Dobson’s Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 39 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities.
Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson’s bar and restaurant, is one of America’s few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
Long-standing upscale eatery known for a welcoming vibe & Californian fare with Continental touches.
Kimberly Rotter
Such a disappointment. We made reservations for a birthday dinner before a show at the Civic, and we walked in ready to order, having looked at the menu online. 75 minutes in, we still had no food. Had to stand next to the kitchen and grab it to go, and eat it cold three hours later. It was gross by that time. We also had called earlier and asked about ordering a specific dish from the lunch menu for our child’s dinner. They said no problem. When we tried to order it, the waiter said they didn’t even offer it. They were very nice people but we will not return. And we were charged full price in spite of all the apologies.
… moreSue Martindale
Quaint bar/restaurant near Civic Theatre where we enjoyed dinner before our show. Pricey, but very tasty. Crème brûlée, my favorite dessert, was surprisingly meh due to the fact that the entire ramekin must have been placed in the oven to crystalize the sugar because we couldn’t touch the sides of the dish as it was scorching hot. Also the custard was more runny than firm due to the overheating. Otherwise, a terrific dinner.
… moreManfred Maiers
What a nice place for dinner. Food and service are awesome. This is a small place, and sitting downstairs (across the bar) gets a lot of traffic. So, if you are looking for a more quiet place with 2 or more people , go upstairs. And if you are a single person, maybe sitting at bar (having the back to the traffic) is the better choice.
… moreSibin Stephen
The escargot was noteworthy because it came in the shells, this was the first time I’ve come across that. I ordered the filet medium rare, it was a fantastic taste. The best appetizer was definitely the mushroom and shrimp thing (forgetting the word). The baked brie was amazing.
… moreVeronica Martin
I loved this place for a pre theater dinner. We shared the mushroom ravioli, it was so delicate yet filling and also had the filet mignon which was cooked to perfection.
… moreBradley Schiff
Best spot we went to in San Diego. Service was high class and on point. Prices are fair. Decor is classy and elegant, live music playing the perfect songs in a great tone to set the mood, and the food was excellent. The mussel bisque is the best bisque of any kind I’ve ever had. It’s a travesty to not get it. Tiramissu was unbelievably good as well, thick cream with the perfect amount of coffee flavor as to not over power it. If you’re visiting its a mistake to not come here.
… moreJames Miller
One of the best restaurants I have been to in San Diego County. 5 star in ambiance, beverage and food. Small but alot of history. The Bartender and server were the best, knowledgeable and attentive. The food was so flavorful. Wine was delicious. Desserts were out of this world. I will be back for sure.
… moreH. Yee
Dobson’s 8 oz. filet steak is soft top prime cut, on par with Ruth Chris. Decor similar to Indianapolis St. Elmo Steakhouse a lot of dark wood paneling. Service attentive. A bit less formal more like a bar environment resembling narrow NY restaurant. Duck breast tasty and moist. Tiramisu smooth texture. House cabernet the same, not bitter/tart. White Russian bar drink potent. Hit all the marks for a 2 bill dinner for two. Has upstairs seating with balcony overlooking lower bar. You need reservations unless maybe you might elbow up to the bar counter. Mixed green salad as expected plus ordered really good and crusty crunchy sourdough and sooo soft bread inside. Would visit again.
… moreRainy Starc-Horner
I was disappointed in the food but the wait staff were extremely cordial .The roast beef sandwich was not quality meat .I could make a better roast beef sandwich .My husband wanted oysters but they do not serve those anymore and he chose the escargot which was not appetizing and the Calamari was too hot and spicy but they we’re kind enough to take it off the bill .The atmosphere is cozy &went during Happy Hour .But gourmet and high end food was not in existence.We thought it would be our new place to go before Padres’ Games.But an extreme disappointment.
… moreJoseph Spells
This place is great and low key off the unbeaten path. Great atmosphere for a date or just meeting up. This place was established in 1984 but is kept very well. There’s outdoor seating but the ambience is the best. Staff is friendly and knowledgeable. Please I recommend the shrimp linguine and the mussel bisque (most sold item).
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