Experience Fusion Flavors at Comedor Nishi
UPDATE: This restaurant has closed.
A couple of weeks ago I was walking in downtown La Jolla. It was early evening, and I passed a restaurant, and I couldn’t determine if it had opened yet. It was because everything was immaculately placed and beautifully lit. Several weeks later, I dined there. I realized that the attention to detail in the restaurant’s decor is just as perfect as the food. Comedor Nishi opened in the same space where Coffee Cup has been for the last 25+ years. Like its predecessor, Comedor Nishi is only open for breakfast and lunch.
Although it has only been open for a couple of weeks, it fills like a well-run and seasoned restaurant. The food was spectacular, the servers were so informative and proud of the dishes, and the decor is warm and friendly. The menu is a mix of Japanese and Mexican fusion dishes. I also learned that I shouldn’t have been surprised that the food was amazing, as it is from Shōwa Hospitality which also owns Convoy Music Bar, Himitsu, Shōwa Ramen, and The Taco Stand in San Diego.
Signature Dishes You Must Try at Comedor Nishi
Although the kitchen is small comma I was so impressed with the quantity and quantity of dishes. I love that it is an open kitchen comma so you can see the chefs busy at work. Since I dined there for lunch, I only ordered one item off the breakfast menu: the cured salmon tostada.
cured salmon tostada
It’s one of the items I would order again next time. The flavor of the yuzu-kosho guacamole with the homemade cured salmon was fantastic. The table next to me got the chilaquiles rojos, and huevos rancheros – they’re going be two of the items I’ll order next time.
chileatole
I suspect that everything on the menu is as good as the items we got. The chileatole soup was a complete surprise as it’s not a dish I’m familiar with. I did not realize how popular it is in Oaxaca, Veracruz, Morelos, and Tlaxcala. The flavor from the white corn, epazote, Serrano pepper, and olive oil was delicious.
vegetarian dishes
If you are vegetarian, I would recommend the tostadas de camote, and coliflor rostizada, with mole-miso. It is very easy to see the amount of creativity in these dishes, and that choosing a vegetarian dish does not mean that you have to sacrifice taste.
short-rib braseado
For meat lovers, the short-rib braseado is a must-order dish. The meat is braised in red wine and tamari and served with carrots and potatoes. I was fascinated by its flavor and texture. They give you a knife, but it’s not needed as the meat is incredibly tender.
DESSERT
If you’re reading my articles, you already know I’m addicted to desserts and sweet things. But I was so full I had no intention of ordering any. But truthfully, I ended up trying all three desserts. And each one was tasty and beautifully plated. They are all house-made, fresh, and unique. I’d go back, just for the desserts.
What to Expect When Dining at Comedor Nishi
The restaurant is a fantastic addition to downtown La Jolla, although it just opened, it was full. I suspect this will be a La Jolla hot spot as soon as the word is out. They do not take reservations.
Comedor Nishi is open for lunch from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and lunch from noon to 3 p.m. The good news is that they are considering opening for dinner – I for one, hope that they do.
You see my full list of the Best Restaurants in La Jolla here.
