Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
- Great beer selection
- Great tea selection
oChef » Provisional Kitchen – San Diego
Provisional Kitchen - San Diego
Photo from Provisional Kitchen
Provisional Kitchen at a glance
San Diego Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $41–$50
mentioned by 97 of the guests
#373 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#59 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
674
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Ambiance
- Food Quality
- Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Slow Service
- Billing Issues
The restaurant Provisional Kitchen in San Diego’s Asian Pacific Thematic Historic District offers you a truly memorable dining experience. As a top-tier restaurant, you’ll discover an upscale and trendy atmosphere perfect for any occasion.
Don’t miss out on their great dessert selection, a highlight that truly sets this spot apart.
Overview: Introducting Provisional Kitchen
Provisional Kitchen offers a generally pleasant dining experience, often praised for its inviting `ambiance` and `flavorful food`. Many guests appreciate the well-executed dishes and the overall atmosphere that makes for an enjoyable visit.
However, some diners have found the experience to be quite `pricey`, with concerns about the cost-to-value ratio for certain items. While `friendly service` is frequently noted, occasional inconsistencies in attentiveness have been mentioned.
Good
7.3
out of 10
674
Reviews
71.7%
Satisfaction
144
negative
47
neutral
483
positive
Overall, Provisional Kitchen earns a solid `7.3` out of 10, reflecting a generally positive reception from diners. This is further supported by a `71.7%` customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most guests leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial 674 customer opinions, with 483 positive remarks outweighing 144 negative ones. Diving deeper, the `Ambience` (8.3) stands out as a particular strength, creating a welcoming setting.
The `Food` (7.6) also performs well, consistently delivering on taste and quality. `Service` (6.8) is generally good, though it occasionally falls short of the higher marks seen elsewhere.
The primary area for improvement appears to be `Value` (3.9), which many guests found to be a significant concern.
What people like
- Stunning restaurant ambiance
- Flavorful, quality food
- Attentive, friendly service
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent service speed
- Billing and parking issues
Provisional Kitchen generally delivers a pleasant dining experience, particularly if you prioritize atmosphere and well-prepared dishes. With a `7.5` recommendation score, it’s a place worth considering for its strengths, especially for a special occasion or a relaxed meal where the setting is key.
However, be prepared for the pricing, as value is a consistent concern among guests. If you’re seeking an experience where the ambiance and food take precedence over budget, Provisional Kitchen could be a good fit, but those sensitive to cost might want to explore other options.
Similar Restaurants in San Diego
- Restaurant
9.4
out of 10
out of 10
160
97.5%
- $$
- Torrey Hills
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.3
out of 10
out of 10
123
95.9%
- $$
- Miramar
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
157
96.2%
- $$
- East Village
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
462
96.5%
- $$
- Civita
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9.1
out of 10
out of 10
750
95.7%
- €€
- Mid-City
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
- Restaurant
9
out of 10
out of 10
437
92.4%
- $$
- Linda Vista
- Food
- Service
- Ambience
Verdict: Our expert take on Provisional Kitchen
Food (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 96% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a good customer satisfaction of 74.8%. With 267 positive remarks out of 357 total, many diners rave about the delicious food, high quality ingredients, and impressive breakfast variety. Standouts like the Breakfast Pizza and chilaquiles frequently earn high praise for their flavor and execution.
However, not every dish is a winner, as indicated by 59 negative comments. Some guests have encountered overcooked eggs or a dry omelette, while others found the lunch menu to be quite limited. A few experiences pointed to mediocre quality in certain dishes, suggesting some inconsistencies in the kitchen.
Food
357
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
59
negative
31
neutral
267
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious food
- High quality ingredients
- Great breakfast variety
What people don't like
- Overcooked eggs
- Limited lunch menu
- Mediocre quality
Often praised
- foodI had a really good experience at Provisional, especially during breakfast, after eating there several times while staying at the Pendry. The food is flavorful and well-executed, with generous portions that are great if you're hungry and looking for something a bit indulgent. The Breakfast Pizza was very good and super satisfying, though definitely on the heavy, rich side – perfect for a filling meal but not ideal if you want something light.
- breakfastThe pastries, pasta, breakfast…all of it was very good
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was absolutely amazing! The food, staff, and drinks were all top-notch, contributing to an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend it as a must try when in San Diego.
- breakfast pizzabreakfast pizza, which I can honestly say is the best thing I've ever had
- avocado toastThe next course was an avocado toast with freshly toasted French baguette and shaved egg and chili crisp. So airy and flavorful!!
- food qualitynever had the slightest experience either with the quality
- ChilaquilesChilaquiles – One of the highlights. Very good
- FoodFood:5
- coffeeI highly recommend the Blueberry Lavender mimosa (I'll be craving it until I can get back to SD). The Eggs Benny was choice, coffee superb, and don't get me started on tiramisu - it's literally my favorite dessert. I was so cared for and you can't go wrong with anything the bartender recommends, I'm sure.
- menuThe food quality was excellent, and the atmosphere was great. I would love to come back to eat breakfast because the menu looks fire!
Frequently criticized
- foodThis was the second dish I've ever sent back. Despite the polite removal of the dish and its absence from the check, the overall experience was very disappointing, especially considering the overpriced food.
- chicken breakfast burritoThe chicken burrito was very watery almost like they used boiled chicken
- eggs BenedictThe eggs Benedict has a strange lemon flavor
- breakfast burritothe burrito wasn't that great. I thought the burrito would have sausage but it just had ground beef
- buffetIt cost $90 per person, which included a buffet portion and an entree. The buffet was cold and picked through by 2 pm, and the entrees were half-portioned omelets and rock-hard French toast. We didn't want to complain at the time, but when they double-charged our cards a few days later, that was the final straw.
- Caesar saladmemorable only for the worst salad ever
- Chiliqualasit was terrible would not recommend.
- Crispy Brussels sproutsCrispy Brussels sprouts drowning in sauce, not crispy
- Easter brunchEaster brunch here was completely underwhelming
- Eggs BenedictEggs Benedict were served late and prepared quite poorly
If you're looking for a satisfying breakfast or brunch with plenty of delicious options, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful that while many dishes shine, there might be occasional inconsistencies, especially with lunch items or egg preparation.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot has some real shining moments! With a solid score of 6.8 and 106 positive remarks, many guests raved about the friendly servers and attentive service, especially how accommodating the staff was with special requests. It sounds like they often go above and beyond to make you feel welcome.
However, the experience isnt always consistent, as reflected by a 63.5% customer satisfaction. There were 51 negative comments, with some guests encountering slow service, long wait times, or feeling the team was understaffed. A few even mentioned rude behavior' from certain staff members, which can definitely put a damper on things.
Service
167
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
51
negative
10
neutral
106
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Accommodating special requests
- Excellent server interactions
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Inconsistent service speed
- Rude staff behavior
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this fantastic spot in the heart of the Gaslamp, located on 5th between Island and J in The Pendry Hotel, was excellent. I enjoyed the great food, friendly/quick service, and the really really good people watching when sitting outside. It's a fun place to grab a bite in downtown San Diego.
- staffI reserved through OpenTable, and they were very accommodating, holding my reservation even after I messaged that I was running late. The service was outstanding, with polite and helpful staff. They were very accommodating of my vegan diet, and their avocado toast was delicious!
- serverThe food not only looked appetizing but also delivered an equally delightful taste. The service was prompt, and the server provided exceptional care, exhibiting a friendly and attentive approach. During dinner, the atmosphere was tranquil, creating a pleasant ambiance without excessive noise.
- ServiceService:5
- NamNam is pretty much the best employee in SD
- experienceALOHA PIHA! As a Hawaiian, I truly appreciate this very pleasant experience! The Ñam was amazing and chill!
- seatingwe were seated within 30 minutes--even with the place packed
- waitressThe kindest sweetest waitress was very patient, kind and swift
- SergioSergio was awesome
- Wait timeWait time:Up to 10 min
Frequently criticized
- serviceMy friend's spicy chicken wrap was the worst; the wrap itself was stale, leading her to eat only the filling. The service was noticeably slow, which felt odd given the restaurant wasn't busy. While it didn't bother us as we weren't in a hurry, it amplified the disappointment with the food.
- serverRegarding service, we were not asked about our meal, and while the server checked if we had what we ordered upon delivery, we hadn't tried it by then. I don't recall seeing the same server again, and no one stopped to refill water or iced tea until the bill arrived. Overall, the staff were professional and friendly.
- managerThe manager on this shift was similarly inept
- behaviorrudest behaviour
- check-in processthe check in process was extremely inefficient
- coffeeordered coffee it took about 15 minutes to get the coffee
- communicationDisastrous communication
- contact us pagehit send on the “contact us” page of your site, I received an undeliverable error
- customer serviceReally bad customer service.
- customer service managercustomer service manager on duty has not understood her job
If youre lucky, youll experience the excellent, attentive service many rave about, making your visit truly enjoyable. However, be prepared for the possibility of longer waits or less consistent attention, especially during busy times, which could lead to a mixed experience.
Ambience (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 57% of the guests
When it comes to atmosphere, this spot truly shines! With a good score of 8.3 and an excellent customer satisfaction of 91.8%, its clear guests adore the vibe. Out of 110 total comments, a whopping 101 rave about the lovely ambiance, interior decor, and live music, often praising the Art Deco building and exquisite interior for creating a beautiful setting.
However, not every note hits perfectly. While only 7 comments were negative, a few guests raised concerns about dogs drinking out of cups and the presence of homeless people roaming nearby, which impacted their outdoor dining experience. One specific opinion also mentioned the live music as being lame, ' though this was an outlier.
Ambience
110
Reviews
91%
Satisfaction
7
negative
2
neutral
101
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Exquisite interior decor
- Great vibe, atmosphere
- Enjoyable live music
What people don't like
- Dogs drink cups
- Homeless people roaming
Often praised
- atmosphereIf you're looking for a great breakfast with great service and a friendly atmosphere, then Provisional Kitchen is the place for you in the Gas Lamp district. I had the "Pendry" breakfast, and it was awesome!
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- placeMy Easter brunch experience was the worst, and I wish I could give zero stars. The place itself was cute, but we had reservations for 7 people at 2 pm, and we were told the kitchen was closing as soon as we sat down. It makes no sense to give us a reservation at 2 pm if everything was closing.
- ambianceThe Brussels sprouts were equally impressive, packed with flavor and beautifully prepared. The restaurant itself is stunning, with chic, modern décor and a welcoming ambiance. This place instantly became a favorite—definitely worth a visit!
- ambienceThe ambience is beautiful
- decorthe decor and the overall vibe of the place were also just outstanding
- experienceHad a very nice experience at the restaurant
- people watchingMy experience at this fantastic spot in the heart of the Gaslamp, located on 5th between Island and J in The Pendry Hotel, was excellent. I enjoyed the great food, friendly/quick service, and the really really good people watching when sitting outside. It's a fun place to grab a bite in downtown San Diego.
- seatingThe portions were smaller than normal. The atmosphere was also rated 3/5, but it offered a great atmosphere with plenty of seating, making it a good spot for a relaxed dinner. It's also kid and pet friendly.
- vibeGreat vibe, food, and service!
Frequently criticized
- EasterI strongly advise you to skip this restaurant. It was really sad that what was supposed to be a fun Easter celebration turned out to be so utterly lackluster.
- San DiegoSan Diego just isn’t a foodie town
- celebrationso utterly lackluster
- dogs drink out of cupsdogs drink out of the cups/glass so gross
- homeless people roamingHowever, there were some customers having their dogs drink out of the cups/glasses, which was gross and should not be allowed. Additionally, there were at least 5 homeless people just roaming around in close proximity while we dined outside, which was a turn-off, especially since you could smell them while you eat. Nothing the restaurant can do about the homeless people, but the dog situation is something to address.
- live musicbut laim live music
- restaurantembarrassing for a restaurant that tried to pass it off as high end
If youre looking for a place with a genuinely beautiful and vibrant setting, especially with live music, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful if youre sensitive to external factors like street activity or pet policies, as these were minor points of contention for a few.
Value (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 22% of the guests
Despite a poor customer satisfaction of just 22.5% and an average score of 3.9, some diners found value here. With 9 positive remarks out of 40 total, many appreciated the reasonable prices for the quality, especially for items like the breakfast sandwich. Special deals, like 50% off bottles of wine and bottomless mimosas, also made the experience feel more democratic and worth it.
However, the majority of feedback, with 27 negative comments, points to significant concerns. Many felt the restaurant was overpriced, citing high prices for dishes without sides and excessive charges like a $6 upcharge for bacon. Issues like unexpected parking costs and being double charged contributed to a perception of poor value, especially when compared to steakhouse prices without matching quality.
Value
40
Reviews
22%
Satisfaction
27
negative
4
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Discounted wine nights
- Affordable breakfast sandwich
- Good mimosa deals
What people don't like
- Overpriced dishes
- Unexpected parking costs
- Double billing issues
Often praised
- pricea bit on the pricey side, but well worth it
- worth itIt's a must-visit when in San Diego, offering great food and a wonderful ambiance. While there might be a little wait depending on the day and time, it's well worth it.
- Price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- bottles of wineMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. On "Wine down Wednesdays", they offer live music and 50% off bottles of wine. I really enjoyed the performance by guitarist/singer John Dean, who was terrific.
- breakfast sandwichI normally avoid hotel restaurants as they often seem to be lacking, but PK is exceptional. The $22 breakfast sandwich is worth it! It features a truly farm fresh egg fried to perfection, placed on smashed avocado 🥑 sour bread toast, and topped with Gruyère and bacon 🥓.
- democratic pricesThis is an excellent place with delicious food, good service, and democratic prices. I especially want to highlight the exquisite interior.
- pricesthe prices were reasonable for the quality
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was centered around trying their oatmeal. While it was a decent quick version of steel-cut oats, I found it to be too basic for the restaurant level and price. The atmosphere was rated a 5, suggesting a very pleasant environment, and the service received a 4, indicating good service.
- parkingWhat was supposed to be a date night dinner with my daughter turned into a stress-filled evening. I spent 30 minutes looking for parking and feared losing my reservation time. I checked the website and Open Table's "know before you go" section, but found no mention that restaurant reservation holders couldn't park at the hotel.
- $40$40 for a postage stamp sized piece of cod
- $6 upcharge for 3 pieces of bacona $6 up charge for 3 pieces of bacon is a bit excessive
- billended up costing nearly $70
- double chargeddouble charged our cards a few days later
- half an avocado$18 before a half an avocado took it to $24
- high pricesnot worth the high prices
- hotel creditEven with the hotel credit it was not worth it to eat here.
- military discountno military discount
If you're looking for consistent value, this spot might disappoint due to its high prices and perceived lack of quality for the cost. However, if you can snag a special deal like discounted wine or bottomless mimosas, you might find it more worthwhile.
How are the prices at Provisional Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly $48 per person – reported by 97 diners. That puts it in the $41–$50 category. For a Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While many guests spend in that sweet spot, a good number also opt for a more premium experience, pushing their spend past $100.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 97 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Restaurant, offering options for a solid mid-range meal while also catering to those looking to splurge a bit more.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Provisional Kitchen
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
2
Overhyped and Overpriced Brunch Experience
My experience at this restaurant, which I tried for brunch and lunch during my stay at the Pendry, was ultimately overhyped and overpriced. For a significant cost of $65+, I received a decent avocado toast, a bowl of oatmeal, and two cold, small lattes. When I attempted to order pizzas for our room, the phone went unanswered despite three calls at noon.
My subsequent visit to the hostess stand was met with a 10-minute wait without any assistance, forcing me to approach the bar to inquire about takeout. It felt as though the service declined significantly after 11: 30 am.
- avocado toast6
- oatmeal6
- take out5
- lattes2
- phone1
- hostess stand2
Service Intent
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
1
Horrendous Experience: Hair, Rocks, and Terrible Service
My experience at this restaurant was absolutely horrendous all around. The check-in process was extremely inefficient; we waited 20 minutes only to be told the wait for a regular table was long. They only assist one party at a time, which meant we weren't even offered the option of waiting or not upfront.
Things worsened from there. We found hair on both of our plates. Then, the breakfast pizza arrived with a rock or piece of ceramic that my husband bit into.
Our server was not apologetic for either incident, and no manager intervened. It was embarrassing for a restaurant attempting to appear high-end.
- check-in process1
- hair on plates1
- rock or ceramic1
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Service Intent
- Tourist Experience
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
5
Overpriced Breakfast with Long Wait Times
I came here for breakfast because of the credit that comes with staying at the Pendry. It's a busy place, so we reserved our seats a day before, which was a good decision as they do get busy. Upon arriving on time, we still had to wait around 10 minutes before being seated.
After being seated, the server took a while to take our orders. We ordered the omelet and the breakfast burrito. The orders took forever to be served, almost 30 minutes!
When they arrived, the omelet was mediocre, and the burrito wasn't that great. I was expecting sausage in the burrito, but it only had ground beef, which was disappointing. Both dishes were also overpriced for what they were.
The server also took a long time to bring our check. While the vibes here are nice, the food wait times are too long, and it's an overpriced breakfast.
- seat reservation8
- wait time for seating5
- omelet5
- wait time for orders2
- breakfast burrito3
- price3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
6
Decent Oatmeal, Lacking Restaurant Value
My experience at this restaurant was centered around trying their oatmeal. While it was a decent quick version of steel-cut oats, I found it to be too basic for the restaurant level and price. The atmosphere was rated a 5, suggesting a very pleasant environment, and the service received a 4, indicating good service.
However, the food score was a 3, aligning with my perception of the oatmeal being underwhelming for the cost.
- oatmeal5
- steel cut5
- food3
- price2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Delicious Lunch with Great Service
My experience at this restaurant was very positive. A party of two visited for lunch on a Tuesday in December. Thanks to a reservation made by my companion, who was staying at the Pendry hotel, we were seated immediately.
The staff was very friendly and the service was quick. I enjoyed the crispy chicken wrap with a side of mixed greens salad, and everything was delicious. The chicken was indeed crispy, and the dressings, which had a Southwest style, were perfect.
On another day, I returned for lunch and had the avocado toast, which was really good and well presented.
- seating10
- staff10
- service10
What Provisional Kitchen offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Brunch reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- 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
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Provisional Kitchen accessible for all guests?
Yes, Provisional Kitchen prioritizes accessibility. You’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
What dining options are available at Provisional Kitchen, and do I need a reservation?
You can enjoy breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service at Provisional Kitchen. Reservations are accepted, and it’s recommended to book ahead for both dinner and brunch, especially given its popularity.
How does Provisional Kitchen generally rate with customers?
Provisional Kitchen holds a good overall score of `7.3` out of 10. Customers particularly appreciate the `Ambience` (8.3) and `Food` (7.6), while `Service` (6.8) is also rated well. The main area for improvement is `Value` (3.9).
What do customers enjoy most about Provisional Kitchen's atmosphere?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s `ambiance`, describing it as stunning, chic, and welcoming. Many enjoy the modern decor and the overall great vibe, making it a pleasant place for people watching.
Is Provisional Kitchen considered good value for money?
Customer feedback indicates that `Value` is a significant concern, with a score of 3.9. Many guests find the prices to be high, and some feel that certain items are `pricey` or not worth the cost.