You can’t plan a proper night out without first knowing what the bill will look like. If you are heading to Little Italy, you probably want to check the Juniper & Ivy Menu with Prices before you book a table. This guide breaks down the cost of every section, from small plates to the chef’s tasting menu, so you can budget for the evening.
Juniper & Ivy is a well-known spot for modern American food with a California twist. It sits right in the heart of San Diego, and the space feels both upscale and relaxed. But the big question is always about the damage to your wallet, so lets get into the numbers.
Juniper & Ivy Menu With Prices
The menu changes with the seasons, which is great for freshness but tricky for exact pricing. However, the structure stays the same, and the price ranges are pretty consistent. You will find that the menu is split into a few clear categories: Snacks, Starters, Mains, and Sides. There is also a dedicated section for their famous wood-fired items.
Below is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay. Remember that prices can shift slightly based on the market cost of ingredients, but this gives you a solid ballpark figure for your visit.
Snacks And Small Plates
These are perfect for sharing or for starting the meal. They are smaller in size but big on flavor. You will see things like their famous Parker House rolls and seasonal crudite here.
- Parker House Rolls – $12
- Seasonal Crudite – $14
- Beef Tartare – $22
- Hamachi Collar – $19
- Burrata – $18
The snacks are great if you just want a light bite at the bar. The portions are not huge, so plan on getting two or three if you are hungry.
Starters And Salads
This section is a bit more substantial. The salads are creative and the starters often feature seafood or seasonal vegetables. If you are watching your budget, this is a good place to build a meal.
- Little Gem Lettuce – $16
- Kale Caesar – $17
- Heirloom Tomato Salad – $19
- Octopus a la Plancha – $24
- Mussels – $21
These dishes are designed to be shared, but they work well as a solo course too. The kitchen is known for bright, acidic dressings that wake up your palate.
Wood Fired Mains
This is the heart of the menu. The wood-fired oven gives the proteins a lovely smoky char. This is also where the prices jump up, so choose wisely if you are on a strict budget.
- Whole Roasted Branzino – $38
- Half Chicken – $32
- Dry-Aged Ribeye (for two) – $110
- Pork Chop – $36
- Local Catch – Market Price
The Ribeye is a big commitment, but it is meant for sharing. The chicken is a great value for the quality you get. Ask your server about the local catch, as that price changes daily based on what the boats brought in.
Sides And Vegetables
You will need to order sides separately. They are generous enough for two people to share. The seasonal vegetables are always a good choice to balance out the rich mains.
- Charred Broccoli – $12
- Roasted Mushrooms – $14
- Potato Puree – $10
- Crispy Potatoes – $12
- Grilled Asparagus – $13
Dont skip the sides. The potato puree is silky and rich, and the crispy potatoes are a crowd pleaser. These prices are reasonable compared to the rest of the menu.
Dessert Menu
Desserts are a nice way to end the meal, but they are not cheap. If you are celebrating something, it is worth the splurge. The pastry chef changes these often.
- Seasonal Tart – $14
- Chocolate Pot de Creme – $13
- Cheese Board – $18
- Ice Cream Sundae – $12
The sundae is a fun option if you want something nostalgic. The portions are good for sharing, so you can split one between two people to save a bit of cash.
Brunch Pricing
If you go on the weekend, the brunch menu is a different beast. It has some breakfast classics with a twist. The prices are slightly lower than dinner, making it a more affordable way to try the restaurant.
- Avocado Toast – $16
- Brioche French Toast – $18
- Eggs Benedict – $19
- Breakfast Burrito – $17
- Smoked Salmon Plate – $21
Brunch is very popular, so make a reservation. The vibe is more relaxed and the light is great for photos. You can get out of there for under $50 a person if you skip the booze.
Drinks And Cocktails
The bar program is serious. Cocktails are craft and priced accordingly. They also have a decent wine list with options by the glass or bottle.
- Specialty Cocktails – $16 to $18
- Wine by the Glass – $14 to $22
- Beer – $8 to $12
- Non-Alcoholic Spritz – $9
The cocktails are strong and well-balanced. If you are watching your spending, stick to one cocktail and then switch to a glass of wine or a beer. The non-alcoholic options are also well thought out.
Chef’s Tasting Menu
For the full experience, they offer a chef’s tasting menu. This is a multi-course affair that shows off the best of the kitchen. It is a significant investment, but it is a memorable meal.
- Chef’s Tasting (5 Courses) – $85 per person
- Wine Pairing – $55 per person
This is the best way to see what the chefs are capable of. You need to let them know if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. The wine pairing adds a lot to the experience, but it does push the bill up fast.
How To Save Money
Dining here does not have to be a total wallet-buster. There are a few ways to enjoy the food without spending a fortune. Here are some tips we have picked up from visiting.
- Go for lunch or brunch instead of dinner. The prices are lower and the portions are still filling.
- Share everything. Order three or four starters and a couple of sides for the table. This is often cheaper than getting individual mains.
- Sit at the bar. You can order from the full menu, but the service is often faster and you can just have a snack and a drink.
- Skip the expensive cocktails and stick to the wine by the glass. This can save you $10 to $15 easily.
- Check for restaurant week deals. San Diego Restaurant Week often includes Juniper & Ivy, offering a fixed price menu.
Using these tricks, you can get out of there for around $60 to $70 per person. That is a much better deal than the $100 plus you might spend if you go all out.
Is It Worth The Price
Honestly, the food quality is very high. The ingredients are fresh and the cooking techniques are solid. You are paying for the ambiance and the service as well as the food. The space is beautiful and the staff are knowledgeable.
If you are looking for a cheap dinner, this is not the place. But if you want a nice meal for a date night or a special occasion, the cost is justified. The flavors are bold and the presentation is lovely.
Location And Reservations
Juniper & Ivy is located at 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. It is right in the Little Italy neighborhood. Street parking can be tough, so consider a rideshare or the nearby parking garages.
You should definitely make a reservation, especially for dinner on the weekends. You can book through their website or on OpenTable. Walk-ins are possible at the bar, but you might have to wait a while.
Final Thoughts On The Bill
So, what is the bottom line? For two people with drinks, appetizers, mains, and a dessert, you are looking at a bill of $180 to $250. If you go for the tasting menu with wine pairings, it will be closer to $300 for two.
It is a pricey spot, but the experience is good. Just go in with your eyes open about the costs. The Juniper & Ivy menu with prices is reflective of a high-end dining establishment in a prime location. You are paying for the whole package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and menu at this restaurant.
Is there a dress code at Juniper & Ivy?
There is no strict dress code, but the place is upscale. Most people wear smart casual attire. You will feel out of place in beach flip-flops, but you do not need a suit and tie.
Do they have a happy hour?
Yes, they have a happy hour at the bar during certain times. It usually features discounted drinks and a few smaller bites. Check their website for the current days and times, as they change.
Can I get the tasting menu if I have food allergies?
Yes, they are very accommodating. You should tell your server about any allergies when you order. The kitchen can usually adjust the dishes to fit your needs.
Are the prices on the menu the same for lunch and dinner?
No, the lunch and brunch menus have lower prices than the dinner menu. The dinner menu features larger portions and more expensive ingredients like steak and seafood.
Is the menu kid friendly?
They do not have a specific kids menu, but they are welcoming to families. You can order a few sides or a smaller starter for a child to share. It is a nicer atmosphere, so it might not be ideal for very young children.
To sum it up, go hungry and go prepared. The food is great, the room is buzzing, and the prices are high. But if you know the costs before you go, you can relax and enjoy the meal without stressing over the check at the end.