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$$ | Hillcrest |
Big caloric portions and long lines are hallmarks of this Southern-accented comfort food destination where hungry regulars from near and far line up for an indulgent meal in the crowded (and sometimes noisy) dining room. Bring an appetite and a friend; sharing plates is a necessity here.
3628 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Decadent sage-fried-chicken eggs Benedict
- Huge portions perfect for sharing
- Inventive and generously garnished cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Mission Hills |
Don't miss the small walk-up window along India Street serving up delicious ceviches, seafood cocktails, and tacos. Outdoor seating is available along the adjacent terrace.
3731 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Karina's signature spicy ceviche
- Choice between full-size plates or smaller tostadas
- Spicy marinades—ask for guidance if you want to order something mild
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$ | South Park |
Pink paisley wallpaper and marble-topped tables stand among skull prints, Gothic art, a heavy metal soundtrack and a giant ram's head in this busy restaurant-bar—emphasis on the bar. The vegan menu is not what you might expect, and the bold flavors and satisfying portions will please both herbivores and carnivores alike.
1503 30th St., San Diego, California, 92102, USA
Known For
- Memphis barbecue jackfruit sandwich
- Potent tiki drinks
- Weekend brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$$ | Golden Hill |
Stepping into Kingfisher for the first time is a surefire way to stimulate the senses, from the elegantly kitschy green, tropical decor with gold trim to the rush of herbaceous scents that come wafting your way. The restaurant's menu of sharable items features both protein-heavy dishes (smoked duck, striped seabass) to vegetarian-friendly options with an abundance of umami flavors (mushroom congee, smoked eggplant), all of which pair nicely with a menu of cocktails that range from light and refreshing to spirit-heavy and bold—if you prefer to skip the booze altogether, don't hesitate to ask. Though the mocktails are off-menu, they're no less delightful.
2469 Broadway, San Diego, California, 92102, USA
Known For
- Smoked dry aged duck
- Wild mushroom congee
- Potent, refreshing cocktails with a Southeast Asian twist
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch
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$ | Normal Heights |
One of the few San Diego coffee shops that's open 24 hours a day, this Normal Heights mainstay also has a great selection of baked goods and a neighboring music venue that stages acoustic and comedy acts seven days a week. Lestat's also has locations in University Heights and Hillcrest.
3343 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Milky Way mocha with caramel and vanilla
- Breakfast paninis
- Funky, bohemian atmosphere
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$ | Mission Hills |
Named for a form of Mexican wrestling, this taco shop with its hot-pink walls and shiny booths was famous mostly for its lack of parking until it appeared on the Travel Channel’s “Man v. Food.” Then long lines of burrito-crazed fans began forming outside the walk-up window for lunch; their North Park outpost is more spacious. Don’t park in the gas station next door; they watch and will tow.
1810 W. Washington St., San Diego, California, 92110, USA
Known For
- Tap Me Out taco with fried cheese
- California burritos with French fries inside
- Lively and festive interior seating
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$ | Normal Heights |
A bright and bustling A.M.-hours counterpart to its sibling restaurant Madison, Madi is a haven for the Sunday brunch crowd. With colorful decor and no fewer than six different variations of mimosa on the menu, it's youthful and indulgent, but not exclusive to weekends—Madi serves its gooey morning treats like peanut butter and banana pancakes and chilaquiles every day starting at 8.
3737 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Waffle churro sticks with jalapeno-blackberry sauce and maple cream cheese
- Six varieites of mimosa
- Cool Cat Cakes (peanut butter, banana and bacon)
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$$ | University Heights |
The award-winning design of this restaurant and bar is the definition of Southern California chic, as are its patrons. The vaulted wood-clad ceiling and indoor-outdoor space creates a stunning yet inviting backdrop for the inspired cocktails—mixologists incorporate ingredients such as matcha and hemp oil into their featured libations—and SoCal Mediterranean cuisine.
4622 Park Blvd., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Dramatic interior design
- Innovative cocktails
- Weekend brunch
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch weekdays
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$ | Hillcrest |
Seafood lovers have long flocked to Puerto Nuevo, the “lobster village” just south of San Diego in Baja California, Mexico. When a family that operates several Puerto Nuevo restaurants opened Ortega's in Hillcrest, it quickly became a top draw for authentic Baja coastal cuisine, minus the long lines to cross the border.
141 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Puerto Nuevo--style lobster
- Tableside guacamole
- Daily happy hour including the delicious pomegranate margarita
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$ | South Park |
Fresh homemade pasta served as the diner wants it is the mantra at this cozy Italian restaurant. Opt for indoor seating, which offers a charming, old-world feel, with warm lighting, wood beam ceilings, and exposed brick.
1947 Fern St., San Diego, California, 92102, USA
Known For
- Make-it-your-own pasta menu
- Sizable portions
- Traditional antipasti plates
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$ | University Heights |
The atmosphere at Pop Pie Co. is fast-casual, but its menu is nothing less than rich, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. With a menu full of internationally inspired meat and dessert pies and open-air seating at communal tables, the eatery offers either a quick dessert or the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the dining room dress code.
4404 Park Blvd., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Classic chicken potpie
- Salted caramel-apple crumble
- Espresso with house-made sweeteners
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$ | Mission Hills |
Outdoor tables on a narrow sidewalk and inexpensive prices make this a standout. The simple menu by Bangkok-born chef-owner Su-Mei Yu has noodle soups; stir-fried noodles with chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp; and a couple of uncommon Vietnamese and Thai-Indian noodle dishes bathed with aromatic sauces.
3731 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Thai grilled chicken
- Health-focused dishes like the Brain-Booster Stir-Fry
- Fresh noodle dishes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$ | Hillcrest |
Bright “Brady Bunch” decor, plus plenty of sunshine and fresh air pouring through windows and skylights, are cheery wake-ups for diners at this hip neighborhood haunt for pancakes and lattes. Expect long waits for a table, especially on weekends; free coffee helps the time pass while you wait to indulge in made-from-scratch breakfast bliss.
3940 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Pineapple upside-down pancakes
- Half-order Benedicts
- Boozy brunch drinks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted, No dinner
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$ | Mission Hills |
This trendy 21-and-over establishment attracts a diverse and discerning crowd to a somewhat quiet stretch of India Street with its solid seasonal fare and understated mid-century vibe. The menu covers the gamut of comfort food from mozzarella and squash fritters to macaroni and cheese, juicy roasted chicken, and a fish of the day paired with a Thai noodle salad. Night owls will relish the abbreviated late-night menu served from 10 pm to midnight. Cocktails are equally seasonal, and in hot weather the Starlite Mule is the perfect way to cool off.
3175 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
Known For
- Creamy and carb-filled mac and cheese
- Signature Moscow Mules in copper mugs
- Late-night dining
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$ | Old Town |
Located next to Campo Santo Cemetery, Tahona—in its architecture and design—might suggest the illusion of a snapshot of historical San Diego, but culinarily it's anything but. Offering a dining experience that centers on mezcal, Oaxacan cuisine, and locally sourced produce and ingredients, Tahona puts a new spin on Southern California Mexican cuisine. Its menu features plenty of familiar staples like tacos, guacamole, and empanadas, mixed in with innovative items like duck confit sopes and grilled octopus. Make reservations online for its adjoining spooky speakeasy, Occulto 477, which brings an elevated sensory experience to its mezcal offerings.
2414 San Diego Ave., San Diego, California, 92110, USA
Known For
- Mezcal flights
- Slow-braised beef barbacoa
- Gooey and rich churro s'mores
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | North Park |
The concept behind Tribute Pizza initially seems like a gimmick—each wood-fired oven baked pizza is a "tribute" to one at another famous pizzeria, whether in Brooklyn, Texas, or even Costco. But however campy in their presentation, the "Neo-Neapolitan" pizzas at the spacious, modern restaurant—which is housed in a converted former post office—are among the best in town, whether made from all-vegan ingredients or smothered in spicy salami.
3077 N. Park Way, San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- The Bees Mode—topped with soppresatta and spicy honey
- Fried Brussels sprouts with garlic and pecorino romano cheese
- Miller High Life served in champagne buckets
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Old Town |
Located in the open-air Old Town Urban Market, the Michelin-recognized Tuetano Taqueria serves up its savory specialty: birria (meat stew). Grab as many napkins as you need, because these deliciously dripping birria tacos will make a mess. For something with even more wow factor, get the bone marrow birria taco, served still in the bone.
2548 Congress St., San Diego, California, 92110, USA
Known For
- Birria tacos
- Bone marrow birria
- Spicy and refreshing micheladas rojos (a Bloody Mary-type drink made with beer)
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$ | North Park |
A 5,000-square-foot brick-and-wood industrial-style dining room and bar attracts hip young locals who chow down on thin-crust New Haven–style pies, fresh salads, cheese boards, and chicken wings. It can get loud and crowded at times, but is always festive for groups—first dates, not so much.
3085 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Mashed-potato pizza
- Local craft beer selection
- Desserts cooked in the coal-fired oven
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$ | Normal Heights |
With window service from its colorful, street-art-adorned kitchen and outdoor seat-yourself tables, this is an ideal spot for a quick bite, but that doesn't mean it's not substantial. The outdoor eatery serves savory and delicious abundant plates of traditional Filipino pork, sausage, and chicken dishes, along with signature snacks like lumpia (Filipino spring rolls) and their head-turning purple ube pandesal (bread rolls). Come hungry, and plan on taking some to go.
3586 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Fluffy, purple Ube pandesal (bread rolls)
- Pork sisilog (fried egg and rice)
- Crispy (Filipino spring rolls)
