In case you need a refresh, the Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer multi-course meals at reasonable prices. And while all are unique and the “price” varies from country to country, the standard for quality remains the same.
That’s why every Friday, we’re highlighting our Bib of the Week; where to go, what dish to order, the best time to stop by, and everything in between. So whether it’s heat-packing Hong Kong dishes from the nation’s capital or smoky barbecue in the Golden State, our selection of Bib Gourmand spots will leave both you and your wallet satisfied.
Chef Travis Swikard’s homecoming is a delicious one. Building off his experience with culinary icon Daniel Boulud in New York City, the San Diego native combines the best ingredients of SoCal with the bold and sunny flavors of the Mediterranean for the ultimate shareable dishes.
But don’t take our word for it though, check out what our Inspectors had to say here, and below, learn from the team on what you need to know before you go.
What was the idea behind Callie?
Callie is my expression of New World California meets Old World Mediterranean. The cuisine is reflective of the cuisine of the sun; light, bright, and clean. It showcases the bounty of San Diego's finest local produce and fish directly from our local fishing fleet.
We want to continue to build a strong and driven team/family that is excited to make my dream our dream. We are dedicated to building up Callie in our community to be a staple of the San Diego and southern California dining scene. We strive to provide warm hospitality and craveable cuisine that makes our guest think of us first when planning their next dining event.
How would you describe your approach to food and cooking?
Very ingredient focused, exciting, lots of attention to balance and texture!
What is the dish to order at Callie?
Uni Toast! We have a diver that gets us live San Diego uni everyday. Not too many people have the opportunity to eat fresh uni but it's a game changer.
What price range can customers expect at Callie?
You can choose your own adventure based on your budget. We have plenty of affordable options but also always offer high end items like truffles, caviar, uni, wagyu beef.
When is the best time to stop by?
Make sure to make a reservation 3-4 weeks out, we get very busy. If not, come at 5 and grab a seat at the bar!
Hero image: Lucianna McIntosh/Callie
