Lemon Grove Bistro

Lemon Grove Bistro reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Diego8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 8 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We found Lemon Bistro searching for restaurants on open table. It had a high rating and great reviews so we thought we’d see for ourselves. It’s a cute place with good atmosphere and the food and service were excellent. Carly, our server, was amazing. She had a great personality, good recommendations and just added a lot of fun to our night. All of the people we encountered throughout our dinner were friendly. We started with the crab cakes which were full of crab and not breading and were very tasty. For dinner my husband had the short ribs and I had the meatloaf and both of those were excellent. We finished with the carrot cheesecake which was delicious. Portions were good size and quality of food was very good. We will definitely be returning.
   

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2. H

   Henry VIP

   San Diego31 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 2 March 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Came in for an early dinner and everything was great from food to service. We were seated quickly and checked in on often.
   

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3. J

   Judy VIP

   San Diego20 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 20 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food is always amazing The service is excellent
   

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4. P

   Paul

   San Diego1 review

   4.0

   Dined on 15 February 2025

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   I like the food here and have come back several times and will continue to. There was a small overcharge on the bill which I mentioned to the waiter who just said "oh, can I run your card," rather than offering to correct it.
   

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5. M

   Michelle

   San Diego1 review

   5.0

   Dined on 11 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Love this little Bistro! Great food and great service!
   

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6. P

   Pat VIP

   Orange County15 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 11 February 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   My wife found this excellent restaurant and chose it to spend her belated birthday dinner with our family. It was our first visit, and we made our dinner reservation via Open Table. Upon arrival, we were greeted by one of the restaurant's owners, Frederick, and were seated at our table. Honestly, from the outside, this restaurant looked like it belonged in trendy South Park, North Park, University Heights, Golden Hills, etc. Nothing against Lemon Grove, but hopefully this excellent eatery will lead the way for other fine restaurants to follow suit and pop up in the Lemon Grove area. Lemon Grove Bistro's (LGB) ambiance and dining room's vibe was very welcoming. We had a wonderful dining experience as everyone loved every dish ordered (see attached photos). The dishes receiving the highest praise were the Spanish Paella, Slow Braised Short Rib, and the Beef Bourguignon. My wife was really bummed that they had just sold the last catch of the day (which we were told was a sea bass that evening). Frederick had really made our birthday dinner a special one taking photos of our party, and providing a birthday tiramisu dessert for the birthday girl. All in all, everything went as well as can be expected other than the kitchen running out of their sea bass catch-of-the-day. Parking was easy, their restroom was clean, service was excellent. If we had one thing to add, their prices were on the higher end ($50/person after tip), considering LGB's Lemon Grove location, that none of us had beer/wine, and the the pistachio gelato was $14/serving, it had a little bit of sticker shock upon seeing the menu and final bill. That said, we'd still love to return and try their highly praised Fisherman's Stew, and/or their Happy Hour. The slightly higher than expected prices wouldn't deter us from returning and dining here again. That's how much we loved our experience. Kudos to Frederick and staff for treating us with the hospitality and providing us with a memorable dinner experience for
   

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7. M

   Milinda VIP

   San Diego51 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 23 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   From the moment we got there the service was great. The food was awesome and it was nice and quiet. We were a group of 10 and our server took care of us in a great way we never needed anything. He was right there.
   

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8. M

   Maria

   San Diego4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 4 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Came here after reading reviews from other diners. I can say this restaurants lives up to the 5 star hype. We had a large party of 7 to celebrate a birthday. The staff is very attentive and friendly, and had good recommendations from the menu. I do like they have a pretty robust seafood selection. Our table started off with mussels and clams and the crab cakes appetizers -- both were delicious. I have the Fisherman's Stew, which was excellent and very hearty. The portions are generous and I ended taking the other half home. I think this is a great place for a casual dinner where the food is still excellent without having to get all dressed up. There's also a large patio area and I can see that being lively during the summer. This is a solid place and I definitely recommend!
   

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9. D

   DAWN DEE

   San Diego3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on 1 January 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Everyone is so nice and the food is amazing even when they’re busy!
   

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10. J

    Julie

    San Diego7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 1 January 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    Little local restaurant, family owned. What it lacks in a 'formal' appearance, it more than makes up, in flavor & service. Every dish is delicious, & we always feel well taken care of. We'll continue to have date night dinners there!
    

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