Highlights
- Rooftop seating
- Fireplace
- Great beer selection
oChef » TopSail – San Diego
TopSail - San Diego
Photo from TopSail
TopSail at a glance
San Diego Core-Columbia
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 93 of the guests
#297 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#50 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.6 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
545
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Waterfront views
- Delicious food
- Tasty cocktails
Frequently criticized
- High price
- Inconsistent service
- Small portions
The restaurant TopSail, located in the vibrant Core-Columbia neighborhood of San Diego, offers a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll love the stunning rooftop seating, perfect for enjoying the San Diego skyline.
This restaurant provides a cozy yet trendy atmosphere, making it ideal for both casual meals and romantic evenings. With a great beer selection and delicious small plates, it’s a fantastic spot for any occasion.
Overview: Introducting TopSail
TopSail offers a memorable experience, largely thanks to its stunning view and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for those seeking a scenic backdrop. Guests often commend the well-crafted cocktails and generally satisfying culinary offerings, contributing to a pleasant outing.
However, some visitors have noted that the overall experience can be quite pricey, and while the staff often receives praise, there have been instances where service fell short. It seems the establishment shines brightest when focusing on its visual appeal and drink selection.
Good
7.6
out of 10
545
Reviews
76%
Satisfaction
103
negative
28
neutral
414
positive
TopSail achieves a respectable overall score of 7.6, indicating a generally good dining experience, supported by a solid 76% customer satisfaction rate. This suggests that most patrons leave feeling content with their visit.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 545 customer remarks, with 414 positive observations outweighing 103 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Ambience (8.7) stands out as a clear strength, highly appreciated by guests.
Food (7.7) also performs well, suggesting a reliable culinary offering. However, Service (6.8) is noted as merely good, while Value (4) is a significant area for improvement, often cited as a concern among visitors.
What people like
- Stunning waterfront views
- Delicious food options
- Creative, tasty cocktails
What people don't like
- High price point
- Inconsistent service
- Small portion sizes
TopSail, with a 7.6 recommendation score, is a compelling choice if you prioritize a captivating setting and well-executed dishes. It’s particularly suited for those special occasions where the ambiance and quality of drinks are paramount, and you’re prepared for a premium experience.
However, be mindful of the cost, as the value proposition isn’t its strongest suit, and service can be a bit unpredictable. If you’re seeking an exceptional view and don’t mind the higher price tag, TopSail could be a worthwhile visit.
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Verdict: Our expert take on TopSail
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
It seems the food here generally hits the mark, with a 7.7 score indicating a good culinary experience and customer satisfaction at a solid 77.2%. Many diners rave about the delicious offerings, from the popular Pork Bao Buns and Lobster Mac & Cheese to the amazing Wagyu burger and well-crafted cocktails. With 179 positive remarks out of 232 total opinions, theres a lot to love on the menu.
However, not every dish is a winner. Some guests found portions to be on the smaller side, and a few items were described as bland, unseasoned, or even cold. There were also specific complaints about fishy lobster.
These 36 negative comments suggest theres still a little room for improvement in consistency.
Food
232
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
36
negative
17
neutral
179
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Amazing Wagyu burger
- Excellent cocktails
- Perfectly seasoned dishes
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Bland, cold dishes
- Fishy lobster
Often praised
- foodMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's one of the best spots to watch the sunset on San Diego Bay, offering delicious food and drinks. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm even on a chilly evening.
- drinksThe chic and charming ambiance created a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. While it is on the pricier side, the combination of incredible views, fancy dishes, and expertly crafted drinks made it well worth it. It's a great choice for a special outing or a night to remember!
- cocktailsThe ahi sliders were perfect, and the Brussels sprouts dish was fabulous – roasted just right and not burnt. The cocktails were refreshing and not overly poured. Despite living in Florida, I thoroughly enjoyed the California vibe of this place.
- fish and chipsI was impressed with their good selection of food, cocktails, and wines. The fish and chips tasted really good, and while the oysters were smaller, they were fresh. The service was great; the servers were friendly and attentive, checking on us periodically.
- food and drinksfood and drinks were truly good
- friesThe Lobster Mac and cheese was a perfect 10/10. The fish was so crispy, and I loved the fries. Overall, it was such a good vibe.
- oystersWe had the oysters, mac and cheese, tacos, and sliders. Each was very good
- FoodFood:5
- Mai TaiMai Tai is nice and strong
- Wagyu BurgerWagyu Burger with truffle fries was fantastic
Frequently criticized
- foodAs for the food, it was disappointing
- drinksa little small unfortunately
- portionsThe portions are on the smaller side
- Alaskan halibut fish and chipsAlaskan halibut fish and chips was really small servings
- Brussel Sproutsthis dish contained pork belly
- battermore batter than fish
- codserved cold as well cod
- creme bruleeCreme brulee was very fluffy while it should have been more solid like a pudding. It was served cold
- dessertthe dessert. We ordered the "chef's special," which turned out to be a dry, flavorless cake
- dressing and crab crustdish was just a little too heavy due to the dressing and crab crust
If youre looking for a spot with generally good food and excellent drinks, especially popular items like the Wagyu burger and Lobster Mac & Cheese, its definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that some dishes might come with smaller portions or occasionally lack seasoning, so choose wisely.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Service here generally hits the mark, with a 6.8 score indicating a good experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit more mixed at 63.1%. Many guests, accounting for 77 positive remarks out of 122, frequently praised the friendly staff, attentive service, and quick service, often highlighting top-notch customer service from specific servers. However, not all experiences were seamless, with 41 negative comments pointing to areas for improvement.
Some diners encountered slow service, rude server attitudes, or disorganized service leading to unnecessary wait times. Issues like unacknowledged tables and incorrect orders also popped up, suggesting inconsistency in delivery.
Service
122
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
41
negative
4
neutral
77
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Attentive service
- Quick service
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Disorganized service
Often praised
- serviceFrom our spot, we had perfect views of the bay and the Star of India ship. This was my third visit, and the service was good, as usual. Topsail offers a nice selection of beers and signature cocktails, with a full bar ready to make your usual favorites.
- staffStaff was extremely accommodating for being surprised
- waitressthe young blonde lady waitress was super nice
- ServiceService:5
- serversservers were friendly, patient, generous and knowledgeable
- waiterTanner was our waiter. He was fantastic as well.
- AdrianIf you want a place that has a beautiful view, yummy food/cocktails, and top-notch customer service, visit Topsail! I sat at the bar and Adrian was amazing!
- Bartender BaileyBartender Bailey was great
- CaseyCasey knew the menu and made great suggestions for us.
- HostessThe Hostess was a sweetheart
Frequently criticized
- serviceTo make matters worse, the manager was incredibly rude. While the place itself looked nice, the poor service and the manager's attitude completely ruined the experience. I would advise going to any of the other restaurants in the same location, as they offer a completely different and better dining experience with higher quality food.
- hostessthe hostess did not want to sit us where we wanted to be seated
- serverThe Latino server was very dismissive and not helpful at all
- managerand the "manager" that instigated the fight.
- waitressdidn’t see our waitress again and had to ask for the check
- carelessnessThe carelessness of this restaurant
- checka little slow to bring us the check
- cooks and managementThe cooks and management should be ashamed.
- customer serviceAldo fell short on the customer service and failed to accommodate or even fix our problems
- dessert menuHad to ask for dessert menu instead of being offered
Overall, while the service often shines with friendly and attentive staff, be prepared for potential inconsistencies. It's worth a visit for the generally good service, but keep in mind there might be occasional hiccups.
Ambience (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 89% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a fantastic score of 8.7 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 92.7%. With 152 positive remarks out of 164 total, guests consistently rave about the stunning views, atmosphere, and the inviting rooftop bar complete with fire pits. Many describe it as a beautiful spot with a chill vibe, perfect for sunset.
However, a small number of 9 negative comments point out minor issues. Some found it tricky to find or noted that couch areas could be awkward for dining. A few mentioned loud music making conversation difficult, and isolated instances of dirty glasses were reported.
Ambience
164
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
9
negative
3
neutral
152
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning bay views
- Great atmosphere
- Cozy fire pits
What people don't like
- Loud music
- Hard to find
- Dirty glasses
Often praised
- atmosphereAs a tourist, I came here for the view of the bay and the atmosphere. I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent food and service.
- viewThe drinks were also really good, but definitely on the pricey side, which seemed to be the case for everything in San Diego. The atmosphere was a definite highlight, offering a beautiful view of the water and sunset, creating a really solid vibe.
- viewsMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic, particularly enjoying the great drinks and amazing service. The awesome views were a definite highlight. I especially loved the Rhubarb Collins, which was delicious, and there were various other gin drinks that were also spot on.
- locationThe location is amazing! Upstairs overlooking the ocean.
- ambianceThe chic and charming ambiance adds a sophisticated yet welcoming touch
- ambienceI had the Blackened salmon Cobb salad, which was big enough for 2. The restaurant is a beautiful spot for sunset with great ambience.
- musicWe decided to try it after a brief stop at Ketch next door, and it was a great decision. The hosts were much more welcoming, the music was softly playing, and the vibes just felt better. We ordered the sliders, Brussels sprouts, and lobster Mac n cheese, and everything was soooo good.
- sunsetMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's one of the best spots to watch the sunset on San Diego Bay, offering delicious food and drinks. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was warm even on a chilly evening.
- beautiful viewbeautiful view of the ocean from the deck
- ocean viewI requested a window table, but it was only partially a window table, with the roof of the downstairs restaurant obstructing the ocean view. However, the tables and couches designated for group seating offered a fun and good ocean view. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures of those.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereYou are definitely paying for the atmosphere and view here.
- awful atmosphereoverall awful atmosphere
- club level loud musicclub level loud music
- conversationcan't have a conversation
- couch areasSitting on the "outside" in the couch areas was a little difficult to eat your food.
- glasses on the fire pitglasses on the fire pit were very dirty
- smell of dishesgot to enjoy the hot and wet smell of the dishes being cleaned.
- tricky to findit was a little tricky to find
- viewYou are definitely paying for the atmosphere and view here.
If youre looking for breathtaking views and a vibrant atmosphere, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Its ideal for enjoying a sunset drink or a relaxed gathering, though be mindful that some seating might be better for lounging than dining, and music can get lively.
Value (4 out of 10)
mentioned by 25% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a mixed picture, with a score of 4, placing it in the average range. Out of 27 comments, 6 positive remarks highlighted that prices for food were reasonably priced and not a bad price for the location. Some even found the drinks to be fairly affordable, suggesting that for certain aspects, guests felt it was well worth it, especially for the views.
However, the customer satisfaction for value sits at a rather low 22.2%, indicating significant room for improvement. The majority of the 17 negative comments frequently mentioned that food and beverages were pricey and expensive for what you get, with many feeling it was a rip off. Guests often cited small servings and a perceived lack of quality for the price point, leading to disappointment.
Value
27
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
17
negative
4
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Affordable drinks
- Value for views
What people don't like
- Pricey food and drinks
- Poor value for money
- Small portions, high price
Often praised
- priceit’s well worth it for the combination of incredible views
- drinksfairly affordable drinks
- pricesPrices commensurate for the location
- prices for foodThe prices for the food are totally okay
- reasonably pricedreasonably priced for this city and this location.
Frequently criticized
- priceFor the price we paid, the quality was unacceptable
- Sauv Blanc$52 (before tip) for 2 glasses of Sauv Blanc is absurd!
- expensive for what you getIt’s expensive for what you get
- food and beveragesthe food and beverages are more on the pricey side
- lunchto pay $80-$90 for lunch to just vomit it up was highly disappointing
- price point37 dollar price point
- pricesit’s not cheap either
- priceyA bit pricey
- rip offSuch a rip off.
- sparkling water$14 for a bottle of sparkling water was a bit of a joke
If youre considering this place, be prepared for a potential trade-off between the experience and the cost. While the views might justify the expense for some, many find the food and drink prices to be on the higher side for what you receive. It might be worth it for a special occasion where budget isnt the primary concern, but don't expect stellar value across the board.
How are the prices at TopSail?
On average, you’ll spend around $48 per person – from 93 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, that’s comfortably mid-range.
Looking at what people actually spend, most diners are right in that sweet spot, with prices clustering nicely around the average. It’s a consistent mid-tier experience, not a wide mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 93 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant in this category. It offers a consistent experience without any wild price swings.
Customer Reviews: what people think about TopSail
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Amazing Views, Good Food, Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was defined by its excellent views and excellent service. While I wished for more food happy hour specials, the food itself was good, albeit rather expensive. The cocktails were very good, though not quite excellent.
The standout feature, however, is the magnificent view, which is unbeatable. They are also accommodating with party sizes; even though there were only two of us, we were seated in a comfortable area that could fit four. Our server, Casey, was cheerful and very efficient.
Overall, the views and service made for a memorable visit.
- views10
- service10
- food7
- food happy hour specials3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Amazing Food and Service with a View!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The food was amazing in terms of portion size, quality, and flavor. Our server, Casey, was knowledgeable about the menu and provided excellent suggestions.
We particularly enjoyed the pear pork belly flatbread, which was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and hearty. The wagyu cheeseburger and fries were among the best I've ever had. Coupled with a great view and excellent service, it made for a memorable meal.
We will definitely be back!
- food10
- Casey10
- pear pork belly flatbread9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Rude Manager, Poor Service, Not Pet Friendly
My experience at this restaurant was extremely disappointing. It appears to be the only place in San Diego that is not pet friendly, and they even refuse service dogs. To make matters worse, the manager was incredibly rude.
While the place itself looked nice, the poor service and the manager's attitude completely ruined the experience. I would advise going to any of the other restaurants in the same location, as they offer a completely different and better dining experience with higher quality food.
- place7
- food quality7
- pet friendly1
- service dog friendly1
- manager1
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Generous Salad and Beautiful Sunset Spot
My experience at the restaurant was wonderful. I had the Blackened salmon Cobb salad, which was big enough for 2. The restaurant is a beautiful spot for sunset with great ambience.
- Blackened salmon Cobb salad9
- portion size9
- beautiful spot10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Amazing Food and Views!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered their Rye Old Fashioned and the Lobster Mac & Cheese. Both dishes were absolutely amazing and delicious.
To top it off, the restaurant offered great views of the San Diego Bay.
- Rye Old Fashioned9
- Lobster Mac & Cheese10
- views of the San Diego Bay9
What TopSail offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- 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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Late-night food
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at TopSail, and can you bring your dog?
At TopSail, you’ll find a blend of romantic, cozy, casual, and trendy vibes, perfect for various occasions. Plus, you’re welcome to bring your furry friend along, as dogs are allowed, especially with the inviting outdoor seating options available for you to enjoy.
Does TopSail offer accessible dining options and a variety of drinks?
Absolutely! TopSail ensures comfort for all guests with wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms. You can also enjoy a wide array of beverages, from hard liquor and cocktails to happy hour drinks, wine, coffee, and a great beer selection.
What is the overall rating for TopSail and what are its key strengths and weaknesses?
TopSail holds an overall score of **7.6** out of 10. Its **Ambience** (8.7) and **Food** (7.7) are highly regarded, while **Service** (6.8) is good, and **Value** (4) is an area where it falls short.
What do customers enjoy most about TopSail?
Patrons frequently praise TopSail for its stunning waterfront views, delicious food selections, and creative, tasty cocktails, which contribute significantly to the dining experience.
What are the main concerns customers have about TopSail?
The primary concerns revolve around the high price point, which some find excessive, and occasional inconsistencies in service quality, which can impact the overall visit.