La Gran Terraza

Excellent place to eat dinner, with good company. There is a slight dress code, as it is a eloquent restaurant. We had the three course meal in leue of the San Diego restaurant week; I highly recommend the flat iron steak, and the three citrus dessert.

This review for the restaurant week. Like everyone else said, the service sucks. The food is decent and it is decorated It doesn’t make sense because there was not a lot of people.

Came here for restaurant week. Located on the USD campus.
Pros — the food was actually very good in my opinion — had limited choices for restaurant week — I had the lobster bisque, others in my party had the calimari strip steak — both earned high praise. Soup arrived very warm and was flavorful and included decent chunks of lobster.
Main course — had the steak — it wasn’t rib-​eye or «high-​end» but still was tasty and the sides of mash potatoes and asparagus were above conference dinner plate quality.
Desserts — it was adequate but nothing notable. Olive oil cake if I remember — but basically a pound cake. Others had the crème brûlée and a berry /​cream concoction.
So probably the food would be a ⁴⁄₅ overall.
Service was ¹⁄₅ and that is being generous. Can’t even pinpoint the causes but the results:
1) Arrived at our stated reservation time — no one there at the host table for 2 – 3 minutes
2) Seated by hostess, no one comes by our table for at least 20 minutes. Let me set the scene — it is not overflow — there are more empty tables than occupied tables. I see many people looking around wondering the same thing we are — first assumption is that they are short handed but given crowd that is definitely not the case.
3) When finally approached, no «sorry», nothing, made subtle jabs about being invisible, etc… just laughed off.
4) only positive was water guy did come by frequently once it was established that, «Hey, we are actually sticking around and getting food».
5) when getting the bill, they got our credit cards and then «poof» — ghost town — did not see anybody for another 20 minutes. This time, when waiter came back, I was more stern «where have you been», no response — just a shoulder shrug, no apology. We weren’t the only table.
The service in terms of politeness was pleasant enough but the consideration for our time was rudeness beyond measure.
Problem is that it is on campus and they probably aren’t measured as a stand alone business — otherwise, management would have been replaced. Complete mismanagement of time and resources — there is a reason why there are few reviews and fewer good reviews
Will not return but hopefully someone at USD realizes that this place has potential and management of restaurant needs to be overhauled.
So food ⁴⁄₅ and service is −3÷5 — average = 1. You work hard for your money — go somewhere you are valued. That is not La Gran Terraza.

We went on Restaurant Week. We waited 45 min to order. We had to ask the manager if we could place our drink order she took our drink order. Vanessa our server brought our drinks. They were wrong also one wine glass had lip stick on it. She took the order back. She returned 15 min later with the same glass with the lip stick on it but did get the rest of the order right. We waited to place our dinner order. We had to again ask the manager if we could place our dinner order. She sent Vanessa over. We waited 50 min for our food to arrive (we would have left as did two other tables but it was already 8:35) when the food arrived it was cold … We did not send it back as we were DONE waiting. The whole evening was a disaster.
Not a good way to to show case the restaurant on Restaurant Week. We will not be back!

View is great. Seating is comfortable. Service is good. The food is probably a 8 out of 10 on average. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a descent restaurant experience. Parking is tough.

I’ve visited USD’s La Gran Terraza many many times!
From the Christmas dinners with carolers and casual lunches to posh tea parties – this place ensures a beautiful view, affordable prices & delicious food.
Yesterday I came in for lunch and as usual they offered the Wednesday prime rib buffet. Although it looked tempting I decided to try the mushroom soup & LGT Burger – both were mouthwatering. Highly recommend!
If you’re around, be sure to get the cucumber lemonade – it’s so refreshing & unique.
The customer service has always treated me with phenomenal hospitality. Our server checked in with us not one or two times but at least fives times during the meal.

I was taken here for Christmas dinner by a family friend. The place looks spectacular and an amazing view of the sunset. The food was also good.

I’m honestly not very impressed with La gran– I am a student here at the university and every time I eat here I get a tiny portion of food for some astronomical price. The desserts are good but the wait staff is poorly informed. They don’t make much of an effort to ensure that the customers are enjoying their meals. It seems like you are paying for something that just isn’t there.

We were at the Valentine’s Day dinner this year. Melanie M.‘s review describes our experience very well. An interesting variation was that we were presented with our wine pairings all at once, loading up the table with 8 glasses of wine for us to sort through as courses were brought out before we had finished the current one. Food was cold, inappropriately served, and did not meet our expectations for a special night (read at these prices, mostly). A leisurely dinner became a frustrating joke.
While I am ready to give La Gran Terraza another chance, I doubt that I will be able to persuade my wife to join me, which means that we won’t be back.

My husband and I celebrated our 13^th Valentine’s Day together last night at La Gran Terraza. Full disclosure, we don’t usually go out on Valentine’s Day because we prefer a full menu, but my parents volunteered to babysit our kids, so off we went! We did not make reservations until the day before, so that factored in heavily to our choice of restaurant. La Gran Terraza had a reservation available at 5:30. All the other places we looked at didn’t have anything until 9 or 9:30. I’m 36 and have twins. I go to bed early, yo.
Anyway, it started ok. They gave me a rose when we checked in and showed us right to our table. No waiting. Our table had a nice view and we got to watch the sun set over Mission Bay.
It went downhill after that.
La Gran Terraza seems to be TRYING to be a fancy restaurant, but doesn’t entirely get it. Our server was a total train wreck. We’ve dined at some of the best restaurants in San Diego, so admittedly we are spoiled, but, I’ve seriously received better… or at least less bizarre service at chain restaurants like Applebee’s or TGI Fridays.
They started by bringing us water and an amuse bouche. …but they just left it at the table and didn’t tell us what it was and they didn’t bring the wine pairing that was supposed to come with it. To me it’s strange to have a wine pairing with an amuse bouche, to begin with. A full glass of wine with two bites of food? It would be more understandable if the appetizer course had not come with a wine pairing as well. I ended up flagging down the server to ask what the amuse bouche was. She told us it was corn pudding. I expected a tiny bit more explanation, but whatever. The corn pudding was good. I liked it. The pairing for it didn’t arrive until the appetizer came.
I ordered a beet salad. It was very good. My husband ordered duck confit. It was clearly not duck confit. It was just duck. Duck confit is a very specific way of preparing duck that involves boiling duck in duck fat for hours. The duck he received came on a bone (duck confit would fall off a bone) and was a bit dry. There’s just no way that duck was prepared in a tradition confit style.
Our entrees arrived prior to anyone asking if we were done with our appetizers. They asked with our entrees there in their hands. So, we were like, «uh…yah. I guess we are.» I ordered the surf and turf. I ordered my steak medium rare. It was cooked medium. It came with a strange potato side that was underseasoned. My husband had the sea bass. It was fine.
Once again the next course arrived before anyone asked if we were done with our entrees. Meanwhile our amuse bouche plates were still on the table. There was no room for the server to put down our desserts and since he was holding two plates, he couldn’t move stuff. He just stood there looking confused. Another person came over and asked if we were finished with our entrees. We said yes (even though I really wasn’t) because the dude was already standing there with our desserts.
It was the most bizarre, unorganized, and rushed meal I have ever had. We were in and out in 55 minutes.
The dessert was good, but it did not come with a wine pairing. Seems like if you are going to do three wines, you’d do one with the appetizer, one with the entrée and one with the dessert rather than none with the dessert and one with the amuse bouche.
Our server was totally confused by the menu (which was not a full menu) and wine pairings. She actually said, «This menu is so confusing,» at least twice. She was very informal and didn’t have a professional feel about her. The pacing and service by the entire wait staff was just so bizarre. We were actually laughing at times because it was just so strange.
Anyway. Surprise ending! We will not return to La Gran Terraza.

Amazing special events– holiday brunches, wine and beer dinners, etc. My favorite place for happy hour is O’Toole’s lounge — open Mon-​Fri 5−9p. I went to the Beer Dinner featuring St. Archer Brewing Co. recently and it was outstanding. Lovely ambiance with great sunset views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon too. Hours do coincide with the university’s schedule– so check their website for hours/​make a reservation in advance.

Came here for the Wednesday night prime rib buffet. It’s a mistake. My husband and I had been here twice before for the Wednesday night prime rib buffet and we were satisfied with the quality and quantity of food for the price ($ 21.25/person). However, we didn’t realize that it’s $ 29.95 during December which they called their holiday buffet until the bill came. When we asked why the buffet was more expensive, the waitress said it was a holiday buffet with more food and carolers. I would not mind the price increase so much if the food and the carolers were good. All the hot food was not hot, room temp at best including the prime rib. They usually would bring you bread but this time we had to get the bread at the buffet line. Well, the carolers were not good either and people were just talking over them so you couldn’t even hear them which was fine. As for more food… The selection was the same as usual. So not only was there not more food, the quality was worse. The only thing that was still good was the dessert.
We’ll still come back at least one more time but never in December.

Went to this restaurant yesterday. The view was really good from the patio at the back. The selection of wine and menu was great and so was the service. The food was fresh and delicious especially the ham and turkey.

Invited to Premier Re-​Opening, beautiful guitarist, assortment of beautiful wines, all you can eat oysters, gourmet appetizers! Staff us warm and friendly!

My initial visit came on my very first day of work. After the new employee orientation was over, the HR representative whom led the orientation had treated the new staff to the Le Gran Terraza for lunch. Before my visit, I had heard many great things about this fine dining restaurant. First of all, my first personal thought was «There’s a fine dining restaurant on CAMPUS!??». Then again, THIS IS USD, so yea!
Our new staff walked on over to this restaurant which is connected to the University Center where all students and staff usually hang out around lunch time. Right outside the entrance is a valet service that is usually available between 11AM-​2PM. The entrance into the restaurant itself is quite a long ways from the main entrance to the building, but on the way there I suppose you have enough time to think and decide whether you really want to eat here or not and perhaps if you want to stop by the restroom :).
There is a host that stands at the podium up front that will ask for your reservation or happily seat you at the bistro that is also connected to the restaurant. Since our group was rather large, we were seated at a large table by the fireplace. The décor and presentation was definitely nice and very clean. Service was pleasant, but to be honest, the food was not memorable at all. Presentation and delivery was on point, but what I chose to eat was lacking all the flavors that the menu described to be quite a delectable choice did not prove to be even close! Desserts were good on the other hand, but that was just a small portion.
Although my food could have been better, the experience wasn’t bad. The company of new employees was nice to be around and the gesture of being treated to a free 3-​course fine dining lunch was nice. The Le Gran Terraza certainly has nice views of the Tecolote Canyons as well as views of the Pacific. At times the Terraza is used for many various events like Sunday Brunches, Buffet dinners and Wine Dinners. It’s a nice place to bring your family if your a student, staff or faculty member that have never visited this restaurant. Since my first initial visit, I have gone back for staff Christmas parties that have been held here for the past few years. Breakfast and desserts were provided which were okay, but again their food did not leave any lasting memory for me to remember them by.
The atmosphere, service, views from the Terraza and presentation of the Le Gran is exquisite, but everything else is sub-​par. I wouldn’t even bother going here during Restaurant Week because prices are still high that time and the food offerings here are unlike anything compared to other fine dining restaurants off campus. Would I come here again on my own? No. With family? Maybe. With employees? Yes. Anything to do with work is a Yes. Why? It’s free! DUH!

A hidden secret in San Diego. Maybe people dont know this restaurant is open to the puboic, but you’ve «gotta» experience. Its a fine restaurant, some elegance, QUIET so you can enjoy your dinner! People are in all sorts of dress but it is nice to maybe put on a blazer and step out… not required!
Food is excellent. Wednesday Prime Rib dinner is $ 22 and outstanding. Happy hour is also a great deal. $ 5 wines special of the day appetizers and a cozy fireplace to sit by or at the bar. Great neighborhood restaurant for Mission Valley.
Cant wait till our next dinner there!

I’m by not means an SD boy, but this place was a pleasure to visit. Located a top a hill overviewing the surroundings, this restaurant is perfect — if ever an invading army was to attack!
Classic rustic style Spanish/​American look with a modern twist. This restaurant provides a warm and welcoming feel for all patrons.
We all ordered the buffet brunch along with some specialty drinks. Cucumber lemon was the BOMB! Gave me me ideas — adding Vodka to this would really rock my world, which I did later on at another bar! Coffee was amazing too; I forgot what blend it was but I down several cups — no Starbucks stop after this. The food was okay at best. Marinated chicken and fried fillet of fish along with some arugula salad, pasta, and grilled vegetables. Nothing too fancy I guess, but with everything going so well I’d expected some POW to my palates.
Needless to say, overall I’m sure on a regular night this place can serve up some meals that sing! Buffet changes daily and maybe it was the wrong day to attend (Wednesday). — Enjoy!

Hard to find
But worth it
The view is fantastic from this vantage point.
The bar tapas were very good.
When we go for the prime rib buffet, it’s worth the price and the value.

I couldn’t believe that USD has such a nice restaurant on their campus! The restaurant itself is very wide and spacious. It looks like a fine dining type restaurant, but a decent pricing. I came here to visit a friend who worked at the library. It was during restaurant week, but we both decided to do the lunch buffet since everything sounded so good on the buffet menu… and you can’t beat the price of it! $ 12.95 AND it comes with a drink! There weren’t many people in the restaurant when I came in, but it might’ve been due to a few things — summer time (less students) and early lunch.
The selection is really good, including the drinks. I got a cucumber lemonade which was so refreshing on a hot SD summer day! I normally don’t like buffet food, but this buffet food wasn’t like your typical chinese buffet. It included pulled pork, steak salad, veggies, soup, fruit salads, and tons of dessert. The food even seemed healthy! Definitely worth coming here! Service was also very good. Our server was attentive and made sure our drinks were always filled.
I would come back, but only if I was in the area. Also, there is complimentary valet if you eat at the restaurant! parking can be ridiculous and confusing for people visiting the campus.

I have been curious about this restaurant since it’s located on the USD campus. They did a nice job of remodeling the area which previously was the main university dining hall. Now it’s a nice restaurant with an adjacent bar/​lounge. It would have been really nice to have these options when I was a student there!
We decided to go for dinner at La Gran Terraza this past weekend with a Groupon in hand. :-)
We were seated right away and ordered the following…
*Pork & Chorizo «Torta» Sliders (with jicama-​cilantro slaw, avocado purée & sweet potato fries): These were 2 tasty little sliders. The small personal Heinz ketchup bottle was also cute. It’s an appetizer but I recommend it as a entrée if you’re not too hungry.
*Striped Bass Clam Chowder (potato, bacon, clams, fume cream): A hearty clam chowder filled with large quantities of quality seafood. The clams were huge and plump! And if you like bacon, it had plenty of it.
*Seared Diver Scallop Parpardelle (with pancetta, roasted baby artichokes in a smoked tomato purée): The sauce itself lacked flavor, but the pancetta added a lot of flavor to this dish. The scallops were fresh, plump and perfectly cooked.
*Chocolate Millefuilles (with dark and milk chocolate mousse and espresso chocolate sauce): This was decadent and a chocolate lovers delight! The espresso flavor really came through in the sauce.
*Lemon Chocolate Yuzu Gelee Tarte (with fromage-​blanc ice cream): Another great dessert! The tart was creamy with a nice citrus flavor.
I thought it was interesting that they had Tijuana beers, since you don’t usually find them elsewhere. The BF enjoyed the Bufadora (a dark beer). They also have a really small average selection of wines. Prices for wine by the glass is great (from $ 5 – 8). Beers are also only $ 4 – 8.
Our server was great. Energetic and friendly from the second we sat down. Although it did take a long time for our food to arrive. It seemed like the kitchen is short staffed. We didn’t really mind though, since we were enjoying our drinks and the canyon view.
Overall, a nice dinner.