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Brigantine Restaurant Guests can expect great food, warm and attentive service, and pretty facilities, some restaurants with ocean views and patio dining. Enjoy fresh seafood, USDA prime-aged steaks, and award-winning Mexican cuisine. The Brigantine Family of Restaurants is a San Diego favorite for weddings and receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings and banquets, convention groups, and all of your offsite catering requirements.
Reviews (30)
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Taylor E.
Jun 27, 2022
Great seafood, friendly staff, and a super cite outdoor garden with tables to eat outside. I had the day boat scallops, which were amazing! My boyfriend had the lobster tempura tacos. I highly recommend going on a Wednesday for Wine Wednesday. All bottles of wine are half off!
F. V.
Jun 22, 2022
Needed a late dinner in Del Mar so I went over based on the yelp reviews. Had a craving for clam chowder so we got seated in the bar area. The clam chowder was on happy hour menu, which I thought was weird. Got served up a bowl, scooped up several spoonfuls, and found no clams in the clam chowder! The rest of the evening was dreadful. FV
Astin H.
Jun 13, 2022
Can't go wrong with oysters! At least in my book! Needed a place to kill some time before taking the train back home. This place was great for that. Wanted something delicious to snack on and just vibe out. We ordered oysters, wine, and shared a burger. I recommend and would dine here again.
James Edmiston
Jun 12, 2022
This is my favorite restaurant to come to in downtown San Diego. I haven't been disappointed yet! I always order my favorite drink, the Spa Day. It's a vodka cocktail with elderflower and cucumber soda. So good and a must try. We came in and were greeted warmly. Our servers (one was a trainee) checked on us throughout our meal. Drinks came out quickly, followed by our appetizers.

We ordered the Oysters Rock (must try) and Calamari. Our main courses came out super quick, which was a surprise because they were fairly busy. All food (in pictures below) was hot and tasted amazing. Yes, I tasted all of it. I paid for it! Great place! Will be back for sure, but not soon enough.
Kate M.
Jun 09, 2022
Been a few times over 15-months. Yikes. It feels like you're stepping into a terrible meme. It's full of internet trolls brought to life. Bartenders will serve your wine glass beyond your order if some creepy guy is paying for it - without telling you. So pay attention to your wine glass. That's tantamount to pimping. Of the times I've been in the Brig, never pleased that I had been. Food is subpar. Wine list is sub-subpar. People. just ew. Gross. Gross. Gross.
Spencer S.
Jun 04, 2022
I've been here with friends and family a few times. The service and food is consistently solid, sometimes excellent. I recommend eating outside because the views of the race track / fair grounds adds to the feel and you can generally hear better. This time was definitely not our best visit. We were seated indoors and I couldn't hear anyone at my table and the food was just not as good as usual.

Maybe they were busy? But, send the bartender back to school to learn how to mix a drink. I ordered one of my favorite drinks, an Old Fashioned. It was the worst I've ever had. The color was like cloudy apple cider and the flavor was bitter and strange. And, oh, BTW Bartender - the menu states luxardo cherry, not a standard red marachino cherry!
Justin
Jun 02, 2022
We had the special (sea bass topped with crab, lobster risotto, asparagus) and the mahi which turned out to be similar dishes. Wished the waitress pointed that out, but guess that's our mistake. Food was good, but felt it was overpriced for what it was. Could have had more flavor, but not bland by any means. Nice restaurant, good views, had kid menu and crayons for the little ones. Looks like a good date spot. There were a lot of prom dates when we went. Service was good. Not sure if they take reservations for specific tables, but there are tables with better views.
Mollie F.
May 31, 2022
Local classic spot. Been here more times than I can count. One of my favorite Caesar salads and of course tacos are amazing. Always friendly service and lots of seating
Nathan Hawkes
May 25, 2022
What a fantastic restaurant and seafood place in San Diego. I was pleasantly surprised, thoroughly entertained, and highly satisfied during my visit. The selection of food they offer is nothing short of delicious. The environment can get a little bit loud but it is all in good restaurant atmosphere. I had the most amazing fried calamari that I've ever had.

Definitely high quality. The seafood selection is fantastic from fish to crab and lobster to shrimp. They also offer pork chicken and steak options. There's fantastic outdoor seating with a view of the ocean and the ports. It is also right next to the famous star of India boat. Parking can be a challenge especially if it's busy, but it's worth the effort to try and come and eat here. I would highly recommend it.
Maria C.
May 23, 2022
Amazing Amzing Amazing. Been here a few times and everytime is absolutely perfect! Been here for a table for 2 and a table for 10. They are well equipped for a shared bill. They bring the tablet and each person pays for yhe dishes they choose and pass the tablet. Best option I've ever seen for a group party. The table with the fireplace is amazing! But. it is very difficult to hear the person on the opposite side.

The ambiance is great and the bottle of wine a must! They also have a special dinner plate not on the menu, usually a surf and turf type of plate. For sure get this, so delish! The house margarita, perfect! The Moscow mule, perfect! The service, great! Bathrooms, clean! Will be back!
Shovan Sargunam
May 17, 2022
What a beautiful place. Today is my first day in San Diago. My friend booked this restaurant and were luck to get the best seating with the view. + Delicious food + Outstanding view + Great ambiance + Kind & helpful staffs + Valet parking + Enough spacing for big groups + Lovely decoration We tried various items on the menu, oyster, lobster. They oyster short was special. Place worth visiting.
Jim B.
May 16, 2022
Our second time here and it was better than the first. We went into the bar for Happy Hour. They have many drinks and food all for $6.00! I had two oyster shooters for $6.00 and my wife had the cocoanut and macadamia crusted shrimp, both were great! For dinner we had the Parmesan crusted sole and a Caesar salad. April was a great waitress and we can't wait to come back again.
Axel M.
May 12, 2022
I had the best service at the bar top with Uziel really good drinks very accommodating I will definitely be back in there for a fish taco and margarita thank you
SanDiego Food Czar
May 08, 2022
Amazing food. Was worried about them living up to their reputation. The net expectations of being great. Only the person who brought the food had a negative attitude. Drinks were tasty. Octopus was amazing. Will definitely be back! Great service from hostess and wait staff. Nice view.
Julie L.
May 07, 2022
Had an early dinner here with the kiddos. Hubs and I were planning on doing some speed eating, since the kids were with us. To our surprise, the restaurant provided crayons and coloring activity paper to keep them occupied. bonus points already! As for the food, Crab and Shrimp Cobb Salad- Exactly what you would expect a Cobb salad would taste like with small bits of fresh crab.

The shrimp, sadly was on the dry side. Fish and chips- This wasn't bad, but not great. The batter was a little too thick for my liking. The cod was nice and moist, but I felt it could have been seasoned better. Clam chowder- This one was not for us. Way on the starchier and grittier side. Not too many clams; it tasted more like potato soup. Sterling New York Steak- This was the hub's main, and he was not happy with it.

The steak lacked flavor, and the meat was very sinewy. The "blue cheese-truffle crust" was very forgettable, literally. My hubs totally forgot it was even there until I asked him about it, for this review. Jumbo Scallops in cauliflower mash- The scallops were good. Sizable, and cooked to perfection. The garnishments were a disappointment. The cauliflower mash was just okay, and the accompanied peas were super dry and overcooked to the point where they were shriveled. The view was spectacular, the service was great, minus 2 stars for the mediocre food quality and flavor.
Richard L.
Apr 29, 2022
We were in the area and we stopped by here for Tuesday tacos and it was definitely a good choice. We sat on the outdoor patio because they allow doggies there and have a nice view towards the Del Mar racetrack. We ordered a large assortment of tacos they were all good size and very tasty.
Kim B.
Apr 24, 2022
First let me say we have eaten at the Imperial Beach location several times and really enjoyed our food and the service was great. Unfortunately I cannot say the same for the Del Mar location. The only good things about our visit in Del Mar was the Mai Tai I ordered and the view. I did not like the mandatory valet parking, although I know this is the way for many restaurants in Del Mar.

It was not busy the afternoon we went however and there were plenty of parking spots which we could have easily parked in ourselves. Just be aware you will have to add $7 to your expenses when you eat here if you aren't used to this. When we walked in the hostess never smiled or made eye contact with us. The bus boy had the most sour look on his face as he brought our water to the table, absolutely no smile on his face.

We had no set up at our table and none was brought to us even after our waitress brought our bread. We had to steal our plates, flatware, and napkins from a nearby table. Our waitress had a bad habit of fondling her ponytail which was hard to forget once she brought our food to the table. I had the clam chowder, I was lucky to find three pieces of clam in my bowl.

I have had better almost everywhere. My husband and I each ordered the crab cake as an entree. I've had crab cake before with chunks of crab. This crab cake was mushy, crab chunks quite absent and it was quite expensive for one crab cake. The floors were dirty, crumbs under each table. Some brown funky looking dried drips coming down the beams near the ceiling.

Obviously nobody has attention to detail here. Such a disappointment. When I spend my hard earned money going out to eat I want to be greeted with a smile, i want the quality of my food to match the prices and to taste good. I want to have confidence that anyone who serves my food has clean hands and that the manager of the restaurant makes sure everything is clean, floors, walls, windows, etc.

We live in the area and always wanted to eat here. Maybe we just waited too long. I gave this place two stars for the view and the Mai Tai, which was excellent. We will never come here again. We will save our money for the Brigantine in Imperial Beach.
Jenny N.
Apr 17, 2022
Wonderful service, ambiance and food. The outdoor seating was aesthetic. The only downside is there's no self-parking. You must pay the $7 for valet. The food is excellent. They gave us two loaves of bread as starters and we finished the whole thing while waiting for our oysters and entrees. The crab and fish salad was healthy and surprisingly filling.

If you have any cravings for fried food, you can't go wrong with the fish and chips. The fish was perfectly fried and the fries were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. If you come on your birthday, they'll give you a huge slice of coffee ice cream cake.
Canli Mertz
Apr 16, 2022
We had the most pleasant experience for a Sunday lunch and we had a breadstick view from inside the restaurant. We had oysters that were amazing. Crispy Coconut Macadamia Shrimp and Lobster Tempura Tacos. We paired our food with a Mimosa and as House Bloody Mary. Our waitress really knew the menu well which made us experience New things that we wouldn't have tried without her suggestions. We will be back.
Dr. Abby
Apr 07, 2022
This restaurant is beautiful with the most amazing views. I ordered the fish and chips. Great portion size, hand-cut fries, fresh & moist fish, but lacking a bit in flavor. My waiter was pretty busy, so I waited a bit to order and pay my bill. The house pinot noir is divine. Wine bottles are half off on Wednesdays! The soup of the day was cream of mushroom, delicious. Make sure you get some cracked pepper on top.
Nancie M.
Apr 03, 2022
Came here on a Saturday afternoon after the Del Mar car show party of 4. Great outside seating with Ocean view we ordered the crab/shrimp salad and it did not disappoint as it was packed with clumps of crab and plenty of shrimp the large can easily be for 2 people. order of blackened salmon tacos which were just as good. The French dip was not as plentiful and the clam chowder was a nice size bowl. The atmosphere was nice and service great. The only con is valet parking $7 and street parking for 2 hrs $7.50 ouch!
Sydney N.
Mar 30, 2022
This is one of my all time favorite restaurants in San Diego. They have the best happy hour and taco Tuesday and the most amazing views of the Del Mar race track/lagoon. I always get the oysters when I go! They have a dog friendly patio as well. I've probably been here at least 30 times and counting!
Janet S.
Mar 09, 2022
Each Brigantine has its own character. This time we visited the one in Del Mar. we started with the calamari. We'd had it downtown and lived it. Happy to say that it was every bit as good as downtown. It was soft and had a great breadcrumb coating. For the entrees we had the tuna and the pork chop. The tuna was served rare and was perfectly seared.

The pork chop was tasty but a tad over cooked. Pork is one of those dishes that need to be cooked enough but crosses the line to overcooked quickly. It was good, but not excellent. The cinnamon apple crumble was good. My husband was disappointed that he had to settle for regular coffee. I would have thought that an upscale restaurant would have espresso and/or cappuccino.

The other issue was a very boisterous large party. While they were eating it was fine. Otherwise, people were out of their seat visiting people, clogging the aisles and making too much noise without regard to the other diners. We would return again, but will be more careful when making the reservation to check and see if there are any large, celebratory events at the same time.
Kris
Mar 08, 2022
Good restaurant, excellent staff, food was plated nicely and was pretty tasty. Absolutely loved the shrimp and grits, received as a mixup from kitchen, they fixed order and told us keep the other dish. Wouldn't of known it was great without that mixup! Dress up a bit if visiting for a meal. If you find my review helpful please click like.
Danielle D.
Mar 07, 2022
I still like the food here but we just had had a dinner for 4 totaling $300. The entrees were quite small and we left feeling not quite full. We ordered dessert but were underwhelmed. I think we'll only come back for happy hour in the future.
Erica
Jan 22, 2022
Delicious. Great scenic views. Our waiter Steve was excellent. The food fantastic. Try reserving a seat on outdoor patio, closest to Sea of India boat docked. The water, shimmering lights are worth it. Heaters are on to reduce the coldness. I will be back for sure. Best oysters!
Heather W.
Jan 18, 2022
This restaurant is outstanding. Perfect service, perfect food.just a truly lovely experience all around. They know what they are doing and I couldnt find a single fault in anything. I don't say that often. We came for dinner Saturday evening before going to Beyond Van Gogh at the fairgrounds, which ended up being a perfect choice since its right around the corner.

The efficiency was unbelievable and we were never waiting too long for anything. In fact, everything came out lightning fast. It could have helped that we came for a 5:15pm reservation but still.top notch. Drinks: I am always drawn to jalapeno margartinas so i got the cucumber jalapeno on the menu. I will say it is a pass. I couldnt really taste any of the flavors (nope not even spiciness!) and it is half the size of a regular margarita (which did taste much better from sampling).

For 2nd drink I got a moscow mule and it was very well-made. Im particular on that drink and a lot of places dont do it well, but it was excellent here. Food: Shared the octopus app (w/ Crispy chickpea, Bilbao chorizo, charred kale, tomato & pickled red onion with Romesco sauce) and I got the swordfish entree with risotto and broccolini- dining companion got the blackened salmon.

Everything was divine and the presentation was wonderful. How do they get these beautiful, perfectly executed meals out so quickly? I was in awe of how timely everything came. I'm such a sucker for swordfish and it was perfect. Sampled the salmon and it had that great "seasonal" taste of fall/winter. Slight sweetness of the complimenting butternut squash puree and all the ingredients worked wonderfully.

If you like salmon you will love this entree. Seafood truly shines here. The octopus was very good but perhaps *slightly* tougher than the perfect cook and I wasnt a huge fan of the chickpeas in it that were a tad hard. The pieces of Bilbao chorizo was really wonderful. Overall it was a very good starter and made a beautiful photo. Excellent presentation.

Fresh bread on request -- the dark bread was tasty, the white, not so much. Service: Our server (Vito) was awesome and super attentive. He was very present throughout our stay and we really enjoyed talking to him. From ordering, receiving food, getting bill, being charged.everything was so timely and without any faults. I really gushed throughout our stay at what a perfect experience it was. This is a place to impress people or go for a special occasion. Truly professional, fine dining and a very talented kitchen.
Ashley Brennan
Jan 12, 2022
Absolutely fantastic! We are visiting for a convention and decided on this place on a whim. It was the best choice. The outdoor seating area was gorgeous with a beautiful view of the bay, the food was delicious, but the staff is what made this place top notch. Our server was Forest and I can't sing his praise enough. He provided the best recommendations, helped us navigate the menu, and went above and beyond to ensure we were taken care of. His recommendation for the oysters and lobster fondue.delicious! Highly recommend both and will be recommending this place for the other attendees at the convention.
Travis C.
Dec 04, 2021
Great seafood and good service. Looks over the Del Mar race tracks and close to the beach. Will definitely come back here. Sat outside on the patio. Service was fast and reliable.
Peter I.
Aug 17, 2021
Ok, so we have heard about this happy hour and being so close we had to try it. Start with the famous valet guys who truly are amazing. Busy intersection right at the beach and nobody waits? How? Like a well oiled machine to get you in. Good start! Then you get to the table and Jay arrived to sort out the happy and not so happy. Lucky for us it's mostly happy. other than the happy hour house wines.

Oh well. Oysters on point, fish taco world famous, chowder very tasty. Skins are big and filling. People watching 8 stars. Jay does it all. Boom we're home and happy! I'll go again. To the big boss. Go better happy hour vino. Just sayin.