Best restaurants in San Diego

31 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend the downtown Pokez, especially for its vegetarian and vegan Mexican food, and a few say it has been around for years. A few commenters single out its breakfast dishes. A few commenters are critical or mixed: one says Rancho's is far better for vegetarian and vegan eating, and one implies it is overrated. One ranks it last and says its tortillas are among the worst locally, while another is unsure whether it stays good but calls it worth visiting.

Downtown

29 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Plumeria and praise the food, and two single out the pumpkin curry. Many describe it as vegetarian or vegan, and a few diners who are not vegan say they enjoy it too. One diner calls the food great but says it is not fancy enough for a business client.

University Heights

24 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Ranchos Cocina in North Park and praise its vegan food. Two commenters point to its big menu, and one diner says almost every item has a vegan option, though another notes not everything on it is meat-free. One commenter says the plant-based fries pleased both vegans and non-vegans, and a few rank it above Pokez.

North Park

22 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

People recommend Mister A's, and commenters suggest it for date nights, proposals and special occasions. Several commenters praise the views, a few point to the outdoor patio, and a few say the food is good. Several commenters note a dress code, and a couple say it is enforced. Two commenters warn: one finds it stuffy and another calls the food tourist-grade, while one more is mixed, saying the view is its only real plus.

21 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Most commenters recommend Tacos El Gordo, with one saying its tacos come close to Tijuana's, another crediting the handmade tortillas, and single commenters pointing to the adobada and the nopales. Downtown draws mixed views: one commenter says that branch falls short of the others, while another calls it their personal favorite. Caveats include one commenter who finds the meat inconsistent and sometimes dry and one who finds the food gross. One commenter calls it a tourist pick they would not endorse, another rates the al pastor highly but finds the carne poor, and one diner notes long lines.

Downtown

18 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego

Most people recommend Grand Ole BBQ, and several call it the closest thing to Texas-style barbecue in San Diego. Several commenters rank the North Park branch highest, though one commenter ranks another location first. Caveats: one commenter finds it hit-or-miss, another commenter says Coop's brisket is better, and one diner found a first visit better than expected but a second visit disappointing.

North Park

16 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend The Marine Room in La Jolla. One commenter says the views are great, another says the food is good, and a third says it is probably their favorite restaurant in San Diego. One commenter notes that it needs an advance reservation, and another describes it as a high-end choice for a fancy meal out.

La Jolla

14 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

People recommend Las Cuatro Milpas, and a few commenters praise its food. Several describe it as a long-standing local institution, and a couple call it authentic. Lunch lines can be long, with a couple of commenters noting it, though one says the line moves fairly quickly. Two commenters say it is cash only, and one notes it is closed on Sundays.

14 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters praise the white queso dip, which comes out automatically alongside chips and salsa, and a commenter also enjoys the courtyard ambience. Opinions on the rest of the food vary: a few commenters say better, more authentic Mexican food is available elsewhere in San Diego, and one diner finds the food acceptable but not standout. One commenter dislikes the decor and says the food looks unappealing.

At The Harbor

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend Cesarina, and two commenters point to the Point Loma location, where one singles out the carbonara. Two commenters describe the food as high quality, and a few say the menu offers several vegan options alongside meat, seafood and pasta. Two commenters mention needing a reservation, and one says bookings can be a challenge. Less enthusiastic views include one commenter who found it only average on a personal visit and another who says it remains reliable but could use updates.

Point Loma

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego, X

People recommend The Taco Stand, and several commenters say the food tastes good, with two singling out the salsas for praise. One diner reports a long line and thinks the wait is not worth it. Two commenters warn against it, and one notes it is less convenient for large groups.

La Jolla

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Coasterra, and a few point to its views, including the bay and downtown. One commenter says it suits nice dinners, especially with out-of-town visitors. The caveat is that a few commenters doubt the food stands out.

Harbor Island

13 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend Tacotarian, and a couple of commenters single out its tacos, while one commenter calls it the top vegan Mexican they have tried so far. One commenter finds it trendy and overly gentrified, and another rates it good but not quite on the level of the top picks.

12 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Kindred, a metal-themed all-vegan spot in South Park, and a couple of them call it fantastic. A few commenters praise the drinks, one commenter singles out the charred remains, and one diner who eats plenty of meat says the atmosphere and food are excellent. On the other side, one diner is not sold on the portions.

South Park

12 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend Cocina del Barrio, and a few point specifically to its Hillcrest branch. One diner calls the food and drinks excellent, and another finds it very good. A couple of commenters mention its mole options, and a commenter says its more elevated Mexican fare suits special occasions. One commenter calls it fine, a milder endorsement.

Hillcrest

12 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Piacere Mio in South Park, and the food is described as delicious. Two diners praise the carbonara, and one of them ranks it as their top pick right now. One diner found the eggplant ravioli good and the gelato nice, but thought the bread was underwhelming.

South Park

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Bowlegged BBQ, and one commenter calls it the best barbecue they have ever eaten. Another diner says the food was excellent on their visit, and one commenter names it alongside Coops as the best in San Diego. However, one commenter who lived in Texas advises skipping it, expecting disappointment, and a couple of commenters find the ribs or brisket chewy.

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend El Agave in Old Town. Two people praise the mole, including a dish with multiple mole variations, and two point to the tequila. One commenter calls the food authentic and tasty and rates the drinks highly. Another commenter warns that quality has dropped a lot and suggests avoiding it.

Old Town

12 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Tribute Pizza and rate it highly, with one calling it the city's top pizza and another noting its unusual toppings. A couple of commenters say the menu has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, and one diner mentions nice cocktails and a fancier feel than a typical pizza spot. A couple of commenters say getting a table can be difficult, so plan ahead. One diner found repeat visits forgettable.

11 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Several people recommend Thanh Tinh Chay for its vegan Vietnamese food, and one commenter says its vegan dishes beat the usual mock-meat versions found elsewhere. Another commenter says the veg pho is genuine, and another diner who isn't vegan says the food is tasty.

11 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Animae, and a few suggest it for anniversaries. One diner who visited recently says the food was delicious and the cocktails were great, and suggests it for an occasional special night. Another commenter who has eaten there found the crowd casually dressed, and one more calls the place beautiful.

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Abbey's Real Texas BBQ, and a few point to the Mira Mesa branch in particular. A couple of diners call it pretty good or solid, and one describes it as a small, unassuming spot that still serves great barbecue. Caveats: one commenter warns to skip it over disappointing food, a few rank Grand Ole BBQ above it, and one calls it alright.

Mira Mesa

10 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend Sipz. One commenter says it was a go-to during a vegetarian diet, while another says non-vegetarian friends liked it there. One diner says they have loved its spicy Thai fried rice for years, and another names its orange chicken as a favorite.

10 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend Loving Hut as a vegan option in San Diego, and a few point to its Mira Mesa branch. A couple of diners say their non-vegan companions liked the place, and one commenter suggests it for a range of Asian cuisines. Another lists it among vegan-focused picks, though no specific dishes are singled out.

Mira Mesa

10 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Most commenters recommend The Chicken Pie Shop, and several enjoy the food. One commenter praises the meat-and-gravy pot pie, and another praises the coconut cream pie. Several commenters call it an old-school spot, and one calls it a San Diego institution. One diner found the food overly salty and says they won't return.

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/asksandiego, r/sandiego

Many people recommend Javier's, and many of them name the UTC branch in particular. One commenter describes it as an upscale Mexican spot and praises its margaritas, while another says it is very loud, which may suit those wanting a lively night out. Caveats: one commenter advises against it, and another commenter, who checked it online, says it is not the style of Mexican food they prefer.

UTC

9 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Most commenters recommend this seafood restaurant, and several name the La Jolla branch specifically. Two diners who've been describe a nice birthday dinner and a great time, and one diner says it is worth a visit even for a non-romantic occasion. Two commenters suggest asking for a window or view table, while a few others simply name the restaurant without giving a reason. One commenter calls it fantastic but prefers the La Jolla vibe and visits the Seaport Village branch only rarely.

La Jolla

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Most commenters recommend Bali Hai, and several diners highlight its bay views, with one commenter describing the Polynesian theme and sunset setting. A couple of diners suggest it for date nights or special dinners, and one commenter says the mai tai is a standout. On the food, one commenter finds the lounge happy hour options tasty, while another diner who visited once was not impressed. Another commenter says it isn't especially good.

Shelter Island

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Ciccia Osteria for its Italian food, and a couple of diners single out the bread, with one describing the focaccia as soft and warm. One diner calls the food immaculate, while another says to expect a wait but that it is worth it, and suggests calling to check on a reservation. One diner says they were seated alone in an unusual upstairs room and haven't been back since.

Barrio Logan

9 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Island Prime, located on Harbor Island, with one praising the popovers and another singling out the bread. One commenter mentions the downtown views. One diner says recent visits were not great, and another commenter calls the food average.

Harbor Island

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend SOT BBQ, and one says its meat is high quality. One diner switched to it for better meat quality. One commenter names the Clairemont Mesa Blvd location as the best in San Diego, in their opinion.

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Steak 48, and a few single out the bread, including a croissant-like roll baked to order. One commenter points to solid seafood choices, while another calls the food phenomenal and suggests mentioning a special occasion to get a particular section. For seating, one commenter suggests requesting a kitchen booth, and a separate commenter notes the restaurant's website says to dress up.

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many commenters recommend Civico, and a few put it in Little Italy, where one thinks a reservation is needed. A few point to its vegan options, and one of them says the menu suits mixed-diet groups; another says the focaccia is great for dipping in pesto. One commenter describes it as similar to Cesarina but heavier and places it downtown. None of the comments describe a personal visit.

Little Italy

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend Callie, with one commenter calling it, in their view, one of the city's top restaurants and another finding it gorgeous and very nice. One commenter says the crowd tends toward casual dress, much like Animae. Another commenter suggests bar seats as a fallback if a reservation isn't available.

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Several people recommend Herb & Wood, and a couple of commenters specifically praise the food. One diner describes the atmosphere as romantic and says a skeptical visit turned around at weekday happy hour, and suggests arriving early for happy hour.

8 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend Grains, and one frequent diner calls the food delicious and says they have tried the whole menu. Two commenters point to the Adams Ave location, and one lists it as a vegan Asian option. The mentions are brief and do not describe specific dishes, so expect limited detail beyond the general recommendations.

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego

Many people call Smokin' J's good, and one commenter says its brisket has good texture and smoke. Another commenter prefers it to a nearby spot because it serves chicken, and one commenter says the Miramar location has a limited menu. One diner says it has been inconsistent, while another calls it awesome but says it isn't Texas-style barbecue.

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

People recommend Tahona in Old Town, and some commenters praise the food, with one commenter singling out the Oaxacan cooking and a strong mezcal and tequila list. Another commenter suggests it for a mezcal tasting, and one commenter feels the setting is relaxed, mentioning a speakeasy on site once dinner is over. One commenter, whose family usually stops in for a drink and a taco, calls Old Town a bit touristy but says the kids still enjoy going there.

Old Town

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend Shank and Bone, and two commenters single out its bone marrow dishes: tacos topped with bone marrow and a bone marrow banh mi. Many of the mentions are brief picks with no reasons given, so the detail here is limited.

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend Dumpling Inn, and a couple of commenters put it ahead of DTF, with one singling out its xiao long bao. One commenter calls it the best and another calls it fantastic, while one diner says their household eats there and tends to be too full for nearby desserts afterward. One commenter also suggests it as a better pick than the unlimited Convoy option.

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Many people recommend C Level, and one commenter who celebrated an anniversary there found it excellent. Another commenter suggests it for a dinner out, mainly for the views, and a third calls it a nice option. Several commenters name it only in passing.

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend the Ocean Beach location of Liticker's, and several point to its vegan and vegetarian options, such as plant-based carne asada fries and seitan street tacos. One commenter found it better than expected, and another says they love it even though they aren't vegan. Only two commenters describe their own visits.

Ocean Beach

7 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend The Yasai, and several praise it highly. Two commenters say its menu mixes plant-based dishes with meat options, and one diner describes it as a vegan version of the RakiRaki menu. One diner advises being clear about which menu you order from, since the two menus share one seating area.

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Six people recommend La Corriente, with a few pointing to its La Jolla branch. One commenter singles out the aguachile as delicious, and another says they love the restaurant. One commenter gives a mixed view, calling its tacos elevated. None of the commenters describe their own visits.

La Jolla

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Carne & Hueso, and several point specifically to the North Park branch. One diner says they enjoyed everything they tried there, and another says the food was tasty with good drinks and a fantastic dessert.

North Park

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

People recommend El Comal, and a couple of commenters name its North Park location. One commenter says the mole is good, and another says the food is rich in flavor and the tamales are excellent.

North Park

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Six people recommend Mabel's Gone Fishing, and a couple of commenters count it among their regular go-to spots or favorites. No particular dishes are singled out. One commenter advises calling ahead to check for reservations.

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Six people recommend Communion in Mission Hills. A few commenters point to its view, including bay, city and airport views. One commenter calls the food incredible, while another calls it above average. One commenter thinks its happy hour is great.

Mission Hills

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Commenters recommend Cantina Mayahuel, and a couple of them praise its mole. Two commenters name the North Park location, and one commenter singles out the Tres Mole. One commenter notes the mole is only offered on certain days.

North Park

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Six commenters recommend Súper Cocina, and two of them point to its mole, one pairing it with El Comal. Two commenters feel it is overlooked, and one of them says it is a go-to for homestyle Mexican cooking. One lists it among other suggestions, and only one commenter describes first-hand experience.

6 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Six people recommend Hugo's, and a few point specifically to the Ocean Beach location. A couple of commenters note vegan options, and one diner says it suits mixed diets and works as a crowd pleaser. One long-time regular praises the chips, salsa, and refried beans and rates the rest of the menu highly.

Ocean Beach

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego

People recommend Rudford's, and a couple of commenters call it an old-school spot. One commenter says its diner food is better than Denny's, while another praises a banana split and a bacon shake. A further commenter recalls late-night meals there. On the downside, one commenter says the food is unappealing and matches Denny's, and a commenter says it was better before, though breakfast remains passable.

6 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Several people recommend Puesto, and a few of those name its La Jolla branch. One diner who visited says they enjoyed it. Two people, including the original poster, say it is bad, and one commenter pushes back on that claim.

La Jolla

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Several commenters recommend Fonda Del Barrio in Barrio Logan. One commenter says they enjoy the mole, while another says the Mexican food ranks near the top of what they have had in a while, praising the cocktails and charming setting. Two more commenters say they love the place or that it is worth the visit, and one diner says the food and mixed drinks stood out among the sit-down places they have tried in the city.

Barrio Logan

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Commenters recommend La Puerta, and a few of them name the Mission Hills branch. One commenter likes dining on the front patio by the fireplace, and another calls the happy hour hard to beat. One commenter would choose the Hillcrest branch instead, and another points to Grandson Steaks instead.

Mission Hills

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Origen. One diner says the food was really good on a recent visit, another calls the Hillcrest location incredible, and one suggests it for authentic, high-end Mexican food. Commenters place the restaurant in the Hillcrest area, with one pointing to North Park as well.

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego, r/asksandiego

Several commenters recommend Ponce's, with one saying the birria is their current go-to and that the nachos are also a draw. Another commenter praises the queso dip, and one diner who visited on vacation says they loved the place. Fish tacos get a more modest endorsement from one commenter, who calls them decent.

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Commenters recommend The Brigantine at the harbor. One commenter suggests it for a sunny day by the water, and another suggests asking for a window seat for an anniversary. A commenter, listing dressy options in San Diego, says it is upscale enough for dressing up, though not many women there wear gowns.

The Harbor

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Several commenters recommend TNT Pizza, and one commenter singles out the pickle pizza as the dish to order. Two commenters mention vegan options, with one saying they are sold by the slice. No warnings appear in the discussion, and the comments do not say which location they mean.

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Five people recommend Jyoti Bihanga in Normal Heights, and a few of commenters point to its vegan options. One commenter says to order the neatloaf, and another recommends the vegan Reuben and desserts. A further commenter suggests it for Indian food, though only one says they have eaten there.

Normal Heights

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Several commenters recommend Elvira, and several point to its range of options, including plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes alongside meat, seafood and pasta. Two commenters praise the food itself: one calls the carbonara smoky and delicious, and another says it is the best they have had outside Rome.

5 people recommendvia r/sandiego

Many commenters recommend Kitakata, and two of them describe the broth as light rather than heavy or creamy. Several diners say the dining room runs very cold because of strong air conditioning, so a layer is worth bringing.

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/sandiego

Many people recommend DJK Korean BBQ, and a few commenters single out its charcoal grilling, with one calling it far superior. One diner says the meat quality has slipped, and another diner finds parking only semi-decent. One commenter warns that the plates don't pick up charcoal flavor and that ventilation was poor.