Highlights
- Fireplace
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
oChef » Covewood – San Diego
Covewood - San Diego
Photo from Covewood
Covewood at a glance
San Diego Bay Park
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#431 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#68 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
587
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Scenic setting
- Live music
- Great service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Hidden fees
The restaurant Covewood, located in the vibrant Bay Park neighborhood of San Diego, offers a truly inviting dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy atmosphere complemented by a charming fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings.
This restaurant is known for its diverse menu, featuring everything from healthy options to delicious small plates, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a trendy spot, Covewood provides a welcoming setting for you and your companions.
Overview: Introducting Covewood
Covewood offers a pleasant dining experience, often praised for its captivating view and vibrant live music that truly enhance the atmosphere. Guests frequently commend the attentive staff, who contribute significantly to a welcoming visit.
However, some diners find the overall experience to be quite expensive, with concerns raised about an unexpected surcharge on bills. While the setting is generally appealing, these pricing aspects can temper expectations for those seeking better value.
Good
7.1
out of 10
587
Reviews
68.3%
Satisfaction
164
negative
22
neutral
401
positive
Covewood garners a respectable 7.1 overall score, indicating a generally good dining experience. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.3%, suggesting that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves with reservations.
This divergence highlights areas where experiences can vary. Delving into specifics, the Ambience shines brightly with an impressive (8.2), often cited for its beautiful setting.
The Food (7.2) and Service (6.8) also perform well, contributing positively to the experience. Conversely, Value (3.2) is a clear area for improvement, reflecting concerns about pricing.
These insights are drawn from 587 customer opinions, with 401 positive and 164 negative sentiments.
What people like
- Stunning views
- Engaging live music
- Attentive staff
What people don't like
- High prices
- Unexpected surcharges
With a recommendation score of 7.3, Covewood presents itself as a solid choice, particularly if you prioritize a beautiful setting and attentive service over strict budget considerations. It’s a place that often delivers on atmosphere and culinary execution.
If you’re seeking a memorable experience where the ambience and service are paramount, Covewood is certainly worth considering. However, be prepared for the pricing structure, as the value aspect has been a point of contention for some patrons.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Covewood
Food (7.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 88% of the guests
Looking at the food, it seems like Covewood generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 7.2 and customer satisfaction at 70.6%, many guests rave about the delicious Covewood's food and drinks. Out of 228 total comments, 161 were positive, highlighting favorites like the burger and truffle fries.
However, not everyone was completely won over, with 54 negative remarks. Some found the food to be bland or of poor quality and flavors. There were also specific complaints about fries being limp or pasta being undercooked, suggesting some inconsistencies in execution.
Food
228
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
54
negative
13
neutral
161
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- Excellent drinks
- Great presentation
What people don't like
- Bland flavor
- Poor quality
- Cold food
Often praised
- foodThe atmosphere was enhanced by live music on some nights. The food was excellent, and the service was great too. It's a wonderful spot to enjoy a meal and then take a walk along the water to watch the sunset.
- drinksThe drinks were also well made
- clam chowderThe clam chowder is some of the best I've ever had!
- pork chopsOur dinner experiences were amazingly delicious. My husband enjoyed the steak dinner one night and the pork chops the next, while I savored the gnocchi on both occasions. We also shared a side of carrots and sautéed mushrooms.
- False Bay Palomahighly recommend their False Bay Paloma
- FoodFood arrived hot and fresh
- burgerThe burger and truffle fries were wonderful
- cocktailstheir cocktails are excellent
- halibutthe halibut and the chocolate dessert were fantastic
- lunchenjoyed lunch at the poolside bar
Frequently criticized
- foodI had a really nice experience at this restaurant, especially because of the really nice view if you sit by the window. However, the food was not nearly as good for how expensive it was. Both of our meals had little to no flavor.
- acai bowlacai bowl I got was overpriced for what it came with
- food poisoningthe food poisoning was terrible
- food qualitydisappointing, primarily due to the food quality
- Dinnerour Dinner was mediocre, no flavor
- MargaritaThe Margarita we had Was more a juce
- NO FLAVORIt was also expensive and bland. There was NO FLAVOR. I saw other Google reviews mentioning the blandness of the food, but I decided to try it anyway since it was nearby.
- Oaxacan Painkiller cocktailout of the Oaxacan Painkiller cocktail, which was disappointing
- breakfastkinda crazy for breakfast
- burnt burgersburgers that were burnt
Overall, the food at Covewood appears to be a good bet for a satisfying meal, especially if you stick to their popular dishes and cocktails. While there might be occasional misses, the positive experiences strongly outweigh the negatives, making it worth a try.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 82% of the guests
Many guests rave about the exceptional service, with 132 positive remarks highlighting the friendly and quick service, attentive staff, and excellent personalized care. Despite some mixed feelings in customer satisfaction at 63.5%, the overall score of 6.8 suggests a generally good experience, often made memorable by warm hospitality and dedicated team members like Chris M and Salvador. However, not everyone had a smooth experience, with 72 negative comments pointing to slow, inattentive service and long waiting times for food or the bill.
Some found the staff inexperienced or lacking attention to detail, leading to frustration with refills, order accuracy, and general follow-through.
Service
208
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
72
negative
4
neutral
132
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Excellent personalized service
- Quick food delivery
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Long waiting times
- Inexperienced staff
Often praised
- serviceTheir amazing service included great attention to detail, and they expertly helped me with my drinks and meals of choice. I would recommend them both if you’re looking for 10/10 service. Thank you, guys!
- staffMy experience at Cove Pod Restaurant was absolutely amazing. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel incredibly welcome. They were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to ensure everything was perfect.
- Omarask for Omar, he will suggest nothing less than the very best!
- attentiveHe is always attentive, knowledgable, kind, personable but professional
- StephanThe food and atmosphere on the patio were nice. Stephan was our server and he went out of his way to make our daughter happy! Thanks!
- recommendationsThe atmosphere was warm and inviting, and every dish we ordered was delicious—flavorful, beautifully presented, and clearly made with care. The highlight was truly the exceptional service; the team anticipated our needs and offered great recommendations, making the entire experience memorable. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this restaurant for a top-notch dining experience with outstanding staff!
- waitersOur waiters Miguel A and Andrew P did a fabulous job
- AnnaAnna was a great server
- ChrisChris was so attentive, kind
- Chris M and SalvadorI spent a few evenings enjoying the atmosphere and live music at Plaza Del Sol. Chris M and Salvador were an absolute delight! They provided very attentive service and had fantastic personalities.
Frequently criticized
- serviceI had lunch with my teens here, and it was a miss all around. The service was slow and dodgy, despite there being only two other occupied tables and plenty of servers milling around. We had to wait 20 minutes after our coffee and tea were served to finally ask for sugar and honey.
- waiterHowever, the service was unfortunately lacking. I only saw our waiter twice: once to take our order and again when he brought the bill. This lack of attention significantly detracted from the overall experience, despite the excellent food, which I rated a 5 out of 5, and the pleasant atmosphere, rated at 4.
- credit cardthey didn’t have my card and that I never gave it to them
- managerone manager brought our drinks, another different manager took our food order
- serverour server was fine, but too loud and too many visits
- waiting timetook almost 2 hours to get our order
- 2.5 hours for 3 coursesAbout 2.5 hours for 3 courses
- Miquel's behaviorwe'll be keeping tabs on Miquel's behavior with people of all backgrounds.
- accountabilityWhen we reported this to the restaurant, they dismissed our concerns and promised a follow-up call, which never happened. This lack of accountability was incredibly disappointing.
- attention to detailHoping next time there's a little more attention to detail
If youre looking for a place where service can truly shine, its worth a visit, as many have had fantastic experiences with attentive and friendly staff. However, be prepared that service can be a bit inconsistent, with some guests encountering slow or inattentive moments, so manage your expectations.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.2 and leaving 86% of customers feeling satisfied. Many guests (104 out of 121 comments) rave about the stunning views, fantastic location, and welcoming atmosphere. The dog-friendly patio and live music often add to the delightful experience, making it a beautiful spot to relax.
However, a few patrons (13 comments) noted some drawbacks. Concerns included pesky mosquitoes, a lounge act that was sometimes too loud, and issues with outdoor heating leaving some areas cold. The indoor atmosphere was also described as a bit too open and bright by some.
Ambience
121
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
104
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning bay views
- Welcoming atmosphere
- Dog friendly patio
What people don't like
- Pesky mosquitoes
- Loud lounge act
- Cold outdoor areas
Often praised
- atmosphereThe food and atmosphere on the patio were nice
- viewreally nice view if you sit by the window
- locationYou're paying for the location, and I'm ok with that.
- ambianceSo much ambiance indoors with the decor
- live musicwhat I loved the most was the live music
- viewsIt was an unfortunate night at a place we love. We have been here multiple times and have always appreciated the great location, beautiful views, and excellent food. However, tonight was just an all-around miss.
- environmentthe environment makes up for it
- restaurantBeautiful restaurant in a gorgeous setting.
- view of the bayview of the bay was just what I needed
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereThe atmosphere again wasn't one of a high-end restaurant
- barThe bar was more of a drunk hang out
- facilitiesAs a final point, a 5% surcharge was added to our bill for two people dining in a very empty room, which is unacceptable. This place used to be a Hilton, and it's understandable why they left; the setting is great, but the facilities are showing their age.
- handicap parkingHandicap parking is lacking and not close
- lounge acta 'lounge act' on the patio. Too loud
- modern hotel & spaIs this even a modern hotel & spa?
- mosquitoesHad 20 bites from mosquitoes
- outdoor heatingmany areas remained cold due to the beach breeze
- outside patio sideneed to make it larger to accommodate more people on the outside patio side
- parkingThe parking can be confusing
If you're seeking a place with breathtaking views and a generally pleasant, inviting atmosphere, especially if you have a dog, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of potential outdoor nuisances like mosquitoes or loud entertainment, and dress accordingly if you plan to sit outside on a cooler evening.
Value (3.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 23% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is quite low, a few guests did find some bright spots, particularly praising the happy hour specials and feeling the price was fair. With 4 positive opinions, some were happy to go back for those great happy hour prices, even noting good quality for the cost. However, the overall score for value sits at a poor 3.2, indicating a tough road ahead.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of feedback, totaling 25 negative opinions, points to significant issues. Many felt things were overpriced or expensive, often citing unexpected surcharges and added gratuity on their bill. Guests frequently mentioned feeling that the quality didn't match the premium price point, leading to disappointment, with customer satisfaction at a very low 13.3%.
Value
30
Reviews
13%
Satisfaction
25
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great happy hour
What people don't like
- Unexpected surcharges
- Menu prices high
- Mandatory gratuity
Often praised
- priceHe even checked on us again later. The food was amazing and fairly priced. We enjoyed the Halibut and pork chops, which arrived hot and fresh.
- happy hour pricesgreat hh prices
- happy hour specialsgo back for happy hour specials
Frequently criticized
- gratuity" I questioned if this was a modern hotel & spa. Furthermore, they "can't let you site a different tables, " which apparently was to force an extra fee on top of the 18% gratuity. I could have just gone to the bar and bought a drink instead.
- expensiveI had a really nice experience at this restaurant, especially because of the really nice view if you sit by the window. However, the food was not nearly as good for how expensive it was. Both of our meals had little to no flavor.
- overpricedVery overpriced for what they are serving.
- priceThe food was fresh, though I found the portions to be a little small for the price. Overall, it's a cool place with good food, and while it's a little pricey, the atmosphere makes up for it.
- pricesTwo star food at five star prices
- surchargeThey also charge a 5% surcharge, which is the highest
- 5% surchargewhat is the 5% surcharge BS?
- PricesPrices don't really match the experience
- added gratuityadded another 20% which took our tip to over $50
- billfelt robbed when I was hit with the $163 bill
If youre considering this spot, be very mindful of the pricing, especially outside of happy hour. While some found value in specials, the overwhelming feedback suggests many feel its overpriced with unexpected fees. Proceed with caution, or stick to those happy hour deals if you want to avoid sticker shock.
How are the prices at Covewood?
On average, you’ll spend around $45 per person – from 83 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Looking at what people actually spend, we see a good number of guests spending in the $21–$30 range, suggesting a nice mix of options beyond just the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 83 reviews.
Comparing value for money at this restaurant against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant, especially with the variety of price points available. It seems like there’s something for different budgets here.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Covewood
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Fantastic Dining Experience at Covewood!
My experience at Covewood Restaurant, located on the San Diego Mission Bay Resort's campus, was absolutely wonderful! : -) I visited a couple of times during a local conference and each visit was fantastic. The staff are so lovely, with special thanks to Omar, Jon, and Juan for going above & beyond to ensure guests are comfortable and have everything they need.
The food is DELICIOUS; both groups I visited with were blown away by the quality, presentation, and speed of delivery. I highly recommend their Clam Chowder, Pear Salad, Classic Caesar, and Potato Gnocchi. The special Fried Calamari starter was also delicious.
Everything I tried was fresh, flavorful, and served at the correct temperature. Their cocktails are excellent, especially the False Bay Paloma. The atmosphere is darling, warm, inviting, cozy, and comfortable.
My favorite spot was the large table by the statement fireplace, perfect for our group's final dinner. Thank you, Covewood!
- staff10
- food10
- quality of the food10
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Absolute Gas! Unreal Food & Vibes
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely fantastic! The pork chops were unreal, and the lobster mac was elite. The atmosphere was perfect, and the espresso martinis were like rocket fuel.
To top it off, the warm fudge brownie and toffee dessert were also unreal. I highly recommend this place!
- pork chops10
- lobster mac10
- vibes10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Blown Away by Mission Bay Find!
Holy guacamoly! We had an impromptu Sunday lunch and were absolutely blown away. The service was top-level, and the ambience and decor were perfect.
But the food, omg! The coconut curry mussels and burger to share were incredible. For dessert, the key lime pie was thicc and decadent.
This is an extremely lucky find in Mission Bay and will be our new happy hour spot from now on.
- service10
- ambience and decor10
- coconut curry mussels10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Outstanding Food and Amazing Service!
After a delightful experience at Brezza Spa, Mission Bay Resort, we went to Covewood, the bayside restaurant, to celebrate our friendship. The food was outstanding and the service was amazing. Our waiters, Miguel A and Andrew P, did a fabulous job from the Prosecco that we started with, to the birthday cake we ended with; it was fantastic.
- food10
- service10
- waiters10
Price per Person
- $81–$90
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Delicious Dinner and Breakfast at The Cove
We recently stayed at Mission Bay Resort for four nights and had the pleasure of dining at The Cove for dinner twice and breakfast twice. Our dinner experiences were amazingly delicious. My husband enjoyed the steak dinner one night and the pork chops the next, while I savored the gnocchi on both occasions.
We also shared a side of carrots and sautéed mushrooms. Every dish was not only perfectly presented but also tasted great. We highly recommend The Cove for both breakfast and dinner.
Coming from South Carolina, we found the price to be fair.
- dinner10
- steak dinner9
- pork chops9
What Covewood offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
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
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Free Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Vegetarian options
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Counter service
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Curbside pickup
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Cozy
- Casual
- Quiet
- Trendy
FAQs
What dining options and amenities does Covewood Restaurant offer in San Diego?
Covewood Restaurant provides a wide range of dining options including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with both table service and counter service available. You can enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar, and accessible restrooms. For your convenience, outdoor seating and curbside pickup are also offered.
Is Covewood Restaurant family-friendly and accessible for all guests?
Absolutely! Covewood Restaurant is good for kids, offering a dedicated kids’ menu and high chairs. The establishment is fully wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances, parking, seating, and restrooms. Plus, you’ll usually find plenty of parking, including free street parking and a free parking lot.
How is Covewood generally rated by customers?
Covewood holds an overall score of **7.1**, with **Ambience** (8.2), **Food** (7.2), and **Service** (6.8) performing well, though **Value** (3.2) is a weaker point.
What makes Covewood's atmosphere appealing?
Customers frequently praise Covewood’s beautiful **view**, inviting **atmosphere**, and the presence of **live music**, which collectively create a pleasant dining environment.
Are there any common concerns regarding the pricing at Covewood?
Yes, some customers find the restaurant to be **expensive** and have noted the addition of a **surcharge** to their bills, impacting the perceived **value**.