The Desmond in San Diego could serve as the ideal spot for an extraordinary dining experience. Located at the Kimpton Alma in the Gaslamp Quarter on 1047 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101, this is a convenient location for an evening meal whether you are a guest at Kimpton Alma or exploring the Gaslamp Quarter. I was kindly invited by The Desmond for dinner, so I visited with my partner and infant to savor the flavors.
The atmosphere is open with a variety of seating choices. Depending on your party size, there are booths, tables, a few bar seats, and even a couch for relaxation. They exclusively serve dinner starting at 5 pm, but do note they are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The strategic positioning of The Desmond within the hotel makes it a fantastic option for a family dinner after check-in or when you prefer not to stray too far from the hotel. My spouse, baby, and I settled in a booth with sufficient space for the stroller. They provide highchairs for the little ones and booths for larger groups. We took an elevator to the mezzanine from the ground floor, although stairs were also accessible.
The Food
Let’s explore some of the dishes on the menu and what sets them apart. Begin with the bread service, which includes delicious roasted garlic and herb focaccia served with whipped ricotta topped with local honey, sunflower seeds, sumac, and extra virgin olive oil. It makes for a delightful start to your culinary adventure without leaving you overly stuffed.
The kale and orange salad features compressed beets, red onion, Castelvetrano olives, pistachio relish, and citrus vinaigrette. Each bite is coated in the vinaigrette, with the beets providing a hint of sweetness to the greens.
Even for those who may not be seafood enthusiasts, the octopus al pastor is subtly seasoned without any overpowering fishy flavors. The octopus is expertly prepared to be both crispy and slightly chewy, complemented by pineapple and creamy avocado. The inclusion of harissa marinade, tepache avocado salsa verde, pickled onions, cilantro, and Masienda tostada brings a refreshing touch that keeps it light.
The braised beef cheek is a dish not to be missed for those who enjoy a well-crafted beef offering. With the guajillo tomatillo salsa and seasonal pickles, it is tender and tangy. It practically dissolves in your mouth and pairs beautifully with the fluffy and sweet Moroccan baghrir pancakes. Combine the braised beef with the baghrir to create a delightful taco. This dish truly stands out.
The luxurious sweet potato gnocchi has a savory essence with a lingering umami finish. The duck confit provides a subtle crispness, while the candied pearl onions, Madeira sauce, Parmesan, and brown butter crumbs blend harmoniously to produce a truly decadent dish. While the braised beef cheek offers succulence and satisfaction, the sweet potato gnocchi exudes opulence and richness.
At The Desmond, there is a diverse selection of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages if you desire a drink. The non-alcoholic beverages are thoughtfully crafted, reflecting the mastery present in their cocktails, making it an excellent choice for a flavorful non-alcoholic option.
If you manage to save room for dessert, the Basque Cheesecake is accompanied by crushed almond cookies, horchata ice cream, toasted meringue, and plum powder, offering a delightful combination of soft cheesecake, crunchy cookie pieces, and smoky toasted meringue.
The Gianduia Chocolate Budino is a rich treat featuring crisp English toffee, chocolate cream, and flambé bananas. Even dedicated chocolate lovers will appreciate the luxury of this dessert. It could be likened to a refined, dense chocolate pudding.
Downtown San Diego and Gaslamp Quarter offer numerous upscale dining choices for your next trip to the city. The central location of The Desmond in Gaslamp, along with the convenience of staying at Kimpton Alma, positions it as a top selection for travelers checking in at the hotel or locals seeking an unforgettable dinner experience.
Image Source: gaslamp.org / Shutterstock
