Laurel
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 239-2222
- Price:
- $$$$
- Cross Street:
- Fifth Avenue
- Best of Citysearch:
- Mediterranean Food 2007
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 5pm-9:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-10:30pm
Editorial Review for Laurel – by Tara de Lis
The Scene
A spectacle in all positive senses of the word, a dramatic 1950s-style Hollywood Regency decor scheme is present throughout. Patrons enter a breathtaking lobby dressed with wraparound lime-green benches, enlarged Jacquard floral art and a brilliant chandelier. At the bar, a pear-shaped inlay frames glowing bottles against a bold smoke-and-mirrors scheme. Well-heeled couples and pre-theater folk populate the sunken dining room separated by a white stencil-like partition and wire-strung Swarovski crystal tear drops.
The Food
Inventive, contemporary Mediterranean dishes surpass their glorious surroundings. Sharable appetizers include the souffle-like torta Espanol, highlighted by nicely spiced chorizo and topped with lemon creme fraiche and caviar. Crispy soft shell crab packs a satisfying crunch, balancing the decadent, rich flavor without overshadowing the fresh vegetable bed upon underneath. Lightly mustard-rubbed lamb loin is gaily gamey. The "ice cram samich" seals the meal with an open-faced chocolate waffle and not-too-sweet caramel ice cream.
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Insider Tips
Happy HourServed nightly from 5pm to 7pm, happy hour includes a choice of seven drinks and seven nibbles for $7 each.
When to GoThe restaurant accommodates theatergoers with a three-course prix-fixe menu, which is offered from 5pm to 6:30pm.
What to DrinkThe impressive wine lists touches on interesting producers from both hemispheres, with a respectable by-the-glass selection. The Olivier LeFlaive white Burgundy, for instance, is very versatile. Visit on a Sunday night for 50 percent off select bottles under $100.
User Reviews for Laurel
05/20/2007 Posted by sugarywitch
I've been for happy hour, dinner and the tasting menu and none disappointed. The beef is always perfectly cooked and the seared foie gras is to die for. The wine list is also wonderful. Once I made a reservations because everyone in my party wanted to try the foie gras and have a drink, but when we arrived they were out and failed to tell us before we were seated, even though I had mentioned the reason when I made the reservation in person just a couple hours earlier. Usually, though, the service is fantastic and interior is probably the most lovely in all of SD.
Pros: Great food in a lovely atmosphere
Cons: Can occasionally slip up with service
12/27/2006 Posted by redallthetime
Laurel is a great restaurant located in the trendy Hillcrest area of San Diego. This is obviously not the owners first food experieance. Loved the food the server and the wine list. The decor was a little to frilly for me but still a great food experience.
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