This blog post is part of our Organic, Local, Neighborhood series. Check back each week as we explore exciting drive markets and cities across America.
San Diego is one of America’s favorite travel destinations. People from across the country come here to escape the winter blues, enjoy spring break, and spend summer laying out at the beach.
It’s also a highly drivable location, accessible from other parts of California, Arizona, and Nevada. You could even take a relaxing train ride here. It’s also on the map for places farther away, like Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado.
No matter where you come from, it’s guaranteed you’ll want to experience the best food America’s Finest City has to offer. Now, any Joe Schmoe or Jane Schmane can find an Applebee’s, Chili’s, or Red Lobster to take the kids to. Hell, they might even get lucky and uncover a decent local restaurant. But if you come unprepared, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
There’s so much to offer food-lovers who journey to San Diego: it’s the key that unlocks the true cultural experience of the city. So, we’re not going to dish up places you’ll run into families on vacation. We won’t even send you to the most popular places, because that doesn’t guarantee they’re any good.
Below, you’ll get 35 different restaurants sourced from local luxury content creators embedded in the food scene in San Diego.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is famous for being one of the most fiercely local neighborhoods in town. It’s situated on a peninsula which makes it somewhat closed off from chain restaurants opening shop. You’ll find creative eateries, off-the-wall options, and a beach culture that pervades every nook and cranny of the various restaurants. Kick back, enjoy a good meal, and watch the sun set out over the Pacific with your best mates.
1. The Joint
With one of the most creative menus around, The Joint serves up insanely delicious sushi and tapas to their guests for lunch and dinner. Grab some spicy edamame and some speciality sushi rolls, but make sure you order a side of the wasabi relish to top (it’s crazy crunch and spicy). If it’s the weekend brunch menu, get the steak-frites and a cold beer. The only trouble you’re going to have is deciding what to order—it’s not always easy, but it’s always good.
2. Raglan
Raglan Public House is what you get when you mix New Zealand inspiration with OB surf culture. Their bread and butter are big burgers cooked to your liking with a wide variety of options to keep it exciting visit after visit. Explore the rest of the menu though, and you’ll realize that the turkey chili, steak and caesar, and soft pretzel (or any of the appetizers for that matter) are beyond amazing. The beer list is always changing and exciting, and they make one of the best Bloody Marys around.
3. Blue Water Seafood
San Diego is home to some of the best seafood in America, and Blue Water Seafood is the place to get it. From fresh fish tacos to killer sashimi and fully grilled fish dinners, you’ll do a double take to make sure you’re not actually out on a boat eating a fresh catch out of the Pacific. It’s also a fish market, so be sure to stock up while you’re there.
4. Mike’s Taco Club
Walk right out of the ocean and right up to the window to order. Mike’s Taco Club doesn’t even care if you’re not wearing shoes or a shirt—they just want to serve you some of the best Mexican food in OB like the Fisherman’s Torta and California Burrito. They’ll also spike any drink with booze if you want, even the milkshakes.
5. Hodad’s
Hodad’s has been on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives before, and for some that might disqualify it from our list here. But I have to include it because it’s an OB institution and the burgers are damn good. Avoid the long line of tourist diners by order take out, heading down to the end of the block, and eating on the sea wall overlooking the ocean and pier.
6. Devine Pastabilities
There’s nothing super fancy about Devine Pastabilities, but the food is something out of your dreams. The crew takes expertly prepared pasta dishes, and fills hollowed out loaves of bread with them. It’s a carb overload, and it’s worth every bite.
Chula Vista
East of Downtown San Diego is Chula Vista, which is a slightly more residential part of the city. Don’t let that discourage you from driving through for some great food.
7. Tacos El Gordo
If you don’t want to go to Tijuana for tacos, Tacos El Gordo is maybe your best bet in San Diego to get the same experience. Everything is made from scratch daily, and while the menu is simple it’s packed with flavor. We highly recommend the lengua or buche tacos for adventurous eaters, and adobada for everyone else.
8. TJ Oyster Bar
TJ Oyster Bar will transport you to Baja with its rustic interior design and fresh seafood flavors that make you think of the ocean. Obviously you’ll want to try the oysters, but we also recommend the aguachile and cold ceviche tostadas. The service is always casual, fun, and will make you feel like you’re eating beachside.
9. Pozoleria Dona Maria
You can find Pozoleria Dona Maria in two places on Earth: one is in Tijuana, and the other is in Chula Vista. I recommend you get your fill of traditional pozole, a Mexican stew made with hominy and meat, because there are few other places North of the border that make it this good.
Pacific Beach
PB has a local reputation for being party central for college students. I won’t dispute that, it’s an amazing time if you’re looking for Grade-A nightlife. But it’s also got restaurants that will knock your socks off. Dining close to the boardwalk increases your risk of sitting next to families on vacation, so head in a few blocks for a considerably better experience.
10. Enoteca Adriano
Enoteca Adriano might be the best Italian restaurant in San Diego. It’s a highly intimate location that’s sure to delight from the complimentary cheese-bread panini to the famous Pope’s Pillow desert. They also run decadent weekly specials, like the squid ink linguine with spicy lobster sauce.
11. Isabel’s Cantina
For the brunch crew, Isabel’s Cantina is where you need to go. It’s a bit tucked away, but that’s OK because it keeps the crowds at bay. When they put a stack of pancakes down in front of you, with an artistically decorated plate, you’ll know you made the right call.
12. Rocky’s Crown Pub
Rocky’s has a great dive bar ambiance, and you’ll likely have to stand up while eating your burger and downing a cold one. You won’t be disappointed though, because it’s absolutely one of the best burgers in town. Although, there’s a fierce debate around if Hodad’s or Rocky’s is better—you’ll have to choose when you’re here.
Little Italy
Don’t assume Little Italy is only filled with Italian food. There’s plenty to go around, but there are plenty of other dining options to satisfy a wide breadth of tastes.
13. Cucina Urbana
One of the most notable features of Cucina Urbana, aside from their interior design aesthetic, is the quality of service you’ll get. From the minute you enter until you leave, you’ll get a red carpet treatment. From the menu, try the ribeye carpaccio and fried squash blossoms before getting a family-style pasta dish for the table.
14. Crack Shack
Get your fried chicken fix in the most epic of ways with Crack Shack. After you order, sit down in their outdoor patio dining area to enjoy a few pieces of chicken, or an entire bucket, with a nice side order of biscuits.
15. Starlite
Tucked away near the 5 highway, Starlite is a relatively unassuming restaurant at first glance. Once you head inside, you’ll be taken with the sharp decor and the unabashed flavors of their menu. Also, they stay cooking until midnight most nights.
Central San Diego
There are so many neighborhoods in the central area of San Diego, just North of Downtown and East of the beaches. We’re about North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, and Mission Hills. The culinary adventures abound throughout these locations.
16. Turf Supper Club
It’s always fun to go to a steakhouse. It’s more fun to go to Turf Supper Club because you get to cook your own steak over an open grill just to your liking. Choose your raw cut, and then show off to the whole joint how amazing you are at grilling.
17. Mariscos Nine Seas Seafood (Food Truck)
Most people in San Diego might be unaware that this food truck exists. Located in South Park, Mariscos Nine Seas Seafood will get you the Mexican street food you crave with seafood right from the Ocean. No joke, you can get top tier oysters on the half shell from a food truck. What a time to be alive.
18. Cantina Mayahuel
Cantina Mayahuel is founded on their passion for spirits made from agave, and they have one of the most impressive selections in town. But my favorite part is the massive grill right in the middle of the bar whipping up tacos, tortas, and mole every Tuesday and Friday.
19. Counterpoint
“Normal things done extraordinarily well.” That’s the driving ethos Counterpoint keeps top-of-mind as they serve their neighborhood. From hot wings to charcuterie boards, fresh salads to the classic grilled cheese, you’re going to enjoy the simplicity and purity of what they offer. =
20. Buona Forchetta
There are Buona Forchetta locations in a few different neighborhoods in San Diego, which speaks to their meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years. The South Park location might be one of the most picturesque. Swing through for some creative pizza dishes, like classic wood-fired pizzas, pizza in-a-jar, or deep fried pizza.
Convoy Area
If you’re looking for the best Asian cuisine in town, you’ve got to hit up the Convoy area. You can get Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, and so much more across tiny strip malls bustling with energy and people. Plus, when you’re done, you can go to karaoke at some of the best places in town.
21. Dae Jang Keum Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is commonplace on Convoy. What isn’t as common is a KBBQ joint with an actual charcoal grill you cook your meat on. There’s no all-you-can-eat special at Dae Jang Keum, but you can order a meal for the table that’s more than enough, paired with a bottle of Soju and some of the most authentic Korean sides around.
22. Jeong Won BBQ Buffet
Unlike Dae Jang Keum, Jeong Won is an all-you-can eat buffet. However, it flips the model on its head. Typically, you order the meat by the dish which is brought out. Here, you go to a buffet of all types of raw meat, choose as much as you’d like, then take it back to your table to grill it up.
23. Sizzling Pot King
Sizzling Pot King is a true hidden gem, and it’s so much fun. When you order, you can choose from different flavor profiles like simple garlic to more adventurous numbing peppercorn. From there, you add in as many veggies, meats, or seafoods to get tossed in a giant pot. It’s served up to your table over a can of sterno which makes the food literally sizzle.
24. Crab Hut
Who doesn’t want crab legs, sweet corn, andouille sausage, and giant shrimp boiled in cajun spices, with a twist of Asian flavor, served in a steam bag? You don’t need silverware or plates at Crab Hut, because you eat it directly off the table. Dig in, go crazy, and wear clothes you don’t care about getting dirty.
25. Yakyudori
There’s a lot of ramen in San Diego, but Yakyudori is one of the best around. Go for the spicy shoyu ramen, get a boatload of chicken katsu on the side, and cap your order off with a frozen foam Kirin beer. At night it turns into a yakitori grill, so you’re essentially getting two restaurants in one: what a deal.
Barrio Logan
Located South of Downtown, Barrio Logan is rich with Chicano culture, and the food doesn’t disappoint. In fact, it might have some of the most creative food options in all of San Diego. Aside from the food, make it a priority to learn more about the Chicano heritage by taking a walking tour of the neighborhood, which should start at the gorgeous and inspiring Chicano Park.
26. Cuatro Milpas
Cuatro Milpas is one of the most lauded restaurants in town for their authenticity. They’ve been around for decades, there’s always a line (which is a good sign), and they have the best chicharrones in town.
27. Barrio Dogg
Barrio Dogg takes your boring old hot dog to an entirely new level with their gourmet options. They’ve got German dogs, Chicago dogs, Asian dogs, Texas BBQ dogs, Cuban sandwich dogs, breakfast dogs, and everything in between. Don’t forget to try their Barrio Fries as well which, of course, contain hot dogs.
28. TJ Birrieria
In San Diego, the most unassuming taco shops are usually the best. TJ Birrieria is no exception, and they’ve got the clout to back it up. Their tacos use double tortillas, with a generous amount of cheese melted in between. It’s a traditionally simple menu, but they prove that you don’t need to be overly complex to get a kickass taco.
North County
If you drive on the 5 North of San Diego past La Jolla, you’ll enter North County: Carlsbad, Solana Beach, Encinitas, Oceanside, and Del Mar. Each neighborhood has their own local flair, but they all have amazing food options. It can be fun to take a full day to enjoy the bounty of North County and soak up some sun at the pristine beaches while you do.
29. Goodonya
In Encinitas, Goodonya is pumping out fresh food that’s quintessentially Californian in nature. It’s fully organic and will leave you satiated, but not feeling greasy, when you’re done. Swing by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, happy hour, or whenever the mood strikes. You really can’t go wrong with anything here.
30. Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub
Head to Oceanside for a true dining experience at Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub. To say that the chefs are creative is an understatement: they’re true artists. Whatever is freshest that day off the boat will become your dining experience for the evening. I can’t stress how amazing it is to dine omakase style here—do it.
31. Pizza Port
Pizza Port has multiple locations, but Carlsbad and Solana Beach are two of the most legendary. They’re driven by surf-culture, they have great pizzas, and they make all their own beer in house. It’s more on the family friendly side, but there’s no better option after a day on the beach or a pregame before hitting Belly Up tavern for a show at night.
Downtown
There’s no question that Downtown San Diego is where the tourists go. Everyone wants to see the Gaslamp Quarter, and while it has some awesome food options, its reputation (and price point) can overshadow other hidden gems you should seek out. Walk a few blocks in any direction and you won’t be disappointed.
32. Bean Bar
Bean Bar is the top coffee shop in East Village, hands down. It’s the perfect place to start your morning or fuel your afternoon with a great selection of craft made avocado toasts, pastries from a neighboring bakery (made fresh daily), and expertly sourced tea and coffee. What makes it better than anywhere else, though, are the owners. They treat customers like lifelong friends and genuinely care how you’re doing.
33. Cowboy Star
It’s easy to miss Cowboy Star if you don’t know to look for it. The front of the restaurant blends in seamlessly with the concrete jungle of East Village, but their menu stands apart from the rest. They know steak like nobody’s business, so just forget about the non-steak menu and get the 14 oz Ribeye already. You won’t regret it.
34. The Taco Stand
You’ll notice that The Taco Stand is inspired by the taco stands throughout Tijuana and Baja, which is noticeable right away with their corrugated metal interior design. It really hits home when you bite into the tacos, which are made on the fly and always fresh. I love the Sonora taco the best, but that al pastor really makes it difficult to choose. Usually, I get both.
35. Cafe Istanbul
There’s something energizing about well-done, fresh Middle Eastern food. Cafe Istanbul absolutely nails it, whether you’re brunching on a breakfast platter or enjoying some kofte kabobs. It’s a true adventure of flavor, and the owners make it a priority to ensure you enjoy every bite. =
This list of San Diego restaurants is only the beginning on our in-depth explorations into the city. Come back next week to find out where some of the best San Diego local markets are and why you need to visit them when you’re in the city. And if you’d like to send us recommendations, reach out to us directly on Instagram for your chance to be featured in future blog posts.
All in-line photos sourced from the respective restaurants website or social media accounts.