Highlights
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
oChef » Wolf In The Woods – San Diego
Wolf In The Woods - San Diego
Photo from Wolf In The Woods
Wolf In The Woods at a glance
San Diego Mission Hills
- 🍽️ Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $71–$80
mentioned by 83 of the guests
#132 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#26 Restaurant out of 87 in San Diego
Excellent
8.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
600
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Exceptional dining
- Warm service
Frequently criticized
- Value concerns
- Tight space
The restaurant Wolf In The Woods in San Diego’s vibrant Mission Hills neighborhood offers you a truly memorable dining experience. You’ll discover a cozy and upscale atmosphere, perfect for a romantic evening or a trendy night out.
This restaurant is celebrated for its exceptional culinary creations, especially if you appreciate a great dessert to complete your meal. You can expect a delightful journey for your taste buds here.
Overview: Introducting Wolf In The Woods
Wolf In The Woods offers a distinctive dining experience, often praised for its attentive service and a menu described by some as a culinary masterpiece. Guests frequently enjoy the appealing cozy atmosphere, which contributes to a memorable visit.
However, some patrons have found the overall experience to be a bit pricy, and certain aspects of the seating can feel rather compact. Despite these points, the restaurant generally leaves a strong positive impression on its visitors.
Excellent
8.3
out of 10
600
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
75
negative
33
neutral
492
positive
Wolf In The Woods achieves a solid Restaurant Score of 8.3, indicating a generally good performance across the board. This is well-supported by a strong Customer Satisfaction rate of 82%, suggesting most guests leave content with their experience.
These figures are drawn from a substantial pool of 600 customer opinions, with 492 positive remarks outweighing 75 negative ones. Delving into specifics, the Service (8.7) stands out as particularly strong, often described as attentive and warm.
The Food (8.5) also receives high marks for its quality and presentation. While the Ambience (7.6) is generally well-regarded for its inviting feel, the Value (5.3) is perceived as more average, with some guests noting the price point.
What people like
- Outstanding food quality
- Attentive, warm service
- Inviting, cozy ambiance
What people don't like
- High price point
- Cramped seating
- Inattentive server instances
If you prioritize exceptional food and attentive service within an inviting setting, Wolf In The Woods is certainly worth considering. The strong Recommendation Score of 8.7 suggests a high likelihood of a satisfying visit, especially for those seeking a refined dining experience.
However, be mindful that the pricing might be on the higher side, and seating can feel intimate. For a special occasion or when you’re prepared for a more premium experience, this establishment generally delivers on its promise.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Wolf In The Woods
Food (8.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot generally hits the mark with a strong score of 8.5 and a good customer satisfaction rate of 84.6%. With 285 positive remarks out of 337 total, diners consistently praise the beautifully crafted dishes, bold and unique flavors, and creative tapas style plates. The corn soup often gets a special shout-out for its deliciousness.
However, not every dish is a home run, with 32 negative comments noted. Some guests found portions were pretty small, while others mentioned an octopus texture that wasn't quite right or that some dishes served cold. A few also noted an unappetizing smokey brown sauce on certain items.
Food
337
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
32
negative
20
neutral
285
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Creative, flavorful dishes
- Outstanding corn soup
- Beautifully presented food
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Inconsistent octopus texture
- Some dishes served cold
Often praised
- foodThe owner spoke with us about the restaurant, how his wife is an amazing cook from New Mexico (yes, she is!) and many more. Overall, the staff was always extremely attentive, the food was out of this world, and I hope this place is found by Michelin for a Star!
- corn soupThe atmosphere was cute and the wine selection was great. However, the food was just okay, with the exception of one dish that was very good – I believe it was something similar to a corn soup, though I forgot its name. The service and atmosphere received top marks (5/5), but the food only rated a 3/5.
- dishesOur party of 4 tried 8 dishes in total, including 6 tostas and 2 items from the Wine and Dine section. We all agreed that all dishes were unique and delicious, with no clear favorite. The service was excellent throughout, with friendly and knowledgeable staff.
- menuI highly recommend trying the whole menu if you can; it's a culinary masterpiece! Everything, from the menu to the service, was curated to perfection. Truly a fantastic experience!
- carrot cakeHighly recommend beef tataki and sweet corn soup. Goat cheese tosta and bouquerones were also top notch and so was the carrot cake! Didn’t have much space for dessert but it delivered.
- wine listThe wine list is extensive
- wine selectionTheir wine selection is equally impressive and perfectly curated
- octopusWe shared several dishes, tapas-style, starting with the crudo, which was fresh but lacked that pop of flavor I was hoping for. The meatballs were just okay for me, but the octopus was solid. It’s worth noting that most dishes had a noticeable level of spice — possibly because they were running a New Mexico-themed menu that night.
- wineWe could not have had better service. The food was absolutely incredible and the wine was well curated. We are so sad we live out of state, otherwise we would visit all the time.
- everythingWe opted for a shared, small plates menu, and as a party of two, we enjoyed a bottle of wine and five plates. Our favorites were the corn soup and the carne, but honestly, everything was delicious.
Frequently criticized
- octopusthe smokey brown sauce on the octopus was very unappetizing
- portionsthe portions were on the small side
- Dietary restrictionsFailed to accommodate my clearly stated dietary restriction.
- NA gin and tonicFor drinks, I ordered the NA gin and tonic. Unfortunately, it tasted very flat. It was changed, but the second one wasn’t much better; I wouldn’t order it again.
- New Mexican Foodbut it's not New Mexican Food.
- Panna CottaThe Panna Cotta severely lacked in sweetness
- aguachileThe patty for the mini burger was delicious and very well sized! While the croquetas are delicious, they are a little expensive, as is the aguachile – there wasn’t much fish and the sauce was a little bland for my taste. For drinks, I ordered the NA gin and tonic.
- albondigasThere was nothing -save for the cheese board- that we truly enjoyed. The aguachile was far too spicy (and this is coming from someone who puts hot sauce on everything), the albondigas had too much cinnamon and the olives were completely unnecessary. The duck was cold and lacked seasoning but the plate it came on was searing hot- which tells me the duck was just lying around and they replated it.
- breaddisappointed about was the bread. It didn’t taste like it was freshly baked
- carrot cakethe carrot cake had good flavor, but it was ruined by the large amount of KOSHER salt
If youre looking for creative, flavorful dishes and dont mind a tapas-style experience with smaller portions, this place is definitely worth trying. Just be aware that some specific dishes might not always live up to the high standard set by others.
Service (8.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 77% of the guests
Get ready to be impressed by the service here! With a strong score of 8.7 and an impressive 87.5% customer satisfaction, its clear the team knows how to make guests feel special. Many of the 112 positive remarks praise the great staff, attentive service, and excellent service, often highlighting how knowledgeable about the menu servers enhance the dining experience.
However, out of 128 total comments, a handful of the 12 negative ones suggest occasional inconsistencies. Some guests felt rushed to finish their dining experience or noted waiting times for their orders. A few also mentioned a not very attentive server or even a rude' waiter, indicating there might be rare off days.
Service
128
Reviews
87%
Satisfaction
12
negative
4
neutral
112
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Attentive staff
- Knowledgeable servers
- Excellent service
What people don't like
- Long waiting times
- Rushed dining
- Inattentive servers
Often praised
- serviceThe wine selection is equally impressive and perfectly curated to pair with the tapas. The cozy, inviting atmosphere combined with warm, attentive service made it feel like a special neighborhood secret. I highly recommend making a reservation, as this charming spot fills up fast for good reason.
- staffThe owner spoke with us about the restaurant, how his wife is an amazing cook from New Mexico (yes, she is!) and many more. Overall, the staff was always extremely attentive, the food was out of this world, and I hope this place is found by Michelin for a Star!
- serverOur wonderful server was very attentive and kept checking in on us
- serversThe servers and the host were very kind and attentive.
- ServiceService:5
- attentive serviceattentive service make it the perfect spot
- birthday cardhad a signed birthday card for me which was a nice added touch
- recommendationsOur server, Christy, was absolutely phenomenal. Her recommendations were thoughtful, on point, and made our evening feel even more special. The food was outstanding—flavorful, beautifully presented, and clearly crafted with care.
- teamDespite the bustling kitchen, she personally engaged with us, adding a special touch to an already stellar evening. The team went above and beyond to deliver an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend trying the whole menu if you can; it's a culinary masterpiece!
- waiterTucker our waiter was witty and helpful
Frequently criticized
- waiterwe did have to wave down our waiter a few times
- ServiceService:1
- dining experiencerushed to finish the dining experience
- kitchenkitchen still accidentally added fried scallions
- passing the buckInstead of the staff learning from this mistake they seemed happy to pass the buck back to me.
- serverEverything was beautifully presented. However, while other staff members were kind and touched our table, our server was not very attentive. We experienced significant waiting times, from ordering to receiving water and our check, even after requesting it in advance.
- servicepoor service
- table turnoversas many table turnovers as possible
- waiting timeliterally waited 5 months
- waiting timesWe spent a lot of time waiting
If you're looking for a restaurant where the staff genuinely cares, this place is a strong contender. While a few guests encountered minor issues like waiting times, the vast majority rave about the attentive and knowledgeable team, ensuring a memorable visit.
Ambience (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 66% of the guests
Based on 91 positive remarks, guests frequently praise the restaurants good ambience, reflected in a 7.6 score and 74.6% customer satisfaction. Many describe it as a darling place with a gorgeous neighborhood feel, offering an intimate ambiance and a great atmosphere that often feels like a little piece of Europe. However, 25 negative comments highlight some concerns, particularly regarding inside seating which can feel cramped and noisy.
Some found the space to be claustrophobic, especially at the bar or near the kitchen, suggesting that while charming, it might not suit everyones preference for elbow room.
Ambience
122
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
25
negative
6
neutral
91
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Intimate European ambiance
- Charming neighborhood spot
- Cozy outdoor seating
What people don't like
- Cramped inside seating
- Noisy main room
- Space feels claustrophobic
Often praised
- atmospherebeautiful scenery, and I appreciated the candle light tough and the trees being illuminated as it hit dark
- ambianceFrom appetizers to desserts, every dish is bursting with flavor and creativity. The ambiance adds to the experience, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. I highly recommend trying their menu – you won't be disappointed!
- spaceStunning. The space is so elegantly designed, it invites you to linger and savor every moment. As for those here who complain about portion sizes, this is a fine dining experience—not a Las Vegas all you can eat buffet!
- placeWhat a lovely discovery and experience! It's such a cozy little place with excellent food. It's perfect for a date night.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- ambienceThe ambience was vibrant and inviting
- neighborhoodThe food is amazing and the service is so friendly. We enjoyed a nice meal in a pleasant neighborhood of Mission Hills. We travel to New Mexico every once in awhile as it’s one of our favorite places!
- outside seatingoutside seating looks perfect
- spotIncredible quaint and romantic spot
- vibePretty much everything we tried was great. I loved the ambience and the vibe felt like we were in Europe, not San Diego. A must-try spot!
Frequently criticized
- tablesThe seating and space are extremely compact, both inside and outside, and at the bar. The tables are tiny, making everything feel very claustrophobic, and I felt like I was part of my neighbors' conversations. Walking to the bathroom was a hazard, with servers carrying items, and I narrowly avoided accidents twice.
- atmospherethe tables inside are also very close together inside making it feel very cramped and noisy
- inside seatingInside seating is rather small and loud and cramped
- bar seatingseated at the high-traffic corner of the bar
- chair cushionschair cushions not being too comfortable
- claustrophobiceverything felt very claustrophobic
- crampedFound it cramped
- holes in the tableThere are holes in the table, so when wine is spilled during pouring it lands on whatever is underneath
- inside temperaturethe inside was freezing even with my coat fully zipped
- large groupI don’t think this is an ideal place for a large group
If you're seeking a charming, intimate European-style spot for a date night, this place shines. Just be mindful that the cozy atmosphere can sometimes translate to cramped or noisy conditions, especially inside, so consider outdoor seating if available.
Value (5.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 12% of the guests
When it comes to value, it seems theres a bit of a mixed bag, with some guests feeling their meal was 100% worth every penny, especially for happy hour specials. While the overall score for value sits at an average 5.3, there are positive remarks about the general price point and the overall value received, suggesting some experiences truly hit the mark. These positive sentiments appear in 4 opinions out of 13 total, often mentioning the meal, price, and happy hour special.
However, the customer satisfaction for value is quite low at a poor 30.8%, indicating that many felt let down. Several guests found the experience a bit pricy for what they received, with concerns about bread charges, the cost of croquetas and aguachile, and the small tapas size. Negative comments, appearing in 6 opinions, highlight instances where the meal and price didnt align with expectations, leading to disappointment over the overall cost.
Value
13
Reviews
30%
Satisfaction
6
negative
3
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Happy hour specials
- Meal worth price
What people don't like
- Expensive for size
- Unexpected charges
- High price point
Often praised
- happy hour specialenjoy the happy hour special
- mealThe meal was 100% worth every penny
- pricea bit pricy but good value for the price
- valueYour commitment to preserving the soul of a building while adding your unique touch is a true gift. It’s exactly what makes an area special and increases its value for everyone. Thank you for continuing to invest your vision here.
Frequently criticized
- aguachileas is the aguachile
- bread chargesthey didn’t give us a heads up and was sneaky about it we got the bill
- croquetasThe patty for the mini burger was delicious and very well sized! While the croquetas are delicious, they are a little expensive, as is the aguachile – there wasn’t much fish and the sauce was a little bland for my taste. For drinks, I ordered the NA gin and tonic.
- mealThe panna cotta was flavorless and had far too much crumb on top so you were choking on pistachio and graham cracker crumb leaving your mouth dry like a desert. For a $220 meal without gratuity, I expected far better. The two shining stars were the service and the cheese board.
- priceOur bill was close to $200 for 2 drinks, 2 soups, 1 app, 2 mains and 2 desserts. At this price point, I was extremely let down by the food.
- tapas sizeMy experience at this restaurant had its highs and lows. I'll start with the negatives: it's a little bit expensive for the size of the tapas. The seating area can be a bit surprising, as it seems to be a residential house transformed into a restaurant, so some tables are squeezed into passageways or close to the kitchen or restrooms.
If youre looking for great happy hour deals, you might find some good value here. However, be mindful that many guests felt the regular menu items, especially tapas, were overpriced for their size and quality. Its a place where your wallet might feel the pinch if you're not careful with your selections.
How are the prices at Wolf In The Woods?
On average, you’ll spend around $80 per person – from 83 guests. That puts the restaurant in the $71–$80 category. For a Restaurant, that’s mid-range, maybe slightly above.
Interestingly, while the average hovers around $80, a good number of recent diners actually spent more, with many reviews showing spending in the $91–$100 and even $101+ categories. This suggests that while you can certainly enjoy a meal for around $80, there’s also a strong tendency for guests to opt for a more premium experience here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 83 reviews.
See how this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in San Diego.
We think the pricing here feels quite fair for a Restaurant in San Diego, especially considering many guests are happy to spend a bit more for what seems to be a premium experience. It’s a good spot if you’re looking for quality that might lean a little above standard mid-range.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Wolf In The Woods
Price per Person
- $101+
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Beloved Mission Hills Gem!
Our most beloved restaurant in our Mission Hills neighborhood! It doesn’t matter what you order—the food is always delicious. The service is exceptional, and you must order a bottle of wine—the sommelier/owner is amazing, offering not just California wines but incredible European selections.
Don’t be alarmed by dining outdoors—it’s quaint, lovely, and heated. Or you can dine inside; either way, you can’t go wrong. Truly one of the best-kept secrets in San Diego!
- food10
- service10
- European selections10
Price per Person
- $31–$40
Visit Type
- Romantic Date
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
Quaint and Cozy European Bistro
I had a wonderful experience at this quaint and cozy spot! Our server was incredibly helpful and friendly, offering excellent recommendations. The atmosphere was reminiscent of a candle-lit European bistro, perfect for a date night with its shareable plates.
I cannot wait to return.
- spot9
- server10
- recommendations9
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Noise Level
- Quiet
9
A Unique Southwestern Gem in San Diego
My experience at this restaurant was truly wonderful. It's a unique jewel tucked away in a historic San Diego neighborhood. We chose to sit outside, and the heat lamps were very effective, keeping us warm on a chilly evening.
The hostess and wait staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive. The food was absolutely delicious, offering a distinct New Mexico southwestern flair. They also have a lovely wine list.
Overall, it's a special place!
- heat lamps9
- hostess and wait staff10
- food10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
European Chic with Exceptional Food and Service
It is a rare day that I walk out of a restaurant and say WOW! And no criticisms. This restaurant is European sophisticated minimalism.
It offers excellent service and high quality food. The portions are perfect, just what you need and not a drop more. The soup is a true standout, and whoever created the quarter-dollar-sized fritters in the soup deserves a Grammy, an Emmy, or some great award.
The atmosphere is European chic. The wine list is extensive with options from around the world. The cheese board offers several cheeses, not too much of any but just enough.
The apricot chutney has a nice spice along with the sweet. For dessert, I had cheesecake and cappuccino. The cappuccino was excellent – go home Starbucks!
The carrot cake is yummy and spiced nicely. I can't wait to go again and try something else. I will let you know.
- service10
- food quality10
- portions10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Pleasantly Impressed with Great Food & Service
After hearing lots of good reviews about this place, I came in with low expectations, thinking it might be overhyped. However, I was pleasantly impressed! The food was pretty good, and the service was great.
My only disappointment was the bread; it didn’t taste freshly baked. The citrus octopus and sweet corn soup are to die for! Both dishes have consistently been good every time I visit.
The carne adovada was very tasty, with super soft meat and a nice crunch from the onion. The richness of the creamy polenta paired wonderfully with the roasted mushrooms, making the whole dish quite delicious and flavorful. Highly recommend!
- food8
- service9
- citrus octopus10
- bread3
What Wolf In The Woods offers
Planning
- Reservations required
- Accepts reservations
- Dinner reservations recommended
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
- Bar onsite
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Hard liquor
- Happy hour drinks
- Wine
- Coffee
- Beer
- Small plates
- Cocktails
- Alcohol
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Table service
- Dessert
Service Options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Upscale
- Cozy
- Trendy
- Romantic
FAQs
What kind of atmosphere can you expect at Wolf In The Woods?
At Wolf In The Woods, you can immerse yourself in an atmosphere that is both upscale and cozy. It’s also considered a trendy and romantic spot, making it ideal for various occasions. You’ll find the setting perfect for a relaxed yet refined dining experience in Mission Hills.
Does Wolf In The Woods offer options for different dining preferences and accessibility?
Yes, Wolf In The Woods caters to various needs. You can enjoy outdoor seating, dine-in, takeout, or delivery. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.
How does Wolf In The Woods perform overall?
Wolf In The Woods has a strong overall Restaurant Score of 8.3, with high marks for Food (8.5) and Service (8.7). The Ambience (7.6) is also well-received, though Value (5.3) is considered average.
What do customers appreciate most about the service?
Customers frequently praise the service for being attentive and warm. Many highlight the staff’s recommendations and personal touches, making for a special dining experience.
Are there any common concerns about the dining experience?
Some customers have noted that the restaurant can be a bit pricey for the portion sizes, and the seating arrangements, particularly inside, can feel cramped or noisy.