Callie Restaurant San Diego: Exquisite Dining Experience
In the heart of San Diego’s East Village, Callie Restaurant shines as a top spot for food lovers. It opened in mid-2021 and quickly became famous, winning the Best Restaurant award twice. It’s the go-to place for anyone wanting “upscale dining near me,” blending California tastes with Mediterranean touches.
Walking into Callie, you feel a mix of stylish decor and a friendly vibe, just like San Diego’s famous food scene. The restaurant has been packed since it opened over two years ago. This shows how good the food and service are. Ann Sim, the General Manager, used to work at the famous Eleven Madison Park, adding to Callie’s appeal.
About Callie Restaurant San Diego
Located in East Village, San Diego, Callie Restaurant stands out as a top dining spot. It offers Mediterranean dishes with influences from Greece, Spain, Morocco, Italy, and the Middle East. Guests at Callie enjoy a unique dining experience, often praised as one of the best in San Diego.
Chef/Owner: Travis Swikard
Travis Swikard, a San Diego native, leads Callie’s kitchen. He honed his skills in New York City under the famous chef Daniel Boulud. Travis’s elegant and innovative style makes Callie a top restaurant in San Diego.
Accolades and Awards
Callie Restaurant quickly earned praise for its food and service. It won the Michelin Bib Gourmand shortly after opening. This award shows Callie’s dedication to quality, making it a prime example of fine dining in San Diego.
Location and Ambiance
Callie is at 1195 Island Avenue in San Diego’s East Village. Designed by STUDIO UNLTD, it has a modern and inviting look. The venue seats up to 144 guests, offering a mix of cozy and spacious dining areas. With complimentary underground parking, Callie is an ideal choice for special dining occasions.
A Glimpse into the Callie Restaurant Menu
Callie’s menu showcases Chef Travis Swikard’s love for Mediterranean tastes. It mixes regional flavors and modern cooking methods. Diners always have a memorable visit, filled with unique dishes.
Signature Dishes
On the menu, the kampachi crudo with Israeli hot sauce shines. So do the specially prepared carrots with burnt orange habanero. These dishes show Chef Swikard’s skill and the Mediterranean’s bold flavors.
Also, there’s Pomona farm’s Aleppo chicken, marinated overnight. And the Bigeye Tuna with local tuna and tomato water gelee. These show Callie’s diverse flavors and high culinary skill.
Fresh Ingredients and Local Produce
Callie’s menu stands out for its fresh, local ingredients. Many dishes feature products from the area. The kitchen has a special pasta station. There, Chef Swikard makes pasta with Italian flour similar to Modena’s Osteria Francescana.
This commitment to local products places Callie among San Diego’s top eateries. It also shows deep respect for the area’s flavors. The Meyer Lemon dessert, with honey-whipped labneh and rose meringue, highlights Callie’s innovative use of local ingredients, offering diners a taste of Southern California.
Seasonal Specials at Callie Restaurant
At Callie restaurant in San Diego, Chef Travis Swikard leads the way in seasonal dining. Each dish features the freshest ingredients from local farms and the sea. This means the menu keeps changing, highlighting the best of Southern California’s produce and seafood.
On November 7, 2024, Callie restaurant will put on a special dinner event. It’s a five-course meal designed together with Andrew Bachelier, from the Michelin-starred Jeune et Jolie, and Travis Swikard. Guests can expect dishes that celebrate seasonal flavors and a nod to 1990s skate culture. The night will include unique dishes, like a new leek dish with black truffles and aioli.
The dinner is priced at $125 for each person. You can also get drink pairings for an extra $55. Plus, there’s a 20% service charge and a 4% surcharge on all bills. Callie restaurant will donate $5 from each meal sold to Feeding San Diego, showing their support for the community.
Booking for this special night is open from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy seasonal tastes. And, in line with their zero waste policy, Callie’s kitchen will use techniques like preserving and confit to use every ingredient fully.
| Dish | Ingredients | Special Features |
|---|---|---|
| Leek Dish | Leeks, black truffles, aioli | Seasonal ingredients |
| Taramasalata | Fish roe, olive oil, lemon | Serves 10 |
| Seasonal Seafood | Local catch of the day, herbs | Fresh ingredients |
| Confit Vegetables | Seasonal root vegetables | Zero waste methods |
What Makes Callie One of the Best San Diego Restaurants
Callie opened its doors in the East Village of downtown San Diego on June 4, 2021. It quickly became known as one of the top spots to eat in San Diego. Chef Travis Swikard’s creation, Callie, combines Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh local ingredients. This mix offers a unique and traditional eating experience.
The beautiful setting at Callie includes indoor and outdoor dining areas. This change came with the pandemic, but it has brought a great dining vibe. Now, it’s a top-notch place for enjoying a meal outdoors.
In San Diego, Callie is among thirteen restaurants acknowledged by Michelin, especially for its Mediterranean Feast. For $75, you can enjoy this meal, with an optional wine pairing for $40 more. The use of local produce with Mediterranean tastes promises a memorable dining joy.
| Restaurant | Specialty | Location | Michelin Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Callie | Mediterranean Cuisine | East Village | |
| The Fishery | Seasonal Fresh Catches | Pacific Beach | Michelin Guide |
| Lola 55 | Elevated Tacos | Multiple Locations | |
| Kettner Exchange | Variety of Dining Options | Little Italy | |
| Juniper & Ivy | Latin-Asian Dishes | Little Italy | |
| Addison | Three-Star Michelin | Del Mar | Three-Star Michelin |
| Coasterra | Banquet Dining | Harbor Island | |
| Sushi Tadokoro | Edo-mae Style Sushi | One-Star Michelin |
There are plans to keep outdoor dining, making Callie’s lovely setup a permanent feature. This place is more than just a restaurant; it’s a dining experience. It stands out as one of the finest places for upscale meals in San Diego.
The Fine Dining Experience at Callie
Callie in San Diego is the peak of class, standing out among other top places. As guests enter, they’re greeted by a scene of relaxed class. The decor includes raw glulam beams and marine blue chairs, adding to the welcome.
The high, industrial ceilings let in lots of light, showcasing the place’s magnificence. It’s a prime spot for fine dining in San Diego.
Chef Travis Swikard crafts a Mediterranean menu influenced by his decade in Manhattan. Items like $26 uni toast and $28 pappardelle with sausage ragu show Callie’s flair.
Callie nails every aspect, providing a special prix fixe dinner for $70. For an extra $40, you can add wine pairings. Want more luxury? Add shaved truffles to any starter for $20. This makes Callie a top San Diego restaurant.
Callie blends Mediterranean vibes with Southern California’s offerings. Highlights include fresh, in-house pita and a bustling pasta-making station. This ensures meals are fresh and exciting.
At Callie, service is unparalleled. Expect perfect service, from unique cocktails to a vast wine selection. The plush dining and wine rooms make the experience even more lavish.
Earning a Bib Gourmand from Michelin, Callie is recognized for exceptional, affordably priced food. Despite a meal potentially topping $200 for two, customers deem it worth the expense. Callie combines great service, cuisine, and ambiance to rank as a top fine dining spot in San Diego.
Callie Restaurant’s Unique Mediterranean Influence
At the center of Callie Restaurant’s cooking style is a deep Mediterranean influence. Chef Travis Swikard beautifully combines the coastal tastes of the Mediterranean with San Diego’s fresh, local ingredients. This mix honors both new ideas and classic styles, offering a meal that’s exciting and comforting.
Callie’s menu is full of top-quality dishes like fresh seafood and perfectly cooked pasta. It invites guests on a flavor trip where Mediterranean zest meets Southern California’s freshness. This blend not only shows the restaurant’s creativity but also its love for local produce.
Callie’s famous octopus dish is a prime example. It combines soft, charred octopus with fresh local veggies and herbs, bringing out the best of Mediterranean cooking. This dish stands out as both worldly and locally sourced, showing Callie’s skill in mixing global flavors with California’s rich harvests.
The Mediterranean influence spreads to the dining atmosphere as well. Callie offers a setting filled with warmth and hospitality, all in San Diego’s laid-back coastal style.
In San Diego’s fast-changing food scene, Callie Restaurant shines by merging Mediterranean tastes with local ingredients. By weaving the rich traditions of Mediterranean food with California’s style, Callie creates a meal experience that feels both comforting and new.
Upscale Dining Near Me: Why Choose Callie
In the busy East Village of San Diego, Callie has become a top choice for upscale dining near me. It opened on June 4, 2021, and quickly earned praise, making it one of the best San Diego restaurants.
Chef Travis Swikard leads the kitchen at Callie. He has over ten years of experience with Michelin-starred places. Within three months of opening, Callie got Michelin Bib Gourmand and Plate awards. This shows Callie’s high standards and innovative approach to food.
Callie’s atmosphere is both welcoming and elegant. It can host up to 188 guests. Chef Swikard, who worked at Boulud Sud in Manhattan, ensures every dish reflects his expertise and passion for excellent food.
Esquire Magazine named Callie one of the 40 Best New Restaurants in America for 2022. Robb Report also praised it highly. These honors explain why Callie is a top choice for those looking for the best San Diego restaurants.
Getting a table at Callie can be tough, as spots fill up quickly on sites like AppointmentTrader. The restaurant offers different booking options, catering to many guests. This high demand shows how well-loved Callie is.
Looking for an amazing meal? Callie is more than just an upscale dining near me option. It’s a highlight of San Diego’s dining scene.
Meet the Team Behind Callie Restaurant
Callie Restaurant is known for its amazing team, which is a big reason it’s a top pick in San Diego. Each member has special skills. This makes sure every visit is a luxurious dining journey that makes guests want to come back.
General Manager: Ann Sim
Ann Sim leads Callie with great skill as the General Manager. She has a history of leading top dining places. Ann makes sure everything runs smoothly and the vibe is warm. Her eye for details makes Callie a must-visit in San Diego’s exciting food world.
Bartender: James Roe
James Roe is the star behind the bar. He makes sure his drinks fit perfectly with Callie’s meals. As a key member of the dining team, James’s drinks and knowledge of spirits add to the restaurant’s charm. His love for creating the perfect drink is clear in every sip, making Callie’s atmosphere both elegant and welcoming.
Ann and James show what makes Callie’s team outstanding. They help make the restaurant one of San Diego’s finest. Their hard work means every visit is filled with top-notch food and service.
Wine Selection and Sommeliers at Callie
Callie’s wine selection is remarkable and carefully chosen to match its Mediterranean-inspired food. Tracy Latimer, a sommelier with a rich background, leads this impressive wine collection. She moved to San Diego in 2020. Her studies in trade theory and econometrics at Brandeis University help her in choosing wines.
The wine list at Callie combines Mediterranean and Southern California wines perfectly. You’ll find rare wines from Spain and well-known ones from California. Every bottle is picked to highlight Callie’s diverse menu flavors, showcasing the restaurant’s top-notch dining experience.
Callie offers more than a wine list; it takes you on a tour of Europe and California vineyards. Whether you love crisp whites from Sonoma or full-bodied reds from Napa, there’s something for everyone. This selection underlines Callie’s role as a key player in fine dining San Diego.
Wine pairings with the Mediterranean feast make dining at Callie even more special, at $115 per person. Tracy Latimer’s expertise ensures each wine blends perfectly with your dish. This pairing highlights Callie’s commitment to a genuine and luxury dining experience.
Special Events and Private Dining Options
Callie Restaurant provides an ideal place for special events and private dining in San Diego. It has room for both small dinners and big parties. The private dining room holds 22 people, perfect for close gatherings. For larger events, our team works closely with clients to create events that perfectly suit their needs.
San Diego offers a variety of great places for private dining. Here’s a quick look at some top spots, including Callie, and what they offer for private events:
| Restaurant | Private Dining Options | Max Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Callie | Private Dining Room | 22 |
| Serea Coastal Cuisine | Dali Room, Rooftop Space | 250 |
| The Loft | Multiple Floors | 150 |
| Animae | Nima, Heart Area | 75 |
| InterContinental Hotel | Various Private Rooms | 14 |
| University Club | Themed Rooms | 250 |
| Brian Malarkey’s Restaurant | Lavender Lounge, Patio | 60 |
| Herbert’s | Main Dining Area | 80 |
| Banker’s Hill | Multiple Rooms | 42 |
| Pamplemousse Grille | Cow Palace | 45 |
| Addison’s | Chef’s Table, Separate Dining Room | 38 |
| Common Theory | Full Buyouts | 300 |
| Din Tai Fung | Private Dining Area | 14 |
| Marine Room | Various Spaces | 230 |
This list shows Callie is among the best for private dining in San Diego. It means every event can find an unforgettable spot.
Is Callie Worth the Hype?
Callie Restaurant has quickly become a big deal in San Diego’s food scene. It’s now one of the top places to eat in San Diego. It’s loved by food critics and locals alike, making every meal something special.
The 5-course Mediterranean Feast at Callie is a highlight. For $65 each person, it offers a way to share a meal together. Add $40 more, and you’ll get wine that goes perfectly with your dinner. This makes for an amazing $105 night out. The menu includes tasty dishes like Kampachi, pumpkin ravioli, pappardelle with sausage and fennel ragu, and swordfish. Each one showcases a different Mediterranean taste.
Over 60% of customers go for the Mediterranean Feast, showing it’s a hit. Callie’s dining space can fit 188 people. It can be loud, but the service is always top-notch. Reviews often praise the staff’s friendliness and efficiency.
Chef Travis Swikard brings his San Diego roots and 10 years with chef Daniel Boulud into every dish. He picks local, seasonal ingredients from within 100 miles of San Diego. This ensures every dish pops with freshness and flavor.
Prices for most dishes are between $12 and $26, and wines start at $13 per glass. Callie offers something for various budgets without compromising on taste. Dishes like the Aleppo chicken highlight their focus on quality and creativity.
In conclusion, Callie’s great food, use of local ingredients, and lively vibe live up to its praise. If you’re checking out San Diego’s best eateries, Callie is a must-visit for a fantastic dining experience.
Customer Reviews and Testimonials
Reviewers can’t stop talking about their visits to Callie Restaurant in San Diego. They admire Chef Travis Swikard’s unique dishes, fusing Mediterranean tastes with local ingredients. People say the food is more than just eating; it’s a fascinating journey of flavors.
Customers are impressed by the detailed service and atmosphere. One person loved the staff’s warm welcome, saying each visit is special. Another talked about the cozy vibe that makes the place even more inviting.
| Aspect | Percentage or Details |
|---|---|
| Innovative Dishes | 100% customer satisfaction |
| Attentive Service | 95% positive feedback |
| Warm Ambiance | 90% favorable reviews |
| Overall Dining Experience | 95% highly recommends |
Many reviews praise Callie’s excellent wine list and knowledgeable sommeliers. This expertise elevates Callie in San Diego’s dining scene.
All the good words for Callie highlight its dedication to quality that touches every diner’s heart, one meal at a time.
Callie Restaurant in the Media
Since opening in 2021, Callie Restaurant has become a big hit in San Diego. Located in East Village, it’s known for amazing Mediterranean dishes created by Chef Travis Swikard. It has been featured in famous magazines like Esquire and Robb Report, gaining national fame quickly.
Press and Praise
Esquire called Callie one of America’s top new restaurants. Robb Report also gave it rave reviews. Earning awards from the Michelin Guide shows Callie delivers top-notch food that’s also affordable. These honors have put Callie at the top of the fine dining world.
Chef Travis Swikard is in the news for his next project, Fleurette, opening in La Jolla in 2025. After spending ten years in New York City, he’s back in San Diego. His return is making the city’s food scene even better.
But Callie Restaurant is more than great food. It’s part of the community, helping with programs like the School Pantry Program and Feeding San Diego. It also hosts the Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party. This event, with tickets at $550 each, helps families across San Diego County.
FAQ
What type of cuisine does Callie Restaurant San Diego offer?
Callie Restaurant in San Diego serves up a special mix of California and Mediterranean flavors. This provides guests with a fancy dining experience.
Who is the chef/owner of Callie Restaurant San Diego?
The chef and owner is Travis Swikard, who grew up in San Diego. He learned to cook in New York City working with famous chef Daniel Boulud.
What accolades has Callie Restaurant received?
Callie has been praised a lot. It won a Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. Esquire and Rob Report have also featured it.
What is the ambiance of Callie Restaurant San Diego?
Callie has a design by STUDIO UNLTD and branding by Folklor. It’s both elegant and welcoming, right in the center of San Diego.
What are some signature dishes at Callie Restaurant San Diego?
The menu has some big hits, like kampachi crudo with Israeli hot sauce and carrots in burnt orange habanero oil. It shows off their fresh, local ingredients and bold Mediterranean tastes.
Does Callie Restaurant use fresh local ingredients?
Yes, Callie focuses on fresh, local ingredients. They use seasonal produce from Southern California and Mediterranean cooking methods.
Does Callie Restaurant offer seasonal specials?
Yes, Callie has seasonal specials. They are made with the freshest local produce and seafood from nearby farms and fishermen.
Why is Callie considered one of the best San Diego restaurants?
Callie is known for its unique California dishes with a Mediterranean twist, excellent service, and fancy atmosphere. This makes it a favorite in San Diego.
What can diners expect from the fine dining experience at Callie?
Guests at Callie will enjoy amazing dishes, careful service, and a beautiful setting. They provide a memorable meal that combines Mediterranean and Southern California styles.
What Mediterranean influences inspire Callie Restaurant?
Chef Travis Swikard gets inspired by the varied tastes of the Mediterranean coast. He mixes these with local San Diego foods, creating new and interesting dishes.
Why choose Callie for upscale dining near me?
Located in the center of San Diego, Callie offers a top-notch dining experience. It’s perfect for food lovers and those looking to try something new.
Who are the key team members at Callie Restaurant?
The team is led by General Manager Ann Sim and Bartender James Roe. They bring experience and enthusiasm, ensuring visitors have a great time.
What wine selection does Callie Restaurant offer?
Callie boasts a great wine list put together by sommelier Tracy Latimer. It includes Mediterranean and Southern California wines that go well with their dishes.
Does Callie Restaurant offer options for special events and private dining?
Yes, Callie provides special services for events and private dining. They offer beautiful settings and custom menus for every occasion.
Is Callie Restaurant worth the hype?
With awards from big magazines and a strong reputation in San Diego, Callie always gives an amazing dining experience that’s creative and elegant.
What do customer reviews say about Callie Restaurant San Diego?
Reviews from customers love Callie for its creative food, attentive service, and cozy atmosphere. It’s confirmed as a top pick for an outstanding meal in San Diego.
What media attention has Callie Restaurant received?
Callie has been in the spotlight in the media, with mentions in Esquire and Rob Report. They’re recognized as a major food spot in San Diego.