Whisknladle Bistro & Bar

Reviews 6

JO

Jorgeanne Cabuhat

Each dining experience I have at Whisknladle just makes me want to return. They are consistent, innovative, and are just the best. I love that they change their menus and that they are a genuine farm to table restaurant. Makes each dining experience with them even better. We started off with cocktails. I had the cultural preservation and he had the tommys margarita. Our server was more than knowledgeable of their drink options. As we are novices to crafted cocktails we trusted her in her suggested options and she did not disappoint. We liked our drinks so much we ordered another round. Personal favorite was the cultural preservation. It was fall in a cup and smelled like apple pie! A good flavored and strong drink that paired well with our meal. For our appetizer, we had the baja mussels. Lots of mussels in this app and lots that we enjoyed. The broth was just amazing. It was so good that we kept bugging our server for more table bread to just soak all the broth. Needless to say the bowl was licked clean. For entrees we shared the Colorado lamb rack and the pan roasted beef sirloin. Both were delicious. Meats were tender and cooked medium rare. The veggies that came with the entrees were just as good too and did not overpower the meats nor did they lack in flavor. I especially enjoyed the beans that came with the sirloin. Not a lot of restaurants can make beans good (something simple) and Whisknladle did. But my favorite of the night or favorite dish now at Whisknladle is their lamb rack. Not only was it a high grade lamb, but it was perfectly evenly cooked from edge to center, beautiful, melt-in-your-mouth crust. Just delicious. As if we werent full enough, we also got the truffle torte for dessert. It was simple, delicious and decadent. Thanks for another great meal Whisknladle! You never disappoint.

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AA

Aaron Castro

So first of all, we were late, by about two minutes for our reservation. We had been having a libation up the street with my Girlfriends brother in some pre-game to date night action as well as catching up. We end up having to wait about 15 minutes which was not a bad thing as I needed relief at the W.C. There was a nice queue going, this fellow in a blue suit was sporting black wing tips, I like another man with style as I was sporting some in the shade of chili. Went back outside and snapped some photos, noticing on the posted menu that they would be executing a surcharge of 3.75% across your check rather than just increasing their prices...guyz, thats increasing your prices just at an easier rate! (California Minimum Wage Issues) We end up getting sat, our server Kirsten was awesome! She brought an attitude of high hospitality. She did everything. We ordered the Daz Beast and Tree Life for cocktails, and with them came some bread. Following their arrival we ordered to split the pork loin with fingerling potatoes. All of a sudden a busser comes up with a Feta cheese flatbread, waving it off because I didnt order it, the manager then comes up says, "No, its on us for making you wait." Well they just endeared themselves to me as if the cocktails didnt taste perfect. Our pork loin arrives and the mustard and rub together left me wondering if Id been lost in a sea of despair and had been fished out. Best pork dish Ive ever had, and quite possibly in my top five of dining experiences. To follow the pork loin we were given a glance at the dessert menu and the choice was made for me when it read: "chocolate and peanut butter cake with vanilla gelato." Youve got to be kidding me...they pretty much hit my whole palate up with a dopamine and endorphin shot that would las through the morning.

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HE

Heather Willens

it had been years since i had a dining experience at whisknladle, but the memory has remained very fond and present for me. it continues to go down as the best chicken i had in my life. i remember thinking they transformed what is typically a "safe" protein option and really made it shine. i was partially inclined to revisit chicken memory lane, but with a much more diverse and adventurous palate, it was impossible for me to turn down the decadence of duck breast, and sample the rack of lamb. both were outstanding....so rich, so **fall** both had that "close your eyes, smile and chew is complete flavor paradise" reaction. goodness, such talent in that kitchen and most outstanding quality of ingredients. we also got the cutting board which included so many yummy varieties of meats, cheeses, marinated olives and spreads. i could have a meal of that and wine alone and be quite happy. but that, combined with perfectly executed duck breast, and completed with the apple mille feuille, made for quite the pampering and delicious experience. that gelato was so delightful in contrast to the warm and savory stacked apple graham crack sandwich of sorts. and quite beautifully presented.

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TU

Tu Lam

We came here at happy hour after walking around La Jolla. We made our way to the bar area (straight through the door to the right) and seated ourselves. We ordered our drinks and looked over the menu. Bar bites we got was the house marinated olives, potatoes, fried chicken wings, beet salad with blue cheese and watermelon salad. They accidentally gave us yesterdays menu and didnt have the watermelon on the menu so we got an order of flat-bread off the dinner menu. The potatoes were awesome, crispy with a great sauce that didnt make them soggy. You only get 3 chicken wings for $8 which is really pricey for 3 wings, not even whole wings. We enjoyed everything but the flat-bread. It was more like a really thin tortilla and not a bread, so the flavor of goat cheese was really over powering. Almost all items on the menu are seasonal because they use fresh local products. I was really shocked to get carded when I ordered my drink. When the waiter asked, he had to repeat himself twice. Had my sister laughing pretty hard. Service is great and friendly.

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MR

Mr Morgen

Bottom Line - A surprising find strolling through La Jolla The place we wanted to eat at next door looked neat on the internet but dead when we got there. Thank goodness we changed and went here instead. Service: 5/5 Our waiter was charming, informative, flexible and all around excellent. He never hovered and was never missed and we werent rushed. Personality: 5/5 Definitely a unique location with a unique vibe and decor. We sat in the open air area in the front surrounded by wrought iron, wood and Edison Bulbs, and old books, but it definitely wasnt dark or oppressive. The wine rack (not sure if it is functional or solely decorative) is a fantastic concept. Quality: 5/5 The food was delicious and the bartender is an expert. Everything was cooked and seasoned correctly and we were definitely allowed to enjoy our meal. Recommendation: 5/5. This is definitely a destination spot. Locals already enjoy it, but if you are visiting Southern California, add it to your points of interest

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C

C Nicklaw

This place is only good for its cocktails and happy hour. We had a very disappointing dinner experience! Our favorite restaurant was closed on Monday so, my wife made reservations here for my 30th birthday dinner. The service was awkward and we felt like normal customers. My wife felt like they didnt even listen to her request about how were were celebrating a special occasion. I felt bad because my wife wanted to make it a special night and normally places make you feel a little more special. I ordered drinks which were good but the food was sub-par. They almost gave my pregnant wife raw meat! To top it off the waiter said congratulation on our pregnancy while not acknowledging it was my birthday at all. I hope the owners increase their standards. Just because you are in La Jolla doesnt mean you are the cream of the crop. Ive been living in SD for year and I have high expectations for places in LJ.

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