Illume Bistro

We recently discovered Illume Bistro after a friend told us about it. We were very excited to try it out after their raving review and sure enough we were VERY happy with our dining experience.

As you walk through the doors of this stylish and quaint restaurant, you instantly feel welcomed in the coziness and warmth of the colorful lights. We were greeted and seated right away. We sat by the giant old wine barrel on the wall. (The wine barrel design is a story itself). Anyhow, this table for two was quiet enough to have a conversation and still feel like a part of the crowd.

As we looked over the menu, we decided to try the grilled eggplant rolls and the 4 cheese pizza. Both were very tasty. I especially loved the 4 cheese pizza with the blue cheese. I never thought about adding blue cheese to my pizza and loved the taste.

For our main course, our friends said we had to try the Braised Beef Short Ribs. So, I did and was not disappointed. The meat was so tender and melted in your mouth. But the best part was the port syurp sauce. I wish I could buy bottles of the stuff and use it on everything. It had such a sweet and tangy taste that makes me crave it as I'm writing this. My husband ordered the Grilled Flat Iron Steak. It was cooked perfectly and was not overly seasoned with the herb de provence.

For dessert, we opted to try the Almond-chocolate cake with homemade nutella ice cream. This was the PERFECT way to end such a delicious meal.

Overall, we truly enjoyed our meal and service. The only complaint, if you will, is that the food was so tasty that we wish we could have had more food on our plates.

We highly suggest Illume and will definitely go back.

Posted 07/04/09

great food + cool atomsphere = FUN TIMES

Posted 07/04/09

OH YEAH! What a great place. I have to go every time I am in San Diego, which is frequently. Get there early (I think they open at 4:00) and ease into your dining experience by starting with the cheese plate (served with bread baked fresh daily) while tasting some of their wine offerings (they will recommend some good ones!). Best Caesar salad anywhere, it's so unusual and I get constant cravings for it! Entree's ... not sure where to start ... the short ribs are one of the best, the lamb is perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked and served with outragously good gnocchi; just a couple of the many options. Some items on the menu change periodically which keeps things interesting. Be sure to save room and go crazy with dessert because they have some awesome choices! They make homemade ice creams (they even have Nutella ... yah, I said Nutella ice cream!), outrageous almond chocolate cake and absolutely the best rice pudding I've ever had, anywhere, hands down! It's served warm and is long grain with a broken brittle on top ... seriously!

The decor is gorgeous with beautiful fiber optic lighting, abstract rod iron wall sculptures and the tables and bench's are made from real wine barrels! (Don't worry, there are chairs too!) The back walls are adorned with real wine barrels. One cool thing about this place, you can get a table that is more intimate or sit and be more a part of the crowd depending on your mood or company, great planning. Staff always look like they are having a great time and the faces seem to stay the same. You get a "Hello" whether they know you or have never seen you before, very friendly place.

Food, atmosphere, staff, Illume Bistro has it all and it won't disapoint!

If you are a Caesar Salad fan, don't forget to try this one!

Pros: Fantastic food in a warm, contemporary atmosphere!

Cons: Parking sometimes a little tough, but SO WORTH IT!

Posted 07/03/09

As close to a modern day Cheers as you'll find. Seriously. Neighborhood locals may want to keep this quaint and stylish little spot a secret, but word is slowly starting to spread that Illume Bistro is the place to go when you want to leave home for the night. There's a little something for everyone, whether you're looking for a quiet night to share intimate conversation with a friend, or to spice it up and engage with new, interesting people. Be warned, there are plenty of characters here, but it's perfect for those of us who love to people watch.

The food is delicious, and the menu offers plenty to choose from. Even vegetarians have more options than french fries, although they are tasty. The four cheese pizza is well worth the money; the dough is created in house. Many people frequent Illume multiple times a week for the beef short rib. Don't forget dessert; the Almond-Chocolate cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Yum.

Now on to libations. The sangria is the best I've had in San Diego. Again, no joke. They use a good red wine, it's definitely not too sweet, and offers just enough kick to keep you saying "yes, please" when the bartender raises his eyebrow to you. Just a few draft options for the beer drinkers, but they more than make up for it with their bottled beer selection and hefty wine list.

Finally, no matter how great the food and drinks, what really makes a place is the staff and service. On even the busiest of nights, these people make like real professionals and you're never left with an empty glass or empty stomach. The proprietor, Dave, with his reserved but friendly demeanor, always has an eye on his clients to ensure that their night is pleasurable. The bartenders are fabulous; they have a keen ability to read the regulars moods and offer up their drink for the evening. When partygoers are feeling particularly sassy, they can get pretty creative with shots, adding a bit more life to that celebration. The kitchen staff is amazing too, always offering up smiles and friendly conversation in addition to great food.

For those willing to put in the time to get to know the staff and become a regular, it's well worth it to come in on any night and be greeted almost like family. Be careful though, you might just leave with a nickname.

Pros: Service, selection, and staff

Cons: Off the beaten path, but not far

Posted 06/23/09