Kettner Exchange

Greg Saunders 2 weeks ago

Overall, a solid environment with great interior design and a very cozy feel. Booths are a key design feature with some mini cocktail snuggle areas by fireplaces and a cozy bar. Food is of creative origin and very delectable. Super inviting overall— although the service is not able to rise up to the level of interior design or the food. So it’s out of balance. The level of attentiveness is not quite there in terms of either drinks or getting us going after we sat down. Too many staff members dealing with us. Maybe it was our team tonight or staffing in general. Our tab was $350 for 3 including tip. A few drinks included.

Beullah Escalante 4 months ago

I really enjoyed my experience here. The professionalism of the restaurant stands out right away — the hosts, hostesses, and service staff are all welcoming, attentive, and genuinely friendly, which makes the dining experience feel polished yet comfortable. The food is a great fusion of Western flavors and Chinese Szechuan-style cuisine. The dishes feel familiar and approachable rather than overly experimental, making it easy to enjoy and share with others. Everything we tried was well-balanced and thoughtfully prepared. The restaurant serves tapas-style small plates, so plan on ordering about 2–3 dishes per person to share. It’s perfect for trying multiple items and experiencing a variety of flavors. The drinks are excellent as well, and they’re clearly known for their cocktails — creative, well-balanced, and a great complement to the food menu. I especially recommend this spot for date nights or special occasions. The atmosphere feels intimate and elevated. I wouldn’t suggest coming with large groups, though, as costs can add up quickly. Parking is convenient with valet available, but street parking can be challenging depending on the day and time, so plan accordingly. Overall, a lovely dining experience with great service, thoughtful food, and a refined yet relaxed ambiance.

Anthony Thomas a month ago

Fantastic food. I would have taken more pictures but I was particularly hungry. The portions are small enough you can order a starter and a main then dessert and walk away full. Will return. The lamb sachuan noodles are amazing.

Qc Yong 2 months ago

They have valet parking, that makes your experience much better especially it is not easy find parking there. Food was definitely quite interesting, however, we thought a few dishes were a bit too spicy. However, nice atmosphere, great service.

Natalie Caldwell 5 months ago

Kettner Exchange - what a dinner! It was our first visit to San Diego and KEX made our list of places to visit. Highly recommend for those who have never been. Our waiters were absolutely fantastic- super knowledgeable and helpful with making our food selections. Here are the fan favorites from our meal: - Spicy tuna crispy rice: little circles of crispy rice, with a nori-covered avocado and tuna (LOVE the presentation and just as delicious) - Butternut squash dumplings: as expected and with a great flavor - Duck meatball: MASSIVE single meatball in a little skillet with grits and tons of sauce. The meatball was the perfect texture, consistency, and flavor which isn’t the easiest feat. - Molten chocolate lava cake: ah-MAZING. The perfect consistency of melted chocolate, and how can you pass up a vanilla McFlurry ice cream!?! The answer is you shouldn’t. Fantastic meal. Cannot wait for our next trip back!