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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.

Opened in June 2021, Callie quickly gained acclaim, earning a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023 and 2024. This sophisticated kitchen and bar specializes in Mediterranean plates, set within a classy, contemporary venue in San Diego's East Village.

2021: Callie Restaurant opened in San Diego's East Village.

2023: Received Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

2024: Received Michelin Bib Gourmand award.

Callie's menu reflects the vibrant culinary landscape of San Diego, drawing inspiration from local ingredients and Mediterranean traditions. The restaurant has become a community hub, where locals gather to enjoy thoughtfully crafted dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.

The visionaries behind Callie are a talented team of chefs and hospitality professionals dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences. Their commitment to quality and innovation has established Callie as a standout in San Diego's culinary scene.

Since its inception, Callie has adapted to the changing tastes and preferences of its patrons. The menu evolves regularly, incorporating seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques while maintaining the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

As Callie moves forward, it remains committed to its roots, celebrating Mediterranean flavors and fostering community connections. This dedication ensures that Callie will continue to be a cherished destination for both locals and visitors alike.

Located in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, Callie is a sophisticated restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean-inspired dishes. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients, this contemporary venue offers an inviting atmosphere that is perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. The restaurant has garnered attention for its innovative menu and attentive service, making it a noteworthy destination for food enthusiasts.

Service charges may be higher than expected

Callie is perfect for food lovers seeking a unique dining experience, as well as for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours. The restaurant offers complimentary parking, but be aware that the garage entrance can be tricky to find. It's advisable to check a map ahead of time.

Callie stands out for its innovative approach to Mediterranean cuisine and its stylish ambiance. While it may have some drawbacks, such as a higher price point and occasional noise, the overall dining experience is well worth it. For those looking to indulge in a culinary adventure, Callie is a destination not to be missed.

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.

San Diego

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

North America

United States

Nestled in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, Callie is a culinary gem that offers a sophisticated yet inviting atmosphere for food lovers seeking a memorable dining experience. This restaurant is renowned for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes, crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients that tantalize the senses and showcase the rich flavors of the region. Whether you're a local or a traveler exploring San Diego, Callie promises a journey through exquisite tastes and elegant presentation.

Callie stands out with its innovative Mediterranean menu that combines traditional flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. Two standout dishes include the Aleppo Chicken, which is moist, tender, and bursting with aromatic spices, and the Gnocchi, which is a special, rich, and comforting pasta dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean comfort food. The restaurant's signature cocktails, like the Kook Juice, offer a refreshing burst of flavor, perfectly complementing the diverse menu.

The restaurant's innovative approach is rooted in a passionate team dedicated to blending traditional Mediterranean flavors with modern culinary artistry. The chef, inspired by travels across the Mediterranean basin, meticulously curates each dish to ensure authenticity and creativity. The ambiance reflects a contemporary yet warm setting, making it an ideal spot for both intimate dinners and group celebrations.

Callie is celebrated for its innovative Mediterranean dishes, signature cocktails like the Kook Juice, and its elegant yet contemporary ambiance that offers a unique dining experience in San Diego.

To indulge in a sophisticated Mediterranean culinary journey, enjoy expertly crafted dishes, and experience warm, attentive service in a stylish setting that makes every meal special.

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

At Callie, located in the vibrant East Village of San Diego, the culinary philosophy revolves around Mediterranean-inspired dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. The menu reflects a sophisticated blend of flavors, showcasing the creativity of Chef Travis Swikard. Each dish is thoughtfully prepared, aiming to elevate traditional Mediterranean cuisine while embracing seasonal ingredients.

Aleppo Chicken - A succulent dish featuring Pomona farm's Aleppo chicken, complemented by sumac pickles, yogurt, and coriander honey.

Harissa Grilled Lamb Chops - Tender lamb chops spiced with harissa, served with cucumber tzatziki and soft herbs.

Uni Toast - A luxurious starter featuring 5J Iberico bellota ham on tomato bread.

Beef Tartare - A refined dish featuring black harissa, labneh, Tokyo turnips, and lavash.

Callie offers a carefully curated beverage menu that complements its Mediterranean dishes. Guests can enjoy a selection of wines, craft cocktails, and artisanal beers. Notable mentions include the Kook Juice cocktail, which has garnered rave reviews for its refreshing flavor profile. Each drink is designed to enhance the dining experience, making it an ideal pairing for the vibrant flavors of the menu.

Callie is committed to accommodating various dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and gluten-free options. The menu is designed to cater to diverse palates, ensuring that everyone can enjoy a delightful dining experience. Guests with specific allergens can also find detailed information to help them make informed choices.

For those looking to indulge in seasonal highlights, the Mediterranean Feast is a must-try. This tasting menu showcases a variety of dishes, allowing guests to experience the best of what Callie has to offer. Each course is thoughtfully paired with wines that elevate the flavors, making it a memorable dining experience.

Join us at Callie in San Diego for an unforgettable culinary experience that celebrates Mediterranean flavors. Whether you're dining with friends or celebrating a special occasion, Callie promises to deliver an exceptional meal that will leave you craving more.

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

California

Experience innovative Mediterranean dishes at Callie in San Diego's East Village. Enjoy fresh ingredients, wine, and a stylish atmosphere.

Callie Restaurant San Diego - Unique East Village Dining

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