Restaurants in San Diego, California

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Fish tacos

The Blind Burro

639 J Street, East Village
www.theblindburro.com

The Blind Burro features Baja coastal cuisine using local, sustainable seafood and produce whenever possible, including Baja-inspired tacos, salads, entrees, and seafood. The restaurant also showcases an array of tequila, mescal, and spirits that enhances its Mexican vibe.

Born and Raised

1909 India Street, Little Italy
bornandraisedsteak.com

An ultra high-end and expensive steakhouse, Born and Raised wants diners to bask in the Art Deco décor coupled with images of old rap musicians and enjoy tableside presentations. Wet and dry aged steaks are on the menu, along with non-beef options like duck, lamb, and pork chops. The sides are a la carte and feature smoky creamed kale, king oyster mushrooms, and bean cassoulet, to name a few.

Casa Guadalajara

4105 Taylor Street, Old Town
www.casaguadalajara.com

Casa Guadalajara offers all the charms of a classic Mexican restaurant—a picturesque hacienda, Mexican folk art, a Mariachi band, and courtyard with splashing fountains. The menu features traditional and regional Mexican specialties, including ceviche, fajitas, enchiladas, mole, tacos, and more.

Coco Maya

1660 India Street, Little Italy
inlovewiththecoco.com

Located in Little Italy, this newcomer to the San Diego food scene takes inspiration from the Caribbean islands and Latin American history with European flavors and techniques. The kitchen features a coal fired Josper oven, lending “hints of the ocean, smoke, and char” to its dishes.

CUCINA urbana

505 Laurel Street, Bankers Hill
www.urbankitchengroup.com/cucina-urbana-bankers-hill

A California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, CUCINA urbana offers a variety of affordable dishes including pizzas, pastas, salads, and antipasti, all in the setting of a rustic country farmhouse.

Hash House a Go Go

3628 5th Avenue, Hillcrest
www.hashhouseagogo.com

Noted by numerous magazines and websites as one of the best breakfast and brunch spots in San Diego, Hash House a Go Go offers old farm recipes with a twist on a Midwest-inspired menu. The fried chicken, eggs Benedict, and hot sticky granola have been described as “life changing.”

Juniper and Ivy

2228 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy
www.juniperandivy.com

Juniper and Ivy offers “a chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients,” according to the restaurant’s website. The menu offers a variety of seafood, entrees, and small plates coupled with al fresco dining and an energetic atmosphere.

Lionfish

435 5th Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
lionfishsd.com

Lionfish provides a terrific opportunity for those looking for fresh seafood. Described as modern coastal cuisine, Lionfish offers a wide array of fresh catch fish, sushi, hot and cold appetizers, and a selection of non-seafood options.

Lola 55

1290 F Street, East Village
lola55.com

If it’s creative tacos, interesting cocktails, and a casual vibe you’re craving, look no further than Lola 55. Options like filet mignon, rainbow cauliflower, or insanely spicy smoked fish grace the taco menu, with sides like ceviche tostadas, chipotle rice, and pozole verde following. Top it all off with a churro served with almond cajeta and lime zest.

Luce Bar and Kitchen

1959 Morena Boulevard, Bay Park
www.sandiegoluce.com

A neighborhood tavern-style restaurant, Luce features a seasonal California and Italian Gastropub/Enoteca style menu with items made from local and organic ingredients whenever possible. The restaurant offers selections of small plates for sharing, cheese and meat boards, artisan pizzas, and burgers.

Madam Bonnie’s

411 Market Street, Gaslamp Quarter
madambonnies.com

This speakeasy-themed restaurant focuses on cocktails, with the longest continuous bar in the Gaslamp Quarter, and rotisserie-style cooking.

Marisi

1044 Wall Street, La Jolla
www.marisilajolla.com

If you’re looking for Italian outside of Little Italy, Marisi is a short jaunt away in La Jolla, focusing on unique, handmade pastas, and traditional Italian dishes.

The Prado at Balboa Park

1549 El Prado, Balboa Park
www.cohnrestaurants.com/theprado

Situated in a beautiful hacienda in historic Balboa Park, the Prado offers contemporary California-inspired cuisine with a variety of dishes from both land and sea. The restaurant has an outdoor terrace and patio, as well as a cocktail lounge with its own tapas bar. 

Tartine

1106 1st Street, Coronado
tartinecoronado.com

A European-style café and bakery on beautiful Coronado Island, Tartine offers a variety of French-inspired dishes, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or to pair a coffee with one of Tartine’s handmade pastries, cakes, or cookies.