Seemor
San Diego › Hillcrest › Farmer's Bottega
Farmer's BottegaB+Worth Trying
860 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
· American restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (1662 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Charming Mission Hills brunch-and-dinner spot with cozy patios, friendly service, and crowd-pleasing plates; pricing is mid-to-high with a surcharge and occasional inconsistency.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Farmer's Bottega delivers reliable brunch excellence with strong food quality in signature dishes like chilaquiles and pancakes, paired with attentive, friendly service and a charming greenhouse patio that justifies its neighborhood reputation. However, inconsistent dinner execution and isolated food safety reports prevent grade A territory, while the 3% surcharge and modest dinner portions create occasional value friction. Best experienced as a brunch destination where strengths shine brightest.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and inviting with Edison lights and a lush greenhouse patio that reviewers call a little escape. Servers are often friendly and attentive, swapping chairs or flipping on heaters without fuss. One diner put it simply: "The burger hit the spot and the patio felt like a garden hideaway." The cooking leans elevated comfort with Italian accents rather than theatrics—think chilaquiles and benedicts by day, short rib, chicken Florentine, and duck gnocchi by night. Most guests praise flavors and presentation, though a few found dinner plates modest or seasoning mild for the price; expect a 3% surcharge on the bill. For families, brunch is a sweet spot: pancakes, French toast, burgers, omelets, and fruit plates are easy wins. While one review flagged kids drink pricing confusion, overall feedback suggests a welcoming setup, especially on the patio. Portions at brunch tend to satisfy, even if dinner sizing can feel restrained.
At a Glance
- Cozy greenhouse patio and charming design
- Consistently enjoyable brunch with standout chilaquiles and pancakes
- Friendly, attentive servers with good pacing
- 3% surcharge and occasional price/value complaints
- Sporadic execution misses (temperature, seasoning) at dinner
What Sets It Apart
- greenhouse_patio_ambience
- brunch_strengths
- seasonal_ingredient_focus
What People Love
- That garden-like patio escape
- Brunch staples done with care
- Welcoming staff who anticipate needs
- A neighborhood vibe with polished touches
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (many dinner mains $25-$39) and a 3% surcharge appears on bills
- Dinner execution can be uneven with occasional temperature or seasoning issues
- Limited street parking; peak times may require patience
- Review patterns are consistent with mostly organic feedback; templated owner replies do not imply review manipulation
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-$65 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegetarians: Portobello Napoleon or Green Goddess Kale salad
- For seafood lovers: Charred Octopus starter before the Linguine
- For kids: Buttermilk Pancakes or Brioche French Toast
- Mind the surcharge and add-ons like truffle +$6 and gluten-free bread +$3
Perfect For
- Weekend brunch with friends
- Casual date night on the patio
- Out-of-town visitors exploring Mission Hills
- Solo brunch with coffee and a book
Location Insights
Area: Leafy, affluent Mission Hills corridor with boutique shops and residential streets; draws locals and destination brunchers.
Safety: Generally safe, well-kept area with steady foot traffic; typical urban parking and busy weekend crowds.
Nearby: Close to Hillcrest and Old Town; near small retail clusters and cafes; convenient to SR-163 and I-5.
HillcrestHillcrest offers a dynamic dining scene with a mix of casual cafes, farm-to-table restaurants, and innovative eateries. The neighborhood is known for its welcoming and inclusive vibe, attracting a diverse crowd who appreciate quality food and a lively social atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Tuesday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Wednesday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Thursday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Friday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Saturday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Sunday08:00–14:00, 16:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →