Key points:
- I have celiac and did not get glutened by the meal, although the staff was NOT reassuring at all
- Food was overpriced and $60 lobster meal was so bland the butter was the only worthy ingredient
- they made the alcoholic drinks strong for the guy in our party, and weak for me, the female
Food allergy: I had called ahead to ensure they could accommodate my celiac disease. The server said they had methods for preparing food gluten free yet he seemed oddly un-knowledgeable, just good at reciting facts. The people who actually brought the food out seemed offended that I double checked on the GF-ness of the meal, making me inquire harder and they did not offer more info than “yes it is GF”. I asked what procedures were used to make it GF, they responded “we have procedures in place”. Would not give out specific details although I kept asking, not offering me to talk to someone else like the chef or manager. When the food was given to us they didn’t point out that my food was GF, which I feel expensive establishments should, so they can reassure the customer with a food allergy. This is why we went somewhere expensive, so I can expect higher service and accountability. In the end I did not get sick, but that was not an obvious outcome based on interactions with the staff.
I got the $60 lobster because, heck why not we never go out and they promised GF and good food on the beach. Blandest meal I have ever had, I’m pretty sure the rice and vegetables were frozen a long time because they were soggy and tasteless and mushy. The lobster was definitely not fresh, probably frozen before, and a tiny bit of old bay spice was added as the only flavor besides butter. I seriously expected a much grander meal and I don’t know how they can take pride in serving frozen lobster tail and destroyed soggy wild rice in a mush pile with tasteless unknown veggies mixed in, at the price of $60. Ridiculous. My husband and MIL got the seafood pot and it was so -over-flavored that they had zero seafood taste. Clearly Jake’s does not know how to cook or source ingredients, so they either add spice until the lack of good ingredients is not apparent, or just remove flavor altogether because why do they have to make a lobster meal good, it’s lobster. At least that is the feeling I am left with. Definitely not going back.
We got a table right by the window on the beach which was nice. This was the only plus. My drinks were so weak I could just as well have gotten a soda, and they were expensive too. My husband got a mega strong martini. Not sure if the difference in strength per gender was intentional or not, but this also made the drinks a bit of a joke. Music was so loud even at the end of the restaurant that conversations were very hard.
100% gluten free gelato shop including the waffle cones!!!! I hadn’t had a waffle cone in 13+ years and enjoyed gelato twice during my visit to San Diego. 10/10 recommend!
Gorgeous, fun little restaurant! Had an early dinner there and the food was delicious. I really appreciated the server’s knowledge about gluten free food safety. I told him I had celiac and he made sure I didn’t order any item marked GF that would still have contamination. Other gluten free diners should be aware, though, that some of their GF designated options are still contaminated (eg, shared fryer) so you do need to as the server.
I have been coming here for years eating there sandwiches with secret sauce. Now I’m doing there gluten free wrap sandwiches and they are amazing! Go to spot for Del Mar grab and go healthy food. It’s all about the secret sauce!
The view of the ocean is second to none. They must have a new Chef because the new menu items were beyond excellent. Numerous gluten-free items. And the shrimp cocktail shrimp were gigantic. Very good value. We took company visiting for Easter weekend there and it is now their favorite restaurant in San Diego.
Gluten free. I ordered a gluten free sandwich and without even asking they did a glove change and did the extras for my allergy. I was having a really bad day and this just turned it around. It's not easy having celiac disease and for once in a long time I felt normal and felt so taken care of by the whole team. I have been to this location many times and they are always very great, this time just was extra great. Keep up the good work team!
With the prices and look of the place you’d think it’d be amazing food but unfortunately it was just ok. The burger was okay and had a sauce with a kick that made up for the lack of seasoning on the burger. The baked oysters are perfect for anyone who doesn’t like oysters lol there’s so much packed on them that you can’t even taste the oyster. The naked/alcohol free margarita wasnt great. The inside looked nice but the dog-friendly patio outside was just the cheap picnic tables with holes you see at parks. They could’ve at least done something to make it a bit nicer considering how nice everywhere else is and the prices. The second picture is the oysters after we ate the oyster but you can still see all of the stuff added on top. On the plus side they had a lot of gluten free options and the servers were super nice
The food here was great, and the service was even better! The atmosphere felt very homey, like a place you'd visit every week. The decor looks like a regular restaurant. I had an omelet with a side of gluten free pancake. It was delicious, and the portion was very generous. You should definitely try this place!
Fantastic dinner as always. We got to sit facing the sunset which was a lovely end to a long day. The service was super helpful at modifying a dish to make it gluten free and it was delicious- you’d never know it was a modification and not designed that way. This is a traditional favorite stop for us when we visit the area and it never disappoints.
LOVE this Mexican restaurant in Del Mar!! Tacos are amazing but so is the white fish ceviche, bone marrow and all the salsas with the guac. Everything is beautifully presented and service is super friendly. Also they have lots of gluten free and dairy free options! All the desserts are gluten free (churros are amazing)
Nice outdoor seating. Cute trendy vibes. Brought my 1 year old baby with some friends and they brought out a hair chair before we even sat down!
This is really great gluten free pizza!! I had the bossa. The delivery driver was really friendly and quick. The person on the phone taking the order was friendly and informative. Definitely will be ordering everytime I'm in SD.
BrunchDinnerOpen Late NightLunchOutdoor SeatingDeliveryTake AwayKid FriendlyRestaurant
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Danielle Domville
This was my first time at Monarch and I'm excited to return. Awesome menu options with gluten free and dairy free selections. A great place for girl's afternoon or girl's night out. Great service and prices are reasonable. Friendly and very on top of it staff! If you're a tourist, this is a MUST!! If you're a local, what are you waiting for? You won't be disappointed!
One of the best breakfast & lunch places in North County! The place has the feel of a secluded backyard garden. The ambience merely adds to the experience of tasty food, drinks, and fresh baked goods (they have a fantastic gluten free brownie). I highly recommend this cafe!
We came on a weeknight with a party of seven to celebrate a birthday. They set aside a nice table for us by the window, but out of the way so we had some space from other diners. The service was very attentive and the food was spectacular! We enjoyed a multi-course meal with everything from wine and appetizers to delicious entrees and desserts. A member of our party is gluten—free and she had plenty of choices. We couldn’t have asked for a nicer evening!
The service was off the charts in this beautiful spot. We came for a birthday happy hour and ate a tapas that were all really delicious.
I’m a sober girlie and they had tons of mocktails which was fun for me to enjoy with my girls for happy hour!
The crab cakes were next level and they were gluten free!
My family stopped in for a bite and had a most enjoyable experience. delicious cucumber water served immediately, greatful because we were all thirty. Terrific and clever cocktails my son had a basil smash and my hubby had a Margherita. Food was great. My gluten-free pizza Margherita was done to perfection. So glad we popped in it made our vacation.
Very happy to find a reasonably priced, gluten free friendly sushi restaurant with tasty sushi here in Del Mar! Lunch was great, plan to come back for Happy Hour soon!
Wonderful place to eat and be with friends. Has amazing views. Many gluten-free options for my allergies. The servers were very friendly and attentive to everyone. The food was top-notch, and my filet could not have been better. My compliments to the chef.