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San Diego

Diners frequently commend Callie for its innovative Mediterranean-inspired dishes, attentive service, and inviting atmosphere.

Discover Callie: San Diego's Mediterranean Culinary Gem

Nestled in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, Callie offers a sophisticated dining experience that celebrates the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Located at 1195 Island Avenue, this contemporary restaurant captivates food enthusiasts and trend-conscious travelers alike with its innovative dishes and refined atmosphere.

A Culinary Journey Through Mediterranean Flavors

Callie is renowned for its inventive Mediterranean plates that blend traditional ingredients with a modern twist. Signature dishes like the Aleppo chicken and Japanese Kanpachi offer surprising and delightful flavor combinations, while handmade ricotta gnocchi and the Meyer Lemon Pavlova dessert showcase the kitchen's dedication to quality and creativity. The restaurant caters to both vegetarians and meat lovers, ensuring an unforgettable culinary adventure for every guest.

 service highlights Callie’s commitment to hospitality, with attentive servers who guide guests through each course, especially during the popular Mediterranean Feast, a five-course family-style menu that promises a full sensory journey.

 are crafted to complement the vibrant dishes, with favorites like the Kook Juice cocktail enhancing the dining experience. Callie also serves coffee and dessert, rounding out your evening with refined flavors.

Additional conveniences include free garage and street parking with validation, NFC payment options, and a welcoming ambiance perfect for groups but not suitable for children or pets. While outdoor seating and live music are not available, the elegant indoor setting offers a cozy, upscale vibe.

 diners praise Callie’s food quality, outstanding service, and inviting atmosphere. Frequent guests especially appreciate the innovative Mediterranean-inspired menu and the knowledgeable, attentive staff who elevate every visit into a memorable occasion.

What is the Mediterranean Feast at Callie?

 The Mediterranean Feast is a five-course, family-style menu priced at $75 per guest, offering a full culinary journey from spreads to dessert.

 No, Callie Restaurant is not pet-friendly.

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, Callie is not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that transports you to the Mediterranean with every bite. As you step into this sophisticated venue, the elegant decor and warm ambiance invite you to indulge in a dining experience that is both contemporary and rich in tradition. The restaurant's commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients shines through in every dish, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike.

At Callie, the menu is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors, where every dish tells a story. Start your meal with the **Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi**, a delicate pasta that melts in your mouth, paired with a rich sauce that balances perfectly with the subtle hints of herbs. For a standout main course, the **Aleppo Chicken** is a must-try. This dish features tender chicken marinated in aromatic spices, served alongside crunchy Egyptian carrots and patatas bravas that add a delightful crunch to your plate.

**Kook Juice Cocktail** - A refreshing blend that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the menu.

**Meyer Lemon Pavlova** - A light and zesty dessert that offers a perfect ending to your meal.

Conveniently located at **1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA**, Callie is surrounded by the bustling energy of East Village. After your meal, take a stroll through the nearby parks or explore the vibrant art scene that San Diego has to offer. The Gaslamp Quarter, with its historic architecture and lively nightlife, is just a short walk away, making it an ideal spot to continue your evening.

One of the defining features of Callie is its focus on seasonal ingredients, ensuring that every dish is not only fresh but also reflective of the time of year. The restaurant's open kitchen design allows diners to witness the culinary magic as it unfolds, adding an interactive element to your dining experience. The staff is known for their exceptional service, often going above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels special.

What is Callie known for? - Callie is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Why visit Callie? - With its elegant ambiance, exceptional service, and a menu that changes with the seasons, Callie offers a unique dining experience that is perfect for special occasions or a casual night out.

What's nearby? - Callie is located near the Gaslamp Quarter and various parks, making it a great starting point for exploring San Diego.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to indulge in exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, Callie is waiting to welcome you. Make your reservation today and experience a dining adventure that promises to delight your senses.

Sophisticated kitchen & bar fixing up Mediterranean plates, set in a classy, contemporary venue.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNBcDhTRTRBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJhYsvyjVT2YARsbvl_Yttw-Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNBcDhTRTRBRRAB

This was our second visit and sadly it wasn't as great as our first one.

The menu has changed and what once felt like a creative fine dining experience now felt confused and overpriced.

There appeared to be no consistency among the dishes. Some felt higher caliber, creative and surprising (hello Aleppo chicken!). Others totally missed the mark (I'm looking at you, greasy sausage-stuffed dolmas). Our friends weren't as impressed as we'd hyped it to be, so we weren't alone in noticing the celine. Our biggest issue with this visit was it seemed a different place altogether. We were left with a fine dining price tag but felt like half of the dishes were not fine dining. It just felt overpriced for what we had, and that was starly different from our first visit.

So between the menu changes, the price tag to value ratio, and the mediocre customer service, I think we're ready to explore some other options in San Diego.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNRdk43Y0tnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJhYsvyjVT2YARsbvl_Yttw-Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUNRdk43Y0tnEAE

One of my favorite restaurants in San Diego! Must try the Kook Juice cocktail, the Japanese Kanpachi, Handmade Ricotta Gnocchi and the 🍋Meyer Lemon Pavlova dessert.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURucXNlSjNnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJhYsvyjVT2YARsbvl_Yttw-Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURucXNlSjNnRRAB

The food is alright but we won’t be coming back. We did the tasting menu (the feast) with wine pairing. The dips were good but nothing out of the ordinary. The jamon with uni was great but we specifically asked for it. The pasta was also good but again nothing out of the ordinary. Our main course was chicken (forgot to take a photo of it). While the chicken was good, it was not worth the tasting menu experience. Our server was nice but everyone else was either unfriendly or aloof including front desk staff. The pacing of our wine pairing and dinner was also odd. We would get a new wine poured while still eating the previous course. To end the night, our server gave us the check while we were still eating our food. I wish he had wished just another 5 minutes instead of rushing us.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuNHBDOEFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJhYsvyjVT2YARsbvl_Yttw-Q/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuNHBDOEFnEAE

We celebrated my daughter's birthday at Callie Restaurant in La Jolla, and it was truly unforgettable! Despite not having reservations, the staff kindly accommodated us with a 1.5-hour table, exceeding our expectations (we thought we'd be dining at the bar!).

The Mediterranean Feast with wine pairing was sublime. Each dish was expertly prepared, and the service was outstanding. Our servers (all four of them!) were attentive, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain each course in meticulous detail.

The wine pairing elevated the meal to new heights, with each selection complementing the courses perfectly. We appreciated the thoughtful recommendations and expertise.

The ambiance was elegant, yet welcoming, making our special occasion even more memorable.

While it may seem pricey, trust me when I say it's worth every penny. The quality, presentation, and exceptional service make Callie Restaurant a standout in La Jolla.

Thank you, Callie Restaurant, for making my daughter's birthday so special. We can't wait to return!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYeWNmNTRBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJhYsvyjVT2YARsbvl_Yttw-Q/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYeWNmNTRBRRAB

Mediterranean Feast (required for parties of 6 or more, base price $75 per person) - party of 7

First course:
Hummus
Babaghanoush
Avocado Labneh
House Pita
Vegetable Crudite
I loved everything in this course but the hummus was the least special to me. The avocado labneh and crudite were outstanding. The only complaint I have is that we were a party fo 7 and they only have us 6 pitas.

Second course:
Japanese Kanpachi
Mediterranean Octopus
Grilled Lamb Merguez Dolmas
Octopus was my favorite. It was well cooked and incredibly tender. The dolmas were a hit for our party but they were a touch too spicy for me.

Third course:
Pumpkin Caramelle
Pappardelle
Gnocchi (special, additional $35)
So the standard for this course was to bring out 2 servings of the pumpkin caramelle and pappardelle. However, we want to try the gnocchi special so we were able to select which pasta dish we wanted to remove. We ending up with one pumpkin caramelle, two pappardelle, and one gnocchi. I thought the pappardelle was overly salty but the pumpkin caramelle was outstanding.

Fourth course:
Market fish (swordfish)
Chargrilled Hanger Steak
Aleppo Chicken
Crunchy Egyptian Carrots
Patatas Bravas
Beets & Roses
Aleppo chicken was moist, tender, and well flavored. Swordfish and hanger steak were ok but nothing special. The sides were good, but I found the patatas bravas to be quite salty. The beets were my favorite side.

Dessert course:
Pavlova
Turkish Rice Pudding
Warm Chocolate Chip Tahini Cookie
The desserts were probably my least favorite course of everything we had. The rice pudding was my least favorite benacuse I think there was a spice in it that I'm just not used to eating. The pavlova was quite small and more like a deconstructed pavlova. It was mostly a citrus curd (tasted like lemon to me but the menu says passion fruit) topped with meringue. The warm chocolate chip tahini cookie was the best of the 3.

Overall, this was a really enjoyable dining experience. The tasting menu included so much food. It was fun to try a lot of different things and we left quite full. I definitely feel like you get your money's worth here. Note that they included a 20% tip and 4% surcharge on our bill and the parking is quite difficult. The garage entrance is on the right on 11th Street (one way street) between J St and Island Avenue. They validate for 3 hours of parking. Make sure you check a map ahead of time.

Callie Restaurant: Mediterranean Fine Dining in East Village, San Diego

Opened in June 2021, Callie quickly gained acclaim, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023 and 2024.

A selection of Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted by Chef Travis Swikard, featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Aleppo Chicken

Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops

Uni Toast

Beef Tartare

Chilled Broccolini

Crunchy Moroccan Carrots

Summer Agnolini

Lemon Saffron Linguine

Setas Con Migas

Chargrilled Hanger Steak

Taramasalata

Tomato Fattoush

Meyer Lemon Pavlova

Callie Restaurant Menu

Nestled in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, Callie Restaurant offers a sophisticated culinary journey through Mediterranean flavors, masterfully crafted by Chef Travis Swikard. This menu features a harmonious blend of fresh, local ingredients that bring vibrant colors and distinct tastes to every plate. Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore or a trend-conscious traveler, Callie’s diverse menu promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Kick off your meal with an array of enticing starters that balance traditional Mediterranean ingredients with creative twists. The Uni Toast combines luxurious 5J Iberico bellota ham with vibrant tomato bread, delivering a rich yet fresh bite. For those who appreciate bold flavors, the Beef Tartare is elevated by black harissa and creamy labneh alongside crunchy Tokyo turnips and delicate lavash. Veggie lovers will delight in the Chilled Broccolini, kissed with Meyer lemon tahini, toasted sesame, and a hint of jalapeno for just the right amount of heat. Meanwhile, the Crunchy Moroccan Carrots bring a zesty punch with cilantro, pistachio dukkah, and burnt orange-habanero dressing. Finally, the Taramasalata offers a silky blend of fish roe, olive oil, and lemon, perfectly paired with the refreshing Tomato Fattoush salad, studded with cucumbers, pita chips, and fresh herbs.

Dive into the heart of the menu with expertly prepared mains that showcase both robust flavors and refined technique. The Aleppo Chicken, sourced from Pomona Farms, is a standout dish featuring sumac pickles, creamy yogurt, and a drizzle of fragrant coriander honey for a perfect balance of savory and sweet. Meat enthusiasts will savor the Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops, paired with cooling cucumber tzatziki and fresh soft herbs, delivering a harmonious blend of spice and freshness. Pasta lovers can indulge in the summer Agnolini, filled with stracciatella, zucchini, corn, and shishito peppers for a seasonal delight, or enjoy the bright and aromatic Lemon Saffron Linguine. For those seeking earthy textures, the Setas Con Migas offers tender mushrooms with garlic and crispy bread crumbs. The Chargrilled Hanger Steak rounds out the mains with a hearty, herb-infused profile that is both satisfying and elegant.

Finish on a sweet note with Callie’s delightful dessert selection. The Meyer Lemon Pavlova is a luscious treat, combining tangy Meyer lemon curd with crisp meringue and rich cream for a refreshing yet indulgent finale to your meal.

Complement your dinner with Callie’s curated selection of cocktails, wines, and beers that perfectly match the Mediterranean-inspired menu. Notably, the Kook Juice cocktail is a must-try signature drink that enchants guests with its vibrant flavors. For larger groups or special occasions, the Mediterranean Feast offers an elaborate tasting menu that showcases the kitchen’s creativity across multiple courses, providing an immersive dining experience that celebrates the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Uni Toast, Beef Tartare, Chilled Broccolini, Crunchy Moroccan Carrots, Taramasalata, Tomato Fattoush

Aleppo Chicken, Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops, Summer Agnolini, Lemon Saffron Linguine, Setas Con Migas, Chargrilled Hanger Steak

Signature cocktails like Kook Juice, curated wine and beer selections, Mediterranean Feast tasting menu for groups

Discover Callie in San Diego's vibrant East Village! Indulge in unforgettable culinary delights. Book your table now for a memorable dining experience!

Indulge in Culinary Delights at Callie San Diego

San Diego County

Callie

A five-course, family-style menu offering a full culinary journey from spreads to dessert. Available to all guests without advance notice.

Mediterranean Feast

Discover Callie Restaurant in San Diego's East Village District 

Nestled in the vibrant East Village neighborhood, Callie is a sophisticated kitchen and bar that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean to San Diego's culinary scene. This contemporary restaurant offers a classy ambiance perfect for food lovers seeking a refined dining experience in a modern setting.

Callie offers an exceptional Mediterranean Feast, a five-course family-style menu that invites guests on a culinary journey from spreads to dessert. Priced at $75 per person, this feast is designed to be shared and savored without the need for advance notice, making it a flexible and delightful choice for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings.

The Mediterranean Feast showcases a variety of expertly crafted dishes, including spreads like creamy avocado labneh and traditional baba ghanoush, followed by standout seafood options such as tender Japanese Kanpachi and perfectly cooked Mediterranean octopus. Expect vibrant flavors from grilled lamb merguez dolmas and savory entrees like moist Aleppo chicken and chargrilled hanger steak. The meal concludes with a selection of desserts including a delicate pavlova, Turkish rice pudding, and a warm chocolate chip tahini cookie that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

 available, ensuring diverse palates are satisfied.

 with both garage and street options, making visits hassle-free.

 in a contemporary venue ideal for dinner and special occasions.

Callie is a popular choice for groups and special celebrations. Reservations are recommended to secure your table, especially if you are indulging in the Mediterranean Feast. While outdoor seating isn't available, the inviting indoor space offers an intimate atmosphere. The restaurant accepts contactless payments, including credit and debit cards, enhancing the convenience of your dining experience.

Whether you're craving expertly prepared Mediterranean flavors or looking for a refined spot to enjoy cocktails and wine in San Diego, Callie delivers a memorable dining adventure that combines culinary creativity with a warm, elegant atmosphere.

California

Discover Callie Restaurant in San Diego's East Village! Indulge in innovative Mediterranean dishes with fresh local ingredients. Reserve a table now!

Dining at Callie: Sophisticated Mediterranean Cuisine

Uncover the story of Callie Restaurant in San Diego, awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand. Experience the unique Mediterranean flavors and stylish ambiance!

Explore Callie: A Michelin Bib Gourmand Delight

Maximize your experience at Callie with our top tips! From must-try dishes to booking insights, make your visit memorable!

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