Any good restaurant recommendations in San Diego? I will be staying in the Mission Beach area with a car so location is not a problem. Not looking for high class/expensive places but some nice places that are well talked about. Also, anybody have any information on the Chart House restaurants in the area?

It's been a while, but Su Casa (Mexican)in La Jolla and Bully's (prime rib/steaks)in Bird Rock were both excellent.

Anthony's Grotto (and the upscale Anthony's Star of the Sea Restaurant) along the wharf is excellent for sea food. There are number of good but casual restaurants in downtown Coronado, and in SD's old town there's Casa de Bandini, a very popular spot with good Mexican food. I'll ask a San Diegan friend for more recommendations, as I've forgotten the names.

Two more suggestions: Alfonso's, in La Jolla (excellent Mexican food), and the Prado, in Balboa Park. We've been to both any number of times and found them very nice.

Having lived here for several years, I prefer The Fish Market to Anthony's. Fish Market is just south of Broadway, on Harbor Drive downtown.

For a very casual, local place I love South Beach Bar and Grill. It's a "colorful" bar right on the water in Ocean Beach (not that far from you), at the end of Newport Ave that serves the city's best fish tacos for about 3 bucks a pop. Get the mahi mahi ones (after years of resistance these are the fish tacos that finally won me over). You'll likely be the only tourists there, but it's always jam packed. Not a good place for kids, though.

Another nearby local hangout (again very casual and inexpensive) is Point Loma Seafood, on Harbor Drive, north/west of the airport. Great place for lunch--sit out on the patio and watch the fishing boats come in and out. It was featured on the Food Network (Rachel Ray's $40 a day) last year, so the traffic has picked up since then, but it's still worth it.

I agree about Casa de Bandini in Old Town. Very festive, fun, and be sure to designate a driver because their margaritas will knock you out until next Tuesday.

Most restaurants along Prospect in La Jolla will be a good splurge dinner, with a nice ocean view (our fav is Trattoria Acqua--Mediterranean food in a fabulous setting).

My husband and I ate at a Chart House once, about 2 years ago, and were very disappointed. We like the Fish Market so much better.

There is a local chain called Rubio's that serves excellent "Fresh Mex" fast food. You'll see them on every corner, for good reason.

There is also a slew of authentic taco shops everywhere you turn--try one out.

The Gaslamp district south of downtown is bursting with fun, trendy restaurants.

Hillcrest also has lots of great restaurants. Hillcrest is a very liberal, progressive part of town, just north of downtown. It's fun to walk the streets on a Saturday night and observe the nightlife. You almost can't go wrong in Hillcrest--Thai, French, nouveau, whatever.

There is such a variety of great restaurants here--have fun trying them out!

I would say If you have a family with you, The Chorvette Diner on 6th ave.
If you are a couple, I would say go to seaport village because there are many restaraunts there

If you want a nice steak house, go to Ruth's Chris, But it is expensive

Azul in la jolla has great views...sammy's has great woodfired pizza, pastas and salads- there are several locations---the chart house in cardiff is right on the beach...if you want to drive north

I'm a big fan of the Indigo Grill in Little Italy(near downtown). It was voted the best new restaurant last year. Very unique atmosphere, presentation, and cuisine. The same chef also has another restaurant in Hillcrest called Kemo Sabe (next door to the Corvette Diner that Sam mentioned), which I also love.

Here's a vote for Filippi's in Little Italy, really good Italian, very inexpensive, huge portions.

We also loved Corvette's.

Have fun,
Sandy (in Denton)

The Corvette Diner is great.

Sandi,

Thanks for suggesting Filippi's--we love the place, but I'd misplaced the card with the name.

Filipi's pizza is out of this world!

Don't forget Perry's just outside of Old Town for a super king sized breakfast.

Filippi's Pizza? SD native literally grew up on Filippi's. Without exaggeration, probably didn't have any other pizza til I was 7 or 8.
But in retrospect, I don't think Filippi's is all that hot. I hadn't been there in many years and had a 'Works' pie at the Little Italy then Poway stores and was pretty disappointed. Maybe the recipe changed. Try Mona Lisa a couple blocks down or Bronx Pizza on 3rd and Washington.

We went to Perry's as well. Definitely a good breakfast. There was a bit of a wait, but it was worth it. My husband was so happy to be offered refried beans with his breakfast.

We live right around the corner from the Jamul Filippi's. The pizza there is the best pizza I've had in the US, but the rest of the menu is not worthwhile. I get the impression (from others' reports and some Filippi's employees themselves) that there's not be much consistency amongst the numerous restaurants in the county.

Brocton Villa In La jolla-especially for their french toast. It was recommended to me here & it's terrific & a great view from any table (across from the beach).

Kensington Grill in Kensington is a funky, modern sort of place with very good food. I had excellent paella there.