Rarely does the design of a restaurant impress as much as its food, but that happens to be the case at Kettner Exchange. An homage to San Diego founding father William Kettner, this stunning, 10,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor space—including a sprawling rooftop patio with private cabanas for dining—is the ideal spot for boozy brunches and dinner dates. The globally inspired menu provides a taste for everyone; by day, you’ll find Okonomiyaki Roasted Potatoes, Hummus Halloumi Toast, and pork-belly-stuffed Pig Mac “Bao”, and by night, you’ll dig into Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Sonoma Lamb Szechuan Noodles, and Harissa-Grilled Selva Shrimp.

One of Little Italy’s best nightlife hot spots, Kettner Exchange has a rooftop lounge and patio with views extending down to San Diego Bay. Since the restaurant was named for William Kettner, a congressman in the early 1900s who’s credited with bringing the military to San Diego, you’ll see nautical-themed decor like an early 20th-century map of San Diego Bay. Kettner Exchange has daily live music and eclectic food served as small plates, including spicy tuna crispy rice, duck meatballs, and roasted Chinese eggplant.

Kettner Exchange might be the only clubstaurant in San Diego with legitimately good food. If you don’t want to party in a cabana on the raucous patio, grab a quieter booth and grab a Pig Mac that swaps pork belly for beef and folds the lot into a steamed Asian bun with a cartoon pig face made out of dough on the side. Or dig into assertively numbing and spicy Szechuan frog legs, and a giant duck meatball that outshines most Italian restaurants.

Kettner Exchange is the perfect blend of bar and a high-class restaurant. The head chef, Brian Redzikowski, makes every plate a fine dining experience, even bar food favorites like fried chicken and spicy shrimp are elevated to a classier level with fine ingredients and skilled cooking. Alongside the classics are unique dishes such as duck meatballs and coconut tofu soup, all of which go nicely with Kettner Exchange’s handmade drinks.

The scene: San Diego’s ultimate rooftop destination, Kettner Exchange is best known for its handcrafted cocktails, creative menu of American classics with an exciting global flair and incredible décor more commonly found in art galleries than bars. The urban-nautical design with wood panelled walls, chic low seating and lush greenery decorations oozes contemporary style and offers the perfect environment for a relaxed brunch with friends or a romantic date night dinner. The brunch menu is packed with intriguing new takes on popular classics, like eggs benedict served with tender belly bacon and confit potatoes.

Clear your schedule to get to Kettner Exchange for a yummy dirty verde cocktail made with tequila blanco, poblano chile liqueur, cucumber, lime, and paprika oil. While the cocktails here are enough to make Kettner Exchange the best bar and restaurant in San Diego, it’s the progressive American menu featuring hot-oiled seared salmon, whipped buttermilk ricotta served with bread, duck meatballs, and pork chops that gets you hooked!. Leave room for the pineapple sorbet served with vanilla panna cotta, walnut tuile, mint, and bee pollen!

Kettner Exchange - The eye-catching restaurant-come-cocktail bar boasts two levels of drinking and innovative American dining (such as Tenderbelly Pork Toro, Moroccan Braise Lamb, Chicken Tikka Masala, etc.) and is filled with subtle nods to the City's great bay and nautical history. Whether you come to dine with friends, people watch on the sun-kissed, (main attraction) rooftop terrace or savor weekend brunch on Sundays, Kettner Exchange will not disappoint. You can even find live music on certain nights!

Great in design and atmosphere, Kettner Exchange is a trendy and chic rooftop bar and restaurant, located in the Little Italy part of downton San Diego. Boasting two levels of outdoor and indoor drinking and eating, the views are not panoramic, but location near the airport means can catch airplanes flying over the terrace, which is cool. Maybe not reason enough to visit, but the wide-range food menu o new American dishes and cocktail list of hand-crafted and creative creations sure are.

The Kettner Exchange, known as KEX, is an exquisitely designed gem that serves excellent cuisine. An elegant fusion of leather seats, eclectic artworks and sculptures greets diners on arrival are they are invited to enjoy sundowners on the 8,000-square-foot sundeck and rooftop bar before dinner. Head Chef Brian Redzikowski, who worked at Le Cirque in New York City and at Nobu Matsuhisa Aspen, serves a well-executed menu with Asian accents and the latest in San Diego’s glam cuisine.

Where: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101Kettner Exchange features progressive American cuisine from Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. The menu changes seasonally and is complemented by a cocktail menu and a selection of 32 beers on tap. The open-air rooftop lounge overlooking Little Italy offers a unique variety of libations, including boutique wines, craft and classic cocktail decanters and self-serve beer taps located right inside private cabanas.

Kettner Exchange’s design pays homage to San Diego’s founding father William Kettner. The restaurant boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining, filled with subtle nods to the City’s great bay and nautical history. Corporate Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s rotating menu features some of the most innovative dishes in San Diego, from Tender Belly Farms suckling pig larb, to hamachi ceviche, foie gras French toast and Grilled quail char sui.

A new restaurant and lounge in Downtown San Diego, Kettner Exchange, embraces an upscale nautical theme, allowing its patrons to feel as if they’re sailing off the Italian Coast. The restaurant offers a wide variety of food including traditional pizza and more unique selections such as Asian fried chicken. Enjoy the rooftop lounge with a craft beer or specialty cocktail, embrace the ambiance, and see why Little Italy residents love this new addition.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of San Diego's historic Little Italy, the Kettner Exchange stands as a testimony to sophisticated design and gastronomic innovation. This multi-level venue pays homage to San Diego's rich history while presenting a modern, upscale dining experience. In the heart of this cultural hub, let us immerse ourselves in the rooftop realm of Kettner Exchange, where culinary delights meet breathtaking vistas.

Kettner Exchange is where upscale dining meets rooftop party vibes in Little Italy. This two-story hotspot boasts a rooftop lounge, complete with private cabanas, swinging daybeds, and harbor views that’ll have you lingering long after dinner. The menu, crafted by Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, offers globally inspired dishes like bigeye tuna ribbons with avocado and makrut lime, and duck meatballs over cheesy grits.

Kettner Exchange pays tribute to San Diego's nautical history. Its name is derived from Congressman William Kettner who is credited for bringing the US Navy to San Diego in the early 1900s. The menu features Progressive American cuisine using seasonal ingredients and is also influenced by Chef Brian Redzikowski's classic French culinary training and passion for Asian flavors and ingredients.

Kettner Exchange’s design pays homage to San Diego founding father William Kettner. The restaurant boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining, with Little Italy’s only open-air rooftop lounge. Check out their beautiful cabanas that offer craft cocktail decanters, individual classic cocktails and private, self serve beer taps located right inside the cabanas.

Besides being one of the most popular contemporary American restaurants in San Diego, Kettner Exchange is an architectural marvel. William Kettner, the founding father of the city, inspired the design. The indoor-outdoor space is decorated with a reflective blue-glass ceiling, a two-way fireplace, a rooftop cabana with a wet bar, televisions, and a self-serving bar tap.

Best for: a crowd pleaserLocation: 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101Menu. Fried chicken, happy hour, outdoor seating… what’s not to love at this trendy restaurant in San Diego?. The Crack Shack has been making headlines since it debuted in Little Italy in 2015 and multiple locations have already popped up around the state due to the restaurant’s immediate success.

This stylish nightlife spot in Little Italy just feels cool. The decor is dark and warm, with interesting artistic elements such as a poem staircase and central “tree.” I came here for cocktails after a light dinner, and wound up staying for late-night food!. Their cocktail menu is top-notch and I loved my mezcal margarita which was on special at the time.

Kettner Exchange in San Diego’s trendy Little Italy neighborhood, offers a stunning rooftop dining experience that blends modern style with great views. The food and cocktails are equally as impressive, especially when enjoyed in the outdoor patio area. The rooftop bar has a chic design, and open-air seating and serves uniquely crafted cocktails.

Kettner Exchange is known as one of the most impressive rooftop bars that Little Italy has to offer. You’ll get harbor views with your cocktails up there, on top of an award-winning food menu with seasonal bites like duck meatballs and garlic prawns. The lounge is perfect for those seeking a stellar food and drink experience all in one stop.

Upon entering Kettner Exchange, I was immediately struck by the hip and social atmosphere. The vibrant energy of the place was contagious, making it a perfect spot for a lunch with friends or colleagues. The staff greeted me with warm smiles and were incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, guiding me through their impressive selection.

Tyler took me to Kettner Exchange in Little Italy last year on my birthday, and it was SUCH a memorable meal. This “progressive American” restaurant has the most unique and innovative menu, so naturally we ordered nearly everything on it. Their menu is basically just one giant list of shared plates, so how could we not?!.

With two indoor and outdoor dining levels, Kettner Exchange is a local favorite in Little Italy. The style and architecture of the restaurant are gorgeous and pay tribute to one of San Diego’s founding fathers, William Kettner. The theme is somewhat nautical, and the building won a prestigious award for architecture.

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 255-2001Make Sure You’re Guaranteed A Table Here $$$ | Global American. This wonderful restaurant is dedicated to our town’s founder, William Kettner. The decor around the two-story restaurant gives nods to key elements of our city such as the bay and seafaring history.

If you're looking for a fun and delicious place to get breakfast in Little Italy on the weekend, Kettner Exchange is the place to be. The large rooftop patio not only overlooks the harbor, but they also often have lit live DJs and serve unique food items and handcrafted cocktails!. What more could you ask for.

Kettner Exchange boasts an outdoor patio with benches, cabanas, and even a giant swing. Centered at it all is a beautiful olive tree, and string lights swing above you at nighttime. Diners rave about the overall design of the restaurant and the stunning décor, making the atmosphere great for group events.

This Little Italy staple boasts two levels of celebrating, with both indoor and outdoor spaces to eat, drink and be merry with your closest. The design gives subtle nods to the city’s bay and nautical history while incorporating more industrial, contemporary elements to give the restaurant an urban feel.

Kettner Exchange’s hip, upscale venue prefers to scatter its wealth of culinary bliss across (literal) levels of award-winning architecture. You’ll find a club lounge, sports bar and terrace on the top floor. Underneath sits a cozy dining room with a two-way fireplace and hanging driftwood.

Located in vibrant Little Italy, Kettner Exchange is a hip rooftop restaurant and bar that’s one of the most popular in the city. Here you can even book a private cabana complete with craft-cocktail decanters and self-serve beer taps. 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 | 3.5 miles away

Kettner Exchange, Little Italy: Moms who arrive for brunch at chef Brian Redzikowski’s restaurant on May 8 will receive a bundle of roses and a free glass of sparkling rosé. The regular Asian-inspired brunch menu and cocktails will be served a la carte. 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego.

The restaurant's open-air rooftop bar, featuring a fire pit, exudes "a very calm atmosphere," says Edna Gutierrez, public relations manager at the San Diego Tourism Authority. Mezcal lovers should try the Que Onda, or for a twist on a traditional cocktail, try the Manhattan Exchange.

For those itching to try something a little different, the Philly cheesesteak bao with beef tenderloin, melty raclette and caramelized onions from Kettner Exchange should fit the bill. Plus, they’re now delivering craft cocktails by the jar, with two to three servings per container.

2001 Kettner BlvdSan Diego, CA 92101(619) 255-2001 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. This two-story dining establishment with a rooftop patio is the place to be for a taste of creative dishes ranging from suckling pig larb to hamachi ceviche, plus cocktails and wine.

This restaurant and bar in Little Italy is a popular place for a night of dressing up in Little Italy. It has that trendy, ‘this is probably where all the cool kids hang out’ vibe. Both their ground floor and their rooftop bar are stylishly decorated and create a great vibe.

Serious drinkers who have honed their palettes owe it to themselves to visit Little Italy’s Kettner Exchange. Boutique wines, self-serve beer taps, individualized classic cocktails, and craft drinks devise a rich way to put down all the fermented glory your senses can take.

Local foodies might know this fancy Little Italy hotspot for its dinner service, but on Sundays, brunch is the way to go. The menu changes weekly based on seasonal availability of ingredients, but expect stunning dishes and solid cocktails. Brunch starts at 11 a.m.

This Little Italy open-air rooftop lounge offers a unique variety of libations including boutique wines, craft and classic cocktail decanters and self-serve beer taps located right inside private cabanas. Where: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

$$$ | Asian/European Blend | Dinner & Drinks | Trendy & Social. Kettner Exchange is the perfect place to transition your night from dinner to drinking. Inside, you’ll find a vibrant downstairs lounge and an upstairs, open-air dining room.

When it comes to bars with activities, you can’t go wrong with Kettner Exchange. This rooftop bar offers stunning views of the city, craft cocktails, and a game of ping pong or two. It’s the perfect spot to start your night out.

Kettner Exchange is as well-known for its food and signature cocktail menu as it is for its two levels of see and be seen vibes. Head to the rooftop for Little Italy views or their private courtyard for a quieter atmosphere.

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy features a rooftop patio that’s perfect for enjoying their innovative cocktails and gourmet bites. The casual yet stylish setting makes it a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

So we didn’t actually end up eating here, but it also looked amazing. Like Herb & Wood, Kettner Exchange is getting a lot of attention for its interesting dishes. They have a New American menu full of Asian flavor.

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. A post shared by Kettner Exchange (@kettnerexchange). Kettner Exchange is situated in a hip neighborhood, Little Italy.

Take your special someone out for an evening at Kettner Exchange. The prix-fixe dinner comes with hot and spicy lobster noodles, New York strip loin, tuna tartare, and more.

If you’re looking for a feast both for the eyes and stomach, Kettner Exchange is your spot. Ita chic indoor-outdoor venue is an interior design lover's dream.

Basic Information Address: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 Phone: (619) 255-2001 Website: www.kettnerexchange.com Hours: Open from 4 PM to 10 PM daily

2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101Phone: 619-255-2001 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kettner Exchange (@kettnerexchange)

This charming space is Little Italy’s only open-air rooftop lounge. We suggest booking one of the private cabanas which come with self-serve beer taps.

The list, announced on Tuesday, includes Campfire, Cucina Sorella, Cucina Urbana, El Jardin, Juniper & Ivy, Kettner Exchange, Lola 55 and Solare.

| $ | This Little Italy hotspot offers a rotating brunch menu on Sundays only, always based on seasonal ingredients.