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The Amalfi Llama - San Diego, San Diego, CA

The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

4.5
4.5
387 Reviews
$30 and under
Steakhouse

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 83 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Lively
  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for creative cocktails
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Elegant Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, Italian, South American
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Daily 11:30–16:00 Happy Hour Mon–Thu 15:00–18:00 Daily 21:00–23:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00
  • Phone number
    (858) 224-9606
  • Website
    http://amalfillama.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Jaime Chavez

Experiences

  • Chef's Table

    US$1,000.00 per party

    Multiple dates available
    Elevate your next event with an unforgettable experience at The Amalfi Llama's exclusive Chef's Table. Our private event room offers an intimate setting where you and your guests can indulge in a curated menu crafted by our renowned chefs. Perfect for celebrations, corporate gatherings, or special occasions, this unique dining experience combines exceptional cuisine with personalized service, all set against the backdrop of our elegant and vibrant atmosphere. Host your next event with us and make it truly memorable. *Food & Beverage minimum is $1000 for the room before service fees and tax. Your event manager will reach out to you after booking to confirm menu details.
    Chef's Table photo

  • Valentine's Prix-Fixe Menu

    US$102.36 per person

    Prepaid

    14 Feb 2025 - 16 Feb 2025
    First Course (choose 1) Short Rib Empanada | Chimichurri Hamachi Crudo | Serrano, Yuzu Ponzu Squash Blossom | Mascarpone, Pistachio Second Course (choose 1) Arugula Artichoke | Granny Smith, Mushroom, Pistachio, Parmigiano Reggiano Caesar | Romaine, Parmigiano Reggiano, Crouton House Chopped | Arugula, Romaine, Tomato, Avocado, Red Onion, Herb Vinaigrette Third Course (choose 1 + 1 side) Sides: Garlic Chili Broccolini, Potato Purée, Oregano Parmesan Fries Shrimp Scampi Tagliatelle | Garlic, Butter Wood-Grilled Half Chicken | Chimichurri Spaghetti | Tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano Branzino | Lemon, Caper, Olive Oil Center Cut Filet Prime Rib Eye Fourth Course (choose 1) Fire-Roasted Cheesecake | Berry Compote Tiramisu | Carajillo Cream
    Valentine's Prix-Fixe Menu photo

Menu

Starters

  • FocacciaUS$14.00

    Olive Oil, Rosemary

    • Oysters on the Half ShellUS$28.00

      Half Dozen

      • Jumbo Shrimp CocktailUS$27.00

        Cocktail Sauce

        • Short Rib EmpanadaUS$19.00

          Chimichurri

          • Shishito PeppersUS$14.00

            Lemon, EVOO, Avocado Mousse

            • Squash BlossomsUS$19.00

              Mascarpone, Pistachio

              • CalamariUS$21.00

                Fresno, Tartar, Spicy Aioli

                • Prosciutto San DanieleUS$32.00

                  Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

                  • Tuna TartareUS$29.00

                    Avocado, Ponzu

                    • Hamachi CrudoUS$29.00

                      Serrano, Yuzu

                      • Roasted BurrataUS$25.00

                        Cherry Tomato, Focaccia

                        • Crab CakeUS$32.00

                          Citrus Aioli

                          • Ossetra Royal CaviarUS$145.00

                            Blini, Chives, Crème Fraîche

                            Salad

                            • Roasted BeetUS$21.00

                              Citrus, Goat Cheese, Toasted Almond

                              • Arugula ArtichokeUS$24.00

                                Mushroom, Pistachio, Parmigiano Reggiano

                                • CaesarUS$19.00

                                  Romaine, Parmigiano Reggiano, Crouton

                                  • House ChoppedUS$21.00

                                    Arugula, Romaine, Tomato, Red Onion, Avocado, Herb Vinaigrette

                                    Wood Fire

                                    • Center Cut FiletUS$59.00

                                      8 oz.

                                      • Prime RibeyeUS$75.00

                                        16 ounces

                                        • Prime New York StripUS$66.00

                                          12 ounces

                                          • TomahawkUS$195.00

                                            Serves Two 32 ounces

                                            • A5 WagyuUS$140.00

                                              3 ounces

                                              • MilamessiUS$48.00

                                                Crispy Beef Filet, Pomodoro Sauce, Mozzarella, French Fries

                                                • Lamb ChopsUS$68.00

                                                  18 ounces

                                                  • Wood-Grilled Half ChickenUS$39.00

                                                    Roasted Potatoes, Chimichurri

                                                    • Scottish SalmonUS$46.00

                                                      Asparagus, Arugula, Roasted Tomatoes

                                                      • BranzinoUS$58.00

                                                        Lemon, Capers, Olive Oil

                                                        • Twin Maine Lobster TailsUS$92.00

                                                          19 ounces, Clarified butter, Charred Lemon

                                                          Sandwiches

                                                          • Amalfi BurgerUS$22.00

                                                            American Swiss, Red Onion, Lettuce, Tomato, Amalfi Sauce

                                                            • Maine Lobster RollUS$35.00

                                                              Chimichurri Aioli, Chives

                                                              • Prime French DipUS$28.00

                                                                Shaved Ribeye, Horseradish Cream, Arugula, Au Jus

                                                                • Chicken PestoUS$19.00

                                                                  Sun Dried Tomatoes, Gruyere, Pesto Aioli

                                                                  Pasta

                                                                  • SpaghettiUS$24.00

                                                                    Tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano

                                                                    • Cacio e PepeUS$28.00

                                                                      Spaghetti, Pecorino

                                                                      • Baked CarbonaraUS$29.00

                                                                        Tagliolini, Ham

                                                                        • Lobster ArrabbiataUS$52.00

                                                                          Spaghetti, Spicy Tomato

                                                                          • Truffle TagliatelleUS$38.00

                                                                            Black Truffle, Parmigiano Reggiano

                                                                            • Shrimp ScampiUS$36.00

                                                                              Garlic, Butter

                                                                              Pizza Fina

                                                                              • MargheritaUS$23.00

                                                                                Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil

                                                                                • PositanoUS$28.00

                                                                                  Soppressata, Finocchiona, Hot Honey

                                                                                  • Truffle & MushroomUS$37.00

                                                                                    Truffle Oil

                                                                                    • Prosciutto & ArugulaUS$36.00

                                                                                      Prosciutto, Arugula, Artichoke, Goat Cheese

                                                                                      Last updated: 6 January 2025

                                                                                      What 387 people are saying

                                                                                      Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                      Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                      4.5
                                                                                      4.5 based on recent ratings
                                                                                      • 4.5Food
                                                                                      • 4.5Service
                                                                                      • 4.6Ambience
                                                                                      • 4Value

                                                                                      Noise • Moderate

                                                                                      Review summary

                                                                                      AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                      The Amalfi Llama in San Diego offers a vibrant dining experience with a "beautiful atmosphere" and "friendly service." Guests rave about "amazing food," highlighting dishes like the filet and lobster Mac & Cheese. While some mention noise levels, the "extensive menu" and "lovely patio seating" make it a favored spot for special occasions.

                                                                                      387 Reviews

                                                                                      1. Elizabeth

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                                        3.0

                                                                                        3 reviews

                                                                                        Dined today

                                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                                        4. Ambience 2
                                                                                        Restaurant is beautiful. And our food was very good especially the drinks. They had a really good wine selection. They however, had a DJ playing very very loud music at 6 PM and there seem to be no need for that. I would expect an elevated dining experience to have a little less”bumpin” music. Get rid of the DJ and I’d be back.

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                                                                                      2. Char

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        46 reviews

                                                                                        1.0

                                                                                        46 reviews

                                                                                        Dined today

                                                                                        1. Overall 1
                                                                                        2. Food 2
                                                                                        3. Service 2
                                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                                        We booked an inside table for a business birthday dinner with our clients/friends. We have a registered well trained service dog who accompanies my husband everywhere. Even though not required by law, I carry her papers with us. The hostess was polite however when we asked to be seated she said they had a nice outdoor table for us. I told her that we wanted to sit inside as requested on Open Table and she said they were really full ( 4 tables were seated) and the patio was warm. I then realized she was concerned about the dog and I told her we have a registered service dog and we want to sit inside. She got her manager and he asked if the dog provided a service and I said yes so then we were seated while my clients waited watching this unfold for 5 minutes. We were seated and the waiter was attentive. My husband asked to order a steak medium-rare plus and the waiter said that chef doesn't do that. There was some back and forth about this so he ordered the french dip just to get food ordered and not argue that last week at the bar he ordered a steak this way and there wasn't an issue. The waiter recommended the Branzino and it was fishy but I ate it to not interrupt our evening with my clients. The manager came over and asked if there was an issue about ordering a steak, we said no as again, our evening wasn't to go back and forth with the staff, waiter and manager but to celebrate our clients birthday. The waiter was nice to bring ice cream with a candle. Food was decent but not worth the bill we received. Not going back and very disappointed nor are our clients.

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                                                                                      3. Ray

                                                                                        Los Angeles

                                                                                        15 reviews

                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                        15 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 4
                                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                                        Food was good. Ordered medium rare it came out rare. They must train their wait staff to upsell everything. It’s kinda annoying. The seasoning on the food was good. Kinda pricey.

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                                                                                      4. Queen

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        3.0

                                                                                        1 review

                                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 3
                                                                                        2. Food 3
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                                        Amazing service, tasty food but way overpriced for the type and portions of food and the location. Might be a great lunch spot and happy hour but not as a dinner destination for date night.

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                                                                                      5. Vonda

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        46 reviews

                                                                                        2.0

                                                                                        46 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 1 day ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 2
                                                                                        2. Food 1
                                                                                        3. Service 3
                                                                                        4. Ambience 3
                                                                                        Definitely not a fan. First time dining here and the food/drinks were not good. Started with Pineapple cocktail and a purple cocktail from their signature drink menu. The purple cocktail had an off-putting smell ands weird aftertaste. The pineapple cocktail was not much better. The crab cake was full of crab but mixed with something like mayo which gave it an off taste. The calamari was a bit oily and not much crunch. The salads were fine and as expected for a Caesar and chopped salad. The rib eye steaks were extremely tough and taste like lighter fluid. The potato puree tasted like an instant potato and the lobster Mac had a roux that lacked flavor. The manager was very apologetic and tried to make it right since we did not eat any of the food. We opted to not try anything else on the menu.

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                                                                                      6. Marisol

                                                                                        Monterrey

                                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                                        4.0

                                                                                        4 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 2 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 4
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        The truffle pasta with steak was sooo delicious, and the mexican employees were really nice and gentle.

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                                                                                      7. OpenTable Diner

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        2 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 3 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 4
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        Our server Lorisa was a joy. So helpful and had a great attitude

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                                                                                      8. jenny

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        21 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 5 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        Hector the part owner of the restaurant and his staff did an excellent customer service. It was our first time dining in the restaurant and was also my birthday celebration. Hector took the time to explain the history of restaurant and what to expect. He gave us a tour of the restaurant as well. We will definitely be back for the delicious steak, empanadas and fried calamari we had.

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                                                                                      9. E .

                                                                                        San Diego

                                                                                        8 reviews

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        8 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 6 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 5
                                                                                        What a great evening-dining unexpected experience AmalfiLama was!! Special mention: Rodrigo (from Hawai), Hector (manager) all staff was OnPoint. 5 stars .- excellent service. Nice surprise: the wine list. Note: in my experience dining in restaurants sponsored by famous athletes or famous movie personalities, usually focus on “them” and not the food or quality in the “overall” dining. AmalfiLama prioritized in quality, service, flavor. The food concept is clearly carefully selected to have perfect pairing ingredients in the way these are cooked. Smokiness, chard, infused, all are excellent. Best way to prepare lobster is here. Our findings: broccolinis comes with garlic infused chili oil, try a bite of the garlic and ribeye together, taste the magic. One more: the flowerless chocolate dessert and the compote (raspberry) vanilla ice cream. Our family of 6 had a wonderful time dining here and we are happy to share our experience. Yes! We recommend AmalfiLama.

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                                                                                      10. Dr. Michael

                                                                                        VIP

                                                                                        Philadelphia

                                                                                        34 reviews

                                                                                        5.0

                                                                                        34 reviews

                                                                                        Dined 7 days ago

                                                                                        1. Overall 5
                                                                                        2. Food 5
                                                                                        3. Service 5
                                                                                        4. Ambience 4
                                                                                        A great place for food and drink. Consistently good!

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                                                                                      FAQs

                                                                                      The Amalfi Llama - San Diego is rated 4.5 stars by 387 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                      Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                      Make a booking

                                                                                      2 people
                                                                                      19:00
                                                                                      Booked 83 times today
                                                                                      Experiences are available.
                                                                                      Google Map for The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

                                                                                      4575 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122

                                                                                      Additional information

                                                                                      • Area
                                                                                        University City/Golden Triangle
                                                                                      • Hours of Operation
                                                                                        Lunch Daily 11:30–16:00 Happy Hour Mon–Thu 15:00–18:00 Daily 21:00–23:00 Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 16:00–22:00 Fri, Sat 16:00–23:00
                                                                                      • Price
                                                                                        $30 and under
                                                                                      • Cuisines
                                                                                        Steakhouse, Italian, South American
                                                                                      • Dining style
                                                                                        Elegant Dining
                                                                                      • Dress code
                                                                                        Business Casual
                                                                                      • Parking details
                                                                                        Private Lot
                                                                                      • Payment Options
                                                                                        AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                      • Executive Chef
                                                                                        Jaime Chavez
                                                                                      • Additional
                                                                                        Gluten-free Options
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