13 of the best restaurants in San Diego

Elisa Yang

Elisa is one of the creative minds behind the Le Petit Chef blog. Being a frequent traveller and foodie herself, she loves writing about dining experiences from all over the world.

Pristine beaches, gorgeous weather and great food – San Diego’s got it all! The city is well-known for having a high living standard and besides beautiful beaches, the top-notch food is another reason to leave the house.

If you’re in San Diego or planning to go there soon, be sure to check out our curated selection of the 13 best restaurants in San Diego.

Tip #1: Callie

Callie is greek for „the most beautiful“. Following this motto, chef Travis Swikard puts the farmers, fisherman, and ingredients of the greater San Diego region at the forefront, and blends them with a Mediterranean palette.

Since 2019 Callie astonishes with its cuisine du soleil and even received a Bib Gourmand and Plate by the Michelin Guide.

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Tip #2: Mona Lisa

Experience a family-style Italian restaurant in Little Italy with lovely interior design and an old-world ambiance rarely seen in California.

Mona Lisa opened in 1956 and since then has been making use of traditional recipes which have been passed down from generation to generation. Using only the best ingredients, they use house-made sauces and offer signature cocktails for an unforgettable experience.

Besides great pizza, they also have incredibly popular and generous Italian sub-style sandwiches.

Tip #3: Azucar

A Cuban-style patisserie that specialises in delicious pastries, cakes and coffee. If you have a sweet tooth, consider giving this cafe in San Diego a try. Both the coffee and the pastries are well-known at Azucar to be delicious and decadent, making this one of the best places to eat in San Diego.

Tip #4: Cocina de Barrio

Bringing the flavors of Mexico to California, Cocina de Barrio is one of the best authentic upscale Mexican food restaurants in San Diego. If you’re looking for a place to try Mexican fine dining, this restaurant is a great spot to consider.

Cocina de Barrio focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to serve modern Mexican cuisine.

Tip #5: Café Coyote

Café Coyote is a popular Mexican restaurant in San Diego – for good reason! Known as one of the best food spots in town, they serve amazingly delicious Mexican food, including tantalizingly flavorful Baja fish tacos and simple yet delicious salsa and chips.

With a menu that features a wide variety of dishes that are all delightfully bursting with flavor, guests are practically guaranteed great food and a great mood. Beware that due to its popularity, there may be a line (making a reservation in advance is recommended).

They also offer a big variety of over 100 different tequilas to their guests.

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Tip #6: Addison

Addison is a fine-dining restaurant with a renowned wine cellar and uniquely delicious modern Californian cuisine.

Experience Chef William Bradley’s acclaimed California cuisine at Addison, Southern California’s first and only three-star Michelin restaurant. Enjoy a refined 10-course tasting menu in an elegant setting with breathtaking views.

Addison boasts a wine cellar showcasing rare finds and a focus on small producers.

Tip #7: Borrego Rooftop

Borrego is a refreshingly spacious rooftop restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and Petco Park. Located on the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this desert-inspired rooftop boasts delicious food and beverage pairings.

Heavily influenced by San Diego’s diverse collection of cuisines, culinary heritage, and neighborly influences, Borrego offers a unique shareable menu and perfectly crafted cocktails in what is destined to be one of the city’s most picturesque rooftop destinations for visitors and locals alike.

As a bonus, they also occasionally have an in-house DJ and live music.

Tip #8: House of Blues

If you’re looking to combine a great dinner in San Diego with a musical experience, consider visiting the House of Blues in San Diego. This exciting rock- and blues themed restaurant serves Southern-inspired dishes and doubles up as a live music venue.

Their signature dishes include cajun chicken pasta and Jambalaya.

Tip #9: Provisional Kitchen

Provisional Kitchen is a stylish and airy local restaurant serving elevated American brunch and dinner dishes from a modern open kitchen. Perched in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter with a European-inspired menu influenced by contemporary Italian and Mediterranean flavors and ingredients.

They specialize in homemade pastas, afternoon aperitivo and fresh catches from the sea served in effortless San Diego style.

Tip #10: Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

This bakery is famous amongst locals for their artisan bread and pastries, located in the Bird Rock neighbourhood of San Diego, California.

Their products are made using local produce and organic ingredients, and their sandwiches are an absolute must-try! As a bonus, they also have Tuesday taco nights.

If you’re looking for a casual place to eat in San Diego, definitely give this place a visit.

Tip #11: Morning Glory

This brunch spot in Little Italy exclusively serves breakfast and lunch. With a décor that’s both playful and mysterious with darker elements as well as a champagne vending machine, Morning Glory is one of the best breakfast restaurants in San Diego that serves modern cuisine.

Their fluffy soufflé pancakes alone are worth the visit, but of course Morning Glory also serves a wide variety of other breakfast specialties, including lobster omelette and potato gratin with scallops.

Tip #12: Little Lion San Diego

A café that locals are raving about, Little Lion Café is known for great service as well as delicious and thoughtfully crafted breakfast options. With a great drinks selection, tasty waffles and egg benedict, your sweet and salty cravings are sure to be satisfied here.

Tip #13: Oceana Coastal Kitchen

Oceana Coastal Kitchen is a fine dining restaurant with a great view. Enjoy California cuisine paired with panoramas of the gorgeous Mission Bay. As a bonus, they also have a Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Oceana is one of the best restaurants in San Diego for those that enjoy fresh seafood and dining near the beach.

Our selection of restaurants is based, among other things, on the editorial team’s individual preferences and on reviews on the internet. Please contact the respective provider directly for information on reservations and prices. The pictures come from the restaurants listed. All Information is provided without guarantee!