San Diego Restaurants
We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Diego - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.
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160 Recommendations
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1. Blind Lady Ale House
$$ | Normal Heights | PizzaThere's almost no combination on earth as satisfying as pizza and beer—which just happen to be Blind Lady's specialties. The old-world-style...
There's almost no combination on earth as satisfying as pizza and beer—which just happen to be Blind Lady's specialties. The old-world-style pizzas are topped with organic ingredients, like house-made chorizo and avocado, which offer an excellent complement to their extensive beer selection, which is updated on their chalkboard daily. Just be patient waiting for a seat at the popular neighborhood spot, which is decorated with upcycled materials such as reclaimed wood floors and glass cases of vintage beer cans.
3416 Adams Ave., San Diego, California, 92116, USA619-255–2491Known For
- Spicy chorizo pizza with avocado
- Crispy Belgian frites
- House-brewed craft beer
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2. Born and Raised
$$$$ | Little Italy | SteakhouseThe name is cheeky if a little morbid; the title refers to the restaurant's speciality—steak. It's a twist on a classic steak house, with a...
The name is cheeky if a little morbid; the title refers to the restaurant's speciality—steak. It's a twist on a classic steak house, with a menu full of aged, prime cuts of beef served with a number of sauces, or perhaps try the table-side-prepared steak Diane with flambéed jus. With its large gold doors, intimate booths, and stiff Manhattans, everything about the restaurant feels like old luxury, until you notice the portraits of famous rappers on the walls.
1909 India St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA619-202–4577Known For
- Table-side Caesar salad
- Aged New York steak
- Cheeky, glamorous decor
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3. Buona Forchetta
$ | South Park | ItalianA golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio...
A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio tables at this dog- and kid-friendly Italian restaurant in South Park. Slices of classic margherita or truffle-flavored mozzarella and mushroom pizzas make a meal or can be shared, but don’t miss the equally delicious appetizers like the tender calamari or succulent artichokes, heaping salads, or fresh pastas, including a hearty lasagna, delicate ravioli, or gnocchi with pesto. Enjoy house sangrias and wines by the carafe, a craft beer, or a glass of reasonably priced Italian wine. Save room for dolci, too—cannoli, gelato, tiramisu, and other Italian desserts.
3001 Beech St., San Diego, California, 92102, USA619-381–4844Known For
- House red wine
- Bubbly Neapolitan-style pizzas
- Bustling patio
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Mon. and Tues. -
4. Cesarina
$$ | Point Loma | ItalianA wall of mason jars with pickled vegetables and brined olives transports you to an Italian market in Rome where the owner’s mother perfected...
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 homemade Italian staples including pasta, gnocchi, meatballs, sausage, bread, and decadent desserts. Portions are generous and flavors are as authentic as they get. 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, bite into the chocolate cannoli and then be sure to check yourself in the mirror as the homemade cannoli shells are flaky.
4161 Voltaire St., San Diego, California, 92107, USA619-226–6222Known For
- Nearly everything made from scratch
- Authentic Italian cuisine
- Excellent vegan options
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5. Eclipse Chocolate Bar & Bistro
$ | South Park | AmericanThis local bistro and chocolatier sells flavored bars, truffles, cupcakes, and many other confections, as well as breakfast favorites (buttermilk...
This local bistro and chocolatier sells flavored bars, truffles, cupcakes, and many other confections, as well as breakfast favorites (buttermilk pancakes or avocado Benedict) and mains that are good at any point in the day—pulled pork and grits or mascarpone-stuffed meatballs—plus beer and wine . The owner of this popular brunch spot won a special chocolate episode of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games in 2017.
2145 Fern St., San Diego, California, 92104, USA619-578–2984Known For
- Build-your-own chocolate bar nights
- There's a little bit of vanilla, caramel, or cacao worked into every dish
- Add a chocolate pairing to your glass of wine for $1
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
$$$ | Embarcadero | SeafoodDon'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...
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, USA619-615-0281Known For
- Wallet-friendly happy hour deals
- Indulgent truffled mac and cheese
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
7. Extraordinary Desserts
$ | Hillcrest | CaféThis 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...
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, USA619-294–2132Known For
- Rotating cheese selections
- Flower-topped made-in-house chocolate cakes
- Vegan and gluten-free cookies
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8. Extraordinary Desserts
$ | Little Italy | CaféFor Paris-perfect cakes and tarts embellished California-style with fresh flowers, head to this sleek, serene branch of Karen Krasne’s pastry...
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 2929 5th Avenue, serves only desserts, coffees, and teas.
1430 Union St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA619-294–7001Known For
- Blueberry coffee cake for breakfast
- Chocolate dulce de leche cake
- Housemade dips including onion dip and Parmesan pesto
- House-made dips including onion dip and Parmesan pesto
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9. Herb & Wood
$$ | Little Italy | AmericanDesign lovers will fall for celebrity chef Brian Malarkey's sprawling restaurant, a former art store that has been refashioned into four luxe...
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. Stop by the adjacent Herb & Eatery for coffee, pastries, prepared foods, and gift items.
2210 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA619-955–8495Known For
- Roasted baby carrots with cashew sesame dukkah
- Soft-as-pillow oxtail gnocchi
- The secret menu Parker House rolls topped with Maldon sea salt
- Pillow-soft oxtail gnocchi
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch -
10. Hodad's
$ | Ocean Beach | BurgerSurfers with big appetites, and fans of Food Network's Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, chow down on huge, messy burgers, fries, onion rings,...
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 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 now that they have their own microbrewery with six draft beers 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, USA619-224–4623Known For
- Legendary bacon-cheeseburgers and thick-cut onion rings
- Surf-shack vibe
- A little sass with your burger
- Legendary bacon cheeseburgers and thick-cut onion rings
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11. Liberty Public Market
$ | Liberty Station | InternationalThe 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...
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 Ooh La La; 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, USA619-487–9346Known For
- Colossal burgers with creative fillings at Stuffed!
- Lively kid- and dog-friendly patio
- Cuisines from around the world
- The best regional foods under one roof
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12. Liberty Public Market
$ | Point Loma | EclecticThis bustling market and food hall is just one of the latest additions to an ever-expanding Liberty Station, the historic mixed-use redevelopment...
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, USA619-487–9346Known For
- Popular food stalls
- Fast, good food
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13. Morning Glory
$ | Little Italy | AmericanAmong the plentiful and popular brunch options in Little Italy, Morning Glory stands out for not just elevating its breakfast options but making...
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 souffle 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, USA619-629–0302Known For
- Fluffy and light soufflé pancakes
- Fried chicken and waffle
- Hot chocolate flights
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch or dinner -
14. Osteria Romantica
$ | | ItalianBetween music by Pavarotti, the checkered tablecloths, and the sight of homemade pasta and free-flowing vino, you’ll swear you’ve died and gone...
Between music by Pavarotti, the checkered tablecloths, and the sight of homemade pasta and free-flowing vino, you’ll swear you’ve died and gone to Italy. At this cozy La Jolla Shores eatery, northern and southwestern Italian flavors have fused into culinary magic—house-made breads, sauces, gnocchi, and pastas like pappardelle with braised lamb, and linguine with mussels—since 2004. The breaded veal and lobster ravioli are both exceptional. Pork osso buco in port wine sauce is a popular main course that can be enjoyed alfresco on warm summer nights on the dog-friendly patio. Despite its size, the tiramisu with espresso-dipped ladyfingers goes down way too easy.
2151 Av. de la Playa, La Jolla, California, 92037, USA858-551–1221Known For
- Tender lamb pappardelle
- Cozy Italian vibe
- Half-price wine with the purchase of an entrée on Tuesday
- Homemade pasta, breads, and sauces
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15. Prep Kitchen Little Italy
$$ | Little Italy | Modern AmericanUrbanites craving a hip casual setting and gourmet menu pack architectural salvage–styled Prep Kitchen Little Italy, tucked upstairs above a...
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, USA619-398–8383Known For
- Weekend brunch featuring popular chilaquiles dish
- Bacon-wrapped dates
- $6 tapas during the daily happy hour
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekends -
16. Puesto
$ | Downtown | MexicanBold graffiti graphics, chandeliers with tangled telephone wires, and beat-heavy music energize this Downtown eatery that celebrates Mexican...
Bold graffiti graphics, chandeliers with tangled telephone wires, and beat-heavy music energize this Downtown eatery that celebrates Mexican street food with a modern twist. Settle into one of the interior rooms or the sunny patio under orange umbrellas to sip margaritas and other specialty cocktails, Baja wines, or fruity Aguas frescas made daily. Guacamole, ceviche, seafood toastadas, and a festive stack of chili-and-salt-spiced mango whet appetites for tasty street tacos—nine varieties including lobster, mushroom, and striped bass that can be mixed and matched for plates of three. Deep-fried carnitas with a cactus leaf salad, grilled filet mignon, and octopus tacos round out the menu. The original (and smaller) Puesto is in downtown La Jolla.
789 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, 92101, USA619-233–8880Known For
- Taco trio plates
- Unique Parmesan guacamole
- Fruit-infused margaritas made in-house
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17. Raglan Public House
$ | Ocean Beach | BurgerInspired by the grass-fed burgers they sampled in New Zealand, the founders of this convivial eatery set out to replicate those same high-quality...
Inspired by the grass-fed burgers they sampled in New Zealand, the founders of this convivial eatery set out to replicate those same high-quality flavors in their Ocean Beach spot. The interior nods to the outdoor-oriented Kiwi country, with surfboards turned into light fixtures, rugby photos, and bodyboards as wall art. An outdoor "parklet" wrapping the corner lot draws a crowd, clinging to the laid-back atmosphere and chill staff that will know you by name before the meal is over. Food focuses on burgers with organic, grass-fed beef, as well as chicken, lamb, and seafood options dressed in garlic aioli and tomato chutney, along with huge portions of onions rings and fries. The meat pies have a croissant-like crust, and there are also salads for those seeking greens. The weekend brunch menu delivers chicken and waffles, chilaquiles, steak and tamale Benedict, and cheesy grits. With 24 beers on tap, this OB mainstay was one of the first local businesses to pioneer the craft beer movement.
1851 Bacon St., San Diego, California, 92107, USA619-794–2304Known For
- Grass-fed beef burgers
- Convivial outdoor patio
- Exceptional handmade cocktails and great daily specials
- Great local craft beer
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18. Sushi Ota
$$ | Pacific Beach | JapaneseOne fan called it “a notch above amazing”—an accolade not expected for a Japanese eatery wedged in a strip mall in Pacific Beach. But it’s a...
One fan called it “a notch above amazing”—an accolade not expected for a Japanese eatery wedged in a strip mall in Pacific Beach. But it’s a destination for lovers of high-quality, superfresh raw fish from around San Diego and abroad; reservations strongly encouraged. The front parking lot is very small, but there's additional parking behind the mall.
4529 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, California, 92109, USA858-270–5670Known For
- Velvety hamachi belly
- Sea urchin specials
- Chef's omakase tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch Sat.–Mon. -
19. The Cottage
$ | | AmericanA cozy beach cottage sets the stage for American comfort food with a California twist at this La Jolla staple. The restaurant serves lunch and...
A cozy beach cottage sets the stage for American comfort food with a California twist at this La Jolla staple. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, but it’s the well-loved daily breakfast that has locals and visitors happily queuing—sometimes up to two hours on weekends. Egg dishes have unique fillings like soy chorizo and pork belly braised beef, and the sizable, shareable stuffed French toast is a can’t-miss. Post-surf or hike, keep it healthy with the avocado smash and smoked salmon on rosemary bread. Lunch spans tuna melts and fish tacos, while dinner offers veggie fettuccine, peach BBQ-glazed ribs, and Vietnamese shrimp bowls. The drink menu, with Bloody Marys and hard kombucha, will have you justifying, "it's five o'clock somewhere." It’s worth waiting for a patio seat that overlooks a charming stretch of downtown La Jolla. There’s usually free coffee cake and coffee for those in line, or you can reserve a table with the "Yelp Waitlist" app.
7702 Fay Ave., La Jolla, California, 92037, USA858-454–8409Known For
- Daily breakfast that people line up for
- Treats for those waiting in line
- Great patio seating
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. and Mon. -
20. The Crack Shack
$ | Little Italy | AmericanNext to his successful fine-dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, celebrity chef Richard Blais has opened this more casual eatery complete with...
Next to his successful fine-dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, celebrity chef Richard Blais has opened this more casual eatery complete with a walk-up counter, picnic-style tables, a boccie court, and a giant rooster—a nod to the egg- and chicken-theme menu. Ingredients are sourced from high-quality vendors and used for sandwiches, of which the fried chicken varieties shine, as well as salads and sides like fluffy minibiscuits with a miso-maple butter and a Mexican spin on poutine. The all-outdoor space feels like a cool playground for foodies, and there's even a slick bar that doles out craft cocktails.
2266 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA619-795–3299Known For
- Señor Croque fried chicken sandwich with smoked pork belly
- Biscuits with miso-maple butter
- All-outdoor seating with bocce ball court
- All-outdoor seating with boccie court
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