Jai by Wolfgang Puck

Doesn't Recommend

jimandzony

Joined 5 years ago

Big Disappointment!. Save your time and your money! We recently relocated from Houston and wanted to try a local place. We called ahead for reservations and directions. When we arrived there were only 3 tables occupied including ours yet when we called, they made it sound like people were lined up to get in and reservations were essential. We were told they had valet parking yet when we arrived, there was no valet and we could not see the place from the street. We called again were advised they are located "behind a big wall" and we could park ourself at the university parking lot. This is a paid lot where you remember your parking space number, leave the lot, find a parking machine, enter your parking space number, have exact change or use a credit card. When we walked in there was no hostess to greet us and the Matra'D was clowning around with the waiters and finally noticed us standing there. Plastic seating was what you would expect in a cafeteria. They only had 3 tables to wait and the service was terrible! The food was average except for the oriental steak and it was tough and overcooked. Since we had to wait so lon for service, I didn't want to waste anymore time waiting for them to get it right. Our bill for 2 people was over $200 and we could have received better service and better food at less than half the price at PF Changs. Average food at best, overrated and overpriced. If you want asian, go to PF Chang. They have guaranteed valet parking, great food and service and the price is reasonable.

Recommends

spdiddy

Joined 5 years ago

Best Asian in La Jolla. Great time, great service, and great food. I liked the spice in every dish and the richness of the Lobster! I will be back with all my friends. Thank you Jai for an unforgettable evening.

Doesn't Recommend

sherzie

Joined 5 years ago

No reservations - no dinner. Walked in at 5:15 p.m. on Sunday. Hostess said that reservations were required and had to be made 3 days in advance. Only one table was filled at the time. They were saving room for the La Jolla Playhouse theater crowd. However, my guest and I we were allowed to either sit at the bar or in the 'lounge area' and order drinks and starters, which we opted to do.

Ribs were tender but bland. Dumplings reminded be of the frozen ones you purchase at the supermarket. Tomatoes were great but the dressing forgettable.

When we departed an hour an a half after our arrival, there were still 14 empty tables. When I said to the hostess, So much for the theater crowd, she fessed up that the reservation requirement was for the convenience of the kitchen.

Next week when I have company from Sacramento, I will NOT be taking them to Jai.

Recommends

titanprgirl

Joined 5 years ago

Oh my goodness...AMAZING!!!. I'm a sap for a good meal and couldn't wait to try Wolfgang Puck's new restaurant. The menu is very eclectic and has a variety of dishes from lobster with a creamy curry sauce to sushi. I started with the miso cones filled with tuna tartare and they were to die for. After, my boyfriend tried the lamb and said it was amazing and I had the Shanghai lobster. So good!!! The sauce was unbelievable and had the perfect blend of spices. It was creamy but not heavy. We also shared some sushi rolls and I have to say that it was some of the best sushi I have ever had. The staff was friendly and the manager was very, very nice. I highly recommend this place. Also, the patio has great furniture and is a great place for some apps and wine on a nice day.

If you go, try ot be there after the sun goes down. The lights glow and create a very romantic and modern ambiance that I haven't seen anywhere else in San Diego.

One issue is parking though. Make sure to valet or pay the meter or the UCSD parking nazis will come and get you.

Doesn't Recommend

Erin Chambers

Joined 7 years ago

Editorial Review by Erin Chambers. Wolfgang Puck brings his world famous brand of Asian-fusion fine dining--plus an upscale catering operation--to La Jolla Playhouse.