The panoramic view from Bertrand at Mister A’s Menu with Prices is only part of the equation; the tasting menu carries a specific price tag. Perched twelve floors above San Diego’s Bankers Hill, this restaurant pairs French technique with California ingredients, and the cost structure is more transparent than you might expect. Before you book that window seat, here is the complete breakdown of what you will actually pay for each course, tasting option, and beverage pairing.
This guide covers the current menu lineup, exact dollar amounts, and which items offer the best value for your evening. You will also learn how the chef’s counter differs from the main dining room, and what hidden charges appear on the final bill.
Bertrand At Mister A’s Menu With Prices
The current menu rotates seasonally, but the pricing framework stays consistent throughout the year. You have three primary paths: the five-course tasting, the seven-course chef’s selection, or ordering a la carte from the lounge menu. Each option comes with its own cost structure and time commitment.
Here is what you need to know about the core pricing:
- Five-course tasting menu: $145 per person
- Seven-course chef’s tasting: $195 per person
- Wine pairing (five courses): $85 additional
- Wine pairing (seven courses): $120 additional
- Non-alcoholic pairing: $45 for either menu
- Cheese supplement: $18 for three artisanal selections
- Caviar service: $65 per ounce (optional)
The lounge menu offers a more budget-friendly entry point. Small plates range from $18 to $32, and the bar bites section has items under $15. You can dine well here without committing to the full tasting experience.
Five-Course Tasting Menu Breakdown
The five-course option is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. It takes about two hours to complete and gives you a solid overview of the kitchen’s style. Here is the typical progression:
- Amuse-bouche (complimentary, arrives before course one)
- Cold appetizer (often a crudo or tartare)
- Warm appetizer (soup or vegetable composition)
- Main protein (fish, poultry, or red meat)
- Pre-dessert (small palate cleanser)
- Dessert (full portion with accompaniments)
Wait, that is actually six items because the amuse and pre-dessert are included at no extra charge. The $145 covers all of them, which works out to roughly $24 per course when you count the extras. That is reasonable for this level of cooking.
Recent five-course menus have featured hamachi with yuzu kosho, a butter-poached lobster tail, and a dry-aged duck breast with cherry gastrique. The kitchen changes proteins based on what is fresh at the market that week.
Seven-Course Chef’s Selection
The longer format adds two additional courses and shifts toward more experimental plating. You will see more tableside service and optional truffle shavings. This menu runs closer to three hours, so plan your evening accordingly.
The $195 price point includes:
- Two amuse-bouche items (instead of one)
- Four savory courses
- One cheese course (smaller portion than the supplement)
- Two dessert courses
- Petit fours to close
Chef Bertrand Hug himself often visits the dining room during this service. He personally explains the inspiration behind each plate. That interaction adds value beyond the food itself, especially for special occasion dinners.
Wine Pairing Costs Explained
The sommelier team pours roughly four to five ounces per glass across the pairing. You receive a different wine for each course, plus a separate pour for dessert. The $85 and $120 price points reflect the bottle cost and the service involved.
Expect these wine styles in the pairing:
- Sparkling (usually Champagne or Cremant) with the first course
- White Burgundy or Chablis with the seafood courses
- Pinot Noir or lighter red with the poultry
- Bolder red (Cabernet or Syrah) with the meat course
- Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling with dessert
You can request a half-pour pairing at roughly 60% of the full price. This is a smart option if you plan to drive after dinner or if you prefer lighter consumption.
A La Carte Lounge Menu Prices
If you are not ready for a full tasting, the lounge area offers individual plates. You can sit at the bar, watch the sunset, and order as much or as little as you like. The lounge menu changes more frequently than the tasting menus.
Current lounge pricing includes:
- Burrata with heirloom tomatoes: $22
- French onion soup: $16
- Steak frites (8 oz hanger steak): $48
- Roasted half chicken: $36
- Seasonal vegetable plate: $24
- Artisanal cheese board: $28
- Warm chocolate cake: $14
The lounge also has a bar menu with smaller portions. These run $12 to $18 and include items like truffle fries, deviled eggs, and a mini burger. You can build a satisfying meal here for around $60 per person including a drink.
Additional Costs And Fees
Your final bill will include more than just the food prices. Be aware of these extra charges before you go:
- 20% service charge added automatically to all tables
- San Diego sales tax of 7.75% applied after the service charge
- Optional gratuity above the service charge (not required but accepted)
- Valet parking: $12 per vehicle (street parking is limited)
- Reservation cancellation fee: $50 per person if you cancel within 24 hours
The service charge is distributed among the entire front-of-house team, not just your server. This is standard practice at high-end restaurants now. You do not need to add extra tip unless you feel the service was exceptional.
For two people doing the five-course with wine pairings, the total lands around $620 before tax. With the service charge and tax, expect closer to $760 out the door. That is a significant investment, so budget accordingly.
Chef’s Counter Experience
The chef’s counter seats eight people directly in front of the pass. This is a separate reservation from the main dining room and costs more. The counter menu runs $245 per person and includes the seven-course format with two additional kitchen-only bites.
You get to watch every plate get assembled and plated. The chefs explain each component as they work. This is the most interactive dining experience the restaurant offers, and it books out about three weeks in advance.
The counter experience also includes a signed menu card and a small cookbook as a takeaway. Those extras justify the higher price point for collectors and food enthusiasts.
Seasonal Price Adjustments
Prices shift slightly with the seasons. Winter menus often feature more truffles and root vegetables, which can push the tasting menu up by $10 to $15. Summer menus with lighter ingredients sometimes drop by a similar amount.
The restaurant publishes updated menus on their website at the start of each season. You can check the exact current pricing there before you book. The prices listed in this article reflect the most recent published menu, but always confirm before your visit.
Holiday periods like Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve use a fixed-price menu that differs from the regular tasting options. Those run $225 to $295 per person and require full prepayment at the time of reservation.
Value Comparisons And Tips
Compared to other fine dining spots in San Diego, Bertrand at Mister A’s sits in the mid-to-upper range. Addison in Del Mar charges $295 for their tasting, while Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad runs $155. The view and the service here justify the price for most diners.
Here are some ways to reduce your total spend:
- Book a late reservation (after 8:30 PM) on weekdays for the lounge menu
- Skip the wine pairing and order a single good bottle to share
- Share the cheese supplement between two people
- Take advantage of the complimentary valet validation if you dine before 6 PM
- Join the restaurant’s email list for occasional prix-fixe specials
The bar seating does not require a tasting menu commitment. You can order two or three lounge plates and still enjoy the full view. This is the best strategy for budget-conscious diners who want the experience without the full price.
Reservation And Booking Information
Reservations open 30 days in advance on the first of each month at 9 AM Pacific time. Weekend slots fill quickly, especially for sunset times. The restaurant holds back about 20% of tables for walk-ins at the lounge bar, but those go fast.
When you book, you will need to provide a credit card to hold the reservation. The card is not charged unless you cancel within the 24-hour window or fail to show up. Large parties of six or more require a $100 per person deposit that applies to your final bill.
If you have dietary restrictions, note them in the reservation comments. The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, and most allergy-friendly modifications. Vegan menus are limited but available with advance notice.
Dress code is business casual to formal. Jackets are recommended for men but not strictly required. The restaurant provides a coat check and will store any bags or shopping items during your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Average Cost Per Person At Bertrand At Mister A’s?
Most diners spend between $180 and $260 per person including food, one drink, and the service charge. The five-course tasting at $145 plus a glass of wine and the 20% service charge lands around $200. The seven-course with full wine pairing pushes closer to $400 per person.
Can You Order Just Appetizers At The Restaurant?
Yes, the lounge menu allows you to order individual small plates without committing to a tasting menu. You can sit at the bar or in the lounge area and order two or three appetizers. The main dining room requires either the tasting menu or a minimum of one entree per person.
Is The Tasting Menu Worth The Price?
For the quality of ingredients, the technique involved, and the panoramic view, most reviewers say yes. The five-course menu at $145 compares favorably to similar restaurants in major cities. The value increases if you skip the wine pairing and order a bottle to share.
Does The Price Include Gratuity?
The 20% service charge is included in your bill, but this is not the same as a traditional tip. It goes to the whole team. You can add extra if you wish, but it is not expected. The menu prices themselves do not include this charge, so factor it into your budget.
Are There Any Discounts Or Special Offers Available?
The restaurant occasionally runs a “Chef’s Table Tuesday” promotion where the seven-course menu drops to $165. They also offer a 10% discount for local residents who show proof of San Diego address on weeknights before 6 PM. Sign up for their newsletter to get notified about these limited-time offers.
The view from the top of the building is genuinely spectacular, but the food holds its own against the scenery. Chef Bertrand has been running this kitchen for decades, and the consistency shows in every plate. Whether you splurge on the full seven-course experience or keep it casual at the bar, you now know exactly what to expect on the bill.
Book your reservation for a weekday sunset slot if you want the best light and the most relaxed atmosphere. The prices are what they are, but the memory of that view with a well-executed meal tends to outlast the sting of the credit card statement. Go hungry, go curious, and let the kitchen show you what they do best.