Quixote

“I love this restaurant so much. Every dish feels authentic, homemade and thoughtfully prepared. During our visit we ordered the Huitlacoche Tamal, Grilled Octopus, Oaxacan Fondue and El Festín. The El Festín is an excellent option for larger groups. It features steak, chicken, shrimp and jalapeño poppers, making it perfect for sharing. Every dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The attention to detail extends beyond the food. For my mom’s birthday the restaurant surprised her with a custom candle featuring her name, which was such a thoughtful touch and made our evening feel extra special. The service was warm and attentive, and the playlist created a fun atmosphere throughout the evening. We finished the meal with the fritters and Pastel de Diablo, and both desserts were just as impressive as the savory dishes. From the quality of the ingredients to the execution of each plate, everything is exceptionally well put together. My relatives enjoyed the experience so much that they’re already planning our next visit. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine that tastes like it came straight from someone’s home kitchen, Quixote is a must-visit.”

“I came by for my birthday recently and it’s somewhere I will be revisiting again. The atmosphere is moody and sexy , the food is delicious as a contemporary Mexican restaurant ( please don’t come trying to compare to traditional/ homemade Mexican cuisine) the tamal was tender and the beans were buttery. The bartender Tanya was a sweetheart, the plant based options were refreshing and earthy. This restaurant is niche and deserves its flowers I do recommend.”

“Quixote on University Avenue was more than just dinner — the whole place feels like an experience. The design is probably one of the most unique I’ve seen in San Diego. It has a mix of Gothic, Spanish, and Mexican-inspired decor with stained glass windows, dark wood furniture, candles, statues, and colorful details everywhere. The atmosphere feels dramatic, cozy, and very stylish. We ordered the Smashed Tuna Tartare, Pulpo, and Memelita with duck carnitas. Everything was beautifully presented and matched the atmosphere of the restaurant perfectly. I liked the idea of ordering several smaller plates and sharing everything, similar to Spanish-style dining. Some of the dishes had similar rich and smoky flavors because of the sauces and mole, but overall the food was fresh, creative, and very well made. The crowd was mostly younger people the night we went, maybe because of graduation season, but the place had a fun and trendy energy overall. Definitely a fancy and memorable spot, especially if you enjoy restaurants with strong atmosphere and creative design.”

“I loved the vibe here, it’s very gothic, almost church like, with a dark, moody atmosphere and lots of candles, so just be aware of that going in. Definitely make a reservation because it gets crowded. We had a reservation and still had to wait about 15 mins, no biggie. Oh and parking sucks, so be prepared lol. The menu is small but mighty, there are still plenty of great options to choose from. The cocktail menu was especially good. I had the tuna tostada and a “Como La Flor” cocktail, so delicious! We went to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary and the restaurant exceeded expectations. Our server was amazing and made the experience even more special. They gifted us a Spanish veladora candle with our names on it wishing us a happy anniversary, along with a single rose for me, which was such a beautiful and thoughtful touch. The restaurant is connected to the cutest setup, a beautiful bar with chandeliers and stunning decor, plus a diner, a coffee bar, and even a fun Wu Tang vibe bar playing rap. I absolutely loved the whole concept. There’s also a bowling alley with a bar. We didn’t get to check it out, but it looked really nice from the outside. Overall, this whole hotel setup with the Quixote restaurant inside is such a vibe. Come prepared with a reservation and for searching for parking. I’ll definitely be back!”

“The environment was unique and recommend trying this place out for the atmosphere especially if you like mezcal. Stayed at the wonderful Lafayette hotel for Mother-in-laws birthday and booked reservations here in advanced for birthday dinner. I had higher expectations for the food and service. The gentleman waiting on us only came to take our order, deliver food and to close out the tab. We also had to remind that we’re celebrating a special birthday. We ordered the Oaxacan Fondue, Masa Friend tacos and Garlic shrimp tacos. All were enjoyable and flavorful however I feel it was high priced for the amount of food received. We also ordered the El Festin ($120) entree… Unfortunately, the Ribeye was over-cooked and chewy and tasteless. I watched the entree sit on counter for a bit before it was delivered which may have contributed to the steak being overcooked because it is served on a hot skillet block. Personally I wouldn’t not order again especially at the price.”