13 Best Restaurants in Old Town and Uptown, San Diego

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 homemade 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.

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 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.

Sister company to next door neighbor Pop Pie, Stella Jeans scoops seasonal and signature flavors inspired by flavors from around the world, like mango sticky rice, ube and pandesal toffee, and Madagascar vanilla. It's a little pricier than the average ice cream shop, but even "standard" flavors like double chocolate and brown butter pecan are made with premium ingredients for exceptional flavor.

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.

Blame a television segment by Guy Fieri on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” for the long lines of fans from around the globe. But it’s the fresh seafood cooked to order that keeps them coming back to this no-frills fish market and restaurant.

Chef and owner Accursio Lota showcases his Sicilian heritage with freshly prepared pastas made in-house daily with plenty of wine, conversation, and community to go along with the meal. Gluten-free pastas are also available, and save room for a slice of tiramisu alla nocciola (if you can).  Use the free parking lot behind the restaurant.

This North Park spot is an authentic and eclectic stop for Texas-style barbecue with patio dining to preserve the feeling of a backyard fete, even if someone else is cooking. Meat is served by the pound (or half- or quarter-pound—there's no minimum order when you're selecting between brisket, hot links, smoked turkey or ribs) or available as a sandwich, for those who prefer some carbs with their protein.  Every Sunday is Asado Domingo, with popular Argentine barbecue specials like morcilla with chimichurri and polenta.

With world-class brewmaster Skip Virgilio behind the award-winning beers and an equally impressive food menu, this sprawling 9,000-square-foot brewpub achieves quality in every detail. Choose from hearty fare like the Gravity Burger and wood-fired pizzas, lighter options like salads and spring rolls, or come to enjoy brunch favorites like the Hawaiian pancake, brisket hash, or their can't-resist cinnamon roll. Mimosas are a great accompaniment for weekend merriment, but you can't go wrong with the craft beer tap list, either. 

Too early to grab a pint of Harland beer? Just head to their café counter that's open daily from 7 am to 3 pm for a fresh pastry and espresso instead. The pet- and kid-friendly patio is a great place to sit with a laptop or with friends, and if you stick around, it'll be beer-o'clock in no time.

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.

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.

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 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. Choose from the signature 13-inch Neo-Neoplitan style, thick Grandma style, or a whopping 28-inch floppy New York-style pie. Sides and other plates round out the menu, from the strange addition of (amazing) Szechuan spicy noodles to wood-fired focaccia bread with a variety of spreads.