“One of each” would be my ideal order at Kettner Exchange. It’s one of the most popular restaurants in Little Italy, San Diego. Based on all my visits, I’ve now tried everything on the menu. But selecting which dishes to order is tough. Luckily, most of the menu features tapas-style dishes that are perfect for sharing.
Listed in the Michelin Guide, Kettner Exchange (KEX) serves exquisite contemporary American dishes from Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. They have an equally impressive cocktail and wine menu.
KEX is an indoor-outdoor, two-level, 10,000-square-foot restaurant. It has an outdoor rooftop with private cabanas and intimate seating, indoor seating with bay views, and downstairs seating.
Two things that you will notice when you get the menu are that it will have today’s date. The menu changes based on seasonality and fresh produce. It also has the Michelin logo. The restaurant was also on the Bib Gourmand list in 2019 and 2021.
Kettner Exchange in Little Italy is a must-visit. While I can’t guarantee that these will be on the menu, I would highly recommend Kettner Exchange.
Why Kettner Exchange Is Still One of the Best in Little Italy
GRILLED STRIPED BASS
avocado, two forks cherry tomato, tahini, olive & calabrian chili tapenade
PIQUILLO PEPPER & PEANUT DIP
grilled focaccia, pomegranate, olive oil
CURRIED SALMON COLLAR
green papaya, vietnamese herbs, thai vinaigrette
MUSHROOM TAN TAN
celery root purée, atkinson farm ramen egg,
chili, leeks
BIG-EYE TUNA SASHIMI
crushed avocado, radish, chive, thai chili, kaffir-soy
DUCK MEATBALL
anson mills grits, heirloom tomato,
parmesan
COCONUT RICE
shiitake, cilantro, mint,
peanut, nuoc nam
CRISPY WEISER FARMS POTATOES
mint, parsley, aleppo oil,
garlic aioli
CAESAR SALAD
you will see this caesar salad very soon
(IYKYK: but not at KEX)
HOT OIL SEARED SALMON
soy, sesame, sunchokes,
shiitake
KETTNER EXCHANGE SPICY TUNA CRISPY RICE
avocado, radish, crispy rice, eel
sauce, spicy mayo
ROASTED CHINESE EGGPLANT
moroccan spice, bulgur, pine nuts,
lemon yogurt
GRILLED MARY’S CHICKEN
black urfa chili, pickled red onion,
scintilla farms pea tendrils
HOT & SPICY GARLIC NOODLES
shrimp, broccoli, cilantro,
scallion (ordered without shrimp)
WHIPPED BUTTERMILK RICOTTA
balsamic glaze, olive oil,
charred bread, lava salt
KALE SALAD
almonds, apple, golden raisins,
parmesan, lemon-olive oil
Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski continues to push creative boundaries at Kettner Exchange with bold flavors and ever-changing seasonal dishes. The vibe at Kettner Exchange makes it perfect for date night or dinner with friends. It is listed in my post on the top restaurants in Little Italy.
I just published my list of “The Best Restaurants In The Gaslamp Quarter“.
