Market Restaurant and Bar

Went in to Market last night for the third time; the first two were mediocre at best, this one was too much...I don't see what all the hype is about Carl Schroeder and Market. His food, though fairly artistic on the plate, has not evolved in years; since before he opened Market even. I went to Arterra several times whe he was running the show over there and I loved it; but I'm tired of it now! All of the elements of his dishes have been exactly the same for so long; it's like a mix and match game...take one piece from one dish, put it on another, then rehash a dish from the previous year, change the protein and change the sauce a little, and BOOM!...the genious of Carl Schroeder.\r \r My food was unbelievably salty, and the entrees took over 25 minutes to get to our table. It was only my wife and I! How hard can it be to put together a piece of fish and a vegetable plate?! I literally had to ask for more bread 3 times...that's all I was eating after our salads were cleared and we sat for 25 minutes in wait! And while I'm on it; the corn muffins are not even close to what they used to be. The dessert menu lacks originality; I saw the same desserts on the Arterra menu 4 years ago.\r \r Overall, I'm very disappointed and concerned with the state of the San Diego culinary scene. If this is the barometer for great food in San Diego, then diners and critics alike need to adjust their bearings. Try Farmhouse Cafe or even go back to Arterra for good food; try Addison for good service. Pros: Not much...wine was pretty good; that's about it. Cons: Food...nothing new; same stuff he's been making for years. more

Just got back from eating at Market Restaurant and I loved every second! I felt welcomed the second we walked in. Best dinning experience to date and would highly recommend the restaurant. Our waiter was Richard he was very nice and very accommodatingly to my ""gluten free"" diet. Thank you!!! Pros: Best restaurant more

carl the chef is AMAZING! the menu always changes. never have I had such amazing food. San Diego is quite lucky to have such talent in the kitchen... Pros: food is the best in town Cons: a little pricy more

I have been to the Market twice recently with large parties. The service on both visits was very good and attentive. One of our guests even made some very peculiar requests and it did not seem to bother the staff at all. The food id very fresh and the menu was different both times. I had short-ribs the first time which were excellent, but the accompaniments left something to be desired. The second time I had the salmon which was just okay, it was not memorable, in fact one of the other guests had the same salmon and he hated it. but I think it was okay, not bad. Altogether a great dining experience, even if with such a large party 2 people's dishes came out MUCH later than the rest of us. more

I was sick and tired ""very good"" fru-fru food.Was looking for food good. If I had one more truffled wild boar with pomegranate coulis I would scream. I was searching for simple California cuisine--food that would highlight the taste of the ingredients, instead of just letting the chef show off. So, when I saw a menu of avocado & grapefruit salad, and lamb two ways, well, I was not optimistic. The good news is I was wrong.\r \r Those two dishes were outstanding--the avocado and grapefruit dancing with each other's flavors, highlighted with honeyed pistachios; the lamb succulent and tasty. The service was friendly, swift, and knowledgeable. The ambiance was lovely, if not quite romantic. All in all it was an unexpected pleasure. Pros: Food, well lit but not too bright, friendly knowledgable staff, food. more

I can't say enough about the food at the Market. The salad was very unusual with a cheese souffle. The duck was superb and the service was very good. These guys have it figured out. What a welcome addition to the nieghborhood. I believe their chef use to be at Arterra, which was one of my favorite restaurants. I will be coming back. Pros: Great Food. The duck was superb. Cons: Can't say anything bad about this new restaurant more

They are changing their name and image soon - let this be a sign that there are more wonderful things to come from this gem of a restaurant (soon to be called 'Market'). This is fine dining at it's finest with amazing cuisine, awesome service (ask for Roger) and an incredible wine list. If you don't give them a try, you are truly missing out!! Don't take my word for it - give them a try. And for the adventurous, try the chef's tasting menu! Pros: Varied menu selection that changes regularly - great cuisine, service & value for fine dining more