Juniper & Ivy

Juniper & Ivy is a modern American restaurant at 2228 Kettner Boulevard in San Diego's Little Italy, California, associated with chef Richard Blais. The cooking is built around inventive shared plates, and the menu is organised so that tables can order several dishes to pass around rather than committing to a single entree each. A seasonal tasting menu is available alongside the à la carte plates, and desserts have a strong reputation, so many diners save room for the pastry course. Dishes tend to be playful and technique-driven, borrowing from Californian produce and global flavours while staying within a contemporary American frame. The dining room is open and industrial in feel, with high ceilings, an open kitchen view and a buzzing, social atmosphere; it is lively rather than hushed, and noise rises considerably on busy evenings. Dress is casual to smart casual. The drinks programme includes craft cocktails, a wine list and a bar that is a popular stopping point before or after dinner. Prices are in the upper-middle range, roughly $60 to $110 per person, with the tasting menu and drinks pushing the bill higher. Dinner is served nightly and weekend brunch is offered, though hours change, so the restaurant's website should be checked before visiting. Reservations are recommended and can be made online; Friday and Saturday evenings are hardest to secure, and booking one to two weeks ahead is a reasonable approach for peak times. Bar seating and patio tables can sometimes be found for walk-ins on quieter nights. The location is a short walk from the Little Italy Mercato, the Waterfront Park and the County Administration Center, so it combines easily with a daytime stroll. Street parking is limited and paid, and nearby garages, ride-share or the trolley are common alternatives for diners.