Kettner Exchange
American · San Diego · $$$
San Diego, CA · $$$
Herb & Wood is a wood-fired restaurant in San Diego’s Little Italy. Led by Chef Brian Malarkey the restaurant is known for its ingredient-driven menu, seasonal cooking, and warm, design-forward dining experience. The menu centers around live-fire cooking, with signature dishes like housemade pastas, roasted vegetables, and wood-grilled meats and seafood that highlight the quality of locally sourced ingredients. Partnerships with nearby farms and fisheries shape a menu that evolves with the seasons, balancing simplicity with bold, satisfying flavor. Inside, Herb & Wood blends rustic warmth with modern elegance—featuring an open hearth, natural textures, and a spacious dining room that feels both inviting and refined. The restaurant also offers private and semi-private dining spaces, making it a go-to for group dinners, celebrations, and special occasions in Little Italy.
“We celebrated my friend’s birthday here tonight and had a great experience! Our server Marco was so attentive and so fun, he truly made our night! The food and drinks were amazing and everything came out so quick and delicious. Marco made sure to ask each person individually if they needed anything which was so sweet. Highly recommend this restaurant!”
“Made reservations to celebrate my husbands birthday and it was a great time! The ambiance and decor of the place charming, rustic, and sophisticated. The service was great, our server was attentive and engaging. We ordered the pork belly, crispy broccoli, gnocchi, and iberico pork. All was delicious. I especially enjoyed the pork belly, it melts in your mouth. I would recommend this restaurant.”
“We loved our dinner here. Parker House Rolls, Lamb chop lollipops, Filet Mignon, Iberico Pork, spicy baby carrots, and a blueberry souffle. Our favorites were the appetizer and dessert. We ate them before remembering to take pictures. Our main courses were tasty and above average, but we both would try something different if we get to return. Our least favorite item was the carrot dish, but we still liked them. We did not finish them though. They were unique. They were spicy and the more we ate the hotter our mouths became. Not too worry though, the waitstaff never let our water glasses become empty.”
“Unique, modern vibes, the Service was great by Ms.Krista. She is knowledgeable which one to order in your choice. Friendly, can be loud, Patio warm and warm. Organized a d well oriented the staff. Great location just the parking a bit harder and minimal. Me and my daughter was happy to experience the inspirational culture dishes. we ordered Cucumber Fattoush appetizer, Gnocchi was unique and great taste. Drink for Miso & Mist and Lemon and herbs free alc. and extra Side Pita”
“The food were delicious and definitely chef quality dishes. The place is beautiful decorated and a great sense of style. I am rating 3 because of my personal experience on the service. The server made me feel awkward and felt annoyed because I was ready to order right away like I threw off the process of ordering drinks and appetizers first. When we were finishing up our food, we felt rushed. I thought it was only me but my partner felt the same way. I don't know if there was a dress code because we were wearing t shirts and shorts since we were on vacation mode and just happened to be in the area and wanted to try this place. The delicious food was definitely clouded by the unpleasant treatment we received by one server. The other staff were friendly and helpful.”
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