What Are the Must-Visit Restaurants in San Diego?
San Diego is a food lover’s paradise, with a wide range of restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, Mexican cuisine, or something more exotic, San Diego has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Here, we will discuss some of the must-visit restaurants in San Diego.
Hodad’s: Hodad’s is a classic burger joint that has been serving up delicious burgers and fries since 1969. The restaurant has two locations in San Diego, one in Ocean Beach and another in downtown San Diego. The burgers at Hodad’s are made with high-quality ingredients, and the portions are generous. The restaurant also offers a variety of toppings and sauces, including bacon, avocado, and their signature “secret sauce.”
The Fish Market: The Fish Market is a seafood restaurant located in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, shrimp, and crab, as well as grilled fish and sushi. The restaurant also has a market where visitors can purchase fresh seafood to take home.
Phil’s BBQ: Phil’s BBQ is a San Diego institution that has been serving up delicious BBQ ribs, chicken, and beef since 1998. The restaurant has several locations throughout San Diego, including one in the historic town of Santee. The ribs at Phil’s BBQ are cooked low and slow over hickory wood, resulting in a smoky and flavorful meat.
Tacos El Gordo: Tacos El Gordo is a popular Mexican restaurant that specializes in authentic Tijuana-style tacos. The restaurant has several locations throughout San Diego, including one in Chula Vista. The tacos at Tacos El Gordo are made with high-quality ingredients, including carne asada, al pastor, and lengua (beef tongue).
Cucina Urbana: Cucina Urbana is an Italian restaurant located in the Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, pizzas, and antipasti. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list, featuring both local and international wines.
Juniper & Ivy: Juniper & Ivy is a contemporary American restaurant located in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant offers a creative menu that changes frequently, featuring dishes such as duck confit and mushroom ragu. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Puesto: Puesto is a modern Mexican restaurant located in the heart of downtown San Diego. The restaurant offers a variety of tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options, as well as other Mexican dishes, such as ceviche and guacamole. The restaurant also has a bar that serves tequila and mezcal cocktails.
Herb & Wood: Herb & Wood is a modern American restaurant located in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and grilled meats. The restaurant also has an extensive wine list and a bar that serves craft cocktails.
Carnitas’ Snack Shack: Carnitas’ Snack Shack is a casual restaurant located in the North Park neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant offers a variety of pork dishes, including carnitas (slow-cooked pork), as well as other comfort food dishes, such as mac and cheese and fried chicken. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft beer and cocktails.
Georges at the Cove: Georges at the Cove is a fine-dining restaurant located in La Jolla that offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes, as well as other contemporary American dishes. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
The Crack Shack: The Crack Shack is a casual restaurant located in Little Italy that specializes in fried chicken. The restaurant offers a variety of fried chicken dishes, including sandwiches, salads, and wings. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft beer and cocktails.
Ironside Fish & Oyster: Ironside Fish & Oyster is a seafood restaurant located in Little Italy that offers a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, clams, and lobster. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Cafe 21: Cafe 21 is a restaurant located in the Gaslamp Quarter that offers a variety of international dishes, including Mediterranean and Eastern European cuisine. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Buona Forchetta: Buona Forchetta is an Italian restaurant located in South Park that offers a variety of house-made pastas, pizzas, and other Italian dishes. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive wine list.
The Prado at Balboa Park: The Prado is a fine-dining restaurant located in Balboa Park that offers a variety of dishes inspired by Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio that overlooks the park.
Kettner Exchange: Kettner Exchange is a modern American restaurant located in Little Italy that offers a variety of dishes, including seafood, steak, and sushi. The restaurant also has a rooftop lounge that offers stunning views of the city.
Point Loma Seafoods: Point Loma Seafoods is a casual seafood restaurant located on the waterfront in Point Loma. The restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood, including fish and chips, clam chowder, and seafood tacos.
Galaxy Taco: Galaxy Taco is a Mexican restaurant located in La Jolla that offers a variety of tacos, including vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive tequila selection.
The Lion’s Share: The Lion’s Share is a unique restaurant located in the Gaslamp Quarter that offers a variety of dishes made with exotic meats, such as wild boar, venison, and kangaroo. The restaurant also has a bar that serves craft cocktails and an extensive whiskey selection.
San Diego has no shortage of amazing restaurants that offer a wide variety of cuisine. From seafood and Mexican to Italian and contemporary American, there is something for everyone. These must-visit restaurants are just a small sample of what San Diego has to offer, and visitors are sure to find plenty of other delicious options as well.