San Diego Restaurants

San Diego is an up-and-coming culinary destination, thanks to its stunning Pacific Ocean setting, proximity to Mexico, diverse population, and the area’s extraordinary farming community. Increasingly the city’s veteran top chefs are being joined by a new generation of talented chefs and restaurateurs who are adding stylish restaurants with innovative food and drink programs to the dining scene at a record pace. Yes, visitors still are drawn to the San Diego Zoo and miles of beaches, but now they come for memorable dining experiences as well.

The city’s culinary scene got a significant boost when San Diego emerged as one of the world’s top craft beer destinations, with artisan breweries and gastropubs now in almost every neighborhood. San Diego also was on the cutting edge of the farm-to-table, Slow Food movement. Local sourcing is possible for everything from seafood to just-picked produce from a host of nationally recognized producers like Chino Farms and Carlsbad Aquafarm. The city’s ethnically diverse neighborhoods with their modest eateries offering affordable authentic international cuisines add spice to the dining mix.

San Diego’s distinct neighborhoods have their own dining personalities with friendly restaurants and bistros catering to every craving in this sun-blessed city. The trendy Gaslamp Quarter delights visitors looking for a broad range of innovative and international dining and nightlife, while bustling Little Italy offers a mix of affordable Italian fare and posh new eateries. Modern restaurants and cafés thrive in East Village, amid the luxury condos near PETCO Park.

The Uptown neighborhoods centered on Hillcrest—an urbane district with San Francisco flavor—are a mix of bars and independent restaurants, many of which specialize in ethnic cuisine. North Park, in particular, has a happening restaurant and craft beer scene, with just about every kind of cuisine you can think of, and laid-back prices to boot. And scenic La Jolla offers some of the best fine dining in the city with dramatic water views as an added bonus.

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  • 1. Ambrogio by Acquerello

    $$$$ | La Jolla

    Elegant yet unpretentious, this fine dining restaurant by chefs Choi Cheolhyeok and Silvio Salmoiraghi, integrate elements of Italy, France, Korea, Japan, and California to build masterpieces in an eight-course tasting menu. Both chefs have an impressive pedigree, formerly at the helm of Michelin Star restaurants in Tokyo and Italy, but at Ambrogio, they have joined forces to redefine modern Italian cuisine in San Diego. Prepare for a playful balance of flavors, colors, and textures that changes quarterly. The menu might feature black cod with toasted polenta, linguine with truffles, or Japanese wagyu with spinach and cognac. After eight courses, the assortment of pastries seems doable when paired with an impressive list of over 100 curated wines. Pace yourself for perfection and what might be a three-hour dining experience. An exceptional "Walk in the Garden" tasting menu is available for vegetarians. 

    7556 Fay Ave., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
    858-412–3432

    Known For

    • Innovative new Italian cuisine
    • Beautifully plated dishes
    • Seabass with taggiasca olives

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 2. Animae

    $$$$

    The large, plush booths and elegant decor at Animae suggest an air of sophistication, while the soundtrack of '90s-era hip-hop adds a flash of casual cool to keep it from ever being too stuffy. Not that such a thing is at risk at this dazzling Embarcadero bistro, which pairs indulgent, tender Wagyu beef steak cuts with a variety of dishes inspired by Japan and Southeast Asia. In fact, with dishes like the Hunan lamb chops, hamachi, and duck kimchi fried rice, it's just as tempting to forgo a single cut of meat in favor of sampling so many of their other culinary creations.

    969 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-432--1225

    Known For

    • Aged Wagyu beef filet
    • Whole branzino
    • Wide variety of Japanese whiskeys

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch
  • 3. Artifact at Mingei

    $$ | Balboa Park

    Innovative restauranteur Tracy Borkum raised the bar of in-park dining with the unveiling of Artifact, located in the Mingei commons and courtyard. Taking culinary inspirations from around the globe, flavors and spices from Morocco to Peru are on display in lunch and dinner menus billed as "craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals." Several vegan and gluten-free options are available. Breakfast and quick-serve options are available daily at the adjacent Craft Cafe.

    1439 El Prado, San Diego, California, 92101, USA

    Known For

    • Sophisticated menu
    • Weekend happy hour
    • Gluten-free and vegan offerings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Tues. and Wed.
  • 4. Blind Lady Ale House

    $ | Normal Heights

    There's almost no combination on earth as satisfying as pizza and beer—which just happen to be Blind Lady's specialties. The old-world-style pizzas are topped with organic ingredients, like house-made chorizo and avocado, which offer an excellent complement to their extensive beer selection, which is updated on their chalkboard daily. Just be patient waiting for a seat at the popular neighborhood spot, which is decorated with upcycled materials such as reclaimed wood floors and glass cases of vintage beer cans.

    3416 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
    619-255–2491

    Known For

    • Spicy chorizo pizza with avocado
    • Crispy Belgian frites
    • House-brewed craft beer

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.--Wed.
  • 5. Born and Raised

    $$$$

    The name is cheeky if a little morbid; the title refers to the restaurant's speciality—steak. It's a twist on a classic steak house, with a menu full of aged, prime cuts of beef served with a number of sauces, or perhaps try the table-side-prepared steak Diane with flambéed jus. With its large gold doors, intimate booths, and stiff Manhattans, everything about the restaurant feels like old luxury, until you notice the portraits of famous rappers on the walls.

    1909 India St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-202–4577

    Known For

    • Table-side Caesar salad
    • Aged New York steak
    • Cheeky, glamorous decor
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  • 6. Buona Forchetta

    $ | South Park

    A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio tables at this dog- and kid-friendly Italian restaurant in South Park. Pizzas make a meal or can be shared, but don’t miss the equally delicious appetizers, heaping salads, or fresh pastas, and be sure to save room for some dolci.

    3001 Beech St., San Diego, California, 92102, USA
    619-381–4844

    Known For

    • House-made sangria
    • Bubbly Neapolitan-style pizzas
    • Bustling patio
  • 7. Cesarina

    $$ | Point Loma

    A wall of mason jars with pickled vegetables and brined olives transports you to an Italian market in Rome where the owner’s mother perfected generations of recipes that have made their way into this Point Loma eatery. Since its 2019 opening, customers have lined up for generous portions of homemade Italian staples including pasta, gnocchi, meatballs, sausage, bread, and decadent desserts. Choose your pasta shape, sauce, and topping, or simply lean on the advice of the knowledgeable waitstaff. The tagliere cutting board is piled high with prosciutto, burrata, green olives, artichoke hearts, and marinated vegetables beckoning a dunk of focaccia with every bite, while the risotto and tagliata are cooked to perfection and the spaghetti with mussels and clams will have you reenacting Lady and the Tramp. For the finale, get your camera ready for the table-side tiramisu drenched in espresso and topped with mascarpone fresco. The outdoor patio is inviting year-round, even in winter when heat lamps, wool blankets, and sheepskin rugs keep things cozy. 

    4161 Voltaire St., San Diego, California, 92107, USA
    619-226–6222

    Known For

    • Nearly everything made from scratch
    • Authentic Italian cuisine
    • Excellent vegan options
  • 8. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

    $$$

    Don't be put off by the name, or that it is part of a small chain. This fine-dining restaurant at the Headquarters at Seaport in Downtown has won a devoted following for classic seafood, casual but sophisticated settings, and nightly live jazz. Chilled oysters and other shellfish compete with Maine lobster tacos and kung pao–style calamari to start the meal. The polished staff helps with informed descriptions of almost two-dozen entrées starring fish flown in fresh daily and prime steaks. Sea bass in a savory soy broth and Parmesan-crusted sole are favorites, while the seafood chopped salad is light and sharable. Truffled mac and cheese and au gratin cheddar potatoes are not-to-be-missed sides. Nightly happy hours in the V Lounge offer $8 wines, cocktails, and appetizers. A second location in La Jolla has wonderful ocean views and the same dinner menu and happy hour specials. It also serves lunch on weekends.

    789 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-615–0281

    Known For

    • Wallet-friendly happy hour deals
    • The shellfish tower, featuring oysters, crab, shrimp and Maine lobster
    • Indulgent truffled mac and cheese

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 9. Extraordinary Desserts

    $ | Coffee

    For Paris-perfect cakes and tarts embellished California-style with fresh flowers, head to this sleek, serene branch of Karen Krasne’s pastry shop and café. The space with soaring ceilings hosts breakfasts, lunches, and light dinners, accompanied by a wide selection of teas, coffee, organic wines, and craft beers. For those who don’t want to start with dessert, there are sandwiches, soups, salads, and artisanal cheeses, plus a kids' menu of grilled cheese or free-range turkey served on local bread. When it’s time to satisfy your sweet tooth, try a slice of passion fruit ricotta cake, a mini-banana cream pie, or helping of croissant bread pudding. The original shop near Balboa Park, at 2870 4th Avenue, serves only desserts, coffees, and teas.

    1430 Union St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-294–7001

    Known For

    • Blueberry coffee cake for breakfast
    • Chocolate dulce de leche cake
    • House-made dips including onion dip and Parmesan pesto

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
  • 10. Extraordinary Desserts

    $ | Hillcrest

    This café lives up to its name, which explains why there's often a line, despite the ample seating. Paris-trained Karen Krasne turns out award-winning cakes, tortes, and pastries of exceptional beauty, while the Japanese-theme patio invites you to linger over yet another coffee drink.

    2870 4th Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
    619-294–2132

    Known For

    • Rotating cheese selections
    • Flower-topped made-in-house chocolate cakes
    • Vegan and gluten-free cookies
  • 11. Herb & Wood

    $$

    Design lovers will fall for celebrity chef Brian Malarkey's sprawling restaurant, a former art store that has been refashioned into four luxe spaces in one—an entryway lounge, outdoor lounge, fireplace-dotted patio, and the main dining room, which is flanked by beaded chandeliers, lush banquettes, and paintings in rich jewel tones. The menu is heavy on wood-roasted dishes, many of which are apt for sharing, like the roasted baby carrots or hiramasa with crispy quinoa. There are also larger options like an oxtail gnocchi and pizzas with toppings from mushrooms to bone marrow. 

    2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-955–8495

    Known For

    • Roasted baby carrots with cashew sesame dukkah
    • Pillow-soft oxtail gnocchi
    • The secret menu Parker House rolls topped with Maldon sea salt

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch Mon.--Sat.
  • 12. Hodad's

    $ | Ocean Beach

    Surfers with big appetites, and fans of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, chow down on huge, messy burgers, fries, onion rings, and shakes at this funky, hippie beach joint adorned with beat-up surfboards, stickers, and license plates from almost every state. Don’t be put off by lines out the door---they move quickly and the wait is worth it, especially for the Guido Burger; inspired by Guy Fieri, it's topped with pastrami, onions, pickles, and Swiss cheese. Wash it down with one of their own microbrews including a hazy IPA and a Mexican lager. A miniburger is a less-filling option, and there are veggie and chicken patty options for the red-meat averse. Newer outposts—as family-friendly as the original '60s joint—are Downtown and at Petco Park.

    5010 Newport Ave., San Diego, California, 92107, USA
    619-224–4623

    Known For

    • Legendary bacon cheeseburgers and thick-cut onion rings
    • Surf-shack vibe
    • A little sass with your burger
  • 13. Liberty Public Market

    $ | Liberty Station

    The city's former Naval Training Center is home to more than 30 vendors so even the pickiest of diners will be pleased. Options include tacos and quesadillas at Cecilia's Taqueria; fried rice, pad Thai, and curries at Mama Made Thai; lavender lattes from Westbean Coffee Roasters; fried chicken and fries from Fluster Cluck; sweet and savory crepes from Olala; more than a dozen Argentinean empanadas at Paraná; and croissants, éclairs, and macarons at Le Parfait Paris. There are a few communal tables indoors, but the best seating is the kid- and dog-friendly outdoor patio, outfitted with Adirondack chairs and market lights.  Not all vendors are open for breakfast.

    2820 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
    619-487–9346

    Known For

    • Cuisines from around the world
    • Lively kid- and dog-friendly patio
    • The best regional foods under one roof
  • 14. Liberty Public Market

    $ | Point Loma | Eclectic

    This bustling market and food hall is just one of the latest additions to an ever-expanding Liberty Station, the historic mixed-use redevelopment of San Diego's former Naval Training Center. Vendors offer everything from lobster rolls to empanadas, gumbo, or tostadas, making it an excellent place to pop in for a quick but high-quality meal.

    2820 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
    619-487–9346

    Known For

    • Popular food stalls
    • Fast, good food
  • 15. Little Lion Cafe

    $$ | Ocean Beach

    Amid surf shacks and hippie beach bars, this restaurant perched on stunning Sunset Cliffs feels like a hidden European bistro. The sisters who run the show come from a long line of successful local restaurateurs and have brought their passed-down expertise to the thoughtful service and simple, healthy menu that features entrées like plant-based tacos, quinoa bowls, and the Bistro Burger with Hatch Chile cheddar on a brioche bun. The morning menu features chia seed puddings and baked eggs, which are a welcome contrast to the typical indulgent brunch fare.

    1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, California, 92107, USA
    619-756–6921

    Known For

    • Eggs Benedict
    • Cozy bistro setting
    • Chocolate hazelnut scone

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner
  • 16. Michele Coulon Dessertier

    $ | La Jolla

    The desserts are magnificent at this small, charming shop in operation for nearly 50 years, where dessertier Michele Coulon confects wonders, using organic produce and imported chocolate. Snack on cookies, cupcakes, brownies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and mini-desserts. But this is not just a place for dessert: lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday (the store is open 9 am to 3 pm), and the simple menu includes quiche and salads. Other irresistible treats found here are a chocolate-lovers’ Torte Lion Belge, pear-frangipane tart, and Marjolaine Torte with layers of meringue, chocolate ganache, and buttercream.

    7556 Fay Ave., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
    858-456–5098

    Known For

    • Instagram-worthy presentation
    • The buttercream- and berry-filled Gateau Aileen
    • Gluten-free items usually are available

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner, Reservations not accepted
  • 17. Moe's

    $$$$ | Mission Beach

    An unexpected oasis of elegance among an often too casual Mission Beach, Moe's delivers an unpretentious but classic steak-house experience. Splurge-worthy treats such as Japanese A5 Wagyu or the Bone-In Ribeye are tempered by lighter and more wallet-friendly dishes marked as "Entree Alternatives." Classic cocktail fans will appreciate the extensive martini menu and other tried and true favorites. The impressive bar with its rich wood details and high-backed leather seating is an experience in itself. Be sure to save room for the decadent desserts.

    3768 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
    858-488--7311

    Known For

    • Classic steak-house atmosphere
    • Generous hand-cut steak selections
    • Elegant bar and cocktail service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 18. Morning Glory

    $ | Coffee

    Among the plentiful and popular brunch options in Little Italy, Morning Glory stands out for not just elevating its breakfast options but making breakfast and brunch its only concern. The dazzling, pink-hue brunch palace is a luxurious sight to behold, with plush seating, a vending machine full of champagne, and a giant metal flower-shape lamp at the center of its outdoor dining area. Yet the menu is where visitors will find its most appealing delights, from its many variations on hot cocoa, to its internationally inspired egg dishes and extra indulgent flapjacks, French toast, and soufflé pancakes. Make sure to show up early—the restaurant doesn't take reservations and the waitlist fills up fast.

    550 W. Date St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-629–0302

    Known For

    • Fluffy and light soufflé pancakes
    • Fried chicken and waffle
    • Hot chocolate flights

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch or dinner, Restaurant doesn\'t take reservations
  • 19. Nomad Donuts

    $ | North Park | Coffee

    The doughnuts at Nomad are big, fluffy, colorful, and would make Homer Simpson drool. Its rotating menu of internationally inspired doughnut flavors is made with natural ingredients, like real fruit, and almost all of them have a vegan counterpart as well. Just make sure to show up early—doughnuts this good don't stick around for long.

    3102 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
    619-431--5000

    Known For

    • Cinnamon-sugar cruller
    • Pomegranate with Meyer lemon drizzle doughnut
    • Panther milk breve, iced with sweetened condensed milk
  • 20. Prep Kitchen Little Italy

    $$ | Little Italy | Modern American

    Urbanites craving a hip casual setting and gourmet menu pack architectural salvage–styled Prep Kitchen Little Italy, tucked upstairs above a busy corner in this thriving neighborhood. With first-date cocktails, after-work brews, or birthday champagne, diners relish familiar choices like meatball sandwiches, chops, and pork belly with kimchi Brussels. Generously sized dishes like spicy Carlsbad mussels or fusilli Bolognese could serve as dinner for two. Farmers’ market flatbreads, changed daily, are made for sharing, too, while the hefty WNL Burger topped with bacon and egg is a staple lunch, brunch, and dinner. There are also locations in Del Mar and La Jolla.

    1660 India St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-398–8383

    Known For

    • Weekend brunch featuring popular chilaquiles dish
    • Bacon-wrapped dates
    • $6 tapas during the daily happy hour

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch weekends

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