De Fontein, Mission Bay Review

De Fontein boasts a prime Mission Bay location and a charming Belgian pub vibe, but our experience was a mixed bag of hits and misses across food, service, and atmosphere.

Food

We kicked things off with the breads and dips, though realistically, it was more like breads and spreads. The plate came with three slices of bread and two breadsticks, accompanied by whipped garlic mascarpone, beetroot hummus, and a sprinkle of dukkah. While the menu promised “warm bread and dip,” what arrived was room temperature at best. A bit underwhelming.

Next up was the halloumi salad with roasted vegetables, upgraded to include grilled chicken. The salad itself had great flavor, and the chicken was a solid addition. Unfortunately, the halloumi didn’t hold up: bland and lacking the punch you’d expect from this usually salty, squeaky cheese.

Things took a turn for the better with the calamari. Crispy, warm, and generously portioned, it was a pleasant surprise. Just be sure to dig in quickly, the heat doesn’t linger long.

Service

Entering from the busy street front, you walk through the main door and… are greeted by no one. Take a right, head up the stairs, and again—no greeting. Eventually, a staff member appears and asks you to wait awkwardly in the stairwell while they sort a table.

Once seated, service was initially brisk and efficient, though not particularly warm. Meals took a while to be delivered and almost slammed onto the table. After that, staff were scarce until it was time to pay. Oddly, despite the venue not being overly busy, the team seemed rushed and stretched thin.

Venue

The location is a standout, right on the corner with stunning views and a lively atmosphere. Inside, it channels the charm of a Belgian pub, while the outdoor area is perfect for soaking up the sun with a cold brew.

However, the space feels underutilized. The downstairs area was empty, and the indoor upstairs section sparsely populated. Everyone seemed to gravitate toward the balcony, which, if you manage to snag a spot, is absolutely worth it.

Final Verdict

While De Fontein has the charm and location to impress, the overall experience left us wishing for more consistency in both service and food quality.

6.8/10

 

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