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Herb & Wood, San Diego, CA
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Herb & Wood

$31 to $50
Californian

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 86 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Lively
  • Great for creative cocktails
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

Order delivery or takeout

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Carlos Anthony

  • Award icon
    MICHELIN Plate2022

From the OpenTable editors: Spectacular wood-fired mains and a strong cocktail game are the twin draws at this sceney Cali-Mediterranean restaurant. Owner and Top Chef finalist Brian Malarkey created a place that’s just as charismatic as his on-air persona, complete with candlelit tables, barrel-vaulted ceilings, and modern art on the walls.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Phone number
    (619) 955-8495
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Private party facilities
    From our spaces to your plate, we specialize in crafting California-inspired events. Each ingredient carefully sourced. Every server dressed to the nines. The perfect lighting, temperature, and music levels. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Neighbourhood
    Little Italy
  • Cross Street
    Kettner & Ivy
  • Parking details
    Street Parking and 4 parking lots within 2 blocks of the restaurant.
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 6,578 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Herb & Wood offers a "vivacious ambience" with beautiful decor and a cozy fireplace. Renowned for its exceptional service, particularly by servers like Mattie and David, the restaurant provides a memorable dining experience. Signature dishes include "delicious" Hamachi, Pork Secreto, and swordfish. The venue is perfect for "special occasions" or a romantic evening.

6,578 Reviews
  1. Nathan

    VIP

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love the ambiance, the oven roasted carrots, baba ghanoush, filet and gnocchi were great. Staff was on point. It was a great evening.

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  2. HenryG

    Orange County

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The table spacing was far enough to allow us to converse without hearing other parties. The service and food were equally excellent. Frankly our sever set the tone for an enjoyable experience with a non-rushed and very knowledgeable support to chosing wine as well as our entrys . The food was excellent and the portions left you full without leaving you feeling stuffed. The pricing was not cheap however I feel our money was well spent as the quality food was supported by NONRUSED service making the meal a really nice evening. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  3. Willie

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Some friends and I decided to try this place because they have an adult Happy Meal for only an hour M-F at the bar. But we loved the ambience so we decided to go during normal dinner hours. There were 4 of us and we share the 22oz Ribeye with Asparagus and Mushrooms. We also ordered the Dutch potatoes because they didn't have mashed potatoes. The steak was really good. It could've used more seasoning, but overall it was prepared well and was so juicy. The sides to the steak (asparagus and mushrooms) were delicious. The dutch potatoes were okay. They were soaked with a lot of lemon juice, but we appreciated that it was freshly squeezed lemon juice. And oh, the dinner rolls were delicious as well. Give them a try, you won't be disappointed. The only setback was the cost. My friends and I thought it was too pricey, particularly the drinks. I had my usual Ketel-Water-Lemon (aka Holy Water) which was $20 and my friends had Mango Mezcal, and Rose, all of which were priced higher than other places we've been. We will be back to experience the adult Happy Meal, hopefully we can get a seat at the bar. And OH! The service was excellent. From the Host, to the servers, to the busboys, everyone was kind and accommodating. Excellent service.

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  4. Gregory

    VIP

    San Diego

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Excellent food and great service! Front desk was not really nice to us. We were welcomed with an attitude. We were celebrating our 2 years wedding anniversary and not even a word on that. Also the chairs are very uncomfortable in the patio/open roof area.

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  5. Robin

    Portland

    39 reviews

    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just wow! Last minute decision and we loved every minute of it. Such good food made better by wait staff beyond compare. Good service really does make good food amazing. Thank you and we will be back!!!!

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  6. Shannon

    VIP

    San Diego

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We always love this restaurant! Never disappoints

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  7. MelindaB

    VIP

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Such great ambience with the fireplace burning and all the plants. My gin basil drink was delicious as was my chorizo pizza. Our server Matt was so nice. He checked in on us and surprised us with a special dessert when he learned we were celebrating.

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  8. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 22, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Celebrated my 40th birthday here with a large group of friends. I was concerned that a 13 top might bog the kitchen down. Not once was there a dip in service or quality. Would 100% recommend

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  9. gloria

    San Diego

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The restaurant is really nice and the decor is beautiful. They have a great bar and the food was so tasty. Our waiter was very attentive.

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  10. Jacqueline

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 21, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My experience at this restaurant was nothing short of exceptional! From start to finish, everything was a 10 out of 10. The ambiance, the service, and, of course, the food—all simply outstanding. A special shoutout to our amazing waiter, Mattie, who made our dinner truly top-tier with attentive and friendly service. Mattie’s recommendations were spot on. Mattie was a wonderful touch to our evening. I ordered the swordfish with carrots and roasted potatoes, and every bite was perfection. The swordfish was tender and flavorful, practically melting in my mouth, while the veggies were seasoned to perfection. We also started with the HAMACHI and the butter bread as appetizers—wow! That butter bread was a mind-blower. The kitchen here clearly knows what they’re doing. You can taste the skill and passion in every dish. I’m already looking forward to coming back, and the happy hour bar menu looks fantastic. Can’t wait to try it next time! This spot has easily become one of my new favorites. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!

    1 person found this helpful

FAQs

Herb & Wood offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (619) 955-8495.

Herb & Wood is rated 4.7 stars by 6578 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 86 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Herb & Wood

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
  • Cross Street
    Kettner & Ivy
  • Neighbourhood
    Little Italy
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–9:30 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Mediterranean, American
  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking and 4 parking lots within 2 blocks of the restaurant.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (619) 955-8495
  • Private party facilities
    From our spaces to your plate, we specialize in crafting California-inspired events. Each ingredient carefully sourced. Every server dressed to the nines. The perfect lighting, temperature, and music levels. Come into our home, where we think of it all so that you don't have to.
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