An Epic List of Must-Visit Restaurants in San Diego, CA
Written by Lindsey Chronert
Summer is here. Events are happening. People are traveling. And they’re ready to live it up. Your college roommate, your extended family— they’re ready to soak in the sunshine, explore the neighborhoods and bask in their mask-less glory. But what to do? Where to go?
We put together a list of restaurants we love: places where we take our extended family and summer holiday-ers. Even as a born + raised San Diegan, there are some gems on this list that I need to try. With or without the tourists.
FOR THE LOCAL CATCH
Fishery (Pacific Beach - $$$) does a wonderful job of showcasing our regional seafood. -Kevin
Ironside for oysters + fresh seafood (get the platter) and take a cruise through Little Italy. -Lindsey
PB Fish Spot (Pacific Beach - $$)- great vibes, great fish, love the clam chowder bread bowl. -Rosemary
Mitch’s Seafood (Point Loma - $) - local fish from local fishermen. Nothing beats a fish taco and a cold beer. -Lindsey
Mabel’s Gone Fishing (North Park - $$) Gin and seafood? Say less. The menu changes daily and highlights San Diego’s freshest ingredients. -Lindsey
PIZZA, SANDOS + BURGERS
Tribute Pizza (North Park - $$) solid- always, killer natural wines, and soft serve- yes please. -Sam
Blind Lady's (Normal Heights - $$) their beer selection is so damn good. And when I can get frites and pizza in the same meal, I am a happy girl. -Sam
You can never go wrong with Mona Lisa’s sub sandwiches to-go! (Little Italy - $) -Amy
Friendly (North Park - $) I could live off that dirty flattop burger. -Rosemary
JAPANESE, THAI, + CHINESE
We have some amazing Japanese food in SD. Soichi (University Heights - $$$) does a great omakase. -Kevin
Green China Grill (Kearny Mesa - $). I love their hand pull noodles. - Gil
Hong Kong BBQ (Mira Mesa - $). My parents, native from Hong Kong, go there every week. Authentic taste. Like lots of Chinese places, they cook dishes for you that are not on the menu, if you know the dish. -Gil
Osaka sushi (Mission Valley - $) will always have special place in my heart! My family has been going there for 20+ years. It never disappoints. -Amy
Bahn Thai (Hillcrest - $) - hands down, the best Thai. -Juan
Shan Xi Magic Kitchen - in the heart of Kearny Mesa with delicious hand pulled noodles. Try the eggplant and green beans! -Lindsey
BRUNCH
Morning Glory (Little Italy - $$$) always gets the 😍! -Sarah
The Waffle Spot in Kings Inn (Mission Valley - $) is a classic diner that isn't super well known. You can sub your toast for mini waffles (drool). -Spencer
FOR THE BOUGIE
New Mediterranean with super fresh ingredients in the heart of downtown San Diego, you should make reservations at Callie weeks in advance! -Lindsey
Nine-Ten in the Grand Colonial (La Jolla - $$$) does one of my favorite tasting menus in San Diego. Make sure to get the wine pairing! -Spencer
Born & Raised (Little Italy - $$$) Took the girls here last month and it was a great time. -Rosemary
The tasting menu at Jeune et Jolie (Carlsbad - $$$) is a whole experience! Take your time + enjoy every single bite. - Lindsey
Paradisaea (Bird Rock - $$$) - New to San Diego, a design-forward space with delicious food and cocktails, plus a walkable neighborhood. Don’t skip the dessert or donuts—they’re divine. -Lindsey
FOR THE VIBES
Love OB Noodle House (Ocean Beach - $$) for the vibes, (BEST) wings and sake! -Sarah
Fort Oak (Mission Hills - $$$) their cocktail bar is a total vibe on a Friday night, so dress to impress. But be sure to sit down and enjoy a meal with friends. Lots of easy-to-share small plates with big flavors. -Lindsey
If it’s a quicker meetup or sticking around downtown my hands-down go to is the Crack Shack (Little Italy - $) for the vibe, price point is solid, and sawces on tap! ... shmaltz fries all day! -Bryan
LOVE Costa Brava (Pacific Beach - $), awesome tapas and I love that its a little hidden. -Sarah
Turf Club! (South Park - $$) There is nothing really quite like grabbing a couple beers (or Boulevardiers) while grilling your own steak to rare perfection, all the while kicking it with friends and/or family and creating some solid memories. -Joshua
CAUSE IT’S GOOOOOD
Trust (North Park - $$)- that ricotta agnolotti with black truffle is chefs freaking kiss -Sam
Anything owned by Consortium Holdings- they’re iconic in their design and restaurant concepts. A good night starts with a mezcal negroni and olives at J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats + Negroni Warehouse (Downtown, $) -Lindsey
Kingfisher (Golden Hill - $$$) a stunning cocktail bar placed right in the center of the room, highlighting an elevated bar program, but the Vietnamese food is fresh and delicious. Try the congee! Cozy booths and seating makes it a great date night spot. -Lindsey
TRY SOMETHING NEW
Awash Ethiopian Market (North Park - $) a tiny restaurant in the back of the convenient store. I've never had better service. They make a dipping sauce at your table with cayenne pepper powder and red wine and it's stupid amazinggggg. -Sarah
Pomegranate Russian Restaurant (University Heights - $$) Such amazing food, drinks and top notch service. With the old school decor and mostly Russian staff it is such a great experience! The Adjaruli Pie, Borscht soup, and vodka flight (off menu) are a must! - Jessica
Kindred. (South Park - $$) Vegan comfort food. Slayer. Cat murals. Epic cocktails. Another iconic spot in San Diego, plus I can walk there with a Fernside slushee. -Lindsey
ITALIAN
Cesarina (Point Loma - $$) is my current fav pasta/Italian place- funghi fusilli ALL DAY! -Sarah
Cori Pastificio Trattoria (North Park - $$) is my go to Italian place at the moment! Must try the Frittelle Cacio E Pepe. -Jessica
Catania (La Jolla - $$$) village for their food and the view overlooking the Pacific, probably the best view while eating wood-fired pizza in the county. Sunsets there with a glass of wine and some tapas, can’t beat it! -Bryan
The Godfather Restaurant (Clairemont - $$) is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego they have many varieties of wine and alcoholic beverages to offer and very good food. Can’t refuse a place like this. Make you want to go back over and over! -Jorge
MEXICAN
TJ's Oyster Bar (Bonita + Chula Vista- $) for fish tacos. Authentic joint that reminds me of the street stalls just south of the border. -Lindsey
Cantina Mayahuel (University Heights - $$) - Carnitas tacos for life, all the guac and salsa and serranos and the BEST margaritas. A great spot to taste tequila. -Sam
Tacos Fito (Tijuana - $) for some tacos de birria and consomé, if you have your passport. -Juan
Tahona (Old Town - $$) - creative Mexican food with a good drink menu. -Kevin
Did we miss an iconic San Diego spot? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay well fed.
