20 Best Restaurants in San Diego

Photo Credit: Chris Brake Photo Video

• 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA
• addisondelmar.com
• $$$$
• Contemporary Californian dishes
• Reservations required

You’ve reached the pinnacle of the San Diego dining scene when you land reservations at Addison, the first Michelin-starred restaurant in San Diego. You’ll spend the evening in this elegant fine dining venue sampling worldly cuisine. Seasonal dishes are inspired by the flavors across the map that influenced California cuisine—Mexican, Japanese, Thai, and more. Pair a curated wine list of California wines for this 10-course culinary ensemble.

2. CUCINA urbana

Photo Credit: John Lee

• 505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA
• urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-urbana-bankers-hill/
• $$$
• Seasonal Italian dishes
• Reservations recommended

Handpicking the right ingredients is part of the secret to CUCINA Urbana’s success. And since they only prepare dishes with ingredients that are in season, there’s an undeniable freshness to all of their Italian dishes.

Many ingredients are sourced locally in SoCal. From the pasta to artisanal bread to charcuterie, everything is made in-house. It’s a from-scratch dining experience that’s worth the wait. Ask for the wine menu to select from a list of more than 200+ options.

3. Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar

Photo Credit: Jack Lee

• 1654 India St, San Diego, CA
• ironsidefishandoyster.com
• $$
• Seafood dishes
• Reservations recommended

Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar creates a unique setting for enjoying some of the best seafood you’ll find in San Diego. The dining room is a renovated warehouse that feels like dining right below the deck of a ship.

Look up to see the giant octopus dangling from the ceiling and the wall of fish head skulls. Make reservations for happy hour to drink specialty cocktails served in ocean-themed glasses and load up on raw oysters. Warm up for your main course with a clam chowder. Then, reel in your hunger with a plate of octopus a la plancha.

4. Juniper & Ivy

Photo Credit: Mo Islam

• 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
• juniperandivy.com
• $$$$
• New American cuisine
• Reservations recommended

More than a decade ago, Juniper and Ivy went from an abandoned warehouse in Little Italy to one of the trendiest contemporary eateries in San Diego’s dining hub. The chef-designed menu reimagines classic American cuisine with local ingredients and creative presentation. Expect to see something new every time you come because the menu changes with the seasons.

5. Born and Raised

Photo Credit: Superb Vacations

• 1909 India St, San Diego, CA
• bornandraisedsteak.com
• $$$$
• High-end steakhouse
• Reservations required

As we (as a society) become more aware of where our food comes from, Born and Raised only selects the best credible meats to serve. Jazz up your dining experience with craft cocktails on the rooftop patio, prepared by white-coat bartenders. Sink your teeth in the best cuts in San Diego. It specializes in steaks of all kinds, including Japanese Wagyu, Steak Tartare, Aged Rib Eyes, Beef Wellington, Steak Diane, and Filet Mignon.

6. Cafe Sevilla

Photo Credit: Julie Fang

• 353 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
• cafesevilla.com
• $$$
• Spanish-style cuisine
• Reservations recommended

The rich flavors of Spain’s Andalusian capital have arrived in Southern California at Cafe Sevilla. It’s an authentically Spanish dining atmosphere in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Share tapas with your table to sample various small bites. Order La Familia Menu for a ‘journey through Spain’ with four—or five-course Spanish dishes. It features live music for Latin vibes, with salsa and rumba every day. You can even stick around after dinner for a headlining dance show exhibiting the art of flamenco.

7. Sushi Ota

Photo Credit: Scott Liptak

• 4529 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA
• sushi-ota.com
• $$$
• Handmade sushi
• Reservations required

Admire centuries-old Japanese culinary traditions at Sushi Ota. It’s a low-key spot in Pacific Beach where you don’t have to feel guilty about stuffing your face with all the sushi your belly can handle. Sit down at the sushi bar and watch chefs prepare signature rolls right in front of you. Order a plate of sushi rolls and fresh sashimi. Impress your table with your chopstick skills!

8. Cafe Coyote

Photo Credit: ifaa amit

• 2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA
• cafecoyoteoldtown.com
• $$
• Authentic Mexican dishes
• Reservations recommended

There’s a lot of competition for Mexican food in San Diego—it’s less than 20 miles from the Mexico border! So, when Cafe Coyote has been named Best Mexican food for more than 20 years, trust that it’s one of the local favorite restaurants that even the locals agree with.

It takes you south of the border with its famous tortilla ladies prepping homemade tortillas and a menu loaded with Mexican specialties: burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and churros. Don’t get too carried away with 100 tequilas available.

Check out our other picks for the best restaurants in San Diego Old Town.

9. Steamy Piggy

Photo Credit: Steven Shi

• 4681 Convoy St # A, San Diego, CA
• steamypiggy.com
• $$
• Chinese fusion cuisine
• Reservations not required

Pig out on dishes blending the best of Asian cuisine. Every dish brings a unique combination of elements to create one-of-a-kind fusion plates. The menu features tastes from China, Japan, and Korea. Traditional recipes were remixed to create contemporary dishes as photogenic as the restaurant.

10. Campfire

Photo Credit: Vivian Anne

• 2725 State St, Carlsbad, CA
• thisiscampfire.com
• $$$
• Camping-inspired dishes
• Reservations recommended

Just because you’re staying in one of our luxury vacation rentals doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of the outdoors. Campfire feels like dining at the campsite, complete with great food, friendly faces, and exciting stories. Peer into the kitchen to see hearty meals cooked over the fire. Your average campsite menu just got a major upgrade with fresh fish, meats, and vegetarian dishes. And you can’t forget the s’mores!

11. URBN North Park

Photo Credit: Miles Guanzon

• 3085 University Ave, San Diego, CA
• urbnnorthpark.com
• $$
• Coal-fired thin-crust pizza
• Reservations not required

You’ve heard of New York style. You’ve tried Chicago’s deep dish. Now, it’s time to get your hands on a New Haven-style pizza. URBN specializes in this thin-crust pizza made unusually large. The award-winning pies are handmade with speciality toppings of your choice before slid into a traditional coal-fired oven. In just a few minutes, you’re served a slice of heaven.

12. Breakfast Republic

Photo Credit: Mario Pezzi

• 707 G St, San Diego, CA
• breakfastrepublic.com
• $$
• Breakfast specialities
• Reservations not required

We don’t mean to egg you on, but Breakfast Republic is one of the best restaurants in San Diego for the most important meal of the day. We like to think the egg came before the chicken because it’s the best ingredient for breakfast. This restaurant has egg-tastic recipes for omelets, Benedicts, and scrambles. Other diners flock to classic American breakfast specialties like pancakes, French toast, and avocado toast. Stop in for brunch to enjoy bottomless mimosas.

13. Callie

Photo Credit: Samer Khouli

• 1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA
• calliesd.com
• $$$
• Mediterranean plates
• Reservations Required

Chef Travis Swikard has finally returned home after a professional run in New York. He’s bringing culinary skills learned under top-rated chefs to his newest creation in San Diego: Callie. Swikard spices up the East Village with his menu packed with Mediterranean delights. The Mediterranean Feast is a real treat for a curated multi-course meal designed by the chef himself.

14. Jake’s Del Mar

Photo Credit: Chen Dow

• 1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA
• jakesdelmar.com
• $$
• Oceanfront dining
• Reservations recommended

Snag a window seat at Jake’s Del Mar and sit back and enjoy ocean views overlooking one of the best beaches in San Diego. This oceanside restaurant sits right on the Del Mar coastline, where you can hear and taste the ocean. It prepares seafood dishes for sophisticated palates to truly appreciate the fresh tastes.

15. Herb & Wood

Photo Credit: Patrick

• 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA
• herbandwood.com
• $$$
• Sustainable and seasonal Mediterranean dishes
• Reservations recommended

Herb & Wood isn’t just a name. It foreshadows what sets it apart from the rest. Chef Brian Malarkey recreates traditional Mediterranean recipes using Californian ingredients. Thank the wood-fired grill for the rich flavor and locally sourced herbs, which ensure you get the proper taste of freshness in every dish.

See these culinary works in action with popular dishes like oxtail gnocchi, grilled king trumpets, and roasted branzino. It brings a contemporary ambiance to the rustic dining setting.

16. Duke’s La Jolla

Photo Credit: goim kim

• 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA
• dukeslajolla.com
• $$
• Hawaiian-inspired menu
• Reservations recommended

Take part in ‘Island Nights’ at Duke’s La Jolla. It’s the best time of the week to dine at one of the best restaurants in San Diego. It immerses you in the aloha spirit with island-inspired eats and Hawaiian decor.

Order fish tacos on Taco Tuesday at the Barefoot Bar. Hang ten with Surf & Turf Thursday with dinner specials all night. Accompany your meal with live music during Aloha Friday. Wake up for an island weekend brunch.

17. Buona Forchetta

Photo Credit: Lauryn T

• 3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA
• buonaforchettasd.com
• $$
• Award-winning Italian food
• Reservations available

The breeze always feels refreshing when dining on the open-air patio at Buona Forchetta. San Diego Magazine voted it the best restaurant for its award-winning Italian food. Buona Forchetta cuts no corners when preparing dishes authentically. For example, the pizzas are wood-fired, and the pasta is housemade. Try Italian wine or spirits from other parts of the world featured on the wine list.

18. Tartine

Photo Credit: cristian gonzales

• 106 1st St, Coronado, CA
• tartinecoronado.com
• $$
• European cafe-inspired dishes
• Reservations recommended

Europe’s captivating culinary scene can be experienced right on Coronado Island. Tartine draws inspiration from European-style cafes to recreate their charm. Sit on the outdoor patio or indoors to bask in the scents of freshly baked pastries. The nightly bistro kicks off at 4 p.m. with seafood or chicken of the day, bistro salad, steak, and more.

19. The Taco Stand

Photo Credit: Ian Dees

• 645 B St, San Diego, CA
• letstaco.com
• $
• Best taco spot
• Reservations not required

San Diego is famous for tacos. So, let’s ‘taco’ about why The Taco Stand is a go-to spot for anyone visiting San Diego. Taco Tuesday is every day, and this casual taqueria has flavors that fit all moods. Choose your favorite: carne asada, al pastor, pollo aside, Camarones, Baja, mushroom, and more. All tacos are handmade.

If you’re exploring San Diego, you can visit the chain’s other stores in downtown, North Park, and Encinitas.

20. Hodad’s Ocean Beach

Photo Credit: Hodad's Ocean Beach

• 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA
• hodadies.com
• $$
• Best burgers in SD
• Reservations not available

Hodad’s was a local favorite burger shack in Ocean Beach until The Food Network launched it into foodie stardom. Now, it’s a popular stop for visitors taking burger tours around town or hungry patrons curious if it really is the world’s greatest burger. Judge for yourself with the signature Blue Jay Burger and a stack of onion rings. No order is complete without a giant milkshake.

Delicious Stays in San Diego

Get a taste of the best of San Diego in our popular vacation rentals. We have rentals available in many of the top areas in San Diego, so you can explore top local restaurants near you during your stay.