Maitre'd, La Jolla

My husband & I just moved to Lake SanMarcos. Our friend Billy Fraizar & Margie Stoltenberg made reservations at this restaurant in LaJolla. We thought it would be too far to drive from Lake SanMarcos. It was the best stop so far in SanDiego. Louie the owner is passionate about his customers,service & their menu choices. The food is prepared with such elegant detail and the flavor is unforgettable. The presentation is an event in itself. Start with appetizers, reasonably priced and order the infused vodka. It's a gift to your palate. We all ordered something different to share. However, we could not get the pate away from Jud & Margie once they tasted it. I ordered the Dover Sole, it was delicate filet & had the best flavor. Jud kept stealing bites from my plate when my back was turned and fish is not his preference. The steak diane was served elegantly table side by the capable Mark, with the flaming brandy was an excellant choice, & Filet poivre was aged beef & melt in your mouth delicious( I stole a bite from Jud's plate.) Order the souffle, it's is the best way to end this fabulous experience at this great place. Now being we had a designated driver we still were escorted to the freeway on ramp by no one other than the owner, Louie. Now that is fantastic service from start to finish! It will now be a monthly stop for Jud & I and our guests.

I'm a long time patron of Maitre d' and I believe it to be one of the finest restaurants in the West. There are limited tables, spaced for privacy and an enjoyable evening. It's a festive environment and Louie, the owner, seems to have an understanding that dining is supposed to be fun. From greeting to farewell, this is a special experience. The service is correct. No one is learning on your nickle; these are experienced and professional people that know their trade well. The food. You will find dishes here that are more complex and not typically offered by even very fine restaurants. Salmon in puff pastry, steak Diane prepared tableside, Dover Sole stuffed with crab, etc. Deserts are also at a whole different level. Bananas Foster and Cherries Jubilee are just two of the flamed tableside wonders. Cafe Diablo is, as the name implies, a wicked coffee drink that is worth the price just to see it prepared. Maitre d' is not cheap, nor is it stupidly expensive. I have seen restaurants with far less capability charge far more. Most people leave happy and well fed and much of their business seems to be repeat customers. The interior surroundings of the restaurant are old world and gorgeous. Beautiful flowers are everywhere and live music is usually an accompaniment, rather than an intrusion. Magnificent crystal and china make for a beautiful setting.

We went for a girlfriend's 40th bday party and it was fabulous. The service was impeccable and the food was to die for. We capped off the evening with the Cafe Diablo. You just can't beat the quality and presentation. For a special event - this is the place.

It is very old school and chic at the same time. Food is cook to perfections. Ambiance is just charming. Deserts to die for. and the best part was the personnel touch that is so lacking in so many restaurants today. It's more than just going out to eat...it is an experience!

Loved it. So so Friendly, Funny. They refer to you as family. Food was outstanding. Thank you for a great time...

There is no doubt this is the finest restaurant in San Diego. You have never had service like this. It is like being is a beautiful living room in Paris. Special occasion restaurant. PS - It is expensive! MSAK/Coronado

the restaurant is lovely,old world charm,like being in a home -fabulous music friday & saturdays, wonderful hosts who are also gourmet chefs...therefore nothing gets by without their personal attention! Tableside preparation of steak diane, flambe desserts and extraordinary cafe diablo...private celebrations are superb...a special treat you cant find them like this anymore..everything on the menu i have ever tried is not just good...its excellent and extra touches are included with every meal..dont want to spoil your surprise...treat yourself! Ps best caviar service ive ever seen or tasted and dessert souffles and crepes too! Special, special,special..just like the hosts!

Highly recommend this dining experience. Louis and his partner are wonderful hosts and entertainers. We had a 50th wedding annivesary for a party of 15 and were treated like friends and royalty at the same time. The food was amazing, perfect steak, and the best halibut I have ever had. Wonderful presentation and service. Wine selections were outstanding. This exceeded all expectations.Never hurried and nice ambience. We had a 5 course meal, with an unexpected terrific chocolate tirramasou anniversary cake.From ages 93 to 23, all enjoyed the food and experience.

this is a really good/bad example of what fine dining can mean. for a french influenced restaurant (no frenchman here) it is a wasteland for sauces with not one in sight. pate you ask, liverwurst is the answer served both as hors d'oeuvre and atop the beef wellington that was complete with a tough cut topped with a crust closer to a meat pie. alaskan halibut was the fish special and a dry, bland, tough, saucesless thing it was. garden snails covered for small and chewy escargo. shrimp cocktail was 5 prawns with a dab of canned sauce on the side. a party of 8 and not a nice meal between us. transparent schmoozing from the owners was sad and funny.