Highlights
- Live music
- Great wine list
- Live performances
- Great beer selection
oChef » The Grant Grill – San Diego
The Grant Grill - San Diego
Photo from The Grant Grill
The Grant Grill at a glance
San Diego Marina
- 🍻 Bar & Pub
$$
Price per Person $61–$70
mentioned by 49 of the guests
#259 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#10 Bar & Pub out of 22 in San Diego
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
455
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Excellent service
- Pleasant ambiance
Frequently criticized
- High cost
- Small portions
The restaurant The Grant Grill, a sophisticated Bar & Pub in San Diego’s vibrant Marina neighborhood, invites you to an unforgettable experience. You’ll discover a truly upscale and romantic setting, perfect for an evening out.
Known for its captivating live music, this spot offers a cozy yet trendy ambiance where you can relax and enjoy the moment.
Overview: Introducting The Grant Grill
The Grant Grill offers a refined dining experience where the attentive staff truly stands out, ensuring guests feel well-cared for. Many appreciate the pleasant atmosphere, often enhanced by live music, creating a memorable setting for a meal.
While many find the dishes flavorful, some guests have noted that the price point can be a concern, particularly regarding portion sizes or the overall cost. Despite this, the overall impression leans positive for those seeking a sophisticated outing.
Good
7.8
out of 10
455
Reviews
76.7%
Satisfaction
82
negative
24
neutral
349
positive
The Grant Grill generally leaves a good impression, reflected in its overall 7.8 score and a solid 76.7% customer satisfaction. This positive sentiment is built on 349 positive remarks against 82 negative ones, indicating a largely favorable experience for many diners.
Diners consistently praise the Service (8.4) and Ambience (8.1), which are key strengths. The Food (7.5) also receives good marks, with many appreciating its presentation and flavor.
However, Value (5.7) is perceived as average, with some guests finding the pricing high for what is offered.
What people like
- Impeccable service
- Inviting atmosphere
- Flavorful cocktails/burgers
What people don't like
- High price point
- Small portions
- Inconsistent food quality
For those prioritizing attentive service and a pleasant setting, The Grant Grill is a strong contender. With a 8 recommendation score, it’s a place to consider for special occasions or when the budget allows for a more upscale experience.
However, if value for money and generous portions are your top priorities, you might find aspects of the experience less satisfying. It’s best suited for diners who appreciate refined dining and are prepared for a higher price point.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Grant Grill
Food (7.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 94% of the guests
When it comes to the food, guests generally have a lot of good things to say! With a solid score of 7.5 and customer satisfaction at 72.9%, the culinary experience is often highlighted as a strong point. Many praise the food quality, homemade bread, and delicious chocolate cake, with 175 positive remarks out of 240 total opinions, often noting the inventive tasting menu and shareable portions.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some diners, accounting for 49 negative comments, felt certain main courses lacked seasoning or no flavor, while others encountered cold food or small portions. There were also mentions of overcooked items and issues with presentation in some instances, suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
240
Reviews
72%
Satisfaction
49
negative
16
neutral
175
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Impeccable food quality
- Inventive menu options
- Delicious homemade bread
What people don't like
- Lack of seasoning
- Inconsistent portions
- Cold dishes served
Often praised
- foodThe service was outstanding, with servers who were very attentive and provided really good introductions to the food. We enjoyed both the scallop and the ribeye, and the food was good! The atmosphere was also rated highly.
- cocktailsEvery dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, particularly the seasonal specialties that highlighted fresh, local ingredients. The cocktails were creative and perfectly balanced, enhancing the overall dining experience. For anyone celebrating a special occasion or seeking an unforgettable meal in San Diego, The Grant Grill is a must-visit.
- FoodService and food were outstanding
- baconGood fried eggs, bacon and the best crispy potatoes
- breakfastpleasantly surprised at how move their breakfast was
- burgerI can't say enough good things about this place. They have the best burger I have ever had, and the excellent customer service made the meal even more enjoyable. Additionally, there was a great selection of desserts to choose from.
- menuWe were honored with a table visit from the amazing Chef Mark. Chef Mark's menu and food at the Grant Grill are definitely Michelin level and 2~3 star worthy. The high quality food, wonderful preparation and presentation, with nice sized portions, were exceptional.
- ribeyeWe had the scallop and the ribeye, and the food was good!
- breadone of best pieces of bread I’ve had. It’s insane
- drinksthe drinks hit the spot, super well-made and refreshing
Frequently criticized
- presentationFor reference, no one was seated at any of the preferable tables for the time we arrived and for the entire duration of our visit. The food was mid-to-poor compared to what we have had at the grill before; it had no flavor, the presentation was not appetizing, and my spouse's salmon was cool. As there are so many great alternatives in the downtown area, we expected far better from The Grant Grill.
- foodThe food was mid-to-poor compared to what we have had
- main coursesOur main courses of veal and tuna could have been seasoned a bit more. Compared to the appetizer, they were a bit dry and bland.
- portionsHowever, upon arrival, we were only presented with a wine list, and when we inquired about the regular bar menu, there seemed to be a push towards the wine list. The portions were very small, and some dishes lacked freshness; my salad tasted premixed and had been sitting on the plate, and our main courses were lukewarm. For $135 per person, the portions were not only small but also lacked the taste factor of a chef's tasting menu.
- scallopsThey were overcooked - tough and chewy
- vealveal ... could have been seasoned a bit more
- Grant GrillThe food was mid-to-poor compared to what we have had
- Hokkaido Scallopsscallops were about the size of a quarter, with the exception of one, and not many of them for a main course meal
- appetizer orderAppetizer order was forgotten
- baby bok choyThe greens were overcooked soggy baby bok choy
Overall, the food here is a good bet, especially if you're looking for creative dishes and quality ingredients. While there might be occasional misses, the positive experiences far outweigh the negatives, making it worth trying for a satisfying meal.
Service (8.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 85% of the guests
When it comes to service, this establishment truly stands out! Boasting a solid score of 8.4 and a fantastic customer satisfaction rate of 82.4%, guests consistently praise the attentive and friendly staff. With 103 positive remarks out of 125, many highlight exceptional service from servers, chefs, and managers who go above and beyond with their menu knowledge and charming interactions.
However, its not entirely without its minor flaws. A smaller number of 19 negative comments pointed to occasional slow service, rude staff, or pushy hosts. Some experiences included waiters forgetting orders or a lack of attention, suggesting theres a little room for improvement in consistency.
Service
125
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
19
negative
3
neutral
103
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive, friendly staff
- Exceptional service
- Knowledgeable servers
What people don't like
- Slow service
- Rude staff
- Pushy host
Often praised
- serviceHowever, the music was a bit too sleepy, leaning more towards a lull than a lively accompaniment. Despite the beautiful surroundings and impeccable service, the food unfortunately did not meet the same high standard. My friends found their steak special to be a tough cut, and while the flavor was acceptable, it failed to stand out.
- staffMy experience at The Grant Grill was absolutely wonderful. The staff welcomed us with open arms and were incredibly attentive, taking care of our every need. Our server, Jose, was happy and helpful, anticipating our needs throughout the meal.
- serverFrom the moment I walked in, I was struck by the elegant yet inviting atmosphere. The service was impeccable; our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and provided excellent recommendations. Every dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor, particularly the seasonal specialties that highlighted fresh, local ingredients.
- customer serviceI can't say enough good things about this place. They have the best burger I have ever had, and the excellent customer service made the meal even more enjoyable. Additionally, there was a great selection of desserts to choose from.
- serversThe servers were extremely attentive
- ServiceService and food were outstanding
- chefThe chef came to our table to insure everything was perfect
- great serviceand great service. They delivered across all, but I must say that the highlight was their service.
- impeccable serviceMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful and classy. We went out with friends and received impeccable service. The staff were excellent at making accommodations on dietary restrictions and even served a fruit platter for dessert, which wasn't on the menu.
- wait staffThe wait staff, aside de from the front of house, was great
Frequently criticized
- waiterI'm giving it 5 stars, but just barely. One time, while I was dining like a king with a $250 gift card, I felt the waiter was suspicious I might dine and ditch, even though I informed him about the gift card beforehand. He kept pressuring me to pay even as I was still ordering.
- serviceThe service wasn’t Our host was pushy, got everything wrong
- attentionHad to get his attention a couple of times by waving him to our table.
- employeesThree employees just milling around.
- hostOur host was pushy
- hostessThe hostess was not experienced, even at just greeting a customer.
- interruptionsshe jumped in about 6 times averaging once every ten minutes
- late serviceserved cold , and old foods very late
- open timestried to get an 830 cocktail and was closed
- orderswould take an order then would forget to bring it
If youre seeking a dining experience where the staff genuinely enhances your visit, this place is definitely worth trying. While a few minor hiccups were noted, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely receive top-notch service.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The ambience here truly shines, earning a good score of 8.1 and delighting 85.3% of customers. With 64 positive remarks out of 75 total, guests consistently praise the elegant atmosphere, historic setting, and the delightful addition of live music, often featuring a jazz band, creating a wonderfully classy place for dining. However, a few of the 8 negative comments point to potential snags.
Some found certain spots noisy near the kitchen, while others mentioned feeling cold by the window. There was also a rare mention of the music being a bit too subdued, leaning into sleepy territory for some.
Ambience
75
Reviews
85%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
64
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Elegant atmosphere
- Live music
- Historic setting
What people don't like
- Noisy areas
- Uncomfortable seating
- Sleepy music
Often praised
- atmosphereThis was the perfect place to come for a quiet Mother's Day toast to my late mother, who happened to love martinis and drank them for most of her 101 year life. We love the quiet and graceful atmosphere with light jazz playing in the background. The staff is always wonderfully attentive and friendly but never overly so.
- live musicThey also had live music which was lovely
- ambienceIt does get two stars for the ambience because it's certainly a nice place to visit
- environmentin a beautiful environment.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambianceThe ambiance was lively with live music
- barWe also loved the bar
- dining experienceTruly a dining experience to remember
- experienceThe food was wonderful, and the live music added a fantastic atmosphere. The staff was incredibly professional and friendly, contributing to the overall wonderful experience. Thank you for the wonderful food and experience!
- settingsetting. Focused on customers. Love that. Nice setting too.
Frequently criticized
- atmosphereSuper serious that you feel you work for them
- elegant atmosphereSpoils the elegant atmosphere
- kidsif you bring kids, please make sure they're behaved.
- musicthe music leaned a little too heavily into “sleepy” territory
- noisy and annoyingseated at the back by the kitchen door (very noisy and annoying)
- roach on the wallthere was a roach on the wall
- windowI froze by the window
If you're seeking a sophisticated spot with live music and a rich, elegant feel, this place is definitely worth a visit. Just be mindful of your seating preference to avoid potentially noisy or chilly areas, ensuring your experience is as perfect as the atmosphere intends.
Value (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 15% of the guests
When it comes to value, some diners found the pricing to be quite fair, often mentioning it was worth the price and highlighting great deals available. Many appreciated the price per person being reasonable, noting it wasnt too pricey for the quality. Out of 15 total comments, 7 leaned positive, contributing to an average score of 5.7.
However, others felt the prices were a bit steep, especially for what they received, with some noting an unexpected surcharge. Concerns were raised about the cost of a basic breakfast and the overall cost of dinner not matching the service. With 6 negative remarks, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 46.7%, suggesting theres room for improvement.
Value
15
Reviews
46%
Satisfaction
6
negative
2
neutral
7
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Great deals available
- Fair pricing
What people don't like
- Astronomical prices
- Unexpected surcharge
- High cost for quality
Often praised
- priceEverything was incredibly tasty. Furthermore, the restaurant is priced right for the high quality of food and service provided.
- great dealsgreat deals to be had here
- price per personPrice per person:$10–20
- under $100made it out right under, $100
- worth the priceit’s worth the price
Frequently criticized
- PricesPrices were absolutely astronomical given the quality
- basic breakfastbasic breakfast w eggs and bacon is $28, seemed high
- cost of dinnerfor the cost of dinner, the service was not very attentive
- pricesI expect a little more at these prices
- spending 480$spending 480$ for 2 people was much less festive
- surchargethere was a surcharge of something like 8% tacked onto the overall bill
If youre looking for great deals and are mindful of what you order, you might find the value acceptable. However, be prepared for potentially high prices on certain items and keep an eye out for any extra surcharge' to avoid surprises.
How are the prices at The Grant Grill?
You’re looking at roughly $67 per person – reported by 49 diners. That puts it in the $61–$70 category. For a Bar & Pub, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at what people actually spend, prices are quite spread out. While some guests enjoy more budget-friendly options, a good number also opt for a more premium experience, pushing the average up.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 49 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels fair for a Bar & Pub, especially considering the variety in what people choose to spend. It seems like theres something for everyone, whether youre looking for a quick bite or a more indulgent experience.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Grant Grill
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Special Occasion
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Christmas Dinner Experience
As locals looking for a fun Christmas pre-fixe dinner, our experience at the Grant Grill was disappointing from the start. We had previously enjoyed cocktails and snacks there, so we had high expectations. The reservation process through OpenTable required a hold for the pre-fixe menu, leading us to believe it was the only option for dinner.
However, upon arrival, we were only presented with a wine list, and when we inquired about the regular bar menu, there seemed to be a push towards the wine list. The portions were very small, and some dishes lacked freshness; my salad tasted premixed and had been sitting on the plate, and our main courses were lukewarm. For $135 per person, the portions were not only small but also lacked the taste factor of a chef's tasting menu.
To our surprise, when I went to use the restroom, I noticed that walk-in customers could order from the regular menu, and no one else seemed to be partaking in the set menu. Spending $480 for two people felt much less festive than if we had ordered Ă la carte, which would have offered better food and beverage options for less money.
- regular menu7
- Ă la carte8
- pre-fixe dinner2
- wine list2
- regular bar menu3
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Size
- Solo
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Overpriced Brunch with Bland Food
My experience at this restaurant for brunch was quite disappointing. The food was extremely overpriced for what was served. The chorizo omelette contained a minuscule amount of chorizo and some unidentifiable greens.
The quiche seemed like it was microwaved, and both the presentation and taste of the dishes were bland. The waiter struggled to understand our order and made mistakes with the drinks. The prices were astronomical, especially considering the quality, and an additional 8% surcharge was added to the bill.
I will give it two stars for the ambience, as it is a pleasant place to visit, but I won't be returning.
- ambience4
- food1
- chorizo omelette2
- quiche2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
9
Amazing Food and Friendly Staff!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I visited before seeing Sarah Millican, and the food was absolutely amazing. The staff were incredibly friendly and clearly good at their job.
The atmosphere was also very nice. It's a great spot with no wait time and a reasonable price per person.
- food10
- staff9
- staff job9
Visit Type
- Tourist Experience
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Cold and old food, very late service
We visited this restaurant twice, once for lunch and once for breakfast, due to having hotel credit. On both occasions, the food served was cold and tasted old. Additionally, the service was very late.
- cold food1
- old foods1
- late service2
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Exceptional Service Made Our Morning Special
Our experience at the restaurant was made incredibly special by our server, Paulina. She went above and beyond, accommodating every request with a smile. Paulina ensured we had everything we needed, contributing to a truly memorable morning.
The service was outstanding, and the overall experience was highly positive.
- service10
- server10
What The Grant Grill offers
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
- Groups
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Offerings
- Dancing
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Food
- Wine
- Beer
- Happy hour food
- Cocktails
- Private dining room
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Table service
- Seating
Service Options
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid parking garage
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Romantic
- Cozy
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere and dining options can you expect at The Grant Grill?
At The Grant Grill, you’ll find an upscale, romantic, cozy, and trendy atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening. You can enjoy comfortable seating and table service, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed dine-in experience in the San Diego Marina.
Does The Grant Grill offer entertainment and a variety of drinks?
Absolutely! The Grant Grill is known for its engaging live music and live performances. You can also indulge in a great wine list, an excellent beer selection, and a full bar offering hard liquor, cocktails, and happy hour drinks and food.
How does The Grant Grill generally perform?
The Grant Grill holds a good overall score of 7.8 with 76.7% customer satisfaction. Its Service (8.4), Ambience (8.1), and Food (7.5) are well-regarded, though Value (5.7) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about The Grant Grill?
Guests frequently praise the restaurant’s impeccable service and the inviting atmosphere, often highlighting the presence of live music and the attentive staff.
Are there any common concerns about dining at The Grant Grill?
Some diners express concerns regarding the high price point and occasionally mention that portions can be small or that certain dishes lack consistent flavor.