The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge

New American and Moroccan cuisine served in a classy boutique hotel setting.

(619) 564-3755

Porto Vista Hotel, 1835 Columbia Street (Fir)
San Diego, CA 92101 32.7241 -117.1676

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Neighborhoods: Little Italy, Central, Central San Diego

Hours:

Brunch 7 days a week. Mon - Fri: 6am - 3pm, Sat & Sun 7 am - 3pm

Sunset Happy Hour 7 days a week: 3pm - 7pm

Dinner 5pm-11pm

Last updated 12.02.09

Category:

Restaurants

Restaurant Special Features:

Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Date Spot, Group Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Happy Hour, Bar Scene, View Dining

Cuisine:

Moroccan, New American

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge

The Owner

The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge

Owner

The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge atop the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy tops Living in Style Magazines list for Best New Restaurant opening in San Diego. The Glass Door offers an old world atmosphere with contemporary flair while overlooking the beautiful San Diego skyline and harbor. The Glass Door Restaurants delicious mouth watering entrees are reasonably priced choose from favorites such as Crispy Skin Salmon & Roasted Tidori Chicken. Whether you are in the mood to indulge in something new or just want to enjoy some old favorites the inventive menu has something for even the pickiest…

Provided by CityGrid

Read more from the owner

Featured Review

Amanda Knoles

Contributor

IN SHORT – Located on the fourth floor of the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy, this upscale bar and restaurant boasts spectacular views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows and an inviting rooftop balcony. Glowing Moroccan lanterns overhead and glamorous décor give the dining room an intimate feel while patio heaters keep the outdoor deck warm and cozy. Traditional breakfast fare is served daily. Lunch favorites include tuna nicoise, organic beef sliders and the blue cheeseburger. More exotic dinner specialties are the Moroccan pork shank with asparagus and lemon couscous, roasted…

Editor's Tips

What To Drink:
Savor the signature bloody Mary or choose from the extensive wine list featuring European and Napa Valley labels.
Where To Sit:
Ask for a table on the balcony and enjoy the spectacular city view.
The Extras:
Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday from 7am-3pm and reservations are accepted for private parties.
ambiance
100.0% positive
  1. “would recommend this restaurant for drinks with my friends or a romantic night out.”
  2. “Really sweet server, beautiful ambience, BLAND food -- probably made worse bc all the great reviews leave you with really high expectations.”
  3. “The view from this place is amazing.”
  4. “recommend sitting out on the patio and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean with one of the delectable drinks from the bar.”
  5. “BLAND food; nice ambience”
atmosphere
100.0% positive
  1. “bland food; nice ambience”
  2. “great spot!”
  3. “when, the patio seating is great.”
  4. “i would recommend this restaurant for drinks with my friends or a romantic night out.”
  5. “the view from this place is amazing.”
  6. “really sweet server, beautiful ambience, bland food probably made worse bc.”
  7. “sitting out on the patio and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean with one of the delectable drinks from the bar”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “the crab cakes and mac n' cheese were good.”
  2. “The crab cakes and mac n' cheese were good.”
  3. “they make awesome crab cakes too.”
  4. “They make awesome crab cakes too.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “Extensive wine list though.”
  2. “recommend sitting out on the patio and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean with one of the delectable drinks from the bar.”
  3. “sitting out on the patio and enjoying the beautiful view of the ocean with one of the delectable drinks from the bar”
  4. “would recommend this restaurant for drinks with my friends or a romantic night out.”
  5. “i would recommend this restaurant for drinks with my friends or a romantic night out.”
food quality
81.4799976348877% positive
  1. “best food in san diego!”
  2. “bland food; nice ambience”
  3. “Their food is delicious with fantastic sides!”
  4. “Really sweet server, beautiful ambience, BLAND food -- probably made worse bc all the great reviews leave you with really high expectations.”
  5. “to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well”
  6. “the crab cakes and mac n' cheese were good.”
  7. “in accordance with the bad service and food and it didn't even amount to 10% of my bill.”
  8. “their food is delicious with fantastic sides!”
  9. “Although I would recommend the place for the scenary alone, the prices, food and service are not worth it.”
  10. “really sweet server, beautiful ambience, bland food probably made worse bc.”
  11. “My friend's french toast was good but somewhat cold.”
  12. “in accordance with the bad service and food and.”
  13. “they make awesome crab cakes too.”
  14. “my friend 's french toast was good but somewhat cold.”
  15. “They make awesome crab cakes too.”
  16. “The crab cakes and mac n' cheese were good.”
  17. “The butter was cold, my friend had to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well.”
  18. “BLAND food; nice ambience”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Good variety of appetizers.”
  2. “good variety of appetizers.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “the glass door is one of the best restaurants in san diego!”
  2. “the staff was great, and the place it self.”
  3. “best sliders in the city”
  4. “i would recommend the place for the scenary alone”
  5. “The staff was great, and the place it self it beautifully decorated.”
  6. “the glass door is one of my favorite restaurants!”
return potential
10.0% positive
  1. “to write one after a horrible experience”
  2. “if do not miss out on a amazing experience at this restaurant.”
service
72.22000122070312% positive
  1. “in accordance with the bad service and food and it didn't even amount to 10% of my bill.”
  2. “The staff was great, and the place it self it beautifully decorated.”
  3. “The butter was cold, my friend had to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well.”
  4. “really sweet server, beautiful ambience, bland food probably made worse bc.”
  5. “Although I would recommend the place for the scenary alone, the prices, food and service are not worth it.”
  6. “in accordance with the bad service and food and.”
  7. “and service excellent.”
  8. “the staff was great, and the place it self.”
  9. “to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well”
  10. “Really sweet server, beautiful ambience, BLAND food -- probably made worse bc all the great reviews leave you with really high expectations.”
value
100.0% positive
  1. “Although I would recommend the place for the scenary alone, the prices, food and service are not worth it.”
wait time
33.3299994468689% positive
  1. “to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well”
  2. “The butter was cold, my friend had to ask twice for his orange juice and the people at the table next to ours experienced less than great food and a very slow service as well.”
4 Star Rating: Recommended

12/20/10

Awesome place

by emilyjanovsky at Citysearch

Place has an awesome view and I would recommend anyone going on a date to try this place to impress their partner.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/20/10

SHAME on you CitySeach

by Katiee at Citysearch

As usual, your website perpetuate immature behaviors from people who have nothing worthwhile to do but whine about things!!

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/14/10

Great view of San Diego

by Mlang at Citysearch

I didn't even know this place was here but when a friend brought me I was very surprised by mostly the view. The food and drinks are decent but the decor, location and view are incredible.

4 Star Rating: Recommended

07/02/10

Definitely worth checking out

by Harponme at Citysearch

I was first brought to this cool little lounge by a close friend of mine. I had no idea it was even there and I've walked past it several times. It's really nice inside and I would definitely recommend checking it out at least once.

  • Pros:  very nice
  • Cons:  Sometimes parking
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

10/13/09

View, Happy Hour, Wine, What Else?

by LittleItalyLove at Citysearch

Watched the sun go down while splitting ½ priced bottles of wine with my friends after work last Wednesday. For appetizers we ordered the mussels, mac-and-cheese and the chicken salad. The mussels were spicy and savory, the chicken melted in my mouth and the mac-and-cheese was flavored with chorizo, need I say more? I would recommend this restaurant for drinks with my friends or a romantic night out.

  • Pros: 1/2 off bottles of wine on Wednesdays
  • Cons: Is that a ?

The Details on The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge

Place Categories:

  • delicious food
  • amazing place
  • not amazing experience
  • sweet server
  • good cheese
  • good toast
  • best sliders
  • awesome crab cakes
  • bad food
  • bad service
  • favorite restaurants
  • favorite sliders
  • beautiful ambience
  • amazing experience
  • good crab cakes
  • favorite mac n cheese
  • beautiful view
  • great staff
  • delectable drinks
  • cold butter
  • good french toast
  • great patio seating
  • recommend place
  • great spot
  • extensive wine
  • great everything
  • good variety

Message from The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge

  • Organic & Children's Menu
  • Catering & Private Parties
  • Outdoor Patio Dining

The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge atop the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy tops Living in Style Magazines list for Best New Restaurant opening in San Diego. The Glass Door offers an old world atmosphere with contemporary flair while overlooking the beautiful San Diego skyline and harbor.

The Glass Door Restaurants delicious mouth watering entrees are reasonably priced choose from favorites such as Crispy Skin Salmon & Roasted Tidori Chicken. Whether you are in the mood to indulge in something new or just want to enjoy some old favorites the inventive menu has something for even the pickiest palate including an organic menu & children's menu.

The Glass Door offers catering and is also available for private parties. The bar is open late night and offers daily happy hour specials. Come on in. The Glass Door promises to make your next dining experience a pleasant one.

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