Juniper and Ivy

If you’re craving Peking Duck in San Diego, look no further than Juniper and Ivy in Little Italy—this spot completely redefines the classic dish with creativity and flair, and it’s hands down one of my favorite dining experiences in the city. First things first: this high-end eatery blends SoCal’s laid-back vibe with innovative cuisine, and it’s incredibly popular. Make a reservation well in advance—I can’t stress that enough. For parking, street parking is available a short walk away, or you can opt for valet right outside for $15, which is super convenient. Now, let’s talk about the star of the show: the Peking Duck. It’s "one duck, two ways," and every bite is a revelation. The 3.5–4-pound whole duck is treated with such care: the breast is glazed with honey mixed with coriander, cinnamon, and cloves, while the legs are marinated in salt, pepper, and thyme overnight before being slow-cooked. The result? Crispy, shatteringly thin skin that crunches when you bite into it, and tender, juicy meat with no gamey aftertaste—way more flavorful than traditional Peking Duck, with the natural sweetness of the duck really shining through. Served with stir-fried wheat berries, grilled veggies, and a fried duck egg, the dish has amazing texture and balance—savory, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice, and never greasy. No wonder locals call it "the best duck in SD"! The ambiance is just as impressive. Industrial-chic decor with high ceilings, exposed brick, and large windows letting in plenty of natural light—it’s warm and inviting, not stuffy. The open kitchen is a fun touch too, so you can watch the chefs work their magic. With two floors, including private dining spaces, it’s perfect for everything from date nights to group gatherings. And let’s not forget the service—it’s top-tier. The staff is attentive without being intrusive: they accommodated my friend’s gluten allergy seamlessly, and little touches like guiding me to the restroom and refolding my napkin while I was away made the experience feel extra special. We also tried the Hokkaido Scallops, which were fantastic—crispy exterior, buttery and tender inside, paired with a delicious sauce. We only ordered two dishes total because the duck is so generous, and we left absolutely stuffed. Oh, and they serve a complimentary sour appetizer to start, which is a nice way to wake up your taste buds. After dinner, take a stroll around Little Italy—there are great ice cream shops and cool bars nearby, perfect for digesting that amazing meal. Juniper and Ivy isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a must-visit food destination in San Diego. From the creative dishes to the great atmosphere and service, it checks all the boxes. I’m already planning my next visit to try more of their menu!

Great place to celebrate a special occasion! Staff were kind and accommodating helping with everything from how much food to order and how to make sure our gluten free friend also had a great time. We were celebrating several occasions and they went above and beyond to help us from bubbles to start and cookies to end. Would definitely recommend and would love to go back next time I’m in San Diego