Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
oChef » Communion Mission Hills – San Diego
Communion Mission Hills - San Diego
Photo from Communion Mission Hills
Communion Mission Hills at a glance
San Diego Hillcrest
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 85 of the guests
#379 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#61 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Good
7.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
851
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Views
- Dishes
- Service
Frequently criticized
- Pricing
- Portions
- Service
The restaurant Communion Mission Hills in San Diego’s vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood offers you an unforgettable dining experience. Imagine savoring delicious small plates and cocktails under the stars with their highly sought-after rooftop seating.
This trendy and romantic spot is perfect for a special evening out, whether you’re enjoying brunch, lunch, or dinner. You’ll find a sophisticated atmosphere complemented by an impressive wine list and delightful desserts.
Overview: Introducting Communion Mission Hills
Communion offers a striking setting with impressive views and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions. The culinary team crafts creative dishes that often receive high praise for their flavor and quality, contributing to a memorable visit.
However, guests have noted a mixed experience regarding value, with some finding the overall price steep despite the quality. While many commend the attentive service, there are occasional reports of inconsistencies that can impact the dining experience.
Good
7.3
out of 10
851
Reviews
68.4%
Satisfaction
213
negative
56
neutral
582
positive
Communion Mission Hills generally earns a respectable 7.3 out of 10, indicating a good overall dining experience. This is supported by a Customer Satisfaction rate of 68.4%, suggesting a largely positive, though somewhat mixed, reception among guests.
These insights are drawn from 851 customer remarks, with 582 positive observations. The restaurant truly shines in its Ambience (8.4), frequently lauded for its stunning views and decor.
Food (7.4) also performs well, with many appreciating the creative dishes. While Service (6.8) is generally good, some experiences vary.
The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (4.1), which receives a lower score, reflecting concerns about pricing, as noted in 213 negative comments.
What people like
- Stunning Views
- Creative Dishes
- Attentive Service
What people don't like
- Steep Pricing
- Small Portions
- Inconsistent Service
Communion Mission Hills offers a visually appealing experience with its striking setting and generally well-regarded cuisine. It’s a place that can certainly impress, particularly if you prioritize atmosphere and creative culinary offerings for a special occasion.
With a Recommendation Score of 7.6, it’s worth considering, but be prepared for a higher price point and potentially smaller portions. If you value ambience and unique dishes, it could be a good fit, provided you manage expectations on cost.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Communion Mission Hills
Food (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 95% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally earns a solid 7.4, indicating a good culinary experience, though customer satisfaction is a bit mixed at 69.1%. With 304 positive remarks out of 440, many guests raved about the delicious food, fresh ingredients, and beautifully presented dishes, often highlighting the flavors and inventive cocktails. However, 96 comments suggest there's room for improvement.
Recurring themes included small portion sizes, inconsistent quality where some dishes were described as tasteless or overcooked, and others had overpowering flavors or were too salty.
Food
440
Reviews
69%
Satisfaction
96
negative
40
neutral
304
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious flavors
- Beautiful presentation
- Fresh ingredients
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Inconsistent quality
- Overcooked items
Often praised
- foodHowever, for better or worse, Communion is great. It reminds me of Mister A's, but it's better in every aspect: better views, better style, better food, better drinks, and better value. While not cheap by any stretch, it's worth it to impress an out-of-town guest or for a special event.
- cocktailsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was excellent and the cocktails were fantastic, but the culinary experience didn’t quite deliver. The oysters lacked acidity and salinity and were slightly on the warm side.
- drinksHowever, for better or worse, Communion is great. It reminds me of Mister A's, but it's better in every aspect: better views, better style, better food, better drinks, and better value. While not cheap by any stretch, it's worth it to impress an out-of-town guest or for a special event.
- dishesFrom the moment I stepped in, the ambiance struck a perfect balance between chic and inviting, with attention to detail in the decor creating an unforgettable vibe. The menu was creative and full of unique dishes, expertly crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Every bite burst with flavor, showcasing the thought and care put into each dish.
- lamb lollipopsBack to Communion, the friendly service, beautiful handcrafted drinks (the “Yama’s Reign” is a must-try!), and stunning plates made this restaurant a new Mission Hills staple. Everything is a must-try, but my favorites were the house-made focaccia, peas and artichokes, oyster mushrooms, baked triple cream Brie, Spanish octopus, lamb lollipops, and the duck breast. I'm confident you'll fall in love with this place.
- menuThis is definitely my new favorite restaurant, and I can't wait to go back! It's hard to believe this has only been open for 5 weeks, as it seems they have perfected the whole menu. You can't go wrong with the Baked Triple Cream, Spanish Octopus, Lamb Lollipops, Prime Porterhouse, Coconut Milk SeaBass, and peas and artichokes, just to name a few.
- Spanish octopusBack to Communion, the friendly service, beautiful handcrafted drinks (the “Yama’s Reign” is a must-try!), and stunning plates made this restaurant a new Mission Hills staple. Everything is a must-try, but my favorites were the house-made focaccia, peas and artichokes, oyster mushrooms, baked triple cream Brie, Spanish octopus, lamb lollipops, and the duck breast. I'm confident you'll fall in love with this place.
- appetizersThe cocktails were delicious, and I found the place to be really nice. I particularly appreciated the different price points, which is helpful for days when you just want appetizers or a fresh pastry from the pastry chef. The risotto had probably the most truffles I've ever had on it.
- focacciaThe focaccia is amazing too.
- musselsDespite a great dressing on the tomato salad, the tomato itself was not ripe. The mussels were very good, but the hamachi crudo was tasteless, and the coconut milk fish was also tasteless. The stone fruit burrata was excellent, though the fruit wasn't ripe, it was seasonally appropriate.
Frequently criticized
- foodI like this spot, but the food could have been so much better. I never had mussels come out without their shells, and they tasted like smoked canned mussels.
- oystersThe service was excellent and the cocktails were fantastic, but the culinary experience didn’t quite deliver. The oysters lacked acidity and salinity and were slightly on the warm side. The Brussels sprouts had great crispy texture but needed more flavor and depth.
- cocktailMy friend was out of her cocktail since before our food got there
- fishThe fish was over cooked to the point it was crumbled and dry
- food portionsfood portions were disappointingly small
- lamb lollipopsHowever, the food, while tasty, was served in ridiculously small portions. For example, I was charged $38 for three very small lamb lollipops with no sides, served as an entree on a small side plate. Additionally, the restaurant adds a 4% service charge and then suggests a tip starting at 20%.
- portion sizeThe place has a good vibe and the service was good, which contributed to a pleasant atmosphere. However, the food, while tasty, was served in ridiculously small portions. For example, I was charged $38 for three very small lamb lollipops with no sides, served as an entree on a small side plate.
- sidesSides came out first and I've had better at Home town buffet
- turkey plateForty-five minutes later, the mains arrived. My turkey plate was cold and unseasoned. Even worse, my wife's roast beef plate was inedible; we initially thought it was a dull knife, but she actually had to spit it out.
- Brussels sproutsThe oysters lacked acidity and salinity and were slightly on the warm side. The Brussels sprouts had great crispy texture but needed more flavor and depth. The lamb was cooked to a great temp, but it felt incomplete without a sauce or starch, and its placement on a bed of salad was unexpected.
Overall, the food here offers many delicious and well-presented options, making it a good choice for a meal, especially if you enjoy creative drinks. Just be mindful that portions can be small, and some dishes might have inconsistent execution.
Service (6.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed picture, scoring a 6.8, which is generally good, yet customer satisfaction sits at 63.4%, indicating a mixed experience. Many guests, accounting for 111 out of 175 comments, praised the friendly, attentive staff and stellar service, often highlighting excellent recommendations and staff going above and beyond to make them feel welcome and well taken care of. However, 60 comments point to areas needing improvement.
Some diners encountered slow service, long wait times, and miscommunication, particularly with bartenders. Instances of feeling ignored or dealing with rude staff and perceived understaffing led to unfulfilled requests and frustrating delays for others.
Service
175
Reviews
63%
Satisfaction
60
negative
4
neutral
111
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, attentive staff
- Stellar service
- Great recommendations
What people don't like
- Slow, inconsistent service
- Long wait times
- Rude staff
Often praised
- serviceservice from Sydny and the entire support staff was truly outstanding.
- staffShout out to all the staff they’re doing an amazing job!
- serverWhat will likely keep me from going back was the service experience. To be clear, our server was lovely. Everyone we interacted with was lovely.
- serversservers were very kind and well-meaning
- ServiceService was excellent and friendly
- bartenderThe bartender came by to help clear our table and we had a nice chat. Very friendly.
- customer serviceMy dinner at Communion Mission Hills last night was an exceptional dining experience that exceeded all expectations. The customer service was top-notch, with our waiter Julio providing outstanding attention and care. The menu offered an array of mouth-watering options, and several dishes truly stood out.
- server DanielDaniel was our server and he was just so knowledgeable and great
- service at the barservice at the bar... is phenomenal
- waiter DanielOur waiter Daniel did a fantastic job
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice was poor- servers didn’t seem to care about the menu, had no input AND gets our order wrong unapologetically
- customer serviceIt was a shocking and disappointing experience, especially considering the amount we had spent. The management of this establishment clearly needs training in customer service. They must learn how to treat their customers with respect and kindness, especially if they want to encourage repeat business.
- bartenderWe had two bartenders wait on us; one was so sweet and accommodating. Unfortunately, the other couldn’t have seemed more bothered to be waiting on us (and others), which we found to be off-putting for any fine dining restaurant. We always review online menus and came excited to try a few items which weren’t available, and it was a big bummer.
- staffSince it was restaurant week, we got to try a bunch of different dishes, which was fun. The food was good overall, but I was really disappointed that the staff only boxed the steak on my plate and I had a bunch of mashed potatoes and veggies I was also looking forward to eating later.
- staff attentioncompletely disregarding our presence and visible frustration
- wait timewe waited 20 mins to go up for a seat at the bar
- waitressThey didn't compensate us for the hair incident or the extra charge. The waitress was cold and unapologetic, making the whole experience crappy. For a $300+ dinner, it was a low-brow experience, disappointing for such a beautiful place.
- ServiceService needs work
- Thanksgiving dinner serviceTHE worst Thanksgiving dinner service ever
- billsWaiters had a hard time with our bills
This spot offers the potential for genuinely friendly and attentive service, making it worth a visit if you value a warm welcome. Just be aware that service speed and consistency can vary, so managing your expectations, especially during busy times, is a good idea.
Ambience (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 83% of the guests
Alright, lets talk vibes! This spot really shines when it comes to atmosphere, boasting a strong score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 86.3%. With 158 positive sentiments out of 183 total, guests consistently rave about the "great vibes, " "stunning views, " and the overall "rooftop space" with its "elegant design.
" It sounds like a truly captivating place to be! However, its not all sunshine and roses, as 20 comments did bring up a few snags. The most common concerns revolve around parking being a challenge, and some finding the inside room or bar area quite noisy and loud.
So, while the ambiance is generally a hit, be prepared for potential logistical or auditory bumps.
Ambience
183
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
20
negative
5
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Stunning views
- Rooftop space
- Elegant design
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Loud inside
- Noisy bar
Often praised
- viewsTasty, but it’s not going to make a meal on its own. Great views from this top floor restaurant of a new, pink condominium in Mission Hills.
- atmosphereA pro tip: parking is tough, so taking an Uber or Lyft is recommended. Communion is a must-visit for its breathtaking views, vibrant atmosphere, and outstanding cuisine.
- viewThe view, the ambience, the service, the food, all top-notch.
- ambiancethe ambiance strikes the perfect balance between chic and inviting
- ambiencewould def give ambience 5 stars; the restaurant is stunningly designed
- decorThe decor was instagram worthy and beautiful
- locationA great location at the top of one of the nicest apartments
- beautiful views, and the coconut milk sea bass. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience with friendly, attentive service and beautiful views of San Diego!
- great viewsMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The vibe was great, with fun music and great views. The cocktails were decent, and the servers were nice and polite, though they seemed a bit lost when asked questions.
- patiothe little patio is so cute when you first walk in
Frequently criticized
- parkingThe atmosphere atop the building is excellent, offering a fantastic setting. However, the parking is a nightmare in the area, adding to the inconvenience.
- Parking spaceSomewhat difficult to find parking
- alcohol licensedidn’t have an alcohol license
- bathroomsThe bathrooms are unisex with 4 unlabeled stalls... They were completely out of soap
- buildingI really hate the building Communion is in. It is ugly
- busyit was busy
- communityis not showing efforts whatsoever to be part of the very community it is in either.
- dining roomwhat they call a dining room is, IMHO, a misnomer. It is really the bar. And as such, it is very noisy.
- family friendlyNot family friendly.
- inside roomthe inside room gets loud
If you're looking for breathtaking views and a chic atmosphere, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially for a special occasion. Just be mindful of the parking situation and consider if a lively, potentially loud indoor setting is right for your mood.
Value (4.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot presents a bit of a challenge, with an average score of 4.1 and customer satisfaction sitting at a poor 17%. However, among the 9 positive remarks, some guests appreciated that the bill was correct and found the price points to be varied. A few even noted that parking was easy and inexpensive, and a glass of wine could be quite reasonable, making it feel worth the splurge for special occasions.
On the other hand, the 37 negative comments out of 53 total mentions highlight significant concerns. Many felt the overall price was simply too high, with small portions for what you pay. Recurring issues included unexpected surcharges and the general feeling that items were overpriced, making it difficult to justify the cost.
Value
53
Reviews
17%
Satisfaction
37
negative
7
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the splurge
- Reasonable wine price
- Varied price points
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Small portions
- Hidden charges
Often praised
- priceExpensive, but the food and drinks are very good
- ParkingParking is a breeze and inexpensive
- billThe bill was correct
- different price pointsI really appreciate the different price points
- glass of wineThe atmosphere is also phenomenal, and the views are stunning. While the prices are as high as you might expect for what you get, $13 for a glass of wine is very reasonable, considering.
- pricesPrices were very reasonable considering the portions and quality
- valueHowever, for better or worse, Communion is great. It reminds me of Mister A's, but it's better in every aspect: better views, better style, better food, better drinks, and better value. While not cheap by any stretch, it's worth it to impress an out-of-town guest or for a special event.
Frequently criticized
- priceThe service here was truly spectacular, and the drinks were phenomenal. However, the food left a bit to be desired, especially considering the price and flavor choices. I felt that more energy could have been dedicated to the sides or pairings with some of the main dishes and desserts.
- price pointnot an impressive experience considering scarcity of reservation availability, price point and service
- pricesWhile the food itself was actually 4-star worthy, the overall value was diminished by its steep pricing. I had to downgrade my rating to 3 stars because it's hard to justify Mister A's level prices when the location isn't as prime. The atmosphere atop the building is excellent, offering a fantastic setting.
- breadasked for bread and were charged
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- service chargea 4% service charge to "help cover increasing operations and labor costs"
- $1,000 billpaying our $1,000 bill
- $180 billMy $180 bill for two who don’t drink
- 4% surchargealso see a 4% surcharge
- PricesPrices drop it though. Very expensive for what it is.
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, this might not be your ideal choice, as many find the overall experience quite expensive with small portions. However, if youre prepared to splurge for a special occasion, you might find specific items, like a glass of wine, to be reasonably priced.
How are the prices at Communion Mission Hills?
On average, youll spend about 80 per person, based on 85 guests. This places the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Restaurant type, thats comfortably mid-range, perhaps a touch above.
While the average is 80, the price distribution shows a good spread, with many guests spending more, especially in the $81–$90 and even the $100+ ranges. This suggests a mix of offerings, from solid mid-tier to more premium experiences.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 85 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Considering its a Restaurant’ in San Diego, and given the range of experiences available, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers options for different budgets, from a solid mid-range meal to something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Communion Mission Hills
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
9
Great Service, Drinks, and Views!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! The service was excellent, and the creative drinks were a highlight. The views were absolutely stunning, making it a place I would definitely return to.
One thing to note is that the patio can get a bit warm on a sunny day, so bringing sunglasses is a good idea. Parking was a breeze and inexpensive thanks to the nearby garage on Falcon. 😎
- service10
- creative drinks9
- views10
- patio4
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
6
Close but No Cigar on Food
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The service was excellent and the cocktails were fantastic, but the culinary experience didn’t quite deliver. The oysters lacked acidity and salinity and were slightly on the warm side.
The Brussels sprouts had great crispy texture but needed more flavor and depth. The lamb was cooked to a great temp, but it felt incomplete without a sauce or starch, and its placement on a bed of salad was unexpected. Each dish came close to perfection, yet every one seemed to be missing a key element.
Considering the price, the gap in value was very hard to ignore.
- service10
- cocktails9
- Brussels sprouts7
- oysters3
- dish3
- price3
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Moderate (16–30 min.)
2
Annoying Wait Time Despite Empty Seating
When going upstairs, they take your name and then make you wait 10 minutes even when it’s empty upstairs. It’s just annoying. There are many ways to be exclusive, but pretending that you are busy when you aren’t is lame.
The wait time was 10-30 min, which was annoying. The service received a score of 1, and the atmosphere and food both received a score of 3.
- atmosphere5
- food5
- wait time2
- service1
Price per Person
- $61–$70
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
1
Worst Thanksgiving Dinner Service Ever
My experience at this restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner was the worst I've ever had. The sides came out first, and frankly, I've had better at Hometown Buffet. Forty-five minutes later, the mains arrived.
My turkey plate was cold and unseasoned. Even worse, my wife's roast beef plate was inedible; we initially thought it was a dull knife, but she actually had to spit it out. I cannot believe the kitchen would send out such a dish.
We left hungry.
- Thanksgiving dinner service1
- sides2
- mains2
Price per Person
- $100+
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
5
Good food, poor service ending
My experience at this restaurant was good until the very end. We spent $500 and had a pleasant dinner until we were asked to move from our table for "the next guests". This was a disappointing end to an otherwise enjoyable evening.
- dinner7
- food6
- atmosphere6
- table2
- service1
What Communion Mission Hills offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- 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
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Brunch
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually somewhat difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Communion Mission Hills accessible for all guests?
Yes, you’ll find that Communion Mission Hills is committed to accessibility. The restaurant features a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for every guest. You can dine with ease knowing these accommodations are in place.
What dining options and reservation policies should you know for Communion Mission Hills?
Communion Mission Hills offers you a full range of dining options including brunch, lunch, and dinner with table service. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and brunch, to secure your spot at this popular San Diego restaurant. You can easily plan your visit ahead of time.
How does Communion Mission Hills rate overall?
Communion Mission Hills holds an overall score of 7.3, indicating a good experience. Its Ambience (8.4) and Food (7.4) are highly rated, while Service (6.8) is generally good, and Value (4.1) is its lowest score.
What should I expect regarding pricing at Communion Mission Hills?
Many guests find the pricing to be on the higher side, with concerns about steep costs and small portion sizes for the price. There’s also a noted 4% service charge.
Is parking readily available at Communion Mission Hills?
Parking can be challenging in the area, with some guests describing it as a nightmare. While some find it inexpensive, others report difficulty finding a spot.