San Diego’s most elegant brunch awaits at The Westgate Hotel’s Le Fontainebleau room, a tradition that is nearly 40 years old. It’s refreshing to dine with all of the formality that seems forgotten among modern households, including my own.
Live classical music via piano player sets the ambiance in the downtown San Diego hotel’s intimate dining room. Looking around, I spied families, people entertaining business associates and couples of all ages enjoying special occasions. I had been meaning to try the brunch for some time and the opportunity came as a part of our recent Westgate Hotel media stay.
The table setting itself is rather stunning with details down to ice tea spoons and multiple forks. It’s silverplated Christofle, too, in line with the hotel’s luxurious French touches. My own flatware is by Christofle and I love it.
My first glass of champagne was poured along with orange juice for my daughter and we set off to enjoy the buffet. Decisions, decisions.
In the center, fresh items for salad along with cheese and charcuterie made for a perfect first course. Oysters, shrimp and green-lipped mussels bordered a sushi station with made-to-order rolls and other custom pieces. I had heard about crab claws and there were crackers on our table, but I didn’t see any at the buffet.
I had to grab some fresh ceviche, one of my favorite dishes. The fried plantain on top was an unexpected yet welcome twist.
For mains, it was tough to pass up salmon Wellington, something I could never replicate at home. Delicious prime rib hit the spot, too, while leg of lamb rounded out the carving station offerings.
A very long line of cooked entrees and sides surrounded the carving stations that included dumplings, benedicts, oysters Rockefeller, lo mein noodles, Korean ribs and more. Staff is also on hand to cook crepes and omelets to order.
The Westgate Hotel’s chocolate chip cookies are uniquely delicious, especially when warm. But it was hard to choose between the delights at the fondue fountain and the sizable dessert buffet. My favorite was probably the brioche bread pudding.
As you enter Le Fontainbleau, there is a juice bar area off to the side where guests can grab fresh juice to accompany the meal. Speaking of drinks, bottomless champagne, mimosas, Bloody Marys and margaritas are included in the brunch price.
You won’t go home hungry, that is for sure, but you can eat quite healthfully if you choose or opt to indulge in heartier fare.
I believe the price is excellent value for what you get, especially if you partake in a few glasses of champagne. We will certainly return with my husband in tow next time. The dress is business casual though people tend to wear a mix of attire.
As you might imagine, impeccable service rounded out the exquisite dining experience. Do make a reservation to avoid disappointment as this is one of the best Sunday brunches in San Diego at a really beautiful downtown San Diego hotel.
Sunday brunch at the Le Fontainebleau room
2nd floor of The Westgate Hotel
1055 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-3655
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$45 for adults
$29 for kids ages 6-12
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Thank you to the Westgate Hotel for hosting us.
Katie Dillon
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