Reviews Herb & Wood

The place is beautifully appointed, the staff attentive, and the food outstanding. The gnocchi was superb and probably the best gnocchi I've ever had. The pork was also flavorful and tender. My friend had the venison. I didn't think I liked venison, but that dish may have changed my mind. All in our party were highly satisfied. We also met Chef Brian Malarkey and he was very gracious. All in all, fantastic dining!

If you like a cocktail that has a more complex flavor and is also aesthetically pleasing this is the place for you. The food was also incredible it was difficult to put my fork down. The flavors were imaginative and bold. Wait service was top tier. Atmosphere was dark and moody, perfect for a date night.

A local friend brought me here for brunch on a visit to San Diego and confided that this was her favorite restaurant for brunch lunch or dinner. We started with the cinnamon roll. Three of us split it as an appetizer. I suggest you absolutely trust the folks with you if you plan to split this. You are going to want to take more than your share and the folks with you will too. This is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had. Thick gooey caramelize cinnamon sugar cooked just shy of crunchy at the edges. Topped with a metric ton of thick cream cheese icing all delivered on a meltingly soft brioche roll. It is a destination cinnamon roll. Nothing else was as good as the cinnamon roll and everything else was still delicious. I had the chilaquiles with chips this perfectly fresh and crispy. Toppings were a good level of spicy with maybe a little too much acid but still great. My friend got the bacon and eggs and was raving about the bacon. I gave her offered $10.00 for a bite of her bacon and regret nothing. It was 10 AM local and I felt bad about ordering bourbon so early but I was still on East Coast time and they make a drink with bourbon washed with Iberico ham fat that I felt obligated to try and it was lovely. Boozy for 10 am but once again, I don’t regret any of the decisions I made here. Great atmosphere, sweet attentive and helpful service. All around just a great restaurant experience.

Close friends of my husband and I visited us in San Diego last weekend, and we had dinner at Herb & Wood to catch up and enjoy a nice meal. I was happy that they chose this restaurant. Located in Little Italy but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, Herb & Wood offers an airy, beautiful, and modern ambiance. Housed in a rustic warehouse, it provides the perfect setting for a Mediterranean and Californian cuisine experience. For appetizers, we indulged in the delicious Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow while also trying the Focaccia Bread, which, unfortunately, was a bit too thick and sweet for our taste. Moving on to the main course, I ordered the Roasted Branzino with a side of mushrooms, which was absolutely tasty. The rest of the table ordered the Oxtail Gnocchi, a creamy, soft, and flavorful choice. For dessert, I savored the delectable Chocolate Tarte, complemented by the delightful smoked tahini ice cream. Aside from the culinary delights, what impressed me the most was the ambiance of the space. It had a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with a noise level that was just right. Herb & Wood provided the ideal backdrop for a beautiful dinner with friends. All in all, Herb & Wood is a solid choice for dinner, and I'd love to return and try the other items on their menu.

I was truly blown away by a few of the dishes I had at Herb & Wood: the caulilini salad, oxtail gnocchi, and raspberry soufflé were all truly epic! They were perfectly cooked, beautiful dishes that I could find no fault with. I enjoyed the other items my party ordered, including the mezcal and peach cocktail and the hanger steak, but I was really blown away by those three aforementioned dishes. The atmosphere and aesthetic are pretty cool—I liked the high, vaulted ceiling and the metal and marble work. The horse statue near the entrance was a little silly, but the lounge area where you can hangout while waiting for a table is pretty cozy. The bar is nice as well. The vibe is super chic and feels modern but also…slightly museum-esque in a way, due to the use of metal and marble. Service was really great. Our waitress was knowledgeable, ultra-friendly, and frequented our table without becoming overly intrusive. This is a great place for a birthday meal or a special romantic dinner. I recommend it absolutely.

From the moment you enter Herb and Wood, the ambiance promises an unforgettable culinary journey. And trust me, it doesn’t disappoint. The evening began with the Focaccia with Whipped Ricotta and Apricot Preserve. A symphony of flavors awaited my palate. The aromatic bread melded perfectly with the velvety whipped ricotta and tang of apricot preserve. This is not just bread – it’s an experience, reminiscent of childhood delights but elevated and refined a thousand-fold. Next came the Golden Dutch Potatoes. These little gems, dressed with lemon vinaigrette, smoked cheddar frico, and scallions, were transformed into irresistible morsels by the star of the dish, the citrus crema. Each bite was a testament to the magic that happens when simplicity meets creativity. The Roasted Baby Carrots were another revelation. Perfectly cooked and adorned with toppings that elevate them from humble root vegetables to gourmet delights. Who knew carrots could be such a sensation? But the true showstopper was the Chorizo Pizza with Manchego Bechamel. Not just a pizza, but a love letter to all pizza lovers. The creamy manchego bechamel teased the palate with an indescribable savoriness, making each slice more irresistible than the last. To accompany the meal, the Bourbon & Cherry Cocktail was pure perfection. For those with a penchant for sweeter cocktails, this is a masterpiece. Balanced, creamy, and indulgent, it added a touch of luxury to every sip. Dessert was a grand finale of flavor. A harmonious blend of savory and sweet, with walnuts complementing the ice cream and date cake in a delightful dance of textures and tastes. Having had the pleasure of dining at Herb and Wood before, I can attest to their unwavering commitment to excellence. From the ambiance to the service, every detail is curated to perfection, ensuring an experience worth revisiting. In conclusion, Herb and Wood is more than a restaurant; it’s a culinary haven where every dish is a memory in the making. Highly recommended!