La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego Reviews List
La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
La Gran Terraza is an elegant bistro featuring California cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. The Grand Dining Room and Terrace overlook Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay. O'Toole's offers tapas, nightly happy hour, a cozy fireplace, local craft beers and an excellent wine list.
The Grand Dining Room offers a lunch buffet and an a la carte menu. At dinner, we offer a varied menu from tapas to innovative entrees and divine desserts.
BI-MONTHLY WINE DINNERS Reception starts at 6 p.m. followed by a multi-course, interactive wine-paired dinner.
>> April 5, "Murder Mystery" Francis Ford Coppola << $85pp++
>> April 23, Rodney Strong Vineyards "Farm to Table" << $50pp++
"It took about 5-10 minutes after arriving for our waiter to welcome us. The food came in a reasonable period, however we were never offered refills on our beverages, and it took 15 minutes after we were done eating before seeing our waiter again so we could request the check."
Dined on 5/22/2013
Special Features: great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Delicious prime rib and salmon with mustard sauce along with healthy fresh fruit and veggies, as well as flan and dark chocolate fro dessert made this a memorable birthday celebration. The views of the Bay are spectacular and the wait staff is attentive and friendly. All of this for $20 per person made it a great bargain, too."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 3 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"I returned to this restaurant on last Wednesday to try their Prime Rib Buffet. I was pleasantly surprised at the excellent quality of the side dishes offered at the buffet, including wild salmon for those who do not eat red meat. Once again, the wine list and service were superb. The prime rib, unfortunately, was a bit fat, but amenable to cutting, and the desserts, although good, were not up to the quality of selections available on my prior visit."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Mother's Day was a beautiful, sunny day for brunch at La Gran Terraza. We were seated in the dining room; however, you could have been seated outdoors, or in another beautiful room that looked out over the valley. There were many food options for both the adults and children. Omelets customized to your desires, as well as just about anything else that you wanted. The kids had their own area with "kid" favorites. All loved the great choice of desserts, especially the chocolate fountain! Price was very reasonable."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 5 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"I made my reservation a few weeks prior, and was a bit dissipointed that we not not able to get into the main dinning area, but we were able to get a window seat, the personal were very kind in helping me! My parents, whom are in their 80's ate everything on their plates, they truly enjoyed the food. All of us found everything to be beautiful! The food was wonderful and the desserts yummie and lovely! My mother enjoyed herself, and one more thing, my mother has Alzheimer’s, so for us, her family it was a joy to see her so engaged and enjoy the moment in time and to eat well, made us all happy!"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, scenic view, late-night find, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 6 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Easter brunch was delicious. There were three of us and the table was too small. Also, I enjoyed last years dessert table more than the cupcakes this year. The rest of the food was delicious.
Servers were very polite and pleasant. It was a little difficult to get refills on drinks."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 7 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"The atmosphere was delightful. It was our first time here and the perfect choice to take Mom during her visit. The campus is beautiful and our table on the patio overlooked the hillside and onto Mission Bay. The wait staff was very attentive even on such a busy day. They made sure the umbrellas were positioned for our maximum comfort as it was a warm and sunny day. The food selection was good. My favorites were the made to order omlettes, the waffle bar with fresh fruit, King Crab legs, and the chocolate fountain on the desert table. The complimentary valet parking was definitely a nice touch. I will go back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 8 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"For Mother's Day, they did it absolutely right! We drove up and the free valet took our car and made getting inside simple. They seated us right away on the outside patio in the warm sun with a perfect view. They had shades if you wanted them, we went half and half. The food was AMAZING....fresh crab, shrimp and salmon along with the usual brunch goodies. Zero complaints on the food (they even had a dessert area with a chocolate fountain). The service was ok....our server was lost the majority of the time, but the assistant outside was on it and made up for the server's shortcomings. When we left, there was a photographer providing free, instant family photos to cap off a perfect meal. I had never been there before, but WILL BE BACK"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 9 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"We went this time specifically for the prime rib buffet, but we have been for Sunday brunch, too. It's a nice place with good food and friendly staff. Great view. If you find yourself on the campus of USD for sure check it out."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, scenic view, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 11 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"We are not much for buffets, but the Prime Rib buffet was fabulous. Not a giant selection to confuse and make you overeat. The Prime was the Prime objective. One salad a couple of potatoe choices, aldente vegetables and mashed potatoes and gravey.....the horseradish was very tastey. We arent desert people, so that wasnt important, but it was nice to see small circular one bite options of cheese cake and chocolate. Our waitres was fabulous, friendly, interactive and attentive. We really found a neighborhood seceret. We'll be back!"
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 13 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Wonderful experience in university setting, surrounded by young folks in a polished atmosphere. We enjoyed the sirloin steak, done to perfection, as well as the sides. Service was prompt, attentive and competent. A return visit is definitely in the plans."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 14 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"La Gran Terraza is superb. The service is speedy and friendly. The buffet lunches are great, and the view is extraordinary. The desserts are just so-so."
Dined on 4/30/2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 15 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"La Gran Terraza is a really good place, with great food, and outstanding buffet options, but the staff is the element that makes it fantastic. Great service, friendly and very knowledgeable staff make your experience unforgettable."
Dined on 04/25/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"We had the most wonderful dinner with our daughter who attends USD and her grandparents ... the staff was AWESOME, and the food wonderful, and the sunset from our table was San Diego amazing! Can't wait to go again!!!! :)"
Dined on 04/24/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, scenic view
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Review 20 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"We have been to this restaurant several times. It is always wonderful. The carrot soup was delicious and the argula salad outstanding. I alwalys recommend this restaurant to friends."
Dined on 04/22/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 21 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"The food was outstanding and seemed very healthy. Not processed at all. The service was prompt and helpful. We went to the prime rib buffet and the price was very reasonable. The desserts were so good!"
Dined on 04/17/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 23 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"We had a party of eight and it was our first time dining in this restaruant. We were very pleased with the attentive service, the loving table setting, and the great view. We really appreciate the quiet atmosphere that encourages conversation. We notice that the bar area was quite active all evening which is great for the restaurant and shows that you are providing two distinct dining pleasures. We will definitely return."
Dined on 04/09/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 24 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Just a great place that delivers a fantastic food experience! Not sure if I wanted to let others know about this special place but why keep a great experience to yourself, right?"
Dined on 03/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"This is truly a gem in San Diego. The food is wonderful and paired well with a variety of wines. What a deal! The service was spot on. All of the staff was friendly, accommodating & knowledgeable. The fine tuned attention to detail was noted on the delicate dessert table."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, scenic view
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Review 26 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"This place is wonderful! I almost don't want anyone to know about it so I can keep this little secret to myself :) The food is great, the service is even better. I love coming here."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"I have been to La Gran Terraza in the past and had a lovely experience. However, for Easter they opened an additional room. Although we had a reservation, they stuck us in a corner next to a brick wall. One person in our group has a bad back, and he found the folding chairs to be extremely uncomfortable. For $40/person, we thought the ambiance and service were poor, and the quality of the food was less than I had expected. However, the dessert table was beautiful, but none of us are big on desserts. I will probably return to this restaurant, but not on a holiday."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2011
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Review 28 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"I can definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone who is planning to host a large group at a nice restaurant with reasonable prices and a good view. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. The prices were very good considering the ambiance and the quality of the food. The prix fixe menu was an outstanding value ($25 for a 3-course dinner on the day we visited). The wine list prices were good in general with a solid selection at $30 and below as well as a number of more expensive wines."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 34 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Superb restaurant located on the campus of Univ. of San Diego. The service was excellent. The buffet selection was very good. The view was spectacular. All in all, a delightful and delicious meal."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 37 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"eash time i have visited the restaurant everything-food, service, atmosphere was great. I highly encourage anyone to try it. Everything I've tried on the menu or lunch buffet has been superb!"
Dined on 02/13/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 38 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Good restaurant; great service from the waiter, Carlos. Lights might have been a bit dimmer. Food selection good; wine selection good, would like to see some more mid-priced wines, $20-30"
Dined on 02/15/2013
2008
Special Features: scenic view
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Review 39 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Had a wonderful time. A surprising find. Went to the Prime Rib Buffet. Great value! The staff was extremely friendly and attentive. The food was fine. The side dishes were very good. The dessert selection was great. Enjoyed the small dessert portions that allow you to sample different treats. We definitely will return!"
Dined on 02/06/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 41 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"The lunch buffet was excellent. The food was at the correct temperature and there was lots of variety. One of our favorites was the lemonade with cucumber--very yummy."
Dined on 01/31/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 42 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Gorgeous view toward Mission Bay and green valleys. Comfortable chic upholstered chairs. Outstanding and caring service by Charles. Lunch buffet was hearty but balanced by salads. Desserts were luscious. Lamb sliders with yogurt mint sauce and fresh cucumber were very satisfying. Wish they served wine at lunch!"
Dined on 01/31/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 43 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Restaurant week at La Gran Terraza was great. I had a grilled jicama salad, which was very unusual. Jicama tastes good grilled. My next dish was pan seared diver scallops in a X.O. sherry salted caramel sauce with chanterelle mushrooms. I've never had scallops in a sweet sauce. I loved it! My dessert was an elder flower mousse cake; light and a perfect end. The restaurant has a large and varied selection of beers and wine, but no hard liquor."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 44 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
"Wow, what a surprise! Who would have thought this fine restaurant was tucked away in USD. Was there for Restaurant Week Two. We had salmon and ribeye - delicious. Excellent service. We will come back."
Dined on 01/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 45 for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego