Highlights
- Great dessert
- Rooftop seating
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Vistal – San Diego
Vistal - San Diego
Photo from Vistal
Vistal at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🦞 Seafood Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 78 of the guests
#460 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#8 Seafood Restaurant out of 10 in San Diego
Good
7 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
620
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Bay views
- Quality food
- Attentive staff
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent value
- Service issues
- Noisy environment
The restaurant Vistal is a premier Seafood Restaurant located in the vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood of San Diego. You’ll discover an upscale and trendy atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a lively gathering.
One of its standout features is the fantastic rooftop seating, offering breathtaking views to complement your dining experience. With a great wine list and an excellent beer selection, it’s an ideal spot for both casual lunches and memorable dinners.
Overview: Introducting Vistal
Vistal offers a compelling experience, often highlighted by its stunning views and generally attentive staff. Guests frequently praise the inviting atmosphere and the overall quality of many dishes, making it a pleasant spot for a meal or drinks.
However, some diners have noted concerns regarding pricing and portion size, suggesting that the value proposition can be inconsistent. While the service is often commended, there are occasional reports of slow or inattentive moments.
Good
7
out of 10
620
Reviews
68.2%
Satisfaction
173
negative
24
neutral
423
positive
Vistal earns a solid 7 overall, indicating a generally positive dining experience. However, customer satisfaction stands at 68.2%, which suggests a mixed reception, falling just shy of a truly good rating.
This slight divergence points to areas where experiences can vary. These insights are drawn from a substantial 620 customer remarks, with 423 positive observations balancing 173 negative ones.
The Food (7.2) is a strong point, often receiving praise for its quality, while the Ambience (8.4) truly shines, frequently described as a highlight. Service (6.4) is generally considered average, though some experiences stand out.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.5), which receives a lower assessment, often due to concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
What people like
- Stunning Bay views
- Quality food selection
- Attentive bar staff
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Service inconsistencies
- Noisy environment
Vistal, with a recommendation score of 7, presents a compelling option, particularly if you prioritize a beautiful setting and well-prepared dishes. It’s a place that can truly impress, especially for those seeking a vibrant atmosphere with a view.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in service and the overall value for money. If you’re looking for a reliable experience where every detail is consistently excellent, you might set your expectations accordingly.
It’s worth trying for the right occasion.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Vistal
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 90% of the guests
Overall, the food here earns a 7.2 score, which is quite good, and customer satisfaction sits at a solid 70.7%. With 181 positive remarks out of 256 total comments, many guests raved about the delicious food, often highlighting fresh, local ingredients, creative cocktails, and beautifully presented dishes. However, 61 negative comments pointed out issues like food being served cold and concerns about overall food quality.
Some found the wagyu burger flavorless, and a few felt the cocktails were weak, suggesting there's room for improvement in consistency.
Food
256
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
61
negative
14
neutral
181
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food options
- Fresh local ingredients
- Creative cocktails
What people don't like
- Food served cold
- Inconsistent food quality
- Weak cocktails
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was amazing, thanks in large part to the staff, the view, location, food, and drinks. While everything was great, our bartender and server, Emanuel, made our visit while waiting for our train incredibly memorable.
- drinksI asked for a cocktail that was 'not too sweet, ' and they crafted a perfect one effortlessly, showing they truly care about their craft. Overall, it's a great atmosphere with good music, good people, and great drinks. It's definitely become one of my go-to spots downtown.
- cinnamon roll pancakesThe seafood was amazing, and I particularly enjoyed the crispy halibut tacos and the very juicy wagyu cheeseburger 😋. I also loved the cinnamon roll pancakes, fresh orange juice with fruit, and the pink panther cocktails. The food is delicious!
- cocktailsThis is a good place for a couple cocktails while you wait for your hotel room to be ready. Daniel was awesome, prompt, and attentive.
- avocado toastHighly recommend the avocado toast
- birria tacoswe had the fish tacos and the birria tacos they were so good.
- breakfastThe other patrons at the other tables had already received their meals and drinks. I helped myself to the buffet and then asked the waitress for coffee. Considering the price I paid for breakfast, I expected better service.
- charcuterie boardCharcuterie board was fiyahhh
- fish tacoswe had the fish tacos and the birria tacos they were so good.
- good foodMy experience at this restaurant was primarily focused on drinking and snacking during my stay. It's a casual place that offers good service and food. The view is phenomenal!
Frequently criticized
- foodI felt so attacked when they ignored our questions about the drinks and other good questions. The food itself was disgusting and made my stomach upset in the end. It was my first time going here and it will be the last.
- friesthe fries - they were a disaster too. They arrived at our table cold
- burgerThe burger itself was frozen
- chipswhen I asked for more you brought me 5 chips
- drinksthe drinks did not come up
- food qualitythe food quality was horrible
- wagyu burgeralthough it was suppose to be a medium wagyu burger it came out well done
- Vistal Caesar SaladVistal Caesar Salad, its suppose to include kale. Does not include protein.
- baconrepeated requested to alter/remove the ingredients that were present and that were served in the original menu, the bacon
- bare looking platesBare looking plates of food.
With a good score and solid customer satisfaction, this place is worth a visit for its generally delicious offerings. Just keep in mind that while many dishes impress, some guests noted occasional inconsistencies in food temperature or flavor.
Service (6.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 87% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, landing an average score of 6.4 with customer satisfaction at a mixed 59.4%. Many guests rave about the attentive and friendly staff, with shout-outs to specific servers like Reyna and Brittany for their personalized care and knowledgeable recommendations. Out of 207 customer comments, 123 were positive, highlighting excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere.
However, 78 comments point to some significant issues. Diners frequently mention slow service, long wait times for food and drinks, and a general lack of attentiveness from some staff members. There are also concerns about rude bartenders and instances where guests felt ignored or experienced a lack of professionalism, suggesting inconsistency in the service quality.
Service
207
Reviews
59%
Satisfaction
78
negative
6
neutral
123
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Personalized care
- Knowledgeable recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Long wait times
- Inattentive staff
Often praised
- serviceI wasn't familiar with it, but it's in an amazing location with great views of the water. The food was outstanding, the service friendly, and the atmosphere was very modern and comfortable, not stuffy. We will definitely be back.
- staffOur server Reyna was very friendly and attentive throughout our dining experience. It really warmed our hearts when the staff was able to easily adapt during a quick mishap while we were dining outside. As we were sitting down enjoying our coffee and tea while looking at the Pacific, we saw a drone that was cleaning windows.
- serverDrinks, like Tito's + water, were also expensive at $16. Our server was very sweet, and the views at sunset were amazing. Parking was easy at the Intercontinental; just get the hostess to validate your ticket before going to the garage.
- bartenderI visited Vistal in September while in town for a conference and had such a great vibe! Our bartender, Siyovush, was awesome. He remembered everyone’s names and drinks like magic and made us feel super welcome.
- attentiveThe food was fantastic, and the service was outstanding. Reyna, in particular, always took wonderful care of us and was super attentive. The atmosphere was also rated a perfect 5, and the food a perfect 5, indicating a highly enjoyable dining experience.
- bar staffMy experience at this restaurant offered beautiful views of the Bay from its great outdoor patio. The drinks were good, and the bar staff was good. However, the food was just average.
- bartendersMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great ambiance and nice bartenders. The food was solid, though I found it to be a little pricey for San Diego.
- great serviceIf you want great service, this is the place to go!
- waiterThe experience was so good, and the views were spectacular. Our waiter was super kind, and everything we ate was delicious. It wasn’t insanely expensive, and I would definitely come back next time I’m in the area!
- EmanEman at the bar made a Black Manhattan
Frequently criticized
- servicewe had two orders of pepperoni flat bread pizza one with no sauce and the second one with no pepperoni
- waiting timeWhen our food arrived it was cold. I felt like if we had a better experience I'd give it a 5 star but we waited over 15 minutes for our food.
- orderhad to go to the bar for them to take my order
- waiterthe waiter basically comment that "I don't think it's fair for you to take up the table"
- staffmade us feel uncomfortable by his rude way of dealing with this
- waitersOur experience could have been better. I had to ask three different waiters how long our food would take. Everyone else who got there before us got our food.
- bartenderOne bartender was working the whole thing
- serversHowever, the price was well above average. Despite it not being very busy, the service was lacking; servers didn't come around often enough to refill drinks or take away dishes. I will not be going there again.
- waiter attentionThe host seemed very nice to the two gentlemen in front of us but was pretty cold, arrogant, and impatient towards my partner and me. When we finally got a table, we waited forever to get attended while a waiter was super attentive to the couple next to us. I couldn't help but notice that my partner and I were the only Asians in the room at that time.
- waitress, Chemywaitress, Chemy, seemingly indifferent to our presence
If you catch them on a good day, you'll likely experience excellent, personalized service. But be prepared for potential inconsistencies, as slow service and inattentive staff can sometimes be a dealbreaker for others.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot truly shines! With a fantastic score of 8.4 and a customer satisfaction rate of nearly 90% (specifically 89.2%), its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 130 comments, a whopping 116 rave about the stunning views, relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful setting, especially the inviting outdoor seating options.
However, its not entirely without its quirks. A smaller number of comments, 11 to be exact, pointed out issues like a sometimes loud environment due to noisy crowds, or that the location can be a bit hard to find. Some also felt the outdoor furniture could be better utilized for the space.
Ambience
130
Reviews
89%
Satisfaction
11
negative
3
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Great outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Loud environment
- Hard-to-find location
Often praised
- viewMy experience at this restaurant was amazing, thanks in large part to the staff, the view, location, food, and drinks. While everything was great, our bartender and server, Emanuel, made our visit while waiting for our train incredibly memorable.
- atmosphereI wasn't familiar with it, but it's in an amazing location with great views of the water. The food was outstanding, the service friendly, and the atmosphere was very modern and comfortable, not stuffy. We will definitely be back.
- viewsMy experience at this restaurant was challenging due to its difficult-to-find location and underutilized space. Despite having killer views and an amazing location, the restaurant was surprisingly empty. The service was significantly impacted because there was only one bartender trying to manage everything, including making drinks, cleaning tables, charging guests, and putting in orders.
- locationMy experience at this restaurant was amazing, thanks in large part to the staff, the view, location, food, and drinks. While everything was great, our bartender and server, Emanuel, made our visit while waiting for our train incredibly memorable.
- ambianceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by a great ambiance and nice bartenders. The food was solid, though I found it to be a little pricey for San Diego.
- vibeMy experience at Vistal was fantastic! The restaurant has a chill but classy vibe, and the view is insane, especially around sunset, giving off total San Diego energy. It's a great spot to unwind after work or kick off a night out.
- experienceits always the best experience
- view of the harborThe food and service were top-notch. I also enjoyed the great view of the harbor at sunset. The only minor drawback was that the cocktails were a little weak.
- Bay viewsReally beautiful views
- Outside tableOutside table 5 stars
Frequently criticized
- locationIts a shame for the location
- environmentInstead of rectifying his mistake, he rudely told me to 'go back to PB, ' despite me living across the street. This interaction, coupled with what I perceived as a horrible environment based on judging a book by its cover, makes me strongly advise against visiting this establishment.
- heatersThey have heaters, but it’s still cold
- huge partyallowed a huge party to come in after last call
- loudHellllllla loud and so killed it for the other patrons
- noisy conventioneersnoisy conventioneers at the bar
- outdoor furniturethe outdoor furniture should work better for the amazing space.
- outside seatingOutside is great, but the problem is that the weather was cold
- restauranta very bad restaurants
- spaceLots of wasted space on this building
If you're looking for a place with breathtaking views and a generally relaxed, beautiful setting, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that it can get a bit lively, and you might need to keep an eye out for its entrance.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, there are a few bright spots to consider! Some folks really enjoyed the 3 positive opinions about the happy hour deals and found the overall pricing to be great, feeling like they got good value for their money. It seems like when things align, the value can be quite satisfying.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of just 3.5, which is considered poor. Customer satisfaction also sits at a very low 11.1%, indicating significant disappointment. Out of 27 total comments, a whopping 23 negative opinions highlight issues with price, pricy, expensive, and unexpected service charge or tip additions, often citing small portion size for the cost.
Its clear that many feel the price didnt justify the experience.
Value
27
Reviews
11%
Satisfaction
23
negative
1
neutral
3
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
- Good pricing
What people don't like
- Overpriced small portions
- Unexpected service charges
- Expensive drinks
Often praised
- happy hourLovely happy hour!
- pricingPricing was great
- value for moneyThe food was solid, though I found it to be a little pricey for San Diego. However, you do get what you pay for.
Frequently criticized
- priceTo make matters worse, our order was incorrect twice. The food portions were small and the prices were overpriced.
- moneycheck somewhere else out for the money
- tipWe would have tipped better if you didn't try to skip our HH items
- Happy Hourjaded experience due to our water who just so happen to not only reflect out Happy Hour items with the 20% listed on the menu
- Tito’s + waterTito’s + water were also expensive at $16
- expensiveOur waiter was super kind, and everything we ate was delicious. It wasn’t insanely expensive, and I would definitely come back next time I’m in the area!
- lattethe $8 latte weren't that good
- menuIf you don't want to honor Happy Hour prices dont list them on your menu!!!
- portion sizeThe wagyu burger was a bit flavorless. While all dishes were tasty, they were a bit expensive for the portion size. Drinks, like Tito's + water, were also expensive at $16.
- price tagExpected waaaay more for the price tag.
If youre considering a visit, be cautious about the pricing, especially outside of happy hour. While some find good deals, many feel its overpriced for what you get, with unexpected charges. It might be worth checking out if you're strictly looking for happy hour specials, but otherwise, you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at Vistal?
You’re looking at roughly 44 per person – reported by 78 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Seafood Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average is 44, it’s interesting to see that many guests spend less, often in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a good mix of options for different budgets, alongside some higher-end choices.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 78 reviews.
How this Seafood Restaurant in San Diego stacks up against similar spots on value for money.
Considering its a Seafood Restaurant in San Diego, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good range, so you can likely find something delicious whether youre looking for a mid-week treat or a special occasion.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Vistal
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Frustrating Wait Time and Incorrect Contact Info
My experience at the restaurant involved putting my name down for breakfast and providing my number. I was told they would text me, but after waiting over 30 minutes with no text, I returned to the restaurant. They claimed to have texted three times, but used the wrong number.
If you decide to go, please make sure you check your phone number. Visually confirm it, as they wrote it down incorrectly, which is very challenging when you have kids.
- check your phone number5
- waiting time2
- phone number1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Hidden Gem with Amazing Views and Food
Is this a hidden gem? I wasn't familiar with it, but it's in an amazing location with great views of the water. The food was outstanding, the service friendly, and the atmosphere was very modern and comfortable, not stuffy.
We will definitely be back.
- location9
- views of the water9
- food10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Delicious Birthday Dinner with Amazing Cocktails
My girlfriends took me here for my birthday, and it was such a delicious, beautiful night. The guava cocktail was amazing with just the right amount of alcohol. The scallops were delicious and the s’mores dessert was worth every calorie.
- guava cocktail9
- scallops9
- s’mores dessert10
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Terrible Service, Long Wait
My experience at the restaurant was quite negative due to the service. The waitress completely forgot about us, and we ended up having to leave after waiting for half an hour. This waiting time was unacceptable.
- service1
- waiting time1
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Colleagues
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Awesome Bartender and Great Vibe!
I visited Vistal in September while in town for a conference and had such a great vibe! Our bartender, Siyovush, was awesome. He remembered everyone’s names and drinks like magic and made us feel super welcome.
The drinks were on point, and the service made the night. I highly recommend sitting at the bar if he’s working!
- vibe9
- bartender10
- names and drinks10
What Vistal offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
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
- Has changing table(s)
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Onsite services
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Vistal Bar + Restaurant in San Diego?
At Vistal Bar + Restaurant, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, and trendy atmosphere in San Diego’s Core-Columbia. Enjoy delicious seafood, healthy options, and organic dishes for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. With fantastic rooftop seating, a great wine list, and excellent beer selection, it promises a memorable dining experience.
Does Vistal Bar + Restaurant accommodate special needs and offer family-friendly amenities?
Yes, Vistal Bar + Restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrance, parking, seating, and restrooms. For families, a kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables are provided, making it good for kids. You can also bring your dog to enjoy the outdoor seating area.
How does Vistal generally perform?
Vistal holds an overall score of 7, indicating a good experience. Its Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.2) are particularly strong, while Service (6.4) is average, and Value (3.5) is an area for improvement.
What are the standout features of Vistal?
Guests frequently praise Vistal for its stunning views and inviting atmosphere. Many also highlight the quality of the food and the attentiveness of the bar staff.
Are there any common concerns at Vistal?
Some diners have noted issues with value, citing high pricing and small portion sizes. There are also occasional reports of service inconsistencies and a noisy environment.