At Starlite, a hidden gem in the heart of San Diego, the spirit of a gastropub shines brightly. Fusing a speakeasy ambiance with culinary excellence, it invites guests into an experience that is both nostalgic and contemporary. Exquisite dishes like creamy scalloped potatoes and tender baked halibut highlight the chef's artistry. The iconic Starlite ice cream sandwich, a perfect blend of toffee chip cookies and vanilla ice cream, showcases their commitment to indulgent desserts. The attentive staff and inviting atmosphere make every visit memorable, whether for a cozy date night or a vibrant gathering with friends. Starlite truly embodies a culinary star.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Has great wine list
Has rooftop seating
Popular for
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Serves food at bar
Serves halal food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves organic dishes
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Has Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket
Crowd
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Photos
Reviews For Starlite
Landon Alder
Apr 22,2025
The broccoli appetizer was some of the tastiest broccoli I’ve had at a restaurant. The burgers were also very tasty.Definitely the best food I’ve had at a CH restaurant.The decor was also so well done & kept true to Starlite’s original design
Maddy Lou
Apr 14,2025
This is genuinely my new favorite spot in San Diego. The vibes and ambiance here were immaculate. The staff took such good care of us all in all we really felt cared for. Blue cheese olives in the dirty martini were amazing. Please get the mozzarella sticks and caviar it was a must. Patio area was stunning and had a Mexico City feel I will never forget. Will be coming back. 10/10 !
Anna S
Apr 1,2025
The atmosphere of Starlite is IMMACULATE. Out of town guest? Go here. Date night? Yep, Starlite’s the place. Girls night out? Absolutely, yes.The sea bass and short ribs were very flavorful and plated beautifully. And don’t get me started on the ice cream sandwich… to die for! We cannot wait to come back
kaloni sam
Feb 28,2025
Omg! This place is absolutely stunning! My friend and I came after work during the week as it's difficult to get reservations on the weekend. Parking is limited in the lot, but there is residential parking available if you're lucky!The inside left me speechless. It definitely isn't what I expected looking at the outside of the building. The chandelier as you walk in is so captivating, there are stars throughout the restaurant, and even the restrooms are gorgeous!! We got a few cocktails upstairs at the rooftop bar, which was super cute, but small. There is seating inside which is more intimate and also upstairs which is a little more spacious. We experienced some of the best service ever. Sean, was so sweet and personable and made us feel so comfortable and welcomed! I'll definitely be back to try more cocktails and food on the menu!Food and drink review:Honey Ryder: (5/5) So delicious. One of the best and refreshing cocktails l've had in a while. Definitely recommend.Kentucky coronel: (3/5) This wasn't my favorite. It's a simple, refreshing drink though!Goldeneye estate: (5/5) Must try! This was giving boba.Not overly sweet, it was delicious!! I would get this one again.Commander strange ways: (3/5) Not my favorite. It's heavy on the coffee. I wish it was creamier. Definitely a strong one!Caesar salad: (4.5/5) Honestly super delicious, but wish we got a little more. Dressing had the perfect flavor.Starlite burger: (5/5) One of the best burgers l've had in a while. It was cooked perfectly medium and the bun was soft and delicious! The fries were also seasoned really well.Sausage plate: (5/5) We were pleasantly surprised. It was one of the best sausages l've had. Apparently one of their specialties as the chef has experience with making sausage (I believe that's what our waitress told us lol)Mac and cheese: (4/5) This was pretty tasty! Super pretty presentation. Loved the crumbs and textures of it.Ice cream sandwich: (5/5) OMG. This was so damn good. I really wish I wasn't so full from the other food. I couldn't eat more than 1/4 of it. But I definitely would order this again and again and again. I never knew pistachio was so delicious.
Denise P.
Feb 25,2025
First and foremost, the food and service were amazing! I made a late-night reservation to celebrate my birthday, and our server was incredibly sweet, answering all our questions. My only pet peeve is that I wish they would enforce a NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY rule. I specifically chose this restaurant for its moody, low-lit atmosphere, so it was very frustrating when the tables next to us—tables are very close to each other—had a full-on photoshoot with flash. I understand wanting to take a few photos to document the experience, but at some point, it became constant. I felt like they should just turn on the lights at that point because the flashes were incessant. Again, people can take as many pictures as they want, but please consider COMMON DINING ETIQUETTE. If the atmosphere is dark, please don’t use your flash.
Staci S
Feb 7,2025
I had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant with a friend and was thoroughly impressed. We scored a last-minute reservation on OpenTable for Monday at 5:15 PM in the standard dining area, which features stunning starlight walls and rock walls, highly recommend requesting this section if you can!Parking is limited, so plan accordingly. I was lucky to grab the last available spot. The host was incredibly friendly and checked us in right away. We were seated immediately in a cozy corner, and I noticed the restaurant was well-staffed and organized.To start, I ordered the house-made ginger beer, so good and ginger forward, I ended up having two. For appetizers, we shared the steak and tuna tartare served with house-made potato chips, while my friend also had the French onion soup. They even brought us more chips! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented.For my entrée, I went with the croissant and mac & cheese….WOW. Rich, buttery, and perfectly balanced. My friend had the steak and twice-baked potato, and both dishes were equally incredible. Every bite was memorable.We finished with the ice cream sandwich, which came out in a chilled ice bowl, a fun and unique presentation to end the meal.The lighting is on the dim side, and the music was a bit loud at times, so it may not be the best spot for elderly older adults or anyone with hearing or vision impairments. I’d also note that the main dining area seems best suited for parties of 2, as the tables are small and the acoustics might be challenging for larger groups.That said, this place has quickly become one of my new favorites. The ambiance, service, and especially the food were all exceptional. I’ll absolutely be back.
Brian Mitchell
Jan 13,2025
Wow! This place is remarkable! At first, it looks like you're walking into a re-opened bodega, but to one's surprise, the interior is a mix of a Hollywood-themed speakeasy mixed with an old Vegas show.The food was tasty and professionally prepared. I'll return to that, but the staff really made our visit special. They were courteous, intuitive and quick. They seemed to know what I wanted, how I wanted it and when I wanted it.Back to the food. We ordered several items from a very tight menu. First, were the scalloped potatoes. These were delivered hot, but not overdone and with the right amount of cheese. The seasoning opened up the thin spud slices. Every forked bite was a new pleasure on the tongue. Easily my favorite dish. Next up was the shrimp cocktail. Anyone that messes up this should not be a chef. Needless to say, this classic appetizer was done right and completely fit the atmosphere, especially when seated at the bar. Finally, I want to talk about the baked halibut. This was one of the best preparations of this I've ever had. I just wish there was more of it. That being said, I could eat this every time I visit the Starlight.Listen, you have to eat here. Wear your Sunday's best, though. They'll give you their best, they deserve yours. Make a rez, or you'll be waiting in the long line wrapped around the corner. I recommend bar-seating. There's magic to be seen by those mixer-uppers.Enjoy!
Jun
Jan 10,2025
definitely go just for the updated vibes and cocktails (CH drinks food). maybe the burger too. the steak and tartare were mid.i highly recommend the outdoors patio for groups and indoor for a date.
Reviews For Starlite