Jul 24, 2010- Last night I drove the 100+ miles from San Berdoo to San Diego, to meet up with my son and daughter-in-law, who have a featured booth at the Comic-Con. San Diego was its typically perfect self: cool and breezy, no smog, mistily sunny. We’d planned to go to the hotel restaurant, but in their complete lack of wisdom, that place closed at 9. So we went around the corner to “La Gran Tapa” , which had the good sense to actually be open until 10-ish, or as our server said with a grin, “..for as long as you’re wanting to eat, drink and order”

Now I’d had no experience with this term “tapa”. My son–a locally famous chef in his own right– waxed enthusiastic in his explanation, which was soon made manifest by the food itself. At the risk of sounding like a trite commercial, I can only say the fare was indescribably delicious. Bruschetta in particular was the best of any I’ve ever tasted. Ambience rocked as well: we had a separate, candle-lit room, featuring one long table, at which some friends later joined us.

The owner/manager came out, apparently impressed by our enthusiasm for his place and product, and invited us all back the following night. Our server was cheerful while at the same time perfectly soliciitous and, well, perfect. (No tips are allowed, they are automatic. By the same token, they have an excellent-service guarantee, and that’s exactly what we got. I normally would have resented the auto-tipping policy, but in fact we were treated like kings, so it was actually a boon. Tipping in accordance with the level of service we got, would have been uncomfortably expensive.) In the end, we could only congratulate ourselves on the good luck of the hotel’s restaurant having closed stupidly early, else we never would have discovered La Gran Tapa. Honestly I cannot say enough good things about the place. –Google Reviews

November 4, 2010- My friend and I happened upon this wonderful restaurant last night. We sat outside and the weather was great and such a lovely ambience with the music and being downtown. Service was FANTASTIC – the gentleman who waited on us was very personable and added to the whole fun of the evening and he made sure we never waited long for anything we ordered. The owner was even nice enough to come over and introduce himself and ask how we were enjoying the food.

I would reccomend the red house wine which was delicious. They had such an incredible selection of food that I did not know where to start. I decided on the Caprese salad and it was the best one I have ever had. Then came the bread which was served with two very yummy dips (which was refilled as soon as we were out – low carb diets be damned. It was worth every calorie).

My friend and I both ended up having the chef’s pasta which is normally an alfredo sauce with basil and tomoto but we were also given a choice of the marinara. My friend decided on the marina with shrimp and I went alfredoand chicken. We shared and loved each dish though we should have only gotten one bowl and shared, as it was a very generous portion (for only $10!).

I am so happy I found this place and I will be back again and again. — Yelp.com

August 4, 2010- This place is exactly what it says it is, a Spanish Tapas restaurant. As some one who has been to Spain, I can tell you it replicates one very well.

Spanish Tapas restaurants serve small proportions (Think Appetizer) for what some might call an expensive price. That is because you are paying for the atmosphere and a variety of food. That is what La Gran Tapa provides it guest. They provide great live music and lots of good quality tapas.

Tip: Their is a parking lot across the street that La Gran Tapa will validated for you.

My husband and I moved to Cortez Hill (a few blocks from LGT). Since moving here in December (2009), we have dined at LGT an average of twice a week.

The service is wonderful; friendly, fun and very competent. The food is fantastic; we love the steak entree and caesar salad (with a “real” caesar dressing). Try the short ribs with pomme frittes; both are amazing.

If you’re lucky enough to be walking by during the lunch hour, try their steak and swiss grilled sandwich. It’s about as good as a sandwich can be.

My husband and I have made a New Year’s resolution to try more items on the menu; we keep ordering the same tapas and entrees because they’re so delicious. Tonight? It’s shrimp and escargot. Tomorrow? Paella … or ?? –Yelp.com