San Diego Restaurants Serving Beef Wellington

38 Essential Restaurants in San Diego, Spring 2022

San Diego's essential eateries across an array of cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points — even during the pandemic

by Updated Apr 18, 2022, 11:17am PDT

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Presenting San Diego's updated Eater 38, your answer to any question that begins, "Can you recommend a restaurant?"

This standout group of 38 must-try restaurants reflects the best of our diverse dining culture and is meant to cover the city of San Diego and beyond while spanning a range of price points and neighborhoods.

With every update, Eater San Diego adds a few restaurants that have newly become eligible or have stepped up their game. As such, a few restaurants are retired from the map each quarter — not necessarily forever — to make room.

Restaurants on this list must be open for six months to be qualify for consideration. For buzz on newer restaurants, check out our monthly Eater heatmap.

If your favorite restaurant isn't on list, send us a note nominating it for inclusion; we'll be posting updated versions of the Eater 38 map throughout the year.

For all the latest San Diego dining intel, subscribe to Eater San Diego's newsletter.

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Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

232 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

Helping to kickstart the culinary evolution of Oceanside, the restaurant has attracted the attention of the Michelin Guide, which honored it as a 2020 "new discovery" along with four other San Diego restaurants. The restaurant conveys the complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine through its interpretation of some of the area's signature dishes.

• Open in Google Maps

1815 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

Another standout in Oceanside, sushi spot Wrench and Rodent showcases chef/owner Davin Waite's unique skills with foraging and far-out flavor innovations. Though his path veers from traditional sushi to include unconventional rolls and creative sauces, Waite is uncompromising in his care for ingredients.

• Open in Google Maps

2659 State St Suite 102
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Chic to the max, the second Carlsbad restaurant from the team behind Campfire is a modern French restaurant seen through a SoCal lens. An enviable open kitchen is the sparkling stage, turning out a sophisticated but not at all stuffy menu that's quickly become an industry favorite. Under executive chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie was one of a handful of local establishments given a Michelin star.

Kylle Sebree

• Open in Google Maps

2725 State St
Carlsbad, CA 92008

Jeune et Jolie's casual sibling is now overseen by chef Eric Bost. At this sincere charmer, wood-fired cookery permeates every aspect of the menu, including the creative cocktails. Smoked and grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables are showcased in an atmosphere that's equally suited for date night or family dinners.

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

3702 Via De La Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014

Chef/owner Carl Schroeder, whose extensive culinary experience includes working with famed chef Michael Mina and Bradley Ogden, has kept the longstanding restaurant open while remaining faithful to a hyper-seasonal cooking style inspired by local farms including the nearby Alice Waters-endorsed Chino Farm. The restaurant is offering a three-course tasting menu in the dining room while a la carte service is available in the bar and lounge.

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

5200 Grand Del Mar Way
San Diego, CA 92130

At San Diego's only two Michelin star restaurant, Addison is guided by longtime executive chef/director William Bradley, whose team leads diners through elaborate nine course chef's tasting dinners.

Addison [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

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11480 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037

The signature restaurant of The Lodge at Torrey Pines transcends hotel dining by a mile. Longtime guiding light Jeff Jackson recently took on a new position as corporate culinary advisor, passing on the executive chef role to former chef de cuisine Kelli Crosson, who oversees its impeccably-sourced farm-to-table cooking, featuring dishes like housemade terrines, Liberty Duck breast and leg confit, and beets with pistachio butter, in a warm and welcoming Craftsman-style dining room.

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

1250 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037

This three-floor stunner offers choose-your-own-adventure dining. Though its fine dining lower- level restaurant closed during the pandemic, George's still offers top-notch views and food at its rooftop terrace and craft cocktail-focused gastrobar. As San Diego's top supporter of Chino Farms, the ingredients are impeccable, and executive chef/partner Trey Foshee is one of the city's most admired chefs.

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

910 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037

San Diego has several stellar hotel restaurants and this is one of them. The La Jolla restaurant, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is helmed by longtime executive Jason Knibb who admired by the food-obsessed and other local chefs for his precise and never pretentious California cuisine. Check out his signature dish, the Jamaican jerk pork belly.

• Open in Google Maps

7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #104
San Diego, CA 92111

Japanese food is one of San Diego's strong suits and this modest and unassuming Kearny Mesa spot is an under-the-radar industry favorite. The restaurant offers expertly-grilled yakitori as well as an interesting array of izakaya dishes, from takowasa (raw octopus with wasabi) to fried smelt.

Candice Woo

• Open in Google Maps

8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd m
San Diego, CA 92111

This Japanese transplant with multiple locations has garnered national attention and Michelin Plate recognition thanks to masterful bowls of ramen, set apart by a signature tonkotsu broth that rich but not overly heavy and noodles made in-house that have near-perfect pull and chew.

Menya Ultra Ramen

• Open in Google Maps

5525 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

When it set up shop in the quiet coastal community of Bird Rock in 2018, Wayfarer brought the beach its first real-deal bakery. Established by owner and master baker Crystal White, it's become a destination worth trekking to for its flaky pastries sweetened with local produce and sturdy-crusted loaves made of heirloom grains.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

5040 Cass St
San Diego, CA 92109

For a city of its size, San Diego has too few restaurants dedicated to showcasing local seafood and the bounty of the West Coast. This family-run Pacific Beach institution is a seafood distributor, retail market, restaurant, and cocktail bar in one.

The Fishery [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

2121 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

This gracious family-run Adams Avenue sushi bar, which has been awarded a Michelin star, offers a multi-course omakase experience from master sushi chef Sochi Kadoya and a well-curated sake selection.

• Open in Google Maps

3015 Adams Ave #103
San Diego, CA 92116

This neighborhood bistro, run by a veteran of the city's best French restaurants, has charm for days. Its relaxed bar and comfortable dining room are a fine setting for French classics that include made-to-order sky-high souffles.

Et Voila [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

2548 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

The Michelin-recognized taqueria has now settled in as the anchor tenant at the Old Town Urban Market. Though the move from San Ysidro has resulted in higher prices, the slow-simmered birria and roasted bone marrow still make for an unparalleled combo. Next door at her Mexican seafood spot Mar Rustico, chef Priscilla Curiel is turning out accomplished smoked tuna burritos and ceviche.

Candice Woo

• Open in Google Maps

1011 Fort Stockton Dr
San Diego, CA 92103

The sophomore entry from Trust Restaurant, honored with Michelin Plate status, is already a staple in Mission Hills where it offers up a range of experiences via its relaxed cocktail bar or upscale dining room.

Haley Hill Photography

• Open in Google Maps

2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

The winner of a coveted Michelin star, this Old Town restaurant tops many sushi aficionados' lists for its adherence to traditional Japanese style and technique featuring well-crated nigiri sushi. The setting is spare but there's fireworks on the plate.

Sushi Tadokoro [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

3077 North Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104

Though it was initially built to honor some of the world's great pizzerias, the North Park restaurant has carved out a highly-respected identity that may inspire tributes of its own. Its accomplished "Neo-Neapolitan" pies are often topped with farmer's market produce.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

3752 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

This stylish independent restaurant, an Eater Award-winner, has handily sustained its success over the years and spawned a growing hospitality empire, is overseen by hard-working chef/co-owner Brad Wise.

Lyudmila Zotova

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

3731 India St
San Diego, CA 92103

The unique format of this atypical restaurant allows the kitchen to change its menu daily and offer seasonal, creative plates at accessible prices. Operating regularly Thursday through Saturday, the wine bar and shop serve three and five-course set menus and features winemaker dinners on other nights of the week.

Wine Vault [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

2977 Upas St
San Diego, CA 92104

The first solo restaurant from popular chef Accursio Lota has been well-received by locals as well as the international culinary community. The cozy North Park eatery, where the chef celebrates his Sicilian heritage, has been honored by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine.

Sam Wells

• Open in Google Maps

3175 India St
San Diego, CA 92103

Nearly 15 years ago, Starlite helped locally kickstart the concept of a craft cocktail bar that also serves great food and it's still one of San Diego's best practitioners of the combo.

Starlite [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

505 Laurel St
San Diego, CA 92101

Tables at this well-established Bankers Hill spot are still some of the most sought-after in town thanks to a shareable Italian-inspired menu that's both modern and familiar.

Cucina Urbana [Official photos]

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

2219 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

The neighborhood favorite spent 2020 enhancing its offerings, from adding lunch service to expanding its seasonal dinner menu, tacking on a full cocktail list, and even opening an adjacent bakery. A longtime champion of the natural wine scene, it's also the best place in town to taste and buy local wine.

Arlene Ibarra

• Open in Google Maps

2228 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

After a short break from day-to-day operations, longstanding executive chef Anthony Wells is back running the kitchen of this well-established Little Italy restaurant. Wells recently refreshed the menu with new dishes that still adhere to his commitment to support local farmers and fishermen.

Juniper & Ivy [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

2210 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

With local celeb chef Brian Malarkey at the helm, Herb & Wood is a stunning spot to see-and-be-seen, but it has also managed to become one of the city's top destinations for thoughtful yet accessible dining.

Bailey Films

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

2001 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

Executive chef Brian Redzikowski shines brightest at his Chef's Table experience, when he can fully tap into his culinary depths, but the well-trained chef's Asian-inflected a la carte menu is also consistently tasty and thoughtful.

Kettner Exchange [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

1909 India St
San Diego, CA 92101

This Little Italy steakhouse is firmly on its way to becoming a classic. Thrill to Caesar salads, omelets, and steak tartare made tableside followed by luxurious cuts of dry aged beef cut to order, prized Wagyu beef grilled on Japanese charcoal, and retro hits like Tournedos Rossini and Steak Diane.

Born & Raised [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

1845 India St
San Diego, CA 92101

This warmly-welcoming restaurant, one of the anchors of Little Italy offers menu of Southern Italian seafood dishes made with local ingredients as well as modern innovations on Italian classics using vegan and gluten-free ingredients.

Civico 1845 [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

550 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101

Awarded Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin Guide, this crowd-drawing brunch spot stands out by serving an internationally-inspired breakfast menu and commendable cocktails in a pink-hued, fantastical setting.

Morning Glory [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

1503 30th St
San Diego, CA 92102

This South Park rebel makes its mark with the rarely-seen pairing of top-notch craft cocktails with a chef-powered, vegan menu. Add a dose of seriously eye-catching design and you've got a winner.

Kindred [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

3001 Beech St
San Diego, CA 92102

With outposts throughout San Diego, the flagship location of this friendly, family-owned Italian restaurant remains the most beloved. Regulars rave about the pizzas that emerge from its signature gold-tiled ovens as well as the pastas, both are also available gluten-free.

Buona Forchetta [Official photo]

• Open in Google Maps

969 Pacific Hwy
San Diego, CA 92101

Filipino food has never had such an opulent stage than at Animae, where executive chef Tara Monsod is cooking an exciting Pan-Asian menu highlighted by her take on Filipino classics like lumpia and kare kare. Already bustling with the chef's supporters, the restaurant also received Michelin Plate honors from the Michelin Guide.

Coal-fired cabbage at Animae.

Jim Sullivan

• Open in Google Maps

35. Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop

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640 Tenth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

This enduring East Village steakhouse serves contemporary American cuisine from longtime chef Victor H. Jimenez. The best seat might be at the chef's counter, where you can watch the kitchen while enjoying a multi-course meal.

• Open in Google Maps
• Book with OpenTable
• Foursquare

1195 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Though it's still one of the hottest reservations around, the newly-eligible Callie steps onto the Eater 38 stage as an essential contributor to San Diego's restaurant culture. Showcased through chef Travis Swikard's California-Mediterranean cuisine, local ingredients shine and the East Village food scene gets a whole lot brighter.

Kimberly Motos

• Open in Google Maps

1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

The anchor restaurant at the iconic Hotel del Coronado is also a showcase for the region's best seafood. Chef JoJo Ruiz (Lionfish, Ironside) has a long history of supporting local fisherman, whose fresh catch is cooked whole and served tableside just steps from the beach.

• Open in Google Maps

520 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910

This Chula Vista fixture is a frequent stop for locals and a temple to traditional lamb borrego, cooked slowly until succulent and served in simple, tasty preparations, from tacos to flautas. Adventurous diners might try the whole roasted lamb head.

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

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1. Dija Mara

Helping to kickstart the culinary evolution of Oceanside, the restaurant has attracted the attention of the Michelin Guide, which honored it as a 2020 "new discovery" along with four other San Diego restaurants. The restaurant conveys the complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine through its interpretation of some of the area's signature dishes.

232 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

• Open in Google Maps

2. Wrench and Rodent

Another standout in Oceanside, sushi spot Wrench and Rodent showcases chef/owner Davin Waite's unique skills with foraging and far-out flavor innovations. Though his path veers from traditional sushi to include unconventional rolls and creative sauces, Waite is uncompromising in his care for ingredients.

1815 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054

• Open in Google Maps

3. Jeune et Jolie

Kylle Sebree

Chic to the max, the second Carlsbad restaurant from the team behind Campfire is a modern French restaurant seen through a SoCal lens. An enviable open kitchen is the sparkling stage, turning out a sophisticated but not at all stuffy menu that's quickly become an industry favorite. Under executive chef Eric Bost, Jeune et Jolie was one of a handful of local establishments given a Michelin star.

2659 State St Suite 102
Carlsbad, CA 92008

• Open in Google Maps

4. Campfire

Jeune et Jolie's casual sibling is now overseen by chef Eric Bost. At this sincere charmer, wood-fired cookery permeates every aspect of the menu, including the creative cocktails. Smoked and grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables are showcased in an atmosphere that's equally suited for date night or family dinners.

2725 State St
Carlsbad, CA 92008

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

5. Market Restaurant & Bar

Chef/owner Carl Schroeder, whose extensive culinary experience includes working with famed chef Michael Mina and Bradley Ogden, has kept the longstanding restaurant open while remaining faithful to a hyper-seasonal cooking style inspired by local farms including the nearby Alice Waters-endorsed Chino Farm. The restaurant is offering a three-course tasting menu in the dining room while a la carte service is available in the bar and lounge.

3702 Via De La Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

6. Addison Restaurant

Addison [Official photo]

At San Diego's only two Michelin star restaurant, Addison is guided by longtime executive chef/director William Bradley, whose team leads diners through elaborate nine course chef's tasting dinners.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way
San Diego, CA 92130

• Open in Google Maps

7. A.R. Valentien

The signature restaurant of The Lodge at Torrey Pines transcends hotel dining by a mile. Longtime guiding light Jeff Jackson recently took on a new position as corporate culinary advisor, passing on the executive chef role to former chef de cuisine Kelli Crosson, who oversees its impeccably-sourced farm-to-table cooking, featuring dishes like housemade terrines, Liberty Duck breast and leg confit, and beets with pistachio butter, in a warm and welcoming Craftsman-style dining room.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

8. George's At The Cove

This three-floor stunner offers choose-your-own-adventure dining. Though its fine dining lower- level restaurant closed during the pandemic, George's still offers top-notch views and food at its rooftop terrace and craft cocktail-focused gastrobar. As San Diego's top supporter of Chino Farms, the ingredients are impeccable, and executive chef/partner Trey Foshee is one of the city's most admired chefs.

1250 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

9. Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

San Diego has several stellar hotel restaurants and this is one of them. The La Jolla restaurant, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, is helmed by longtime executive Jason Knibb who admired by the food-obsessed and other local chefs for his precise and never pretentious California cuisine. Check out his signature dish, the Jamaican jerk pork belly.

910 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037

• Open in Google Maps

10. Yakitori Hino

Candice Woo

Japanese food is one of San Diego's strong suits and this modest and unassuming Kearny Mesa spot is an under-the-radar industry favorite. The restaurant offers expertly-grilled yakitori as well as an interesting array of izakaya dishes, from takowasa (raw octopus with wasabi) to fried smelt.

7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #104
San Diego, CA 92111

• Open in Google Maps

11. Menya Ultra

Menya Ultra Ramen

This Japanese transplant with multiple locations has garnered national attention and Michelin Plate recognition thanks to masterful bowls of ramen, set apart by a signature tonkotsu broth that rich but not overly heavy and noodles made in-house that have near-perfect pull and chew.

8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd m
San Diego, CA 92111

• Open in Google Maps

12. Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry [Official photo]

When it set up shop in the quiet coastal community of Bird Rock in 2018, Wayfarer brought the beach its first real-deal bakery. Established by owner and master baker Crystal White, it's become a destination worth trekking to for its flaky pastries sweetened with local produce and sturdy-crusted loaves made of heirloom grains.

5525 La Jolla Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

• Open in Google Maps

13. The Fishery

The Fishery [Official photo]

For a city of its size, San Diego has too few restaurants dedicated to showcasing local seafood and the bounty of the West Coast. This family-run Pacific Beach institution is a seafood distributor, retail market, restaurant, and cocktail bar in one.

5040 Cass St
San Diego, CA 92109

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

14. SOICHI

This gracious family-run Adams Avenue sushi bar, which has been awarded a Michelin star, offers a multi-course omakase experience from master sushi chef Sochi Kadoya and a well-curated sake selection.

2121 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

• Open in Google Maps

15. Et Voilà!

Et Voila [Official photo]

This neighborhood bistro, run by a veteran of the city's best French restaurants, has charm for days. Its relaxed bar and comfortable dining room are a fine setting for French classics that include made-to-order sky-high souffles.

3015 Adams Ave #103
San Diego, CA 92116

• Open in Google Maps

Related Maps

• The Hottest Restaurants in Tijuana Right Now
• 19 Stellar Spots for Waterfront Dining in San Diego
• San Diego's Essential Coffee Shops and Roasters

16. Tuetano Taqueria

Candice Woo

The Michelin-recognized taqueria has now settled in as the anchor tenant at the Old Town Urban Market. Though the move from San Ysidro has resulted in higher prices, the slow-simmered birria and roasted bone marrow still make for an unparalleled combo. Next door at her Mexican seafood spot Mar Rustico, chef Priscilla Curiel is turning out accomplished smoked tuna burritos and ceviche.

2548 Congress St
San Diego, CA 92110

• Open in Google Maps

17. Fort Oak

Haley Hill Photography

The sophomore entry from Trust Restaurant, honored with Michelin Plate status, is already a staple in Mission Hills where it offers up a range of experiences via its relaxed cocktail bar or upscale dining room.

1011 Fort Stockton Dr
San Diego, CA 92103

• Open in Google Maps

18. Sushi Tadokoro

Sushi Tadokoro [Official photo]

The winner of a coveted Michelin star, this Old Town restaurant tops many sushi aficionados' lists for its adherence to traditional Japanese style and technique featuring well-crated nigiri sushi. The setting is spare but there's fireworks on the plate.

2244 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

• Open in Google Maps

19. Tribute Pizza

Though it was initially built to honor some of the world's great pizzerias, the North Park restaurant has carved out a highly-respected identity that may inspire tributes of its own. Its accomplished "Neo-Neapolitan" pies are often topped with farmer's market produce.

3077 North Park Way
San Diego, CA 92104

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

20. Trust Restaurant

Lyudmila Zotova

This stylish independent restaurant, an Eater Award-winner, has handily sustained its success over the years and spawned a growing hospitality empire, is overseen by hard-working chef/co-owner Brad Wise.

3752 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

21. Wine Vault & Bistro

Wine Vault [Official photo]

The unique format of this atypical restaurant allows the kitchen to change its menu daily and offer seasonal, creative plates at accessible prices. Operating regularly Thursday through Saturday, the wine bar and shop serve three and five-course set menus and features winemaker dinners on other nights of the week.

3731 India St
San Diego, CA 92103

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

22. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

Sam Wells

The first solo restaurant from popular chef Accursio Lota has been well-received by locals as well as the international culinary community. The cozy North Park eatery, where the chef celebrates his Sicilian heritage, has been honored by Gambero Rosso, an Italian food and wine magazine.

2977 Upas St
San Diego, CA 92104

• Open in Google Maps

23. Starlite

Starlite [Official photo]

Nearly 15 years ago, Starlite helped locally kickstart the concept of a craft cocktail bar that also serves great food and it's still one of San Diego's best practitioners of the combo.

3175 India St
San Diego, CA 92103

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

24. CUCINA Urbana

Cucina Urbana [Official photos]

Tables at this well-established Bankers Hill spot are still some of the most sought-after in town thanks to a shareable Italian-inspired menu that's both modern and familiar.

505 Laurel St
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

25. The Rose Wine Bar

Arlene Ibarra

The neighborhood favorite spent 2020 enhancing its offerings, from adding lunch service to expanding its seasonal dinner menu, tacking on a full cocktail list, and even opening an adjacent bakery. A longtime champion of the natural wine scene, it's also the best place in town to taste and buy local wine.

2219 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

• Open in Google Maps

26. Juniper & Ivy

Juniper & Ivy [Official photo]

After a short break from day-to-day operations, longstanding executive chef Anthony Wells is back running the kitchen of this well-established Little Italy restaurant. Wells recently refreshed the menu with new dishes that still adhere to his commitment to support local farmers and fishermen.

2228 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

27. Herb & Wood

Bailey Films

With local celeb chef Brian Malarkey at the helm, Herb & Wood is a stunning spot to see-and-be-seen, but it has also managed to become one of the city's top destinations for thoughtful yet accessible dining.

2210 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

28. Kettner Exchange

Kettner Exchange [Official photo]

Executive chef Brian Redzikowski shines brightest at his Chef's Table experience, when he can fully tap into his culinary depths, but the well-trained chef's Asian-inflected a la carte menu is also consistently tasty and thoughtful.

2001 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps

29. Born and Raised

Born & Raised [Official photo]

This Little Italy steakhouse is firmly on its way to becoming a classic. Thrill to Caesar salads, omelets, and steak tartare made tableside followed by luxurious cuts of dry aged beef cut to order, prized Wagyu beef grilled on Japanese charcoal, and retro hits like Tournedos Rossini and Steak Diane.

1909 India St
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps

30. Civico 1845

Civico 1845 [Official photo]

This warmly-welcoming restaurant, one of the anchors of Little Italy offers menu of Southern Italian seafood dishes made with local ingredients as well as modern innovations on Italian classics using vegan and gluten-free ingredients.

1845 India St
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

31. Morning Glory

Morning Glory [Official photo]

Awarded Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin Guide, this crowd-drawing brunch spot stands out by serving an internationally-inspired breakfast menu and commendable cocktails in a pink-hued, fantastical setting.

550 W Date St
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps

32. KINDRED

Kindred [Official photo]

This South Park rebel makes its mark with the rarely-seen pairing of top-notch craft cocktails with a chef-powered, vegan menu. Add a dose of seriously eye-catching design and you've got a winner.

1503 30th St
San Diego, CA 92102

• Open in Google Maps

33. Buona Forchetta

Buona Forchetta [Official photo]

With outposts throughout San Diego, the flagship location of this friendly, family-owned Italian restaurant remains the most beloved. Regulars rave about the pizzas that emerge from its signature gold-tiled ovens as well as the pastas, both are also available gluten-free.

3001 Beech St
San Diego, CA 92102

• Open in Google Maps

34. Animae

Coal-fired cabbage at Animae.

Jim Sullivan

Filipino food has never had such an opulent stage than at Animae, where executive chef Tara Monsod is cooking an exciting Pan-Asian menu highlighted by her take on Filipino classics like lumpia and kare kare. Already bustling with the chef's supporters, the restaurant also received Michelin Plate honors from the Michelin Guide.

969 Pacific Hwy
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps

35. Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop

This enduring East Village steakhouse serves contemporary American cuisine from longtime chef Victor H. Jimenez. The best seat might be at the chef's counter, where you can watch the kitchen while enjoying a multi-course meal.

640 Tenth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps
• OpenTable
• Foursquare

36. Callie

Kimberly Motos

Though it's still one of the hottest reservations around, the newly-eligible Callie steps onto the Eater 38 stage as an essential contributor to San Diego's restaurant culture. Showcased through chef Travis Swikard's California-Mediterranean cuisine, local ingredients shine and the East Village food scene gets a whole lot brighter.

1195 Island Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

• Open in Google Maps

37. Serea Coastal Cuisine

The anchor restaurant at the iconic Hotel del Coronado is also a showcase for the region's best seafood. Chef JoJo Ruiz (Lionfish, Ironside) has a long history of supporting local fisherman, whose fresh catch is cooked whole and served tableside just steps from the beach.

1500 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

• Open in Google Maps

38. Aqui Es Texcoco

This Chula Vista fixture is a frequent stop for locals and a temple to traditional lamb borrego, cooked slowly until succulent and served in simple, tasty preparations, from tacos to flautas. Adventurous diners might try the whole roasted lamb head.

520 Broadway
Chula Vista, CA 91910

• Open in Google Maps
• Foursquare

Related Maps

• The Hottest Cocktail Bars in San Diego, May 2022
• The Hottest Restaurants in San Diego, May 2022
• Where to Eat on Convoy Street

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Source: https://sandiego.eater.com/maps/38-best-restaurants-in-san-diego

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