The Whaling Bar

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The food was delicious, the service was excellent. We had a wonderful evening.
   

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2. N

   Nahal VIP

   San Diego11 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Whaling Bar never disappoints! It’s our go-to spot for date night, and every visit feels special. The ambiance is charming and intimate, the service is always top-notch, and the food is consistently delicious.
   

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3. J

   Jose VIP

   San Diego9 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 2, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   The Whaling Bar is a very hip spot inside the Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The ambiance is stylish and refined, making it a great place for a special night out. Service was solid--attentive without being overbearing. The food is served tapas-style, perfect for sharing, and every dish we tried was spot on. The Philly bread was a standout, a must-order, and the potato pesto gnocchi was perfection--pillowy, flavorful, and rich without being too heavy. The drinks were also top-tier, crafted with care and balance. It is on the pricier end, but absolutely worth it for the quality, vibe, and experience. Definitely make a reservation to secure a spot. If you're looking for an elevated dining and cocktail experience in La Jolla, this is it.
   

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4. P

   Pamela VIP

   San Diego5 reviews

   4.0

   Dined on February 19, 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   A group of my girlfriends and I went to bingo night and had a fantastic time! The food was great. The service was as well. It was a little bit loud but overall great!
   

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5. C

   Christopher

   Richmond1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 14, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Great service, well balanced cocktails & tasty food.
   

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6. N

   Noelani VIP

   London1 review

   2.0

   Dined on February 9, 2025

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   Right from start, valet was unpleasant, hostess was unpleasant, our server was unpleasant. Food was okay at best - overcooked hard fries (how can one even go wrong with fries?), steak was okay, pasta special was okay but very small portion, even by European standards, the cheeseburger cake was awful, and it was so loud we could not hear each other. We just moved here and were hoping this would be a great new regular place, yet quite the opposite, we will never return.
   

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7. L

   Lynisha

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined on February 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The dishes and beverages were immaculate. Opened up my already eclectic pallet. Everything the waiter suggested was fabulous. Not pricey. Ambiance was great. Nice setting. One on my new favorites restaurants in SD county. Highly recommended.
   

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8. T

   Taylor VIP

   Las Vegas1 review

   5.0

   Dined on January 25, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Amazing date night spot! Great food, great drinks!
   

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9. E

   Emiliano

   New York City12 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on January 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The Whaling Bar brings new energy to the neighborhood. Food is amazing specially the chicken urfa, twinky salad and the kale salad. Service always on point !!!! Congrats
   

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10. C

    Charles VIP

    San Diego32 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on January 19, 2025

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2

    A Saturday evening dinner was a full house with a youthful vibe. The menu is sparse, but the the food was first rate. Unfortunately, the bartender could not resist adding vermouth to Grey Goose, despite an explicit request to the contrary, but the service was prompt and attentive. Much about this bistro is attractive, but I would not return if I intended to have conversation with a table mate. The music level was beyond tolerable, and there is nothing inside the four walls to dampen the natural noise level of a crowd. If one is looking for a very good meal with pleasant conversation, this is not the place. If ambiance and tempo are more important than talking, this is a good option.
    

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