San Diego was my home for four years, and I love these restaurants so so much. Take care of them and enjoy them with all your heart.
Little Lion Cafe
This shack on the side of Sunset Cliffs is one of my favorites in the whole world. The ingredients are fresh and the owners are like family. There’s something for everyone.
Must Try: Vegan Brunch Tacos, Fried Chicken Sandwich, Chia Seed Pudding, Turmeric Latte
Address: 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Hours: Monday-Sunday 9AM–2PM / Tuesday Closed
Born and Raised
Great Gatsby themed, this restaurant is unlike any other. The absolutely stunning building is just the beginning. The steak, the sides, the service, I could go on forever. It’s on the pricier side, but 1000% worth it.
Must Try: Caesar Salad, Any of their steaks (Add truffle!), Dirty Hashbrowns, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Cauliflower
Address: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4–12:00PM / Friday 4-10:00PM Saturday 4–12AM
Buona Forchetta
My go‑to pizza and pasta in SD. You’ll never be disappointed. The pictures say it all.
Must Try: Gnocchi with Buona Forchetta Sauce, Focaccia with Burrata, Angela Pizza, Isabella Pizza
Pro Tip: Add truffle oil to any pasta or pizza.
Multiple Locations. Address for South Park: 3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102
Hours: Monday-Friday 12–3PM, 5–9:30PM / Friday 12–3PM, 5–10PM / Saturday 12–10PM / Sunday 12–9:30PM
Sugar and Scribe Bakery
Three words: prosciutto cheddar croissant. This bakery turned restaurant is everything you’d want in a brunch and more. A La Jolla staple.
Must Try: Prosciutto Cheddar Croissant. Any of their eggs Benedict
Address: 7660 Fay Ave Suite I, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Sunday-Friday 7AM–1:45PM / Saturday 7AM–2:30PM
Northside Shack
The best açaí in SD. The wait can be extremely long, so I suggest calling it in.
Must Try: Stressed Smoothie with Raspberries
Address: 1255 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours: Everyday 9AM–3PM
The Crack Shack
You better show up to Crack Shack hungry. The fried chicken at this spot is unmatched.
Must Try: Firebird Chicken Sandwich
Address: 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, California
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 10AM – 9PM / Friday & Saturday 10AM – 10PM
Herb & Wood
A beautiful restaurant with a beautiful selection of food. This has always been one of my favorite places to eat. The service is exceptional and I always leave feeling satisfied.
Must Try: Oxtail Gnocchi, Roasted Branzino, Pesto Pizza, Broccolini
Address: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday-Saturday 5-9:30PM / Sunday 10:00AM-2:00PM, 5-9:30PM
Puesto
The most popular modern Mexican restaurant around town, but it’s most popular for a reason. Constantly winning awards, Puesto always leaves me fulfilled and in a taco coma.
Must Try: Potato Taquitos, Esquite, Puesto Perfect Quacamole, Quesabirria Taco, Filet Mignon Taco, Chicken Al Pastor Taco
Multiple Locations. Address for The Headquarters: 789 W Harbor Dr Suite 155, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11AM–9PM / Friday & Saturday 11AM–10PM
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Seafood extravaganza! One of my top seafood spots in SD and in California. Everything just melts in your mouth.
Must Try: Clam Chowder, Lobster Roll, Any of their oysters
Address: 1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11:30AM-3:00PM, 5-10:00PM / Monday 11:30AM-3:00PM
Shorehouse Kitchen
Obsessed with this place! Use Yelp to reserve a spot in line to miss the long wait times and crowds.
Must Try: Maple Fried Chicken Breakfast Sandwich
Address: 2236 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-2:30PM / Friday-Sunday 7:30AM-3:30PM
Moniker General
Located in Liberty Station, this spot incorporates a store and a coffee/cocktail bar while also offering its customers small plates and outdoor seating. I could spend hours in here.
Must Try: Jack of All Trades Toast, B.A.E. Sandwich, Espresso Martini
Address: 2860 Sims Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
Hours: Everyday 7:00AM-7:00PM
The Taco Stand
Warning: there will be a line! Some of the best tacos in SD and my mouth is watering just thinking about them.
Must Try: Any of their tacos, Churros
Multiple Locations. Address for La Jolla: 621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 9:00AM-9:00PM / Friday 9:00AM-10:00PM / Saturday Closed
Nolita Hall
The lively downtown atmosphere and amazing food really bring this spot to life. I recommend this place for large groups.
Must Try: Rye Parker Rolls, Wood-fired Brussels, Basic Bitch Pizza, Hot Mamacita Pizza
Address: 2305 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Wednesday-Friday 4-11:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 11:00AM-9:00PM / Monday & Tuesday Closed
The Smoking Goat
This North Park gem takes on a classic French cuisine. Everything on the menu is amazing.
Must Try: French Onion Soup, Crispy Spanish Octopus, Escargots à la Bourguignonne, Steak Frites, Duckfat Truffle Fries
Address: 3408 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: Sunday & Tuesday-Thursday 5-9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5-10:00PM / Monday Closed
Juniper & Ivy
Juniper & Ivy’s captivating dishes are meant to be shared. It’s a great place for any occasion for a group of people or maybe for a date. Either way, I will be returning soon.
Must Try: Spicy Albacore Handrolls, Cocoa Gnocchi, Whole Roasted Duck
Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5-9:00PM / Friday 5-10:30PM / Saturday 4:30-10:30PM / Sunday 4:30PM – 9:00PM
Madison on Park
I don’t even know where to begin on this one. The vibes, the food, the DRINKS are everything and more. Whether you sit inside or outside, you’ll love it.
Must Try: Brie, Tuna Tartare, Gnocchi, Local Seabass, Mr Nice Guy Cocktail
Address: 4622 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 4-11:00PM / Friday 4:00PM-12:00AM / Saturday 9:30AM-12:00AM / Sunday 9:30AM-10:00PM
Pacific Beach Fish Shop
Yes, this place is magical. If you like seafood, don’t skip over this place. Along with multiple other locations, Fish Shop takes it to a whole new level.
Must Try: Fish Shop Shrimp, Clam Chowder, Spicy Dorado Taco
Address: 1775 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109
Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11:00AM-9:30PM / Thursday-Saturday 11:00AM-10:00PM
Catania
Hidden gem in La Jolla with stunning views. So obsessed with their focaccia.
Must Try: Focaccia, Meatballs, Arancini, Diavola Pizza, Aglio E Olio Peperoncini
Address: 7863 Girard Avenue #301 F3, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 4-8:30PM / Friday & Saturday 4-9:00PM
Great Maple
The picture says it all. Some of the best brunch in SD. It can be crowded so plan accordingly.
Must Try: Portobello Fries, Cerrillos Chilaquiles, Great Maple French Dip, Maple Bacon Doughnuts
Address: 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 8:00AM-2:00PM / Wednesday-Thursday 8:00AM-2:00PM, 5-8:00PM / Friday 8:00AM-2:00PM, 5-9:00PM / Sunday 8:00AM-2:30PM, 5-9:00PM
Seneca Trattoria
On the roof of the Intercontinental Hotel, this hot new restaurant that’s taking over San Diego’s food scene. A must try! The ambience, the food, and the wine were all fantastic. I will definitely be returning soon.
Must Try: Truffle Arancini, Tableside Mozzarella, Pepperoni Pizza, Carbonara
Address: 901 Bayfront Ct Level 19, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Everyday 11:00AM-11:00PM
Topsail
At Portside Pier on top of the Brigantine, Topsail is my favorite spot to grab a cocktail downtown. It’s sweeping views of the harbor and the city are hard to beat. A great place to grab a quick bite to eat with friends.
Must Try: Pork Belly Bao Buns, Blackened Ahi Sliders
Address: 1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11:00AM-10:00PM / Sunday 10:00AM-10:00PM
Alexander’s on 30th
Alexander’s never disappoints. A cozy little Italian place you don’t want to skip over.
Must Try: Pesto Twice-Baked Feta Cheese, The White Room Pizza, Baked Vodka Bolognese, Lobster Ravioli
Address: 3391 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM-9:00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM-10:00PM
THE WATERS EDIT 
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