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Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar Reviews List
Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
"The hidden gem in the jewel…" Enter through wrought iron gates into a European courtyard and discover the charming world that is Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar. The owners of Finch's have created a serene, intimate space where guests can escape life's hustle and bustle and relax, drink great wine, enjoy live music, and eat some of the best food around at moderate prices - an upscale dining experience at casual dining prices. This is evident from the moment you are graciously seated at your table with crisp linens, water carafes with fresh lemons as stoppers, and black and white finch salt and pepper birds. It is these quirky touches and attention to detail that is the guiding spirit behind this popular cozy, romantic and friendly La Jolla hotspot.
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45 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Rating Breakdown 45 reviews
5 stars
(13)
4 stars
(26)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(0)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(28)
- great for outdoor dining(21)
- fit for foodies(20)
- romantic(20)
- special occasion(17)
- notable wine list(13)
Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar Reviews List
Review 1 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Lacking service.....
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is good, not enough wait staff.
Had to ask several times to have our order taken....
Then a wait for the food."
Had to ask several times to have our order taken....
Then a wait for the food."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for lunch
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Review 2 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Lovely Mothers Day brunch.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We are visiting La Jolla and decided to try something new. Food was delicious. Tinkling fountain and live music. I'm glad we were seated in the patio/entry area or the music might have been too loud. Or maybe that was the large group trying to talk over the music. At any rate, we really enjoyed ourselves and the food was delicious."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 3 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was really delicious. The appetizers were a little small for the price. Entrees were great. Salads and desserts are very creative. Wine list is extensive. Service was outstanding."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 4 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Hidden gem in La Jolla
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This place is tucked a way off Girard avenue in La Jolla and is easy to miss, but is work seeking out.
We had the fish soup, salmon and special of the day sea bass. The food was quite good and the service staff was very attentive and did a great job. I would recommend it."
We had the fish soup, salmon and special of the day sea bass. The food was quite good and the service staff was very attentive and did a great job. I would recommend it."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great food, service, unpretentious,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"great food, service, unpretentious, easy vibe. Hitting on all cylinders. Great job."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 6 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Went the extra mile to please
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The staff were excellent in particular, and genuinely happy to secretly deal with a birthday cake I had brought for my guest and brought it out, candle lit, at just the right moment. A real pleasure to interact with them. ANd the food was great too!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food in an intimate
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great food in an intimate quiet setting. Also appreciated the live jazz guitarist in the background."
Dined on 04/13/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Has Potential; Not Ready for Return
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We were placed at the table in front of kitchen and dishware alcove, even though we had asked to be placed at a quieter table in less of a traffic area. Apparently, tables for six can not be reconfigured. This restaurant has potential, but under current way of operating, and with disappointing food quality and overpriced, will not return."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2007
Special Features: notable wine list
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Review 9 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A Hidden Treasure Not To Be Missed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"First, ask for Thomas! He was a wonderful server. He didn't miss a beat. He offered wise suggestions and we had a fabulous meal. We celebrated a friend's birthday that evening and the restaurant provided the perfect venue. Farm fresh ingredients selected and prepared daily. Try the French Toast for dessert. Believe me! It's quickly becoming their signature dessert."
Dined on 03/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great little restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great restaurant, nice tucked away location. They also really tried to be helpful for gluten free patrons."
Dined on 03/12/2013
2012
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Review 11 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
New spot for lunch. Has a
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"New spot for lunch. Has a Euro feel."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2005
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 12 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Great ambiance but a bit overpriced
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"They're tucked away and a little hard to find, we almost passed it so it helps to take a look at the photos here to see what the entryway looks like. Although the place is charming and can take on both a classy & romantic, yet casual feel - the food was left to be desired.
The service was attentive and our waiter was very friendly. I ordered the lobster carbonara linguini which didn't have much lobster at all. We heard (and read) that they played live music on Friday nights, unfortunately this wasn't the case when we went. I'd love to give this place another try for date night, but can't really justify the $19 linguini for only what seemed like a couple (tiny) pieces of lobster.."
Dined on 02/08/2013
2008
Special Features: late-night find
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Review 13 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We sat on the patio where
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We sat on the patio where there was live music, it wasn't too loud so we were able to talk. There were space heaters, so even though it was a cool evening we were plenty warm. Our waiter was great; friendly, efficient, and had some great suggestions for dinner. The food was delicious, we will definitely eat there again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 14 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
We were never rushed to order,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were never rushed to order, finish our plates nor leave. Just what we love, a discreet and efficient waiter.
Plus, the food and wine were great, in true European style."
Plus, the food and wine were great, in true European style."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My husband and I got a last
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband and I got a last minute reservation on a Sat. night. Ended up sitting at a very small table along the semi-outside corridor that leads into the restaurant itself. The chairs were uncomfortable, but there was an overhead heater that was on. Our first course was the Baja shrimp - very good but way overpriced for what you got. We both got the salmon, which was excellent, and we shared the French toast dessert that everyone was talking about in the reviews. It was extremely tasty. We ordered a bottle of red wine from Argentina - can't remember the name. Again excellent and a reasonable enough price for a restaurant. They had live music and the hostess and serve staff was very attentive. We would go back again."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2010
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Review 16 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous European restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Attended with my wife and another couple for Valentines Day. Was absolutely above and beyond our wildest expectations. We went in with no real knowledge of what to expect. The restaurant is very eclectic in it's set-up being a dis-jointed set of small areas and rooms. But it was cozy and inviting and the staff was wonderful. Very attentive and knowledgeable.
The food - fantastic! One of our best meals in San Diego by far. It was a prix fixe for VD but the choices were quite varied and everyone enjoyed what they has ordered. Fresh, innovative and taste was out of this world.
Would highly, HIGHLY recommend to anyone looking for something different."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 17 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
My wife and I often eat at
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My wife and I often eat at Finch's. It is less than a two block walk from our home and we find the ambience and food to be outstanding. My only recent disappointment was the prix fixe dinner as being the only choice on Valentine's day. Although the selections for the prix fixe were very good, there are other items on the menu that I would have preferred. I was totally unaware that the prix fixe was the only option for that evening. If I had known otherwise, I would have chosen a different restaurant."
Dined on 02/14/2013
2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our Go-To Place
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar has become a favorite with our family. The food is always exceptional and the service is friendly and professional."
Dined on 02/01/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 19 for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Had a good experience. Will
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Had a good experience. Will likely return."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2007
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Finch's Bistro & Wine Bar
Based on the average of (26) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate