Addison - S San Diego

So I will preface this review by stating that it is on the scale of Michelin Star rated places. Having been to a couple dozen starred establishments this was one of the more disappointing experiences. The food and the wine pairings were very good but nothing to stood out and was memorable looking back which usually I can remember at least one if not multiple dishes/pairings that stay with me for weeks or months. The atmosphere was okay, a little old money and stuffy but overall fine again nothing to write home about. Where they lost us was the service. At the beginning of the meal they wheel out an impressive Champagne display (huge bucket with mountain of ice and 5 or so bottles sticking out). They ask if you would like to start your meal with some champagne, so of course you say yes no mention of a cost. As the explanations (rare vintages of top of the line brands) of each start you get suspicious so you ask for the cost. Begrudgingly they tell you (300 600+ PER GLASS). You are in it for the experience so you go for it (verdict not worth it). Not sure if the bottles had just been put on ice but the champagne was not cold at all so my wife told them and they eventually made a snide comment (oh you found a way to get more) which I did not hear at the time but was told of afterwards. They eventually refilled the glasses (poured on top of the existing glasses which were 3/4 full fine). Moving on to the meal, there were a couple of add on 's (again presented in a way where they don 't tell you cost unless you ask). I can 't even remember one of them because it was so outrageously priced but I opted for the Wagyu and Truffle add on 's (even despite their significant price). What they don 't tell you is that Wagyu and Truffle are already on the menu (prepared the same way) so basically you paid the significant add on for just more of what you already were getting but with a different dish. All in all, when paying the exorbitant amount starred meals cost in general (Addison being even on the higher end of that) for a meal you would expect service perfection let alone what we got. In general the food was as good as any starred place (although again, nothing stood out or was memorable) but what separates the best starred places (in my mind) is the absolutely top notch service/experience. Addison did not provide that which was disappointing considering their star status. Very similar experience to Alinea in Chicago which seem to have this air of you are lucky to be here due to them having 3 stars (which is wild because the other starred places are just as good quality/inventiveness wise and much better service/experience) and their service/experience reflects that. I would not recommend going to the Addison if you live in the area or are visiting.

An amazing experience from start to finish. The attention to detail is greatly appreciated. Every dish was plated immaculately and delicately. They had a fun concept of fish and chips (caviar and chips) which was delicious. The eggs and rice dish had a play in texture and temperature, it was velvety and full of flavor. Definitely a highlight! The Tom Kha soup was a burst of flavour and the little burst of citrus from the Australian finger limes made it that much more interesting and delicious. All the dishes were different and amazing. The large binder for wine was also appreciated. Whatever you choose, there is no wrong answer. Thanks for the wonderful experience!

My husband and I celebrated our 2-year wedding anniversary at Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and it was a memorable experience. The restaurant is conveniently close to our home, and we were thrilled to try San Diego's only 3-star Michelin restaurant. From the moment we arrived, the beauty of the exterior and lobby took our breath away. However, the dining room itself felt a bit old and outdated. Our booth, though quiet and secluded, felt somewhat impersonal, and the large table made it difficult to converse comfortably. We indulged in a 10-course menu, and I was especially grateful for the chef's willingness to accommodate my dietary requests. Each dish was a delightful experience, with impressive presentation and flavors that mostly delighted our palates. However, despite its 3-star Michelin rating, the overall experience didn't quite feel like it lived up to that prestigious standard. Overall, it was a lovely way to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. We did wish our waiter had been a bit more professional and accommodating, but the thoughtful touch of sending us home with chocolates and a copy of the menu was appreciated.

Recently my boyfriend and I booked a reservation to celebrate our 10 year anniversary and graduation. We wanted to do something extra special and booked quite a while in advance. About a month before our reservation we messaged them about our allergies (citrus shellfish allergy) and were told that they would get back to us in a few days. After a week and half had passed and we had not heard anything we messaged again for an update as the reservation was approaching and we were unsure if they would be able to accommodate. They messaged us back letting us know they’d get back to us within 3 days. We did not hear back. As the time of our reservation approached we called and left a voicemail trying to follow up if they could accommodate my allergies. They said they would call me back tomorrow after a meeting with the chef. They did not call me back. I called back and left another voicemail expressing some frustration with their lack of communication as they keep promising to follow up and don’t follow through. Finally the manager called me and told me he was walking into a meeting with the chef and promised to call me that very same day. He did not call me back that day. The next day I finally received a response days before our reservation that they would not be able to accommodate my citrus allergy. For a three star Michelin restaurant I am beyond disappointed by their lack of communication. I understand a citrus allergy is difficult. This is not the first time I have not been able to dine at a restaurant. But it is the first time that I have dealt with such unprofessional communication and being lied to. When they finally called back the woman said she hopes I can come in future. But how can I, if you can’t accommodate my allergy? I am very disappointed by the service and was looking forward to celebrating my masters graduation and anniversary.

Great experience, can't beat the service. Not sure the extra truffles are worth it unless you like a lot of truffles on everything.