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(619) 255-1035
2310 30th Street
San Diego,
CA
92104
32.7299
-117.1295
Neighborhoods: South Park, Central
What People Are Saying About Vagabond Restaurant
The Editor
Erin Chambers
Citysearch
Warm, dark adobe walls with carved arches and ornate columns welcome diners to the candle-lit dining room with an imported Spanish tile floor. Iron wall sconces and unique wooden candelabras remind you of old Europe, while the barrels and rafia sacks of coffee and potatoes visible from the kitchen add a touch of the islands. The menu incorporates local favorites from around the globe, served as if you were eating at someone's dinner table in Thailand, Spain or Morocco. Mussels steamed in white wine and garlic, then sauteed with herbs and creme fraiche are rich and flavorful. Soaking up any…
02/21/09
Eclectic world fare in a cozy environment
by als47 at Citysearch
It may take a few minutes to get acclimated to Vagabond's small dining area. The tables are crowded just past the point of being cozy and the acoustics of the room create a noisy cafeteria-like echo. But the decor ? a culturally eclectic mix of souvenirs ? makes it feel at the same time foreign and homey and the staff are generally affable and unaffected by the spatial chaos. The menu is likewise based on the traveler's palate, containing self-proclaimed ?humble? dishes meant to represent home cooked meals from around the world. Unlike many ?international? restaurants which have predominantly European fare, Vagabond truly represents a wide geographical variety. Some stand-out dishes include the Indonesian Narai (a chicken and calamari appetizer), the Moroccan Lamb Shank, and a traditional but well-executed Paella Valenciana. Their menu also changes seasonally, so it's worth revisiting every few months. This probably isn't the best place to have a romantic date, but if you're feeling adventurous, Vagabond promises an exciting and engrossing meal.
08/24/08
too cramped for couples
by tigerrose at Citysearch
Great menu, great service, great looking restaurant, but way too cramped quarters. If you enjoying eating dinner with complete strangers you might not mind this place, but if you are on a romantic date, or want to have any sort of juicy conversation there is no privacy here. I've been to this place twice, once on a first date, and we literally had to move the table so I could squeeze in between two other tables where we were sandwiched in between complete strangers who could hear our entire conversation. The second time I went it was a similar scenario, it was me and my friend and a nearly empty restaurant, and they sat us right next to another table...I mean literally 4 inches away when they could have just as easily put us in a corner where there would be more privacy. We weren't the only uncomfortable ones, we overheard the two tables next to us complain about the cramped seating arrangements amongst themselves. This is just an example of a restaurant that is all about getting as many people in and out as quickly as possible...well they got us out fast, and I will never go back. Such a shame, because it could be a really great place.
06/03/08
great neighborhood restaurant
by fineeats at Citysearch
All I can say is this place rocks! Forget about gaslamp, LJ, and all those pretentious high $$$ restaurants that leaves you with an empty wallet and at best mediocre service and food. I was surprised with the wine list and while calif. napa cabs were underrepresented, the french region was surprising amazing. As for the food, I can't find any fault other than save some room for the entree. The service was exceptional. Cross our fingers and let's hope Vagabond thirves and continues to do well in South Park.
The Details on Vagabond Restaurant
Know Before You Go:
In keeping with European-style dining, the service here is not about speed or efficieny, but rather about slowly enjoying your food and your friends. You have to ask for the check when your ready.
Parking:
Most of the street spots aournd the neighborhood are safe, and any two-hour time limits are null after 6pm.
What to Drink:
The full bar is lively and offers great window seating. Try one of the many interesting beer selections, or wines from around the globe.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Hidden Find, People Watching, Lunch Spot, Date Spot, Group Dining, Fireplace, Dine At The Bar, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List
