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Alchemy Restaurant Reviews List
Alchemy Restaurant
Alchemy is a modern American cuisine restaurant located in the hip, up-and-coming neighborhood of South Park along the burgeoning 30th Street “Restaurant Row.” Executive Chef Ricardo Heredia has created an approachable and creative menu for dinner and brunch alike that draw on his childhood influences as well as techniques and flavors from various cultures around the world. The fundamental foundation of Alchemy’s food lies in the fresh, high-quality produce, poultry and meats delivered daily, much of which is purveyed locally. The restaurant has compiled an innovative wine list of over 100 different bottles and 22 wines by the glass. Our craft cocktail menu is classic in nature with a modern twist. The restaurant also serves up several unique culinary events including Wednesday evening’s Vegetarian Tasting Menu, Dinner With 6 Strangers, Suckling Pig Dinners and Silent Sunday, where Alchemy pays tribute to the traditional speakeasy with silent films and Prohibition-era cocktails.
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67 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Rating Breakdown 67 reviews
5 stars
(22)
4 stars
(21)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(5)
1 star
(4)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(47)
- fit for foodies(43)
- special occasion(15)
- vibrant bar scene(11)
- good for groups(10)
- great for brunch(10)
Alchemy Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Good vibe, with friendly staff. The food provides creative twists on classic fare."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, kid-friendly
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Review 2 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Poor)
1
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I had the hamburger and it was nothing special. The noise level was deafening. We could not converse very well. The restaurant should consider some kind of noise mitigation to make the dining experience more pleasant."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We came to Alchemy for a friends
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We came to Alchemy for a friends birthday and really enjoyed the dinner. Aside from 1-2 dishes that simply weren't our taste, all the food was good. We especially enjoyed the corn bread, ravioli, burger, quinoa hush puppies. The only negatives were the taro tacos which were EXTREMELY small, even for a small plate and the thai fritters which were plain and just not that interesting. The service was great, very friendly and attentive. All around we had a great experience and would come again."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 4 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
anniversary night celebration
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was interesting and delicious...our server was great...it was our 31st anniversary celebration and we had a gift of one of their wonderful tasting desserts... Will definitely make this one on the list of frequented restaurants... Terrie and Bob Aichele"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 5 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Chef Heredia is incredible.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Chef Heredia is incredible. This place is a must-visit gem in South Park."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Beef cheek was braised horribly.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Beef cheek was braised horribly. Served Heinz ketchup with the quinoa hush puppies. (More like quinoa falafel.). Food was not worth the money. I won't be back."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2006
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Review 7 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Amazing Food!!!The service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Amazing Food!!!The service was ok but we had to wait 30+ minutes to get our food and the restaurant wasnt more than 30% full. Don't go of you're starving."
Dined on 04/14/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
fish tacos were quite good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"fish tacos were quite good though a bit pricey for the size of each taco (they are small). salad was really good, lots of hazelnuts in it."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2006
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 9 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Wine list is great! Happy
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Wine list is great! Happy hour had great deals as well!"
Dined on 04/05/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Review 10 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Foodie Haven in South Park
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What a fantastic little restaurant--super eclectic, artsy yet a but industrial. The decor is really fresh with a lounge seating area up front, bar, and cocktail and dinner tables. The menu is an inventive and artful combination of gastronomy. We decided to share a bunch of small plates and ordered almost everything on the menu. Some standouts: any of the 3 varieties of tacos, especially the pork belly. Corn fritters, crispy chicken skin, and ceviche--kids menus are also equally clever. Lots of great choices that include sides like quinoa and blackberries. What a refreshing change from chicken nuggets and fries at most places. The craft cocktails are also made with top quality ingredients like freshly squeezed juices and shaved ginger."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
While the menu has enthusiastic
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"While the menu has enthusiastic entrees, the overall execution was lacking.... Cold eggs, over cooked and dry carnitas, oily bread.... I left feeling heavy after a meal of 2 poached eggs and a piece of toast. I didn't understand the eggs being cold on both mine and my fiances chilaquiles as there was only one other table in the restaurant. The service was very good and the coffee was excellent. So was the food presentation. However not enough for us to come back. Maybe dinner is better...."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 12 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ok, not great.
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was weird. Tasty, but tiny portions and strange choices, all difficult to eat. Fish too bony to enjoy. Tacos tiny--appropriately sized for a three year old."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
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Review 13 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Creative, tasty food. Attentive
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Creative, tasty food. Attentive service.Party of 6 found it much too loud for any 'real' conversation. Sent back the chocolate tart. As a friend said, "It was as dry and cracked as the Bonneville mud flats.""
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 14 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
I've been to Alchemy a number
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I've been to Alchemy a number of times and really enjoyed the eclectic menu. This time, we invited friends. What a disappointment. The pozole was overly salted yet flavorless. The pork in the small chile rellenos tasted old. The Thai whole fish was only marginally better. The place was packed so maybe they are resting on their laurels? It was embarrassing to bring friends after we'd said it was so good. Hope they get back to the place they were."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2009
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Review 15 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The burger was amazing! All
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The burger was amazing! All the food was amazing, we love eating here. It was slightly busy and service towards the end was a little less attentive than we would have expected."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Date night fun
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great night atmosphere for a date. Food offered was very unique and tasty. Most of the food I tried was new to me and kept me wanting more. Overall great food experience recommend to friends and all."
Dined on 02/21/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love this place! I used to
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this place! I used to live right around the corner and its one of my favorite spots in San Diego. The food is unique and delicious - prices are very reasonable - and the atmosphere is perfect (not too much with a great personality). Nice wine and beer selection with a full bar. Really is the perfect neighborhood spot."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Not so good .....
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had reservations for 7 pm but didn't get seated until nearly 8. The menu is very limited and our server was beyond stretched thin. Ended up going to the bar ourselves to get a drink after waiting 20 minutes at our table with only menus in front of us. When the food finally arrive, it was just o.k. - nothing great that we tried and we did try several things. I don't think I'd revisit this place - too many other great restaurants in the area to bother!"
Dined on 02/08/2013
2010
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Review 19 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Loved the food and the service.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved the food and the service. The burger was phenomenal"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 20 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
terrible dining experience
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Concrete floors and walls makes Very Noisy din, couldn't wait to get out. Food was cold , undercooked and 2 meals were returned. Fish came with no rice or grain at all , just greens , weird. Wine list was pricey and lacked fruit forward Californians I love. Had Chardonnay from Langaduc France that was dry to the point of tasteless.
Server was nice , aplogized , and gave meals for free But I won't go back."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
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Review 21 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Valentines menu was horrible.
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Valentines menu was horrible. The fish was a whole, fish on the bone, head staring at you meal; and the ravioli was cold with hardened cream sauce, as it had been sitting for hours."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2009
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Review 22 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I went during valentines day
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I went during valentines day and it was a good date place. The food was in a special valentines menu which disappointed me cause the regular menu looks really good. The ambience was great not too bright a guy was playing acoustic guitar which set the mood perfectly. The service was really good, overall I enjoyed it and would like to go on a non holiday to see how it is"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 23 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I really loved eating at Alchemy.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I really loved eating at Alchemy. The ambiance and art is beautiful. The service was wonderful. I had the lasagna and a salad and it was excellent. They also had happy hour beer for $3 which was great."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Alchemy was fine, but not
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Alchemy was fine, but not what I was expecting. Somewhat limited menu, and my server seemed to be stretched pretty thin, so it was hard to get her attention. The cocktail I had (Manhattan) was excellent."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 25 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I love the setup of the place,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love the setup of the place, energetic but tables are spaced out enough that there's plenty of elbow room. The food was amazing too. I shared the Chicharron de Pollo and Trio of Spreads & Flat Bread Crackers with the table. Delicious. Having grown up eating chicharrones I was interested to see their upscale take on the dish. I couldn't get enough. I also had the roasted beets and Ital Soup for dinner. The roasted beets were good but could have had a bit more goat cheese. The Ital Soup was delicious and intriguing, having never tried "spinners" before. For dessert our table shared the Cranberry Bread Pudding and Chocolate Tart. The chocolate tart didn't quite appeal to me but the bread pudding was heaven."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot
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Review 26 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We arrived at 6:30, and the
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We arrived at 6:30, and the restaurant wasn't too busy. Our wait person was friendly and made some suggestions for our meal. We each had a glass of wine and shared the piquillo rellenos appetizer. My guest had the Bi Bim Bap, the Korean rice bowl, and I had the vegetarian lasagna. Both were delicious. But the highlight of the meal was the cranberry bread pudding with buttermilk gelato which we shared. By the time we left at 8:15 the restaurant was quite busy. A most enjoyable meal."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 27 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very tasty food, and the service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very tasty food, and the service was great as well. Great Mule!!"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 28 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Solid
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Second time dining at Alchemy. Brunch. Even with only a few tables full, this place is too loud. Music is too loud and the acoustics just make for a clamorous dining experience. The service was slow and they really weren't that busy. The food was good though! Waffles were perfect. Fried chicken was good but not bursting with flavor. Burger got a solid review from the 10 year old boy. Fries were great. I had the Benedict with chard and tomatoes in lieu of ham. Hollandaise was nice and light, one egg was poached perfectly, while the other had some runny whites which I don't like. But the yolks were deep orange signifying high quality. The worst part about it was the doughy, undercooked biscuit base. They could've at least toasted that."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 29 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
Way overpriced for okish trendy
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Way overpriced for okish trendy food. 4 of us went out had a couple drinks each and I ate a small plate and the bill was $160. Still really hungry after we left. Kinda bummed we went there to try it out really. I wouldn't do it if I were you :)"
Dined on 01/30/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great spot
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Alchemy was great. The food was delicious and the menu had a wide range of choices. We ordered a couple signature cocktails that weren't that great so we switched to wine. The ceiling has acoustic tiles very artfully placed so the noise level was non existent. Even with a full restaurant I could speak at a normal level and clearly hear someone across the table from me which is so refreshing. It was nice and casual. A little foodie but not too hipster."
Dined on 01/26/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Alchemy Restaurant
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Surprise is no surprise...
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I remember this motto from Holiday Inn at the very beginning... It may be different now... Anyways, Alchemy is extremely consistent. The food is always good. I love the locally grown selection and the freshness of the preparation. The wine selection is always interesting too and the service very nice. You get a light wine if you ask so. Last time I went there, we were 6 + our 7 months old daughter in her stroller. No surprise... we got a table with enough room for the stroller. We all 6 picked different meals and everything was delicious. I got the fish tacos. And the portions were right. Except maybe for the dessert. We wanted to share a chocolate tart but I could have got it for myself only! Overall GREAT!"
Dined on 01/18/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, notable wine list
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Alchemy Restaurant
Based on the average of (36) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
4
/
5
3 out of 3 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic