Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
oChef » Quixote – San Diego
Quixote - San Diego
Photo from Quixote
Quixote at a glance
San Diego University Heights
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 114 of the guests
#429 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#46 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Good
7.1 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
830
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Creative food
- Unique decor
- Friendly service
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Inconsistent service
- Loud atmosphere
The restaurant Quixote, a vibrant Mexican Restaurant in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood, offers a unique dining experience. You can expect a memorable visit within its trendy, upscale, and cozy atmosphere.
This spot is perfect for enjoying delicious small plates and expertly crafted cocktails. You will find yourself immersed in a blend of historic charm and modern flair.
Overview: Introducting Quixote
Quixote offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its creative dishes and captivating ambience. Guests frequently highlight the unique decor and flavorful preparations, making it a memorable spot for special occasions.
However, the overall experience can be a mixed bag. While the service often receives positive remarks for attentiveness, some find the value proposition challenging, with concerns about pricing and portion sizes.
Good
7.1
out of 10
830
Reviews
66.9%
Satisfaction
222
negative
53
neutral
555
positive
Quixote earns a respectable overall score of 7.1, indicating a generally good experience for many. Customer satisfaction, however, sits at a mixed 66.9%.
This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves with reservations. These insights are drawn from over 830 customer observations, with 555 positive remarks balancing 222 negative ones.
The culinary offerings are a clear strength, with Food scoring well (7.7). The unique Ambience also contributes positively (7.3), creating a distinctive setting.
While Service is generally seen as average (6.3), some experiences stand out. The primary area for improvement appears to be Value (3.5), which receives a poor rating and is a frequent point of contention.
What people like
- Flavorful, creative food
- Distinctive, cozy ambience
- Attentive, friendly staff
What people don't like
- High prices, poor value
- Inconsistent, slow service
- Loud, dark interior
Quixote presents a compelling case for those seeking a visually striking setting and inventive cuisine. With a recommendation score of 7.2, it’s worth considering if you prioritize a unique atmosphere and flavorful dishes over strict budget concerns.
However, be prepared for potentially inconsistent service and a lively, sometimes loud, environment. If you’re sensitive to noise or looking for exceptional value, you might find aspects disappointing.
It’s a place to try for the experience, but manage expectations regarding cost and service consistency.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Quixote
Food (7.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, diners generally walk away happy, with a 75.4% customer satisfaction rate and a solid 7.7 score. Out of 382 total opinions, there are 288 positive remarks, highlighting delicious and flavorful dishes like tacos and fondue, often beautifully presented and offering a unique culinary adventure. However, not all experiences are perfect, with 66 negative comments pointing to some concerns.
Issues include small or overpriced meal portions, occasional blandness, and unfortunately, serious mentions of food poisoning, which are definitely dealbreakers for some.
Food
382
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
66
negative
28
neutral
288
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Flavorful, unique dishes
- Beautiful presentation
- Delicious tacos, fondue
What people don't like
- Food poisoning concerns
- Small, overpriced portions
- Occasional blandness
Often praised
- foodHowever, the atmosphere was kinda loud, which detracted from the overall experience. While the food was tasty, I found it to be overpriced for what it was. The service was excellent, receiving a perfect score.
- drinksMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I loved the ambiance and enjoyed the great drinks. The food was also great, though some plates came in small portions.
- cocktailsThis would be less impactful without great food, but everything we ordered was exemplary. We started with perfect creative cocktails. Standout dishes included the duck carnitas on a sope with a dark, not-too-spicy mole, jicama salad with tangy tamarind dressing, masa-fried chicken tacos, whole branzino deboned and grilled on a leaf, braised lamb belly with grilled nopal and pickled cauliflower, and grilled ribeye with grilled avocado and fresh corn tortillas.
- fonduecrispy chicken tacos and the fondue, both were amazing!
- ribsMy favorite were the ribs. Expertly balanced ribs that highlight the natural richness of the meat
- flavorsI discovered a very cool restaurant that I didn't know existed, and I'm glad I found it. The dishes were loaded with quality ingredients and delicious flavors. The atmosphere was very cool, with real candlelight and dim lighting in a Gothic church-like setting.
- guacamolethe guacamole—the portion was impressively generous, making it perfect for sharing
- shrimp tacosThe shrimp tacos were like a spiritual journey for my mouth.
- chicken tacosI got the octopus, which was good but probably an acquired taste. After trying my wife’s chicken tacos, I could have eaten those for the rest of the trip and left a happy man! The environment when we arrived was a very dark, low-lit experience and was a comfortable cooler temp to get out of the heat.
- dishesTheir dishes are loaded with quality ingredients and delicious flavors
Frequently criticized
- foodexperience with the food here was extremely concerning
- menuIf you are looking for a unique look, then this is it. However, the food was bland, expensive, and the menu small. Regarding service, we were sat right away upon walking in, but it took the waiter 25 minutes to come take our order.
- cocktailsDidn’t like cocktails they serve
- drinksweak drinks
- food poisoningbecame severely ill with what began as food poisoning
- octopusthe octopus was chewy enough to bounce
- tortillastortillas? Pretty sure they were just pulled from a Guerrero bag they picked up at Vons
- FoodFood:1
- Food overallFood overall is not as good as I expected
- Mexican ipaMexican ipa wasn’t good either
Overall, the food here seems to offer a delightful and flavorful experience for many. While you can expect unique and well-presented dishes, be mindful of potential portion sizes and, for some, a rare but serious concern about food safety.
Service (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 74% of the guests
Service here often shines, with many guests praising the attentive, friendly staff and their knowledgeable recommendations. Out of 184 total comments, 103 were positive, highlighting excellent service and personalized touches that made occasions special. While customer satisfaction sits at a 56% (mixed), the overall score for service is an 6.3 (average), suggesting a decent experience for many.
However, not everyone had a smooth experience. There are concerns about slow service, rude staff behavior, and a general lack of attention, particularly regarding wait times and reservation mix-ups. Some found the service bordering on disrespectful, leading to frustration and disappointment for 73 reviewers.
Service
184
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
73
negative
8
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Knowledgeable recommendations
- Personalized special occasions
What people don't like
- Slow, inattentive service
- Rude staff behavior
- Reservation issues
Often praised
- serviceI visited with my best friend, Rachel, for our reservation last night. Our server, Jesse, provided the best service I’ve had in San Diego. As someone from Texas, I truly appreciated his exceptional hospitality.
- serverThe decor was incredible. Our server was really enthusiastic and friendly, but things took a bit to come out and it took a while to get the check. I don’t think that was totally his fault.
- staffstaff made my wife's birthday celebration extra special
- recommendationsHe had great recommendations and you could tell he wanted us to have a great experience
- waiterThe food was well-cooked and flavorful, and I particularly enjoyed the ribeye and the crab donuts. The waiter was great, and the hostess was very nice. The food also came out hot, which was appreciated.
- ServiceService:5
- server LuisShout out to our server Luis. So nice, appropriately attentive
- server ThomasOur server thomas explained everything perfectly
- CarloCarlo the bartender was the real MVP. He pointed me straight
- Chef RaulThe staff was incredibly friendly, and the food was absolutely AMAZING. Chef Raul even came out to check on us, which was a wonderful touch. I would give this place a 100/10!
Frequently criticized
- serviceHe didn’t introduce himself, never checked on us, and we had to flag him down multiple times just to get basic service. It took 20 minutes to get water, and the condiments we asked for didn’t arrive until we had already finished eating—despite having to ask for them three separate times. As someone who worked in the food industry for 15 years, I know how service should be, and this was an absolute embarrassment.
- waiterI made reservations to celebrate my birthday here due to the good reviews. Our waiter immediately made it a point to tell us (reason unknown) that this was a bar, not a restaurant. When it was mentioned that we were celebrating a birthday, he told us they don’t do anything, that desserts are on the menu and left.
- hostessI was excited to try this place but had a terrible experience. The hostess was extremely rude and unprofessional. She blatantly rolled her eyes to my face multiple times and was extremely condescending with her tone of voice and even mocked me.
- serverI had the unfortunate experience of dining at Quixote in the Lafayette Hotel to celebrate my wife’s 50th birthday, and I can confidently say it was the worst dining experience I’ve ever had. From the start, our server showed no signs of experience or professionalism. He didn’t introduce himself, never checked on us, and we had to flag him down multiple times just to get basic service.
- experiencetalks up great experience when in fact it wasn’t even mediocre
- reservationShe single-handedly ruined the experience, making me feel very uncomfortable and disrespected. She sat us an hour and 10 minutes after our reservation, which, if she was nice, I wouldn’t have even minded as we were enjoying the atmosphere and drinks. However, her behavior/attitude was wild.
- staffThe staff lacks consistency
- table waiterour table waiter is not friendly to say the least.
- attended toI would not recommend booking a 10: 45 PM reservation at this restaurant. My experience was that you will only have 15 minutes to order, and unless you are immediately sat and attended to, you won’t be served. This made for a very rushed and unsatisfactory experience.
- attentionAs someone who worked in the food industry for 15 years, I know how service should be, and this was an absolute embarrassment. The lack of attention, forgetfulness, and overall incompetence were shocking. This kind of service doesn’t align with how Quixote is presumably trying to present itself in San Diego.
If youre lucky, youll encounter some truly wonderful and attentive staff who can make your visit memorable. But be prepared that service can be a bit of a mixed bag, with potential for slow responses or reservation hiccups. It might be worth a try, but keep your expectations balanced.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 86% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a 7.3 score and leaving 70.9% of customers satisfied. Many of the 158 positive comments rave about the unique gothic cathedral church vibes, stained glass windows, and candlelit interior, creating a dark interior and vibe thats both stunning and romantic. Its clear the decor and atmosphere are a major draw.
However, its not all quiet contemplation. Based on 54 negative observations, some found the space loud with terrible acoustics, making conversation difficult. The dark inside lighting, while atmospheric, sometimes made it hard to see the menu, ' leading to a less comfortable experience for some.
Ambience
223
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
54
negative
11
neutral
158
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Unique gothic vibe
- Stunning decor
- Romantic candlelight
What people don't like
- Excessive noise
- Too dark to read
- Poor acoustics
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. The atmosphere was really nice inside, and the staff were friendly, contributing to a pleasant service experience. However, I cannot stress enough that nothing, and I mean absolutely nothing, was worth the price you pay here.
- ambianceThe ambiance, the service, and the food were absolutely amazing.
- vibeAfter our meal, we explored the other fun and eclectic spots within the Lafayette Hotel, which only added to the overall experience. Whether you're staying at the hotel or just stopping by, Quixote is an absolute must for incredible ambiance, delicious food, and a one-of-a-kind vibe you won’t forget!
- ambienceThe restaurant itself is lovely, with beautiful wooden chairs featuring padded seats and a darker tone decor. The candlelight on the table adds a delightful touch to the ambience. As it was our first visit, we decided to order various appetizers to sample a range of flavors.
- decorOur meals, drinks, service, and decor here were all incredible.
- restaurantevery inch of the restaurant was a feast for the eyes
- interiorThis was a very busy place with a beautiful interior and high average prices. While the tacos, fondue, and tuna tart were good, the overall food quality was not as high as I expected.
- experienceThis was probably the most memorable birthday outing I've had lol. Thank you guys for making this a wonderful experience.
- placeThe decor created a unique atmosphere, resembling a gothic church yet feeling very cozy. I fell in love with this unique place, and it made our anniversary celebration quite special. I am extremely grateful for this wonderful experience.
- spaceThe space, which is decorated imaginatively and deftly, is an experience
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was disappointing. The atmosphere was dark, making it difficult to read the menu due to its horrible font. The food was not good, and I regret spending money here.
- lightingMy experience at the restaurant was just okay. The server forgot our guacamole, and the lighting was too dark to properly see my food. The food itself was alright, but nothing special.
- menuthe menu hides in the shadows like it owes someone money
- parkingParking was our only down side as it took us about 40 minutes to an hour to finally get parking.
- Parkingdisappointing start due to the NO Parking situation
- Parking spaceDifficult to find parking
- acousticsterrible acoustics in this place, so freaking loud
- ambianceAbout the ambiance: I wouldn’t dare take an elder there. This place was not for me.
- conversationYou can't carry on a normal conversation
- dark insideA little dark inside maybe
If youre seeking a uniquely moody, visually stunning atmosphere and dont mind a lively, sometimes loud environment, this place is definitely worth experiencing. However, if quiet conversation and bright lighting are priorities, you might find it a bit challenging.
Value (3.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to value, a few diners found some bright spots, noting that certain items were well priced or that the family style dining made the experience feel reasonable and affordable. Some even felt that while initially pricey, the overall experience or portions made it worth the cost. However, the overall sentiment leans heavily towards disappointment, with a low score of 3.5 and customer satisfaction at a mere 14.6%.
Out of 41 comments, 29 strongly suggest the restaurant is often perceived as overpriced, a waste of money, and simply not worth it for what you receive, with many finding the cost outrageous.
Value
41
Reviews
14%
Satisfaction
29
negative
6
neutral
6
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Well priced items
- Family style dining
What people don't like
- Often overpriced
- Waste of money
- Not worth cost
Often praised
- pricePrice for all of us was super reasonable and affordable
- family style diningit’s more ‘family style’ dining so it goes a long long way.
- pricesthe price are pretty fair.
- well pricedwell priced
Frequently criticized
- priceThe guacamole was just fine, but super plain and tasted exactly like the kind you get from the grocery store in a tub, which is not what you'd expect from this kind of establishment. The tacos were actually pretty good, but definitely not worth the $20+ for each order of 2 teeny tacos; they reminded me of Puesto but were not quite as tasty, in my opinion. I was most disappointed in my passionfruit margarita.
- overpricedand I said overpriced
- parkingDifficult to find parking
- $95 steakbetween the $95 steak and the club-level volume
- billOur bill was $220 for four people
- cocktailI LOVE passionfruit, but my drink tasted nothing like it and more like watered-down tequila and triple sec. There was also way too much salt on the rim and all over the outside of the cup, which is definitely not what I would expect for a $16 cocktail. Overall, the experience was just okay, and we likely won't be back.
- company restaurantslike a lot of restaurants owned by this company
- costthe cost was outrageous
- drinks pricedThe drinks are RIDICULOUSLY priced
- expensiveIf you are looking for a unique look, then this is it. However, the food was bland, expensive, and the menu small. Regarding service, we were sat right away upon walking in, but it took the waiter 25 minutes to come take our order.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially steep bill, as many feel the value doesnt match the price. While a few found it reasonable, the overwhelming feedback suggests it might be an expensive experience that doesn't quite deliver on its cost.
How are the prices at Quixote?
On average, you’ll spend around 61 per person – from 114 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $61–$70 category. For a Mexican Restaurant in San Diego, that’s definitely on the higher-end side.
While the average is 61, the price distribution shows a significant number of guests are spending much more, with many prices stretching into the $71–$80, $91–$100, and even $101+ ranges. This suggests a premium experience or a diverse menu with some pricier options.
This chart shows what people usually spend per person, using the 114 most recent reviews.
Heres how this restaurants value for money stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
Considering the price point, wed say the pricing feels fair if the restaurant delivers a truly premium and memorable Mexican dining experience. Its certainly not your everyday taco joint, so expectations for quality and ambiance should match the price tag.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Quixote
Price per Person
- $91–$100
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Birthday Experience
I made reservations to celebrate my birthday here due to the good reviews. Our waiter immediately made it a point to tell us (reason unknown) that this was a bar, not a restaurant. When it was mentioned that we were celebrating a birthday, he told us they don’t do anything, that desserts are on the menu and left.
I’m glad other people had lovely experiences on their birthdays, but we did not and we were dressed to the 9’s and willing to spend money. Instead, we ate our food and left. No one expected singing waiters or a big to do, but basic kindness would have been nice.
Hell, Chili’s puts in more effort.
- food7
- atmosphere5
- waiter1
- birthday celebration1
- basic kindness1
Price per Person
- $71–$80
Visit Type
- Family Dinner
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Moderate
7
Amazing Food, Disappointing Service
I've been to this place several times and it's always been amazing, but tonight they were off their game. The service remained slow, and the server advised another table was ahead of us even though we were already seated. This was an embarrassment as we were hosting family.
Despite the service issues, the food and atmosphere were still a 5 out of 5.
- food10
- atmosphere10
- service1
- server2
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
Noise Level
- Loud
5
Good Food, Terrible Noise and Service
My experience at this restaurant was a mixed bag. While the food was good and the physical ambience was nice, the overall experience was significantly marred by two major issues. Firstly, the restaurant is an absolute echo chamber and painfully loud, making it nearly impossible to have a conversation.
Secondly, the service for drinks was sooooooooo slow; we waited half an hour for a drink, and our food arrived before our drinks. It's a shame because the potential for a great dining experience is there, but these issues really detracted from it.
- food8
- physical ambience7
- echo chamber2
- painfully loud1
- conversation1
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Amazing Food and Atmosphere
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had an amazing squash blossom thing and great tamales. The atmosphere in there was awesome, and the people at the bar were really nice.
- squash blossom thing10
- tamales9
- atmosphere10
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Loud
5
Unique Experience, Mediocre Food
My experience at Quixote, attached to the beautiful Lafayette, was a unique one. While I'm glad we tried it once, it's not an experience we'll be repeating. We visited during the holiday season when the hotel was beautifully decorated and packed with people.
The restaurant itself was full but lacked holiday decorations. Despite being quite noisy, the ambiance and energy were great. Sadly, the food was mediocre.
We ordered 5 tapas options, and 2 of them had absolutely no flavor – not terrible, not good, just literally nothing. It was perplexing, and I'm SO GLAD I didn't order the $95 steak under those conditions. Quixote - ✔️ But won't be back.
- ambiance and energy8
- noise5
- food3
- tapas options2
What Quixote offers
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
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Historic
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
Does Quixote accept reservations for dining?
Yes, Quixote accepts reservations, and dinner reservations are highly recommended to secure your table, especially during peak hours. You can plan ahead for your visit.
Is Quixote accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Quixote is committed to accessibility, offering a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your convenience.
How does Quixote generally score with diners?
Quixote holds an overall score of 7.1. Diners particularly appreciate the Food (7.7) and Ambience (7.3), while Service is average (6.3) and Value is a notable concern (3.5).
What makes Quixote's atmosphere stand out?
Many guests praise Quixote’s unique and captivating atmosphere, describing it as a “feast for the eyes” with beautiful decor, candlelight, and a cozy, gothic-church-like vibe.
Are there any common complaints about Quixote?
Yes, frequent concerns include the high prices and perceived poor value, as well as occasional reports of inconsistent or slow service. Some also find the interior lighting too dark or the acoustics too loud.