the salmon crude and scallops, followed by oysters, the French onion tartine, the fish of the day, and the mushroom pasta. I loved every dish; there wasn't a single miss.
- oystersfrom the absinthe to the oysters
Frequently criticized
- foodTheir lack of kindness left a very bad impression on me and my visiting family. I was deeply disappointed that I brought them here, especially since the service was not good and the food was definitely not as good as I've had previously. It was particularly disheartening given the $600 bill for four people, which was not even close to being worth it.
- menuThe minor letdown is the menu. While it’s a tiny kitchen, it could use a couple more dishes to choose from.
- fishthe fish we had was not cooked enough
- mealI could go on and on but basically please think twice before booking here. We paid over $800 for 4 people and it was one of the worst meals we have ever experienced. Also we suggest that when you receive feedback privately, a response really goes a long way.
- pasta dishOne person's dinner was messed up (it was only a pasta dish)
- portion sizesthe portion sizes were tiny for the price
- portionsThe portions were so small
- AsparagusThe Asparagus was a miss for me but others loved it
- CocktailsThe onion tart was so salty it was hard to finish, and the fish was dry. Cocktails were beautifully presented but small enough to finish in a few sips. For how expensive everything was, the value just wasn’t there.
- FoodEvery single thing was so wrong
If you're seeking a culinary adventure with creative, beautifully presented dishes and exceptional flavors, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for potentially smaller, European-style portions and ensure you communicate any seasoning preferences.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 79% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark with a good score of 7.3, though customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.6%. Many guests rave about the staff, highlighting their exceptional hospitality and attentive service. With 109 positive remarks out of 159 total, terms like impeccable service and Chef's personal touch frequently pop up, making for memorable dining experiences.
However, not everyone had a flawless experience. Some of the 42 negative comments point to issues like slow service and staff being inattentive, with mentions of unprofessional behavior and feeling ignored. Communication breakdowns and unfulfilled requests also occasionally marred the dining experience for a few.
Service
159
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
42
negative
8
neutral
109
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable, attentive service
- Knowledgeable, warm staff
- Personalized guest experience
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Unprofessional staff/management
- Poor communication/follow-up
Often praised
- serviceAnd to top it off he had been wanting to try a Sazerac and kept saying everywhere didn’t seem like they did it quite right, but Joe did an awesome job making it to match his vision and even going as far as to use a lighter to light the absinthe they spritzed on the glass. Overall Joe and Jo were amazing and so gracious with us, my husband and I are not huge absinthe fans but the cocktails were amazing and even if they were half as good we would go back just for how they treated my FIL.
- staffWe took my Father-In-Law there because he wanted to try the absinthe drip and they went above and beyond. It didn’t seem like it was their usual routine, but they were willing to bring out bottles to show my FIL, do the drip for him, give background on the process and it was everything he wanted and more. And to top it off he had been wanting to try a Sazerac and kept saying everywhere didn’t seem like they did it quite right, but Joe did an awesome job making it to match his vision and even going as far as to use a lighter to light the absinthe they spritzed on the glass.
- serversthe servers attentive and polite
- ServiceService was great.
- waitressthe waitress was very knowledgable and helpful
- American serviceI wasn’t rushed like your typical American service.
- Caraour service Cara was awesome, super thorough and caring!
- Chef Anna LisaA special surprise was meeting Chef Anna Lisa, who came out to greet guests.
- Chef's personal touchThe secret garden provided a serene and romantic setting for dessert and drinks, with the espressotinis being the perfect finishing touch. The service was impeccable—Kyle, Erick, and Lucas made us feel welcomed and well cared for, with the Chef's personal touch adding to the experience. Wormwood is a gem that offers a combination of delicious food, a beautiful setting, and top-notch service.
- GeoffreyWe were taken care of by Geoffrey who really knocked it out of the park.
Frequently criticized
- serviceTheir lack of kindness left a very bad impression on me and my visiting family. I was deeply disappointed that I brought them here, especially since the service was not good and the food was definitely not as good as I've had previously. It was particularly disheartening given the $600 bill for four people, which was not even close to being worth it.
- dishesother dishes sat at our table for an hour+
- managerWhen I asked for the manager, I was told they'd contact me — they never did
- serversthe servers are unknowledgeable about their own menu items.
- CommunicationCommunication going into the event was frustrating
- French fellowa French fellow who was not our server
- ServiceNothing was done with that information
- basicssome basics were often missed
- birthdayasked me if we were celebrating anything and I said my birthday. Nothing was done with that information
- circling around30 minutes of circling around
Overall, the service here often shines, offering a truly special experience, but theres a chance you might encounter some hiccups. If you value attentive and personalized care, its definitely worth a visit. Just be prepared for the possibility of a slightly slower pace or communication issues.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 64% of the guests
The ambience at this spot truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and leaving a remarkable 84.3% of customers satisfied. With 91 positive observations out of 108 total, guests consistently rave about the charming outdoor patio, often featuring live music, making it an ideal setting for a date night or special occasion. Many appreciate the intimate French vibe, especially the enchanting secret garden, which transports you to another world.
However, not every aspect of the atmosphere is perfect, with 13 negative comments noted. Some visitors found the interior less appealing, describing it as a bit loud, and parking proved to be a significant challenge for a few. There were also mentions of visible rodent traps, which understandably detracted from the overall experience for some.
Ambience
108
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Charming outdoor patios
- Intimate French vibe
- Live music experience
What people don't like
- Can be loud
- Challenging parking
- Less appealing interior
Often praised
- atmosphereAnother frustrating policy is that everyone at the table must order the prix fixe dining menu, or no one can. It seems like these policies, possibly implemented by a business person, have compromised the otherwise excellent food, ambiance, and service. Consequently, I will not be returning as I cannot support this type of sneaky price gouging and rigid policies.
- ambianceGo here for the ambiance and service. Indoor and outdoor the spaces are really special
- back patiothe moment I stepped onto the back patio, I felt transported to another world
- secret gardenThe drinks were particularly incredible, with superb cocktails all around. We celebrated a party in the secret garden, where we had our own bathroom and bartenders. Every single drink was amazing, including The Bombardier, the Sun King, and even the old fashions made with simple syrup, which were super smooth.
- date nightGreat spot for a date night
- experienceI've traveled to multiple countries, states, cities, and islands, and I can confidently say this is the BEST food I've tasted in a long while. I chose this place on a whim before a concert, and I was not expecting such an AMAZING experience. You absolutely must EAT HERE!
- live musicI suspect there has been some chef turnover, and the food has suffered as a result. The ambience is still good, especially with the live music on the patio.
- outdoor patiooutdoor patio that gives you the vibes of Europe
- patioHad a large table in the patio which is a lovely space.
- placea place I WANT to go back to.
Frequently criticized
- InsideInside it's way too loud
- atmosphereIt was genuinely pretty unpleasant and distracting the whole time
- buildingIf you want to be really angry and late for your reservation, go to Wormwood! You'll see the building as you drive past it 10 times, yet never be able to enter.
- dining rooma bit loud in the dining room
- interiorThe worst thing honestly was the interior
- lightingyou're stark in the bright kitchen light
- loudJust a little loud.
- musicthe music was too loud
- parkingUnfortunately, the only taste left in my mouth is a bad one. There is 100 percent no parking/valet, and no paid lot nearby. I spent 30 minutes circling around, eventually giving up and eating at Juniper and Ivy, which was lovely.
- party musicDespite some initial confusion with the waiters due to an event they were hosting, we ended up with a very attentive server. The backyard patio is so charming that it completely outweighed any annoyance from louder party music. While the fish was a little bland, it was cooked perfectly and still tasted quite good when enhanced with other items.
If you're looking for a romantic evening or a special gathering with a beautiful outdoor setting and live music, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be mindful of potential parking difficulties and consider opting for the patio over the indoor seating if you prefer a quieter experience.
Value (3.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some bright spots, noting that certain experiences felt worth every penny or worth it. Specifically, the drinks price and happy hour deals were appreciated for being affordable, making it a good option for an occasional splurge if youre looking for something special. However, the overall sentiment around value is quite low, with a poor score of 3.4 and customer satisfaction at a very low 12.8%.
Many of the 37 negative comments, compared to just 6 positive ones out of 47 total, highlight that its often expensive or pricey. Complaints frequently mention surcharge issues, hidden fee surprises, and feeling like they had to spend a lot for small portion sizes, leading to accusations of price trickery.
Value
47
Reviews
12%
Satisfaction
37
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth every penny
- Affordable drinks
- Happy hour deals
What people don't like
- Hidden fees
- Expensive portions
- Price trickery
Often praised
- affordable pricetasty bites and drinks at an affordable price
- drinks pricedrinks are incredible, reasonably priced
- happy hourMade it to their first day with happy hour!
- occasional splurgeThe plating was beautiful. Overall, it was a great meal – perhaps not a regular date night spot, but worth it for an occasional splurge.
- worth every pennyIt is absolutely worth every penny.
- worth itThe food was fantastic, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks. While the portions were on the smaller side, requiring us to order more than one dish, the overall experience was super worth it. It's a little expensive, but the quality justifies the cost.
Frequently criticized
- priceWhat we got was not brunch. It was one of the most disgusting meals we have ever had and was grossly overpriced. The "croque monsieur" was two pieces of flattened very dry wonder bread, with no creamy cheese or sauce.
- valueFor how expensive everything was, the value just wasn’t there
- surchargeThe citrusy Creamsicle dessert was refreshing, light, and balanced well with the creme fresh and meringue pieces. Overall, we enjoyed this place and its cool vibe, but it is more expensive (>$100 per person) and be mindful of the add-ons on the menu (in addition to the $60 per person fee, the steak is +$16, cheese plate is +$10, and 4% surcharge on the bill.).
- 20% tipadd a 20% tip AND DON’T TELL YOU
- BEO Event Coordination feenot aware of a 4.00% BEO Event Coordination fee
- add-onsThe citrusy Creamsicle dessert was refreshing, light, and balanced well with the creme fresh and meringue pieces. Overall, we enjoyed this place and its cool vibe, but it is more expensive (>$100 per person) and be mindful of the add-ons on the menu (in addition to the $60 per person fee, the steak is +$16, cheese plate is +$10, and 4% surcharge on the bill.).
- bill$600 bill for 4 and it was not even close to worth it
- charged for itthey charged me for it
- cheap dinner dateMy first visit to Wormwood was an excellent culinary experience. While the dining room was a bit loud and it's not a cheap dinner date, the service was phenomenal and the food and drinks were, for the most part, delectable. We started with a steaming hot farmers loaf of bread accompanied by a delicious butter.
- expensiveThe citrusy Creamsicle dessert was refreshing, light, and balanced well with the creme fresh and meringue pieces. Overall, we enjoyed this place and its cool vibe, but it is more expensive (>$100 per person) and be mindful of the add-ons on the menu (in addition to the $60 per person fee, the steak is +$16, cheese plate is +$10, and 4% surcharge on the bill.).
If youre watching your wallet or expecting generous portions for your money, this might not be the place for you. However, if youre prepared for a splurge and can overlook some pricing quirks, you might find specific offerings, like happy hour, to be worthwhile.
How are the prices at Wormwood?
On average, you’ll spend around $80 per person – based on what 93 guests reported. That places this restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Restaurant, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps leaning a bit higher.
While the average sits at $80, its worth noting that a good chunk of diners actually spend more, with a significant number opting for experiences well over $100. This suggests a mix of offerings, from solid mid-range options to more premium choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant of this type. It offers a good balance, not being the cheapest, but also not pushing into the ultra-premium bracket for its average spend.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wormwood
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Outstanding Experience at Wormwood!
My experience at Wormwood was outstanding, encompassing the food, service, and atmosphere. The scallops, in particular, were a true piece of art. This restaurant is now one of my new favorites in San Diego.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Food, Worth the Price!
My experience at this restaurant was truly amazing! The food was fantastic, and the service and atmosphere also received top marks. While the portions were on the smaller side, requiring us to order more than one dish, the overall experience was super worth it.
It's a little expensive, but the quality justifies the cost.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
- portions4
- price5
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Long Wait, Cold Food, Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. The drinks took an hour to arrive, and the food took even longer. When the food finally came out, it was cold.
My first drink wasn't good, and when I asked for a replacement, I was charged for it.
- drinks2
- food2
- first drink3
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Amazing Evening with A++ Hospitality
My experience at Wormwood was amazing! Lucas and Savannah provided A++ hospitality, and the kitchen team delivered a meal that perfectly matched the front of the house. For dessert, we enjoyed Bone Marrow Shots after our Wagu Tartare.
- hospitality10
- meal9
- Wagu Tartare9
Service Type
- Dine-in
1
Beware of Hidden Charges and Scams
I would give this place ZERO STARS if I could. They will charge a 4% surcharge for “rising costs” without telling you until you see the bill. THEN they will SCAM YOU for more money, claiming you tipped more than you did.
Good thing I checked my bank statements because they tried to scam me for more tip money after I already left a tip! HOW GREEDY DOES THIS RESTAURANT HAVE TO BE? !?
! DO NOT DINE HERE. They have a historical record for fraud against their employees and guests.
- surcharge1
- tip money1
- fraud1
What Wormwood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Transgender safespace
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Family-friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Dinner
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and reservation policies does Wormwood offer?
At Wormwood, you can enjoy a variety of dining options including brunch, dinner, and dessert, all with comfortable table service and seating. It’s highly recommended to make reservations for both dinner and brunch, especially given its popularity. You can easily accept reservations to secure your spot for an unforgettable meal.
What kind of atmosphere and beverage selections can you expect at Wormwood?
Wormwood offers an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a sophisticated outing. You’ll find an extensive selection of beverages, including a great wine list, hard liquor, cocktails, beer, and coffee. They also feature happy hour drinks and a bar onsite, ensuring you have plenty of choices to complement your small plates.
How does Wormwood generally perform according to customer feedback?
Wormwood holds an overall score of 7.4, with customer satisfaction at 71.6%. Its **Ambience** (8.1), **Food** (7.7), and **Service** (7.3) are well-regarded, though **Value** (3.4) is a notable concern.
What is the atmosphere like at Wormwood?
The restaurant is highly praised for its captivating outdoor spaces, including a **back patio** and **secret garden**, making it ideal for a **date night**. However, the indoor dining area can sometimes be quite **loud**.
Is Wormwood considered good value for money?
While some find the drinks reasonably priced and the overall experience “worth it” for an occasional splurge, many customers express concerns about the high prices, small portions, and additional surcharges, leading to a low **Value** score.