The Desmond in San Diego might just be the spot to visit for a memorable dinner experience. Located at the Kimpton Alma in the Gaslamp Quarter at 1047 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101, this is a convenient place to eat dinner whether you’re staying at the Kimpton Alma or exploring the Gaslamp Quarter. The Desmond invited me to dinner, so I ventured over with my husband and infant to get a taste.
The space feels open, with plenty of seating. Based on the size of your party, there are booths, tables, a couple of seats at the bar, and even a couch to lounge on. They’re open solely for dinner starting at 5 pm but do note that they’re closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
The Desmond’s location within the hotel makes it an excellent place to get dinner with the family after checking in or when you don’t want to stray too far from the hotel. My husband, infant, and I sat at a booth with room to place the stroller. They have high chairs for your little ones and booths for larger parties. We took an elevator to the mezzanine from the first floor, but there were stairs, too.
The Food
Let’s explore some dishes on the menu and what makes them unique. Start with bread service, which includes roasted garlic and herb focaccia and whipped ricotta with local honey, sunflower seeds, sumac, and extra virgin olive oil. It’s the perfect size to begin your dining experience since it won’t leave you feeling too full.
The kale and orange salad has compressed beets, red onion, Castelvetrano olives, pistachio relish, and citrus vinaigrette. Each bite is coated in the vinaigrette, while the beets are sweet little treasures hidden within the foliage.
Even if you aren’t a seafood lover, the octopus al pastor is mild and not noticeably fishy or oceany. The pieces are perfectly crunchy somewhat chewy, complemented by pineapple and creamy avocado. The harissa marinade, tepache avocado salsa verde, pickled onions, cilantro, and Masienda tostada bring in a freshness that keeps it light.
The braised beef cheek is a top choice if you enjoy a well-made beef dish. Thanks to the guajillo tomatillo salsa and seasonal pickles, it's soft and tangy. It melts in your mouth and perfectly complements the spongy and sweet Moroccan baghrir pancakes. Make yourself a taco with the braised beef and baghrir. This is a stand-out dish.
The rich sweet potato gnocchi is savory with an umami aftertaste. The duck confit has a light crunch, while the candied pearl onions, Madeira sauce, Parmesan, and brown butter crumbs work harmoniously to make this a truly decadent dish. The braised beef cheek is juicy and filling, but the sweet potato gnocchi is luxurious and heavy.
The Desmond also has a range of cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks if you’re feeling parched. The non-alcoholic drinks are fun and crafted with care just like the cocktails, which is a great option if you don’t want alcohol but want a tasty beverage.
Should you have room for dessert, the Basque Cheesecake, which comes with crushed almond cookies, horchata ice cream, toasted meringue, and plum powder, is a delight. This combines the cheesecake's softness with a light crunch of cookie bits and the smokiness of toasted meringue.
The Gianduia Chocolate Budino is dense with crisp English toffee, chocolate cream, and flambé bananas. Even chocolate lovers will taste how lush this dessert is. The dish could be compared to an extremely elevated, thick, and dense chocolate pudding.
Downtown San Diego and Gaslamp Quarter offer many luxury dining experiences to consider for your next journey to the city. The Desmond’s central location in the Gaslamp and the ability to stay at the Kimpton Alma make it a top pick for travelers checking in at the hotel or locals seeking a special dinner.
Kale and orange salad and bread service
Sweet potato gnocchi and octopus al pastor
Basque Cheesecake and Gianduia Chocolate Budino
