Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 28 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

See more Dobson's Bar & Restaurant details

Reservations for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

75 Current Reviews

Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews

Overall

(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5

(75 Reviews)

Rating Breakdown 75 reviews

5 stars

(37)

4 stars

(27)

3 stars

(9)

2 stars

(2)

1 star

(0)

Food

(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 3.9 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

Read all 75 reviews

Write a review

Filter Reviews By:

Diners classify this restaurant as:

neighborhood gem(40)
fit for foodies(36)
special occasion(26)

great for lunch(18)
romantic(15)
hot spot(13)

Dobson's Bar & Restaurant Reviews List

Review 1 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Quiet dinner.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 6/15/2013

2005

Dined on 6/15/2013

2005

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Saturday night, 7:30pm, we were the only table in the restaurant. Kind of makes one a bit questioning...did we make a good choice? The place had great reviews on Open Table, it was just a few steps from our hotel, and we didn't want to deal with the 5th Street craziness as we did that the night before. We did good!! Food was very good and the service was attentive. Yes, just as everyone else says, the mussel bisque rocks!! (We found out that the place was busy before we got there with people eating early and going to the theatre.)"

Dined on 6/15/2013

2005

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 2 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Can't go wrong here!

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 6/04/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Chicken liver pate follwed by salmon with fresh spring veggies. Perfect with or without wine!"

Dined on 6/04/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 3 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love Paul And staff.

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/31/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Love Dobson's for excellent menu choices, Paul's warmth as a host/owner. Pork chop was
Perfectly grilled with great port reduction. Great for the theater crowd to get an early start, great food, and time for a cappuccino."

Dined on 5/31/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 4 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Needs better service

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/31/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Fair) 2 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"This dining experience was like being on a roller coaster. It was a tight fit, which wasn't a big deal for us. The food was good and the portions adequate. The price was a little high but manageable. Our waitress did not appear as if she cared to be there and that took away from this experience for sure. The gentleman who refilled our water broke a glass and immediately handled it professionally, for which our waitress seemed very annoyed at us for, as if it were our fault (he had set the glass on the uneven ridge of the combined tables causing it to fall and subsequently break). Our waitress also forgot our salad for which we had removed rather than receive it after out meal. Again, the good we did get was good!"

Dined on 5/31/2013

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 5 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Classic place!

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/31/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I've been going to Dobsons for over 15 years; ir is a classic spot in Downtown San Diego. Food is great, service superb and the Martinis, outstanding!!! A must go if you are a casual food lover. The bar itself is a gem.

Thank you Paul for this place!!!"

Dined on 5/31/2013

Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 6 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Disappointing Inventory

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/24/2013

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We went back to Dobsons specifically for the veal chop, and they were "out" at 6pm. They were also out of the pinot noir we ordered from their wine list.A mediocre meal followed."

Dined on 5/24/2013

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 7 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A San Diego classic

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/18/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"First a confession...I had not eaten at Dobson's in almost 30 years! We had moved away from downtown San Diego, and just never found our way back. But this experience was just like the last -- wonderful! Food and service are excellent. Decor and ambiance are charming and intimate, but fun at the same time. Owner Paul Dobson is a delight. By far the most hands-on restauranteur I've ever met, and a charming, energetic, witty host. A perfect dining experience!"

Dined on 5/18/2013

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 8 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/15/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"beyond average. Other than the smoked salmon, it tasted like Denny's. What little of a wine list they had was not available when we ordered the bottle. A real neighborhood disappointment"

Dined on 5/15/2013

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 9 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"The food and the service were exceptional. Great place for dinner and drinks before going to the theater."

Dined on 5/04/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, hot spot

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 10 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Fair) 2 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Fair) 2 / 5

Service

(Poor) 1 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I was very disappointed in almost everything. I will start by saying the best thing was the mussel bisque. Everything else was not good. The service was less than good. It took more than 40 min to get dinner, forever to get another glass of wine, and well the food. The food was not good when I spending good money I don't want a small piece of steak and French fries. I would not recommend this place unless someone wants poor food and service."

Dined on 5/04/2013

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 11 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great service & great food from the yummy bread to the mussel bisque to the salmon & scallop entrees. We left very satisfied, all around."

Dined on 5/04/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 12 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great theatre stopover for dinner

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/04/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Good) 3 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Dinner was great as we ordered specials of house all delicious, only disappointment was most of the desserts were unavailable to order and it was still early on a sat night! Service was nice but a little pushy so don't count on siting too long. Ambience was nice ."

Dined on 5/04/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 13 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/03/2013

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"We had a reservation and were seated right away. The wait staff were attentive. They asked if we were attending the show and we said yes. Nice to know that they are sensitive to time constraints. The food was very good...my companions both had the mussel bisque and loved it. Thought that it lived up to expectations. Both were a little disappointed in their fried oysters salads (they were out of the roasted beets that night). My seared scallops were excellent and the cheese tray we shared was delicious. The restaurant had a nice old-school, clubby feel. Over all, it was a very nice dining experience and we would go back to try some other menu items."

Dined on 5/03/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 14 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner

Dined on 5/01/2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"I've been to Dobson's a few times over the years, usually it's a business lunch or a quick lunch with my wife. It's within walking didtance from my office so it's quite convenient close. The servers are always kind and helpful, my glass is never empty and the food is always great."

Dined on 5/01/2013

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 15 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We've eaten there many times,

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/26/2013

2012

Dined on 04/26/2013

2012

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Energetic

"We've eaten there many times, and everything on the menu is excellent. However, the mussel bisque and the curry mussels are unique and special dishes that shouldn't be missed. The restaurant has the wonderful ambience of a small upscale London gastro-pub. The owner, Paul Dobson, greets you as you enter. He has a colorful background as a toreador in Spain, with the restaurant corridor decorated with his bullfighting photos and posters."

Dined on 04/26/2013

2012

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 16 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Mussel bisque was 5 star,

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Mussel bisque was 5 star, staff was friendly and helpful, entrees were good to very good."

Dined on 04/20/2013

2012

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 17 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

25-year classic - STILL FANTASTIC

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/18/2013

2000

Dined on 04/18/2013

2000

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Great place for a mid week lunch! I use to come here frequently to bring the office staff, or take an out-of-town visitor for a great meal for lunch or dinner. It never disappoints.
These days, I don't lunch out much. This time, I came with a colleague for a business lunch ( no alcohol). I had the most outstanding sea bass. She had the daily special of salmon over linguine. We were both so pleased, we resolved to return at least monthly for a flavorful break in the middle of our business day."

Dined on 04/18/2013

2000

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for lunch

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 18 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Incredible food, service and

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/09/2013

2010

Dined on 04/09/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Incredible food, service and ambiance of the bar"

Dined on 04/09/2013

2010

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 19 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

The bread is amazing! The

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/05/2013

2011

Dined on 04/05/2013

2011

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"The bread is amazing! The steak, not so much. The service was awesome and friendly."

Dined on 04/05/2013

2011

Special Features: fit for foodies

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 20 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Business Lunch

Top 1000 contributor

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/05/2013

2006

Dined on 04/05/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Business meetings in San Diego and an opportunity to experience the infamous Dobson's. Was not disappointed. Great food and ambience. Server attended to our needs with a smile. Will return."

Dined on 04/05/2013

2006

Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 21 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great service. God. Salmon

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 04/01/2013

2010

Dined on 04/01/2013

2010

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

"Great service. God. Salmon perfecto"

Dined on 04/01/2013

2010

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 22 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food and service were

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/05/2013

2009

Dined on 03/05/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"The food and service were great."

Dined on 03/05/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 23 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great homemade sourdough bread.

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/05/2013

2012

Dined on 03/05/2013

2012

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Great homemade sourdough bread. Addicting stuff. Got the chicken salad sandwich and spinach soup combo. The salad came with a fresh green salsa which was great on the sandwich. The soup was good but too salty. I didn't finish mine and my dining partner didn't eat more than one bite due to salt. I got a glass of house chardonnay and was pleased at how it's crisp and fruity flavor went so well with the sandwich."

Dined on 03/05/2013

2012

Special Features: neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 24 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Good) 3 / 5

Seems like it's going a bit

Top 250 Contributor

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/28/2013

2007

Dined on 02/28/2013

2007

Food

(Good) 3 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Fair) 2 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Seems like it's going a bit downhill. Mussels are still wonderful."

Dined on 02/28/2013

2007

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 25 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Consistently one of the best,

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Consistently one of the best, anywhere!"

Dined on 03/02/2013

2007

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 26 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

a hidden gem...Paul the owner

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/28/2013

2009

Dined on 02/28/2013

2009

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"a hidden gem...Paul the owner is an icon in san diego and his resturant is always a great experience."

Dined on 02/28/2013

2009

Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 27 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Have been there a few times

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/26/2013

2011

Dined on 02/26/2013

2011

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"Have been there a few times and always loved it. This time there were 8 of us. Sat upstairs overlooking the downstairs area. Excellent food and wine. Love to take friends there."

Dined on 02/26/2013

2011

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 28 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

A Great spot for pre-theatre

Top 10 Contributor

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Food

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"A Great spot for pre-theatre or pre-opera dining. The mussel bisque en croute is simply one of the top appetizers anywhere. Dobson' always delivers a nice dining experience."

Dined on 03/01/2013

2006

Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 29 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Food! A bit expensive

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/22/2013

2008

Dined on 02/22/2013

2008

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Good) 3 / 5

Noise Level

Moderate

"Great Food!
A bit expensive especially since the decor is outdated, the tables are small and its very noisy. There was a large family of about 10, with small children that took up most of the upstairs and they were very loud. This together with the bar noise from downstairs, the restaurant was very noisy.
The Mussel Bisque was good, not as amazing as other reviews, but A+ for presentation. I got the Cod and my husband the Salmon. Both delicious!
The funniest part was the Host/Maitre D. He asked our name and walked away. I looked at the bar patrons and asked if I was to follow and they laughed and said yes. They had been watching him do that all night. He wasn't very friendly."

Dined on 02/22/2013

2008

Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 30 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Very Good) 4 / 5

We chose Dobson's as it was

OpenTable Diner Since

Dined on 02/18/2013

2013

Dined on 02/18/2013

2013

Food

(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Service

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Ambiance

(Very Good) 4 / 5

Noise Level

Quiet

"We chose Dobson's as it was listed as a great place for a client lunch, and it was. The restaurant is small and quiet, with a limited but excellent menu. We all tried the mussel bisque and everyone agreed it was absolutely delicious! In fact it was so good that we went back again for dinner this week. Even if you aren't a mussel fan, you HAVE to try the bisque, it's beyond amazing."

Dined on 02/18/2013

2013

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

0points

0of 0voted this as helpful.

Thank you! You have successfully submitted a comment for this review.

Review 31 for Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

Overall rating

(Outstanding) 5 / 5