Origano
3650 5th Ave., Suite 103
San Diego, CA
619-295-9590
Headed out today to do a review of “Carnitas Snack Shack” in North Park with a new acquaintance but the line was so long that we decided to go somewhere else and I will do the review on a weekday, not a Sunday.
Phil knew of a few places near where he lives – Balboa Park area – so we took a drive to the Hillcrest area looking for a place to eat. Several of the places he wanted to try were closed, and we settled at “Origano”. The inside was very crowded – and very noisy – so we elected to eat outside instead.
The menu started out with Breakfast specials; salads and soups; lunch specials; pizza’s; Panini; pasta; small plates and large plates. Additionally there was a list of daily specials on the table. The special for Sunday was “bottomless Mimosa’s” for $10. The special soup du jour was Pasta e Fagioli
Phil was unhappy with the wine list. He wanted just a glass of wine, but the better wines were not available by the glass. Phil said that what was being offered by glass were “cheap varietal’s.”
The drink menu had 17 beers; 5 sparkling wines; 16 white wines and 29 red wines. Additionally there were 3 dessert wines listed and 9 “proprietor” selections. Not wanting to drink because I was driving, I asked if they had any raspberry ice tea and was told they only had regular tea available. I declined a drink.
Since it was just a little after noon and I had not had breakfast, I ordered the Eggs Florentine and Phil ordered the Melon salad. My order was cooked to perfection, even to the tomato mush that was spread on the English Muffin. (I don’t know what else to call it – the menu doesn’t list it but it appeared to be a slice of tomato that was squished down on the muffin. I could have done without it, but it was there and semi-tasty. I don’t like tomatoes and probably could have scraped it off, but it wasn’t all that bad!) Also on the plate with home-made roasted potatoes that were tasty and added to the meal.
Phil’s salad consisted of honeydew melon; watermelon and sprinkled with goat cheese. The dressing was a pomegranate vinaigrette that, although tasty, saturated the greens on the plate and was almost overpowering. Our waitress offered to bring him another salad with less dressing, but he declined and ate the fruit, leaving much of the greens.
My Eggs Florentine came to $12.96 without the tip; Phil’s salad and a glass of wine came to $15.66.
The waitress and the hostess were both friendly and helpful. The restaurant was full, and I found it interesting to note that two of the tables near us were filled with “out–of-towners.” I am sure there were locals also, but I heard both tables asking for directions out of San Diego.
It was an enjoyable meal; food was good and after I try other restaurants in the North Park/Hillcrest area I might be back.
Judi Curry
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Thanks for your review Judy! So glad you enjoyed your meal and we will make sure to speak with the chef about your comments. Hope to see you again soon.
-Vincenzo Loverso, Owner
Thanks, Vincenzo. I will be back!