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oChef » Toasted Gastrobrunch – San Diego
Toasted Gastrobrunch - San Diego
Photo from Toasted Gastrobrunch
Toasted Gastrobrunch at a glance
San Diego Carmel Valley
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $31–$40
mentioned by 87 of the guests
#548 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#80 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
511
Reviews
60.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Generous portions
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- High prices
- Long waits
- Inconsistent food
The restaurant Toasted Gastrobrunch in San Diego’s vibrant Carmel Valley is a must-visit spot, celebrated for its great coffee and inviting atmosphere. You’ll find a casual yet trendy setting perfect for any meal, from a quick bite to a leisurely brunch.
This restaurant offers a delightful escape where you can savor delicious food and drinks, making it a local favorite for those seeking quality and comfort in Toasted Gastrobrunch – Del Mar.
Overview: Introducting Toasted Gastrobrunch
Toasted Gastrobrunch offers a mixed experience, where many appreciate the inviting atmosphere and the substantial portions served. Guests often find the setting pleasant, making it a comfortable spot for a meal.
However, some visits are marred by concerns over the overall cost and occasional lapses in attentiveness from the staff. While the culinary offerings generally satisfy, there are instances where the quality doesn’t quite meet expectations.
Good
6.5
out of 10
511
Reviews
60.1%
Satisfaction
172
negative
32
neutral
307
positive
Toasted Gastrobrunch holds a respectable overall score of 6.5, placing it firmly in the average category. This assessment is supported by a customer satisfaction rate of 60.1%, indicating a mixed but generally acceptable experience for many diners.
These insights are drawn from a substantial 511 customer opinions, with 307 positive remarks balancing 172 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (7.4) stands out as a strong point, often described as enjoyable and well-decorated.
The Food (6.6) also garners a fair score, though some experiences suggest room for improvement. Service (6.4) hovers around average, with some guests praising attentiveness while others note delays.
The primary area for concern appears to be Value (4), which falls into the lower end of the average range, suggesting that pricing can be a sticking point for some.
What people like
- Pleasant dining atmosphere
- Generous food portions
- Attentive service staff
What people don't like
- Concerns over pricing
- Occasional long waits
- Inconsistent food quality
With a recommendation score of 6.5, Toasted Gastrobrunch presents itself as a decent option, particularly if you prioritize a pleasant setting and substantial meals. It’s a place that can deliver a satisfying experience, especially if you catch them on a good day with attentive service.
However, be mindful of the pricing, as some guests find it a bit steep for the overall experience. If you’re seeking exceptional value or are on a tight schedule, you might want to consider other options, but for a casual brunch with a nice vibe, it’s worth a try.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Toasted Gastrobrunch
Food (6.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot offers a somewhat positive experience, with a score of 6.6 and customer satisfaction at 62.1%, indicating a mixed bag. Many patrons rave about the delicious brunch selection, amazing Bloody Marys, and satisfying burgers and salads. With 149 positive remarks out of 240 total comments, theres definitely a lot to love, including the excellent Lamb Chops and generous portions.
However, not everything hits the mark. About 75 comments point to issues like food being served cold, the unfortunate use of hard-boiled eggs instead of poached, and an overall inconsistency in food quality. Some found the taste mediocre or the steak tough, suggesting theres room for improvement in certain dishes and preparation.
Food
240
Reviews
62%
Satisfaction
75
negative
16
neutral
149
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Brunch options delicious
- Bloody Marys amazing
- Portions are generous
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Eggs often hard-boiled
- Quality can disappoint
Often praised
- foodAs visitors from England, we had a lovely experience at Toasted for brunch. The food was amazing, but what truly elevated our visit was our amazing server, Thor. He was incredibly attentive, making us feel like nothing was too much trouble.
- menuyou'll definitely find something on the menu for everyone
- Eggs BenedictThe food never disappoints. We had a variety of food at our table and I think the Elvis Pancakes and Eggs Benedict were some of the faves. The breakfast cocktails were also fantastic.
- FoodFood:5
- brunchcome here with my husband for brunch
- brunch selectionTons of selection. Great brunch spot.
- drip coffeetheir drip coffee is pretty bold and strong
- portionsWe visited this newly opened restaurant for brunch and were impressed by its beautiful and nicely decorated interior. The food was nice, the staff was friendly, and the portions were big, leaving us stuffed all day. We would definitely return if we're driving near Del Mar.
- potatoesThe ABC Hash was served warm, suggesting it wasn't freshly prepared, with only the eggs seeming fresh. The bacon also lacked freshness, though the potatoes were good and the eggs were cooked almost perfectly. I believe the dish would have been amazing if it were served fresh.
- saladsEntrees and salads were on point
Frequently criticized
- foodthe food however was very mediocre
- pizzaWell one pizza came out. Then 5 mins later another. Then 5 mins later another.
- food qualityoverwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the food quality
- lettucethe lettuce was withered
- poached eggsCold poached eggs and hollandaise sauce is kind of hard to choke down
- quality of foodquality of food and staff and offerings is so poor
- steakHowever, the food was quite disappointing. I ordered the steak and eggs for $33, and the steak was tough even at medium rare. A companion who ordered the same dish experienced severe stomach pain afterwards.
- ABC HashThe ABC Hash came out warm
- Chopped Chicken SaladThe Chopped Chicken Salad was a literal mountain
- Gastro Maryno taste whatsoever of vodka or gin
If youre looking for a solid brunch with great drinks and generous portions, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that some dishes might not live up to expectations, especially if youre particular about your eggs or steak.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
When it comes to service, it seems like a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 6.4 putting it squarely in the average range, and customer satisfaction at 57.8%, which is also mixed. On the bright side, many guests rave about the friendly and attentive staff, with specific shout-outs to great service and accommodating teams. Positive comments, totaling 104 out of 180 overall remarks, often highlight servers like Felipe and Lilly for their good suggestions and making guests feel like family.
However, there are definitely areas for improvement, as indicated by 67 negative comments. Some experiences mention frustrating wait time for seating or orders, and a perceived lack of staff leading to poor server interaction. Guests have reported feeling ignored the whole time and dealing with a dismissive attitude from management, which can certainly put a damper on the dining experience.
Service
180
Reviews
57%
Satisfaction
67
negative
9
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Lack of staff
- Poor server interaction
Often praised
- serviceWe visited on a Saturday morning around 10: 30 am and experienced a wait time of about 20 minutes. The initial service was quick, but we later had to flag down our server for water and coffee refills. We both ordered Benedicts; I chose the short rib benny and my companion had the Cali Benny.
- staffMy experience at the restaurant was largely positive, with the menu being tantalizing and our orders being delicious. While there were some issues with the service, it was understandable as the staff was clearly being overwhelmed by an extremely large party elsewhere during what would normally be a slow shift. Despite this, they did what they could to make it up to our table.
- serverThey were very accommodating to our large group. Heather, our server, was extremely attentive and provided us with great service. The food was delicious, as always!
- experienceFelipe truly kept the energy high and was very attentive. It was a 10/10 experience.
- attentiveHowever, our server, Nathan, and the manager, Karen, were top tier! They truly took care of us, brought a great energy, and were very attentive. Any issue was resolved with ease, and they did a fantastic job making us feel like family.
- ServiceService:5
- peoplethe real reason my wife and I come back so often is the people
- seatingMy first visit to Toasted was a mixed bag. We were seated quickly and greeted by a server who impressively went over the entire menu. However, the Gastro Mary had no discernible taste of vodka or gin, just the mix.
- FelipeFelipe kept the energy high and was very attentive
- HeatherHeather came over and apologized, took our orders and was very professional and nice
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy experience at Toasted was overwhelmingly negative, primarily due to the food quality. The service was mediocre, but the main issue was the meal. I ordered the smoked brisket melt, and despite the menu not mentioning parmesan, it arrived with a heavy parmesan crust that completely overpowered the other flavors, rendering it inedible.
- waiting timeweren't seated until 9:53, and our order wasn't taken until around 10:20
- serverWhen our orders finally arrived, they were either wrong or missing items. To make matters worse, our server was almost impossible to find throughout the meal. A handful of other issues piled on from there, making the entire experience disappointing from start to finish.
- staffMy experience at this restaurant began with being totally ignored by the staff just to be seated. I had to ask a man working on utensils if we should seat ourselves, and he responded someone would be right with us.
- accountabilitythe lack of accountability and communication was disappointing
- managermanager, Javi. Though he continually glanced our way he never approached us
- wait timeMy experience at the restaurant was that they usually vastly over-promise the pickup time for food and make you wait 20-40 minutes if you come at the time suggested.
- waterserver never brought the water we asked for
- DoorDash alarmA doordash alarm was going off
- attitudedismissive attitude ruined our brunch plans
If youre looking for a place with potentially great, friendly service, you might find it here, but be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less attentive moments. Its a bit of a gamble, so go in with an open mind, especially if you're not in a rush.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 46% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.4 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.6%. Many guests, with 47 positive opinions out of 63 total observations, loved the inviting interior and atmosphere, especially the outdoor patio perfect for a date night dinner or enjoying the sunset. The decorations and overall vibe create a truly pleasant dining experience.
However, not all experiences were perfect, with 11 negative opinions noting some downsides. Some found the music to be loud, even excessively loud, and a few mentioned issues like dirty plates or a generally tired place. There were also concerns about parking and an awful stench near the patio.
Ambience
63
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
11
negative
5
neutral
47
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lovely outdoor patio
- Inviting interior decor
- Great overall vibe
What people don't like
- Excessively loud music
- Difficult parking access
- Unpleasant stench
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food was delicious, as always! I would definitely recommend Sammy’s to anyone who hasn’t been- the food is yummy and the atmosphere is always fun!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- patioSitting on the patio during sunset made feel like I was in Greece
- accessacceso fácil
- boothsthe booths were comfortable
- cleanand clean
- crowdedIsn't crowded most of the time
- date night dinnerPerfect place for a date night dinner
- decorThe restaurant is nicely decorated
- decorationsVery pretty decorations
Frequently criticized
- Sammy's of oldThis is not the Sammy's of old, unfortunately has gone way down hill.
- dirty platesdirty plates, dirty restaurant
- dirty restaurantdirty plates, dirty restaurant
- enclosed patioespecially the enclosed patio
- excessively loud musicthe excessively loud music they are unable to turn down
- loud musicthe music was loud
- musicthe excessively loud music
- parkingSomewhat difficult to find parking
- stenchawful stench near one of the booths outside
- tired placethe whole place is just tired
Overall, the ambience offers a great setting, especially if you can snag a spot on the lovely patio. Just be mindful that the music can get loud, and parking might be a bit tricky. It's definitely worth checking out for the good vibes, but manage expectations regarding noise.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot offers a few bright spots that customers appreciate. Many found certain items to be reasonably priced, with some even highlighting good value for money, especially with generous portions. The happy hour also gets a nod for being surprisingly good, and the convenience of free parking is a definite plus, as noted in 7 positive remarks out of 28 total.
However, the overall picture for value is quite mixed, with a score of 4 indicating an average performance and customer satisfaction sitting at a low 25%. A significant number of guests, 19 to be exact, felt the experience was pricey and offered poor value for what you get. Complaints often centered on overcharging for small portions or unexpected surcharges, leaving many feeling disappointed.
Value
28
Reviews
25%
Satisfaction
19
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good value items
- Great happy hour
- Free parking available
What people don't like
- Often pricey
- Poor value
- Unexpected surcharges
Often praised
- Free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- Plenty of parkingParking space:Plenty of parking
- discountreceive a discount on our bill
- good valueGood value for your money with the great portions
- happy hoursurprisingly really good happy hour
- pricesbuenos precios
- reasonably pricedMy experience at this restaurant was a mix of highs and lows. The food was great, with some items being unnecessarily pricey while others were reasonably priced. The décor is nice, and the patio is huge.
Frequently criticized
- priceVery disappointing. $34 for an unfulfilling salad & beer? If you're going to increase the prices, at least keep the portions the same.
- pricesThe waiters were extremely unfriendly and clueless. The food was also mediocre and not worth the prices.
- 5% surchargeWe were going to mention the birthday to our server, but we opted not to even ask, due to all the above-mentioned issues and the fact we were there for about 2 hours for a dinner that should have taken no more than 1 hour. To add insult, they charge a 5% surcharge to the bill after taxes to assist with higher costs and wages. It might have been a good idea to not have this on the bill on this particular night.
- charged meI had the waitress take it back, and I ordered a different dish. However, they still charged me for the first one that was too salty. This was an unexpected and unwelcome aspect of the service.
- dish priceFor $30 each dish I expected more
- higher pricesjust the higher prices
- margarita$16 for one margarita
- mealmeal came over $44 was waste of my time and money
- overchargingAnother restaurant overcharging and underdelivering
- poor valueMy experience at this restaurant was mixed. The food was decent, but I felt it was pricy for what you get, indicating poor value. A significant issue was the service; a DoorDash alarm was going off for 5 to 10 minutes before we had to flag down a staff member to address it.
If you're looking for a deal, targeting their happy hour or specific reasonably priced items might offer some decent value. However, be prepared for potentially pricey regular menu items and keep an eye out for unexpected surcharges, as many guests felt the overall experience offered poor value for the cost.
How are the prices at Toasted Gastrobrunch?
You’re looking at roughly 35 per person – reported by 87 diners. That puts it in the $31–$40 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 35, its interesting to see that many diners actually spend a bit less, with a good number of prices clustering in the $21–$30 and $11–$20 ranges. So, theres a nice mix of options available!
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 87 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a general Restaurant’ in San Diego, we think the pricing feels pretty fair. It offers a good mid-range experience without breaking the bank, and the variety in spending options is a plus.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Toasted Gastrobrunch
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Solo Dining
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Terrible Experience: Cold Food and Poor Service
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely terrible. I was seated in a booth near the kitchen and waited over 15 minutes without any acknowledgment, not even for water or a "hello. " I eventually went to the bar to ask for assistance.
The server, while picking up another order, spoke to me over the counter asking for my order. I ordered eggs Benedict, coffee, and water. The drinks arrived, but it took another 20 minutes for my food.
It was literally dropped off without any interaction or offer for a coffee refill. To my dismay, the plate looked beautiful, but the eggs Benedict was COLD. I ate it that way because the waiter seemed indifferent.
Cold poached eggs and hollandaise sauce were difficult to swallow. While I understand they might have been understaffed due to it being a Monday after a holiday, I will never return.
- plate presentation7
- atmosphere3
- waiting time1
- staff attention1
- server interaction1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Fantastic Brunch Spot!
My experience at this restaurant was perfect for a brunch with the girls or a fun, relaxing meal for two. The service was fantastic, and the overall taste of the dishes was excellent. I highly suggest making a reservation.
- service10
- taste of the dishes9
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Experience at Toasted
My first visit to Toasted was a mixed bag. We were seated quickly and greeted by a server who impressively went over the entire menu. However, the Gastro Mary had no discernible taste of vodka or gin, just the mix.
The celery garnish was not fresh, with one stalk even being brown and showing signs of decay. My breakfast, the Green Eggs, was okay, but the fruit, including the strawberries, was not fresh and had brown parts. The salmon toast was also disappointing as the bread was not toasted.
While the food was fair, for two drinks and meals totaling $95, it was not worth the price, and I won't be returning for the Torrey Highlands area.
- seating8
- Green Eggs5
- food5
- Gastro Mary2
- celery garnish1
- fruit2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing First Visit with Delicious Food!
For a first-time visit, the experience was amazing. The food was very yummy, the music was on point, and the service was amazing. Helina, our server, was the sweetest individual and made the experience a thousand times better.
Will definitely come again!
- food10
- music9
- service10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Best Brunch Spot with Amazing People
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, easily making it the best brunch spot in the Del Mar Highlands area. The kitchen delivers unique, high-quality dishes every single time. However, the real reason my wife and I return so often is the people.
The vibe here is unmatched thanks to an incredible team of waiters and waitresses who are attentive, friendly, and genuinely fun to talk to. This makes every visit feel like a special occasion rather than just a transaction. If you're looking for a place that excels in both its menu and hospitality, this is it.
- dishes9
- people10
- vibe10
What Toasted Gastrobrunch offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Tourists
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Solo dining
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Vegan options
- Happy hour drinks
- Quick bite
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dessert
- Table service
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Toasted Gastrobrunch - Del Mar?
At Toasted Gastrobrunch – Del Mar, you’ll find a cozy, casual, and trendy atmosphere perfect for any meal. Enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dessert with comfortable seating and table service. Delightful outdoor seating is also available, making it an ideal spot to relax and dine in San Diego’s Carmel Valley.
Are there healthy or dietary-specific options available at Toasted Gastrobrunch - Del Mar?
Absolutely! Toasted Gastrobrunch – Del Mar prides itself on offering a diverse menu to cater to various preferences. You’ll find plenty of healthy options, alongside dedicated vegan options and vegetarian options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal tailored to their dietary needs.
How is Toasted Gastrobrunch generally rated by customers?
Toasted Gastrobrunch receives an overall score of 6.5, indicating an average experience. Customers particularly appreciate the Ambience (7.4), while Food (6.6) and Service (6.4) are considered average, and Value (4) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about Toasted Gastrobrunch?
Many customers praise the restaurant’s pleasant atmosphere, often highlighting the comfortable patio and attractive decor. They also frequently commend the generous food portions and the attentiveness of the service staff.
What are some common concerns customers have about Toasted Gastrobrunch?
Recurring concerns include the perception of high prices and additional surcharges, leading to questions about overall value. Guests also sometimes experience long waiting times for seating or service, and there are occasional reports of inconsistent food quality.