San Diego Dining

EXY Restaurant & Lounge

By Kevin Leap & Steven Persitza
Posted on Thu, Nov 13th, 2008
Last updated Thu, Nov 13th, 2008

The relatively new EXY Restaurant & Lounge in downtown San Diego offers just what you’re looking for a night on the town. It’s got the vibe. It’s got the lighting. It’s got the cool bar. And it’s got great food. EXY is what its moniker sounds like – EXY is SEXY.

Unique to the area, EXY is a Greek inspired restaurant with subtle and specific twists to some of your favorite dishes. The venue is replete with smooth grace in its décor and style. Spacious dining areas spread out as you enter, from intimate tables to cozier booths for gatherings, all are presented in contemporary grace. Slick blue glass partitions surround you while sultry music predominates.

EXY Bar

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Mood lighting persists throughout and none better that the righteous bar area with its ever changing light setting behind the rows of spirits (not to mention its 16-draft beer tap). The large rectangular bar faces a wall of wine that reflects back the changing bar lights. The effect makes for a very unique look. EXY just exudes contemporary sophistication.

Instead of the usual bread, we were served some wonderful pita style bread with a truly unique purple colored dip composed of kalamata olive and aioli sauce. The texture was distinctly creamy and the subtle taste unexpected due to the elements of its ingredients. A real pleasure.

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For starters we feasted on a memorable dish in the form of the Flaming Saganaki Cheese (kefa-lo-tiri cheese, brandy and lemon flambé) and a basic dish of Grilled Greek Meatballs (lamb and beef, herbs, in a red koki-nisto sauce). The kefa-lo-tiri cheese is a traditional well-flavored sheep’s milk gourmet cheese made throughout Greece and the Greek islands. The presentation is a showstopper with its “OPA!” flaming production of the brandy and lemon flambé. It made for a warm, delicate texture and taste. Not to be outdone the Greek meatballs were just what the doctor ordered. The blended meats were savory and the red koki-nisto sauce, a finely flavored tomato based concoction, added to its luster.

Our entrees soon followed suit and we enjoyed the Angel Hair Pasta (red koki-nisto sauce, aged feta, basil and, if you desire, your choice of scallops or chicken. The Grilled Lamb Chops (double cut Colorado lamb served with creamy polenta and a mint demi-glace) was a special for the evening. The pasta was a pleasure, cooked perfectly and once again, the red sauce added a nice dimension to this simple dish. Add a very generous portion and your set. The lamb dazzled on its own with the exquisitely seasoned meat in its mint demi-glace that was just scrumptious. Combined with the polenta the words mouth-watering came straight to mind. Unable to resist, we also gobbled up a side of their yummy Lobster Mac & Cheese. Hey, we’re only human!

Not quite ready to leave yet, we shared a Vanilla Crème Brulee (served traditional with anise tuille) that finished off the evening s delights with a sweet touch. The crust was superbly crisp and cracked open to reveal the creamy riches inside. EXY Restaurant & Grill is splendid treat in a field of cuisine opportunities. Prices we in the mid-range and the service was well represented. Parking, as always downtown, can be difficult so give yourself extra time if you have a reservation. Enjoy!

The Good – They also have excellent Pomegranate Martinis!

The Bad – We will say that the restaurant and the bar music fight a bit

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