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 16 best restaurants in San Diego.
Tip #1: Le Petit Chef
Are you ready for a one-of-a-kind dining experience like no other? If yes, you’re in luck – Le Petit Chef will be launching in San Diego on the 22nd of January 2025 in the luxurious Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
The internationally known 6cm-tall French chef born in Belgium in 2015, will be serving a delicious 5-course menu, consisting of Burrata, Seafood Bisque, Lobster, Filet Mignon au Poivre and Crème Brulee (Le Grand Chef Menu), as guests immerse themselves in a dinner show unlike anything else.
Visit our extraordinary 3D dinner-show Le Petit Chef in Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter.
Experience eating at one of the best restaurants in San Diego as you immerse yourself in a fictional world through incredible 3D animations and projections. Besides the regular full-course menu, there are also vegetarian options as well as a kids menu, making it a perfect visit for the entire family!
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options and a kids‘ menu are available.
Speciality:
3D dinner show and a themed five-course menu.
Price:
Five-course menu.
Le Grand Chef $189.00 +Service charge 18% + tax 7.75% per person
Junior Chef $89.00 +Service charge 18% + tax 7.75% per person
Hours:
Reservation is necessary and can be made online.
Location:
401 K St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-702-8288
E-mail: LePetitChef@hiltongaslamp.com
Webpage: https://lepetitchef.com/san-diego
Tip #2: Las Cuatro Milpas
San Diego is well-known for serving some of the best Mexican food in the US due to its proximity to Mexico as well as the influence of Californian and Mexican culture and traditions. Must-tries include tacos, carne asada fries and homemade tortillas.
And of course, one of the best places to try Mexican food is Las Cuatro Milpas, an old-school food joint with charming picnic-table decor that has been open since 1933.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian menu options available.
Speciality :
Nostalgic Mexican food joint.
Price:
3.50$ per taco
9$ for a Burrito
Hours:
Monday – Friday 8:30 AM–3 PM
Saturday 6AM – 3PM
Closed on Sundays.
Location:
1857 Logan Ave, San Diego, CA 92113, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-234-4460
Website: http://www.las-cuatro-milpas.com/
Tip #3: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and kids menus are available.
Speciality:
Lasagna, pizza & old-world Italian cooking in an old-school setting, plus a gourmet deli & market.
Price:
Deli sandwiches starting from 10$
Pizza 23$ – 28$
Antipasti 9$ – 27$
Hours:
Monday, Thursday, Sunday 9 AM–9:30 PM
Tuesday 9AM – 4:30PM
Friday, Saturday 9 AM–10:30 PM
Closed on Wednesdays
Locations:
2061 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-234-4893
Menu: monalisalittleitaly.com
Tip #4: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options are available.
Speciality :
A small Cuban bakery serving pastries, Cuban coffee & traditional Cuban sandwiches.
Price:
Hot drinks 2$ – 4.50$
Sandwiches 9$
Pastries 2$ – 6$
Hours:
Monday – Friday 7am -4pm
Saturday & Sunday 8am – 4pm
Location:
4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-523-2020
Website: https://iloveazucar.com/
Tip #5: 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.
Dietary options:
Offers vegetarian and vegan options as well as a kids menu.
Speciality:
Modern Mexican cuisine with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Price:
Main course meals $15-$30.
Hours:
Closed on Mondays.
Tuesday – Saturday 10AM – 9:30PM
Sunday 10AM – 4PM
Location:
3707 Fifth Ave
San Diego, CA 92104
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-677-2770
Website: Link
Tip #6: Café Coyote
Café Coyote is a popular Mexican restaurant in San Diego – for good reason! Known as one of the best food spots in town, they serve amazingly delicious Mexican food, including tantalizingly flavorful Baja fish tacos and simple yet delicious salsa and chips.
With a menu that features a wide variety of dishes that are all delightfully bursting with flavor, guests are practically guaranteed great food and a great mood. Beware that due to its popularity, there may be a line (making a reservation in advance is recommended).
They also offer a big variety of over 100 different tequilas to their guests.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options and a kids’ menu are available.
Speciality:
Authentic Mexican food.
Price:
Single Taco: 7,95$
Burrito: 9.95$ – 13.95$
Dessert: 4$ – 8$
Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 4pm – 12am
Closed on Mondays.
Locations:
2461 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-291-4695
Website: https://www.cafecoyoteoldtown.com/
Tip #7: 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.
Dietary options:
Offers vegetarian options and can accommodate special dietary requests with advance notice.
Speciality:
Modern California cuisine with French influences.
Price:
Ten-course seasonal tasting menu available for $375 a person
Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 5-11PM
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Location:
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130, United States
Contact:
Tip #8: Borrego Rooftop
Borrego is a refreshingly spacious rooftop restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and Petco Park. Located on the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this desert-inspired rooftop boasts delicious food and beverage pairings.
Heavily influenced by San Diego’s diverse collection of cuisines, culinary heritage, and neighborly influences, Borrego offers a unique shareable menu and perfectly crafted cocktails in what is destined to be one of the city’s most picturesque rooftop destinations for visitors and locals alike.
As a bonus, they also occasionally have an in-house DJ and live music.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Modern outdoor lounge with city views, craft cocktails and Californian cuisine with global influences.
Price:
Salad 14$ – 22$
Mains 23$ – 29$
Platters 26$ – 68$
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 4-11PM
Friday, Saturday 4-12AM
Sunday 4-11PM
Location:
509 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-727-4000
Website: Link
Tip #9: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
A famous live venue in San Diego that doubles up as a rock- and blues-themed restaurant and bar.
Price:
Mains 19$ – 29$
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 5-10PM
Friday – Saturday 4-10PM
Sunday 5-10PM
Location:
1055 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-299-2583
E-mail: hobcom.sales.sandiego@livenation.com
Tip #10: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian and gluten-free options available.
Speciality:
Homemade pastas and fresh catches from the sea.
Price:
Breakfast 14$ – 23$
Lunch 19$ – 39$
Sides 6$ – 12$
Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 7AM – 2PM
Wednesday – Sunday: 7AM – 2PM 5-9PM
Locations:
425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Contact:
Tip #11: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Artisan bread and pastries.
Price:
Sweet or hearty croissants: 3$ – 6$
Pastries: 2.5$ – 5$
Bread: 8$ – 10$
Coffee: 3$ -5$
Hours:
Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday: 8:30AM – 2:30PM.
Saturday: 8:30AM – 2:30PM and 4:30PM – 8:30PM
Closed on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
Location:
5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Contact:
Website: https://www.wayfarerbread.com/
(Contact via website possible)
Tip #12: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Western cuisine in a relaxed space.
Price:
Breakfast options: 13$ – 26$
Hours:
Weekdays 8AM – 3PM
Weekends 8AM – 4PM
Location:
550 West Date ST, San Diego CA 92101
Contact:
Phone: +1 619-629-0302
Website: morningglorybreakfast.com
Tip #13: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free options and a kids menu are available.
Speciality:
Bright, compact neighborhood cafe with Belgian favorites, breakfast & outdoor seating.
Price:
Egg Benedict 18$ – 24$
Brunch Tacos 20$
Sandwiches 18$ – 24$
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday – Sunday 8 AM-2 PM
Closed on Tuesdays.
Location:
1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
Contact:
Tip #14: 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.
Dietary options:
Vegetarian options available.
Speciality:
Price:
Breakfast 15$ – 22$
Flatbread 21$
Sushi 21 – 23$
Plates 18$ – 24$
Hours:
Monday – Thursday 7 AM – 10 PM
Friday -Saturday 7 AM – 11 PM
Location:
3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Contact:
Phone: +1 858-539-8635
Webpage: https://www.catamaranresort.com/oceana-coastal-kitchen
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!
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.