Vistal Bar + Restaurant

This restaurant is located in the Intercontinental. Since I stayed there this was a convenient location for me for a quick bite. I went a couple times during my stay. I went during a happy hour and then for dinner. I had the tuna tostadas , chilled michelada oysters and the baked oysters. All were delicious! The second time I had the tuna tostadas they were a little different and too salty for me but my server was really nice about it so I appreciated that. I will definitely return.

So, my lady friend and I visited after touring the USS Midway during midday (see what I did there?) and wound up walking in to Vistal at 2 PM. Place was nearly empty on Sunday, Fathers Day in 2026, but we were hungry and they had the World Cup matches on. The super-friendly bartender, Michael K, was very attentive and even explained how to pronounce "Caipirinha", the Brazilian national drink, as there was a World Cup countries display on the bar top (my friend got one). I got a standard local draft beer - a pilsner. LF ordered the Caesar Salad w/ grilled chicken and I got the Halibut fish tacos. Everything was great, but whew... when in Rome (InterContinental Hotel), things get pricy. Also be prepared for a minimum gratuity (18%) build into your bill as the default, even with two guests. Alright. That'll throw off someone who's had a few adult beverages too many - they add their their normal percentage, not reading the bill and that would be *additive* to the 18%. Never seen that before, and I'm a standard 20-25% tipper. Good, but the overall cost and auxiliary tip means I would probably only stop here for a drink next time when in SD.

Even for a quick, strictly-at-the-bar experience, Vistal Bar and Restaurant inside the InterContinental absolutely earned a 5-star review. From the second we pulled up to the hotel, the hospitality was top-notch. The valet team was incredibly nice and gave us perfect directions on exactly how to find the restaurant upstairs. As soon as we sat down at the bar, we were greeted immediately and handed menus. We initially planned to order everything to-go, and the bartender could not have been more accommodating. He was super friendly and even offered us waters to-go while we waited. We ended up ordering a slice of their cheesecake, which is a special partnership with Muse Cheesecakes. They serve a Burnt Basque style, and we tried the Dulce de Leche flavor—it is absolutely amazing and worth a visit just for that alone. In fact, do yourself a favor and just order two slices right off the bat because one isn't enough! Instead of taking it to-go, we ended up eating it right there and then wandered outside to the patio. They have beautiful little fireplaces set up, and the view of San Diego at night is stunning. It was a fantastic, seamless experience from start to finish, and we will definitely be back to sit down for drinks and a full dinner next time!

Was looking for a steak on my first night out in San Diego, may have been one of the best steak frites I’ve ever had. Bar service was impeccable, great ambiance. Highly recommend

I absolutely love the ambiance and service at Vistal! They have delicious curated cocktails that really are elevated! The food menu is awesome and I love that they only serve local seafood!! The spiny lobster experience and demo was something I’ve never seen before and it was so educational and their 4 course menu was out of this world! The views of the bay are beautiful at sunset too! Top notch and highly recommend!!