Wormwood

Our son found this hidden gem for Mother’s Day, and it was a wonderful spot for an evening of food and celebration. Wormwood is nestled in an old house courtyard that is absolutely brimming with charm and character, the environment is truly fantastic and sets a lovely mood. The service was excellent throughout the night, and for the most part, the kitchen delivered on some amazing flavors. We shared several dishes: • Steamed Mussels & Scallops: Perfectly prepared. • Pasta & Wagyu Beef: Rich, delicious, and beautifully plated. • Burrata Salad: While the flavors were good, this was our only disappointment. The greens didn't seem fresh and had some wilted/rotten leaves, appearing as though it might have been sitting out too long before reaching the table. A quick tip on logistics: Like many popular spots in San Diego, parking was a bit of a challenge, so definitely give yourself some extra time to find a space in the neighborhood. For this restaurant, the stunning atmosphere and the quality of the main courses made for a memorable meal. We’d certainly come back for the vibes and those scallops!

Dining at Woodworm is not just a meal, it’s a revelation. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re wrapped in a sense of thoughtful hospitality, artistry, and genuine passion for food that is all too rare. Every detail, from the ambiance to the final bite, feels intentional and elevated. At the heart of it all is Chef Tanya, whose culinary vision is nothing short of extraordinary. Each dish arrives like a piece of art, stunning presentations that immediately command attention, followed by flavors that are bold, nuanced, and beautifully balanced. It’s the kind of food that makes you pause mid-bite, look around the table, and say, “Wow.” Every plate tells a story, blending creativity with deep respect for ingredients and technique. The flavors are simply phenomenal: layered, surprising, and addictive. Whether savory or bright, rich or delicate, each bite feels perfectly composed. It’s clear that nothing leaves the kitchen unless it meets the highest standard, and that dedication shines through with every course. Equally impressive is the staff, who elevate the entire experience from wonderful to truly exceptional. Warm, knowledgeable, and incredibly accommodating, they make you feel not just welcome, but genuinely cared for. Dietary needs, preferences, or spontaneous questions are handled with grace and enthusiasm, never feeling like an inconvenience. Their passion for the food and the space is contagious. Woodworm is the kind of restaurant you can’t stop thinking about after you leave and immediately start planning your return to. Chef Tanya and her team have created something truly special in San Diego: a dining experience that is at once refined, heartfelt, and wildly memorable. If you’re looking for exceptional food, captivating presentation, and hospitality at its absolute best, Woodworm is an absolute must.

The patio dining was a beautiful space, it’s located in the rear. The food was very tasty, cocktails were refreshing, and service was timely/ polite. I think the crème brûlée desert was misleading since it was a deconstructed version but not advertised as such. Would def recommend this lovely restaurant overall.

Saturday night's can be busy, and they might have been understaffed, and while we were warmly greeted with a glass of champagne to toast our anniversary, service dropped off after that where we were ignored for 20 to 30 minutes between courses. Three courses should not take 2 hours. It took forever to get someone to refill our water and remove our plates. Then dessert arrived but we still didn't have silverware nor did they explain what the dishes were. It seems that the staff were a bit frantic and we had to ask them to fire up dessert and clear our plates in order to keep dinner progressing. I had heard great things about this restaurant, but was disappointed. The atmosphere in the garden patio was lovely. The best part of our tasting menu was the onion tart. The desserts were a bit disappointing as well feeling like they weren't fresh and the creme brulee didn't have a lot of flavor and was more of a deconstructed dessert, which I wish I had known before it was ordered. Based on this experience and the multitude of restaurants in San Diego, we probably wouldn't frequent this one again. When we were leaving, it almost felt dismissive. A cute date night place, but not one we would return to.

My review is for the happy hour! We stopped in last week and really enjoyed our experience. The cheese board is so good, and the wine flights were great as well. We had an Absinthe drink as well, didn’t disappoint.