MAX New York
827 5th Avenue, San Diego CA 92101MAX brings a taste of New York to Fifth Avenue, home of the finest restaurants in downtown San Diego. Top-notch steaks, chops and poultry, grass-fed and free-range, are offered alongside fresh, delicately prepared seafood. MAX couples quality gourmet classics and creative fusion techniques to bring guests the consummate dining experience in their refined, yet vibrant, dining room and canopied patio. Add to that a monumental bar supplied with a fabulous wine and spirits collection, and whether you start dinner with a signature martini or finish your lunch with one of their delectable desserts, you will be delighted to the MAX!
MAX New York
Review by TableAgent
"Doing it to the max" is a popular phrase that refers to someone performing a task or activity at the highest possible level of accomplishment. I suppose that’s one of the reasons why the name of the fashionable Gaslamp restaurant, MAX New York, is so appropriate. Located on Fifth Avenue, in an area reserved for the district’s finest dining establishments, MAX New York, has continued to hold its own; serving superb steaks, chops and seafood, while many of the pretenders have simply disappeared.
If possible, their cuisine has been elevated to an even higher level with the recent addition of Executive Chef Roberto Gerbino, who has added his own special brand of culinary magic to the menu. Using time tested recipes along with the latest fusion techniques; Chef Roberto manages to consistently deliver innovative, taste tempting creations to the increasing number of satisfied diners that visit his restaurant. Whether dining outdoors under a canopy or in their tastefully appointed dining room, MAX New York offers almost everyone something that will be at the top of their list of favorites.
The magnificent wooden bar on the south wall serves up a bevy of great cocktails, and I just couldn’t resist trying one of their signature Martinis. Made with a stealthful blend of Cravella, Orangecello, triple sec and Fris vodka, this citrus laden delight packs a real punch. My guest and I also enjoyed the Sommelier’s sampler of select Syrah vintages. Deep, rich and velvety, these fine California wines paired wonderfully with the imported cheeses and tender red meats that were yet to come.
To begin our meal, our knowledgeable and accommodating server, C.J., brought us a generous platter of hors d'oeuvres that were specifically created for the seafood lover. Exquisitely fresh slices of Ahi tuna were artistically arranged over a bed of thinly sliced daikon radish, bean sprouts, radish sprouts and scallions, which was then enhanced with a light ginger and shoyu sauce. Also presented, was a beautiful rose crafted out of smoked, thinly sliced salmon anchored in a creme fresh and herb sauce. A few crab cakes topped off our delicious selection of appetizers. Made with crabmeat, blue lobster meat, fresh corn, diced red pepper and crowned with a dollop of chipotle remoulade, they were some of the best we had ever tasted.
The House Salad served next was exceptionally bountiful. The delicate, mixed greens were offset by chunks of both Gorgonzola and blue cheeses along with thin slices of fresh pear and topped with toasted, caramelized walnuts. Walnut oil, Gorgonzola vinegar dressing was then drizzled over this spectacular salad, which proved to be anything but ordinary.
We were just about to give a standing ovation when C.J. arrived with an incredibly large, oyster Martini for us to share. Taken from cold, crisp waters off the Oregon coast these succulent bivalves were both plump and mild.
Chef Roberto graciously assisted in presenting our entrees. Northern Halibut Champagne offered a fabulous cut of northern halibut that had been pan seared to perfection and placed atop a serving of champagne risotto with papaya/mango relish and thin, French green beans. Also served was an unusual and satisfying treat referred to as Flat Iron Steak. This fork-tender cut is taken from an area adjacent to the upper tenderloin, and was a steak aficionado’s delight along with the garlic mashed potatoes and fresh stalks of asparagus.
For dessert, we tried a specialty of the house; white chocolate creme brulee. This delectable concoction definitely takes the sophistication level of the ordinary rendition up a notch. Thick, rich and creamy, it was a true classic when garnished with an assortment of fresh berries. We also enjoyed a slice of devastatingly luxuriant chocolate mouse cake that promised to have us counting calories for the rest of the week.
Thoroughly satisfied, as we left the table we stopped briefly to chat with some friends who were dining al fresco and had also decided to enjoy a visit to MAX New York that evening.
“How was your meal?” one of them asked smilingly, already knowing the answer.
I couldn't help but take advantage of this golden opportunity. I paused dramatically for a moment, feigning contemplation. “They did it to the MAX!” I replied with a grin.
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Reservations
Business Info
- Address: 827 5th Avenue, San Diego CA 92101
- Cross Street: Between E and F
- Location: Downtown | Gaslamp Quarter
- Cuisine: American |
- Cost: | Moderate
- Category: Fine Dining
- Star Rating:
- Reservations: Recommended
- Dress Code: Business Casual
- Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner | Late |
- Parking: Street | Valet Parking |
- Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard | Discover | Diners Club |
- Corkage Fee: 25.00 | Per Each Bottle
-
Staff:
Roberto Gerbino
| Executive Chef
- Website: http://www.sandiegorestaurants.com/max/
- Phone: (619) 235-8500
- Features: Full Bar, Late Dining, Catering Services, Outdoor Seating, Prix Fixe Menu, Smoking Area, Winning Wine List, Wheelchair Access, Valet Parking, Personal Wines Allowed, Lounge / Bar,
- Occasion: Child Friendly, Romantic Dining, Dining Alone, Business Dining, Meet for a Drink, People Watching, Quiet Conversation, Special Occasion, Dog Friendly, Quick Bite,
Photos
Business Hours
Reservations Available
- Monday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Tuesday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Wednesday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Thursday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
- Friday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM
- Saturday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:30 PM
- Sunday
- All Day - Main Dining Room 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Menus
Lunch Menu
Appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail 12.00
- Served with classic tangy cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges
- Fried Calamari, Shrimp & Scallops 12.95
- Served with organic mixed greens, spicy tomato sauce
- Maine Lobster & Dungeness Crab Cakes 13.95
- Chipotle remoulade and tarragon aioli
- Caprese 11.50
- Vine ripe tomato & fresh mozzarella served with fresh basil, extra-virgin olive oil
- Portobello Mushroom 15.00
- Grilled portobello mushroom with goat cheese, served over organic greens, poached black figs and port wine reduction
Soups and Salads
- Creamy Lobster Bisque 8.00
- Garnished with crackers
- Chef’s Seasonal Soup du Jour 8.00
- “Classic” Caesar Salad 8.00
- Hearts of romaine with shaved reggiano cheese, herb croutons and traditional dressing ~Please request anchovies~
- Organic Mixed Field Greens 8.00
- Served with pears, tear-drop tomatoes, feta cheese, and walnuts and homemade walnut vinaigrette
- Grilled Chicken Salad 12.95
- Mixed greens, celery, orange segments, and ginger sesame vinaigrette
- Beefsteak Tomato Salad 10.95
- Slices of beefsteak tomatoes and sweet onion, Balsamic Vinaigrette and roquefort cheese served over arugula
- Max Salad 9.00
- Hearts of palm avocado, tear-drop tomatoes. Served with our house-made Italian dressing
SANDWICHES
- MAX Sirloin Burger 12.00
- Half pound of ground sirloin, lettuce, vine ripened tomatoes and swiss cheese
- NY Steak Sandwich 12.95
- Sirloin grilled with onions, mushrooms and melted cheese on a toasted steak bun
- Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast 12.00
- Served on a ciabatta roll with mozzarella cheese & roasted peppers
PASTAS
- Jumbo Lobster Ravioli 19.50
- Maine lobster with fresh herbs served with light vodka cream sauce
- Fresh Salmon Pasta 14.95
- Tube shaped pasta, fresh salmon, asparagus, and Bermuda onion in a light cream sauce.
- Linguini Seafood 18.50
- Sautéed shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams and assorted fresh fish in a white wine tomato cream sauce
- Spaghetti with Meat Sauce 15.00
- Fettucine pasta with classic Italian meat sauce
- Rigatoni Filet Mignon 18.00
- Tube shaped pasta, sauteed with wild mushroom and asparagus in a light cream sauce, topped with sliced filet mignon
fish and seafood
- Northern Halibut Champagne 26.00
- Served with champagne risotto, grilled asparagus, mango and papaya relish
- Grilled Honey Dijon Salmon 20.00
- Dijon mustard glaze, fresh sautéed spinach, and mashed potatoes
MEAT
- Prime Flat Iron Steak 20.00
- Grilled iron steak served with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus
- Max Filet Kabob 15.00
- Skewered charbroiled filet with grilled vegetables & served over a bed of mixed greens & Max french fries
CHICKEN
- Oven-Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast 17.95
- Served with sauteed spinach, mashed potatoes and lemon sauce
- Chicken Marsala 17.95
- Sauteed chicken breast in a savory sauce of mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine, served with roasted potatoes and spinach
Dinner Menu
Appetizers
- Oyster Rockefeller 15.95
- Spinach, bacon and hollandaise
- Shrimp Cocktail 15.95
- Served with classic cocktail sauce and fresh lemon wedges
- Fried Calamari, Shrimp & Scallops 14.95
- Served over organic mixed greens, spicy tomato sauce
- Smoked Salmon 15.95
- Served with seaweed salad and caviar
- Caprese Salad 12.95
- Vine ripe tomato & fresh mozzarella served with fresh basil & extra-virgin
- Maine Lobster & Dungeness Crab Cakes 15.95
- Chipotle remoulade & tarragon aioli
- Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell 14.95
- Spicy cocktail sauce & mignonette sauce
- Seared Ahi Tuna 14.95
- Pan-Seared Ahi with peppercorn crust, served with Asian sprouts
- Portobello Mushroom 15.95
- Grilled portobello mushroom with goat cheese. Served over organic greens, poached black figs and port wine reduction
Soups
- Creamy Lobster Bisque 9.95
- Served with crackers
- Chef´s Seasonal Soup du Jour 8.95
Salads
- "Classic" Caesar Salad 8.95
- Hearts of romaine, shaved reggiano, herb croutons ~ Please request anchovies
- Organic Mixed Field Greens 9.95
- Served with pears, tear-drop tomatoes, feta cheese, walnuts and house-made walnut vinaigrette
- Spinach Salad 8.95
- Red onions, pistachios, orange segments, smoked bacon & balsamic vinaigrette
- Beef Steak Tomato Salad 10.95
- Slices of beefsteak tomato and sweet onion with balsamic vinaigrette and roquefort cheese over arugula
- Max Salad 9.00
- Hearts of palm, avocado, tear-drop tomatoes. Served with our house-made Italian dressing
Pastas
- Rigatoni Filet Mignon 25.00
- Tube shaped pasta, sauteed with wild mushroom and asparagus in a light cream sauce, topped with sliced filet mignon
- Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms 24.95
- Arborio rice, shallots, porcini mushrooms, parsley, parmesan cheese and parmesan cheese
- Fresh Salmon Pasta 24.00
- Tube-shaped pasta, fresh salmon,asparagus and Bermuda onion in light cream
- Seafood Linguini 28.95
- Sautéed shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams & assorted fresh fish in a white wine-garlic tomato sauce
- Jumbo Lobster Ravioli 26.95
- Home-made Ravioli stuffed with fresh lobster meat and herbs, served with light vodka cream sauce
Fish & Seafood
- Fresh Fish of the Day 0.00
- Chosen daily by our chef
- Grilled Honey Dijon Salmon 27.50
- Dijon mustard glaze, fresh sautéed spinach, garlic mashed potatoes
- Northern Halibut Champagne 32.00
- Served with champagne risotto, grilled asparagus, mango and papaya relish
- Ahi Tuna 32.95
- Seared ahi tuna with pepper crushed over ginger, wasabi mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and soy glaze
- Jumbo Scallops 32.00
- Pan seared scallops, served with lobster mashed potatoes and haricots vert
- Jumbo Shrimp Scampi 34.00
- Served with herb roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables in a white wine sauce
MAX Specialties
- Alaskan King Crab Legs 2 1/2 lbs 0.00
- "Classic" Surf & Turf 0.00
- Filet mignon & 12 oz cold water Australian lobster tail
- Cold water Australian Lobster Tail, 120z 0.00
Steaks & Chops
- Filet Mignon Bernaise 33.95
- Filet Mignon, (Bone-In) 16oz 47.00
- Served with brandy peppercorn sauce
- 24 oz. Bone-In Rib Eye 37.95
- Served with rosemary sauce
- New York Sirloin Strip Steak ~16 oz 37.95
- Served with gorgonzola cream & port wine reduction sauce
- MAX Porterhouse ~22oz 45.95
- Served with rosemary butter
- Prime Flat Iron Steak 38.95
- Grilled iron steak served with caramelized onions, mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus
- Colorado Lamb Chop Dijionnaise 38.95
- Served with lamb au-jus, mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
- Veal Chop ~16oz 38.95
- Grilled to perfection and topped with wild mushroom sauce, served with seasonal vegetables and roasted potatoes
- Pork Loin Chop 28.00
- Served with mashed potatoes, green apple chipotle sauce
- Osso Buco (Lamb Shank) 16oz 35.95
- Tender, braised lamb shank served over saffron rissotto
Choice of Sauces
CHICKEN
- Oven-Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast 26.00
- Served with sauteed spinach, mashed potatoes and lemon sauce
- Chicken Marsala 26.00
- Sauteed chicken breast in a savory sauce of mushrooms, garlic and marsala wine, served with roasted potatoes and spinach
Side Dishes
- Baked Potato 6.50
- MAX Fries 5.50
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 7.50
- Lobster Mashed Potatoes 14.50
- Mashed Potatoes 6.50
- Roasted Potatoes 5.50
- Onion String Haystack 6.00
- Sauteed Spinach 6.95
- Creamed Spinach 6.50
- Grilled Asparagus 9.50
- Mixed Seasonal Vegetables 6.95
- Mixed Mushroom Sauteed 7.00
Desserts
- MAX New York Cannoli 8.00
- Stuffed with white and chocolate pastry cream
- Tiramisu 8.00
- Lady fingers, dipped in espresso coffee and italian liquor, laced with mascarpone cheese
- White Chocolate Creme Brulee 8.00
- Garnished with fresh fruits
- Chocolate Mousse Cake 8.00
- Garnished with fresh berries
- Fudge Brownies 8.00
- Served with vanilla gelato
- New York Cheesecake 8.50
- Garnished with fresh berries
- Carrot Cake 10.00
- Triple-layered cake with cream cheese
- Trio of Gelato 7.50
- Sorbetto 7.50
- Assorted flavors