San Diego Restaurants

San Diego Restaurant Reviews

San Diego's proximity to Mexico makes it an attractive destination for anything wrapped in a tortilla. Go surfside to try the city's best fish tacos, or drive up to any local Mexican joint for a burrito stuffed with carne asada (thinly sliced marinated beef).

Among the more formal restaurants in town, there has been a movement toward using sustainable, locally sourced meat, seafood, and produce. While most of the top restaurants offer seasonal California fare, San Diego also boasts excellent ethnic cuisines available at all prices.

With the recent economic tough times, most restaurants—whether a neighborhood burger joint, gourmet pizzeria, or a high-end restaurant—are looking to offer diners more value for less money. This emphasis on affordability often is presented as early- or late-night dining specials, but also extends to the wine lists, where smart sommeliers are offering more wines from value regions like France's Loire and Languedoc, and countries like Chile and South Africa.

Downtown is packed with restaurants, but many can be touristy, so it's a good idea to be selective. The übertrendy Gaslamp Quarter delights visitors looking for innovative concepts with nightlife appeal. The gentrified Little Italy district has become a center for affordable Italian fare as well as surprises like English pubs and supper clubs with live music. Modern restaurants and cafés thrive in the East Village neighborhood, an area of luxury condos near PETCO Park.

The Uptown neighborhoods centered by Hillcrest—an urbane district with San Francisco flavor—is a mix of bars and independent restaurants. Mission Valley, the heart of the city's shopping district, abounds with big restaurants of varying quality. And scenic La Jolla offers some of the best fine dining in the city. Ethnic cuisine remains popular in the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest, and Convoy Street, a hub for Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese fare. In Chula Vista you'll find authentic Mexican food, while Coronado—the peninsula city across San Diego Bay—has casual neighborhood eateries and extravagant hotel dining rooms with dramatic water views.

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