Tried & True: Mister A's in San Diego

With so many new eateries opening up on a monthly basis, it’s easy to neglect tried and true San Diego restaurants. I admit it: I tend to obsess over what’s shiny and new in the culinary world without thinking of how it makes my fine dining favorites feel.

It’s near impossible to pass up adventures at Searsucker and Flavor, but when was the last time you showed 1500 Ocean or George’s some love? Part craving, part guilt, I paid a much needed visit to Bertrand at Mister A’s last week. Regarded as one of the top restaurants in San Diego for years, this swanky sky-high establishment is the epitome of class, and boasts an unparalleled view of the downtown cityscape and serene harbor, complete with planes in flight, from its central locale perched atop a high-rise in Banker’s Hill.

Any true local knows that Mister A’s is the go-to restaurant for celebratory outings. When you want to honor a special occasion with an elegant atmosphere, stunning view, and delightful fine cuisine, you ride the elevator up to Mister A’s. I’ve known this fancy foodie fact for a decade, and even though it had been a full year since my last visit to Mister A’s, every last detail was spot-on when I dined in style last Thursday night.

From the moment you step out of the elevator, the impeccable service makes Mister A’s stand out from most new restaurants in the area. Before dinner, my boyfriend and I opted for a cocktail at the bar as the sun set on San Diego Bay. While absorbing wine suggestions and craft cocktail tips, I could feel the stress of my day melt away with the descending planes outside the floor-to-ceiling window walls. Mister A’s offers a unique culture all its own, in which you are suspended in the air, and the current moment is all that matters.

While seated next to the window, overlooking the sparkling downtown cityscape at dusk, we pondered over daily specials as recommended by a thoughtful waiter, and finally decided on our dinner lineup. It was a tough decision, but we started with the daring Escargot Special and Multicolored Young Beet Salad to share. For my entrée, I went light and ordered the Oregano Roasted Mediterranean Sea Bass, a light yet filling “Loup De Mer” with fresh lemon and garlic lemon olive oil; while my boyfriend went big with the Mister A’s Signature Surf & Turf Special.

A few starters we hated to pass on include the to-die-for Macaroni and Cheese, with comté cheese, black truffles, and pancetta; Sauteed Foie Gras with morel mushroom, scrambled egg, and vintage claret vinegar reduction; and the Duo of Black Mussels & Steamed Clams with garlic butter and chorizo celery broth, respectively. More dinner menu favorites include the Crispy Roasted Woodland Farm Duckling with tart cherry and pinot noir reduction; Roasted California Rack of Lamb with garlic and fresh herb butter and rosemary polenta; and Butter Poached Fresh Main Lobster with spinach quinoa and verjus reduction.

Everyday luxury: Although we indulged in the high class good life, paired with a high class price tag, that doesn’t have to be the case. During my meal, I was reminded of the surprisingly affordable happy hour specials. Rather than waiting until your next birthday dinner, head into Mister A’s for $7 appetizers, $5 well drinks, $6 wines by the glass, and $4 local beers, from 2:30 – 6pm Monday through Friday, served at the bar or on the patio. Enjoy your spirit of choice with a plate of Kobe Beef Sliders, Fried Calamari, or an Ahi Tuna Burger. This is an incredible value, and a great reason to leave the office early every Friday afternoon. Take it from me; the sunset view alone is worth $20.

Love at first bite: Re-discover your love for Bertrand at Mister A’s in San Diego.

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