San Diego
Try San Diego–style surf 'n' turf at this posh seafood joint. Menu items include wok-charred ahi, classic filet mignon, Parmesan-crusted sautéed sand dabs…
Must-see restaurants in San Diego
San Diego
On the site of Del Mar’s first restaurant, this airy, multilevel Nuevo Mexicano spot is both restaurant and bar. Specialties on the forward-thinking menu…
San Diego
This quietly chichi and much-loved local landmark serves a diverse lineup of regional American cuisine: cheese grits to chicken Reubens, sesame salmon on…
San Diego
Zel was a longstanding local merchant, and his grandson continues the family tradition of welcoming locals and visitors, over excellent flatbread pizzas …
San Diego
Head to this beachside classic for ocean views. The atmosphere is chic and the food imaginative, like stone fruit–burrata salad with arugula, whipped…
San Diego
The bay views are stunning from this airy, elegant eatery on Harbor Island, west of downtown; well-prepared seafood dishes include the popular seared…
San Diego
Afghan tapestries and moody photos set the atmosphere in this tall-ceilinged space, with adventuresome Afghan cooking. If you’ve never had it, it’s kind…
San Diego
Local coffee-shop chain, serving organic teas and a small menu with items such as organic French toast, maple syrup and fresh fruit, or poached eggs with…
San Diego
Every night, party people on a budget crowd into raucous Fred’s, especially on bargain ‘Taco-licious Tuesday' (with tacos from $2 4pm–closing). The…
San Diego
Its streetside storefront looks rather plain from the outside, but once inside, this shop – run by three sisters – is awash with warm tones and white…
San Diego
Asian restaurant serving dim sum, popular chow meins, pad Thai and noodle soups. A gluten-free menu includes spicy seafood lemongrass, chow fun, and…
San Diego
Bencotto melds the old with the new of Little Italy – contemporary, angular, multistory, architect-designed, arty and green – and the food is great, too,…
San Diego
This San Diego chain, named after the famous surf break, sells salads, wraps and sandwiches, plus fresh smoothie bowls earlier in the day or fish-based…
San Diego
It’s out of the way and looks like it hasn’t been redecorated since the Carter administration, but local foodies love the namesake chicken pies, with…
San Diego
Classic diner fare in retro surroundings including a counter top, blue booths and wood paneled walls. Dishes include salad, soups, chili, burgers and…
San Diego
A subdued, romantic setting for Italian dining, plus a great wine list, presented by black-tied waiters. It’s known for steaks, seafood dishes like shrimp…
San Diego
Set near the beach, locals love the peel and eat shrimp ($14 for half a pound), the Baja ceviche ($10.50) and steamed mussels and fries ($18). Grilled…
San Diego
For simple dining with beautiful sea views, white tablecloths and a nice patio, find classic Italian grub from homemade thin-crust pizza to pasta (the…
San Diego
A daily market menu (subject to change depending on the catch) of sushi and smoked fish, chowder, and specialties like dungeness crab and chipotle-rubbed…
San Diego
Hillcrest location, a dozen-plus flavors of famously decadent cupcakes (from $4), wi-fi, a full bar and cafe selling wings, salads and mac 'n' cheese…
San Diego
Exotic spices and fragrant cooking make this white-tablecloth Persian–Middle Eastern a favorite for giant kebabs and salads that zing with flavor. Come…
San Diego
Counter-service shop famous since 1940 for its taquitos, mordiditas (tiny taquitos), tamales and excellent breakfast burritos. Eat on plastic plate in a…
San Diego
Enjoy a quick, spicy noodle bowl or a simple cup of green tea at the umbrella-shaded tables beside the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden.
San Diego
In this handsome former bank (c 1913), try mahimahi plates, huevos rancheros or anything with the righteous Mexican rice. A patio bar stays open until…
San Diego
Adjacent to the Belly Up venue, come here for preshow upscale pub fare, like filet mignon sliders and Dijon-herb crusted salmon.
San Diego
For picnics and takeout, stop by this market near the ferry for fantastic, (mostly) healthy sandwiches and an extensive assortment of salads and organic…
San Diego
Fork into famously homemade cinnamon-bread French toast and berry pancakes, or spice it up with eggy Latino dishes like chilaquiles and rancheros verde.
San Diego
For oysters, clams, mussels, seabass, swordfish and other morsels of the sea. Plus try more than 150 vodkas at the bar (though not all at once!).
San Diego
Hand-rolled waffle cones and homemade ice cream, sherbet and fro-yo mixed with fruits, nuts and candy are a cool treat.
San Diego
A classic low-key Mexican joint serving the works: fish tacos, ceviche, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and more.
La Jolla
Burger chain serving cage-free chicken and grass-fed beef, local produce, plus fries and shakes.
