Born and Raised

Born & Raised is a restaurant in Little Italy that has been on my “to-do” list for many years. It is one of the many Instagram-able locations that Consortium Holdings, LLC has created throughout the San Diego area (including my fave, The Lafayette Hotel). Typically, I love the design and aesthetic of that group’s restaurants; the food usually falls far behind. While not awful, it rarely gives a “wow, I can’t wait to eat there again” experience. Created in 2017, it replaced Nelson Photo Supply, where I used to buy my camera equipment and order prints of my work.



The Basile Studio did the design work on B&R, creating what is reminiscent of a 1920s/30s luxury ocean liner. From their website:

We transformed the 1930s-era building into an entirely custom 10,000 square-foot upscale steakhouse. Upon entry, the first floor dining room reveals a network of curved camel-colored leather booths, parquet and terrazzo flooring, tambour paneling, and brass throughout. Utilizing wood from a single walnut tree sourced from Northern California, book-matched veneer covers the ceiling joining 8 LED-top-lit cladded-column “blooms.”



The interior is rich looking, with a warmth that creates the perfect atmosphere for this Michelin rated upscale steakhouse. From the Michelin Guide website:

If Frank Sinatra broke bread with Tupac, they’d probably meet at Born & Raised. No expense was spared making this wildly polished, upscale steakhouse that resembles a mid-century, art deco dream lined with black-and-white photos of old-school rap legends, like Eazy-E. There is a glassed-in meat cutting room in the back; and a lovely, open-air rooftop bar overlooking Little Italy. Waiters dressed in tuxedos and Converse shoes drift between tables, pushing nostalgic tableside carts where they whip up starters on the spot or pour a drink to order. Certainly, you’re here for the impeccably cooked steaks, but don’t miss the tartare, prepared tableside with quail egg, capers and cornichons (to name just a few embellishments) and served with herbed aïoli.



The staff was friendly and you can tell that they attempt to give off an old-world vibe as if they were Musso and Frank in Hollywood. Despite the valiant attempt, it feels more like Musso and Frank in training. Our waiter was nice enough, but lacked the experience and know-how one would expect from an establishment that has a $$$$ ranking.



That was the only real negative. The food scored high marks and other than the price, I would definitely be a frequent diner here. The steak was out of this world…



and the carrot cake received high marks as well.



This is definitely a special occasion place, other than maybe a good spot for an after-work cocktail at the well-stocked bar. The occasion that brought me here was my friend Kevin’s birthday.



The staff was attentive to Kevin’s birthday, and definitely made him feel special.



See more Little Italy in San Diego photos at my main website.