Top 10 Best Restaurants San Diego
San Diego Is one of the most amazing places we’ve been. Not just because of the beaches and amazing scenery and eclectic show of people around but because the food was to die for. Living in a Southern California climate means that you can grow some amazing food. You can also catch it since you’re right next to the Pacific Ocean. On top of that, this is an international destination so the types and the quality of the food you will indulge in is something to long for if you have never dined in San Diego.
Here are some of our favorite restaurants in San Diego that you must try to make time for.
1) Water Grill - Seafood - 4.4 stars - $$$
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Water Grill San Diego will fill your nautical fantasies as soon as you walk in the door. This ocean-to-table restaurant uses locally sourced food that is treated and crafted like an art. The seafood you’ll eat here was literally caught hours beforehand which is where this unique experience of culinary perfection gets its reputation. You’ll always be eating what is in season whether is spiny lobster in the Fall or wild Salmon in the Spring. Family-owned and operated for over 30 years, Water Grill has it figured out.
2) BESHOCK Ramen - Japanese - 4.4 stars - $$
BESHOCK Ramen is located in the East Village of San Diego and is known for its highly unique and self-created menus and perfectly crafted pairings of Sake. The Name BESHOCK is derived from the Japanese word “bi-shoku,” which means “gastronomy and the beauty of food.” When you eat here, you’ll be in awe of the carefully curated meal that is set in front of you. This food is so light yet filling and will leave you with a satisfying feeling of fulfillment when you leave. Of course, the Sake was great, too so be sure to try a bit of that when you dine here.
3) Juniper and Ivy - New American - 4.6 stars - $$$
Juniper and Ivy, another must-try dining experience in San Diego. Just north of Waterfront Park and Little Italy, Juniper and Ivy is housed in an old abandoned warehouse that has been transformed the same way you will be once you leave this eatery filled and satisfied. The chefs use only locally sourced and fresh ingredients from the Farmers Market to create dishes that change daily based on what is found that day at the market. In-house Sommeliers will pair a wine with your meal that leave you thinking that there is no way it wasn’t pre-planned but it wasn’t. They’re just that good.
4) Marions Fish Market - Seafood - 3.7 stars - $$
Marion’s Fish Market is a quintessential eating destination in San Diego. Located on the Embarcadero, Marion's has the best fish fry, fish tacos and other seafood around at a very great price. Matt and I ate here and really enjoyed the patio and all the activity that was around. It’s a great place to eat while you’re exploring the rest of San Diego and is unassuming and delicious. This is a great option for big groups or for those looking for fresh seafood on a budget. And who doesn’t like good fish and chips.
5) Et Voila - French - 4.7 - $$$
Et Voila, just the name is pretty and if you’re looking for a wonderful French cuisine that will transport you directly into a magical, romantic scene - this is your place. The chef and owner of Et Voila earned their diploma in Culinary Art from a school in France and for any foodies out there, you know how impressive this is. The standard of food that is used and the amount of artistic ability is evident in every dish you get from the rack of lamb to the macarons. Et Voila is located on the west side of the 806 from Normal Heights.
6) Starlite - Elevated American -4.6 stars - $$
Starlite San Diego is located in Middleton/Mission Hills and it’s not only a great place to eat but if you’re into aesthetics, this place will blow your mind. The building and decor have won awards for its unique style and modern appeal. And then you eat the food and, oh my. 90% of the fruits and vegetables come from local farmers’ markets and dealers and 60% of the meat-based products come from sustainable sources. This is just an amazing place to walk into and to stuff your little bellies with.
7) Cucina Urbana - Italian - 4.6 stars - $$
Cucina Urbana is perfectly located next to Balboa Park and the San Diego zoo. This Italian eatery will serve you up the best made-from-scratch pizzas, pastas and everything in between. The ambiance is a modern Italian kitchen-meets-charming bohemian eatery which really appealed to Matth and me. Cucina Urbana also has a wine store within the restaurant so you can leave with a perfect bottle and you can also buy many of the decor and vintage items found in the restaurants so this place really checks a lot of boxes.
8) Herb and Wood - Mediterranean - 4.5 stars - $$$
Herb and Wood is another San Diego staple that will take your dining experience to new levels. A menu of rustic, wood-fired dishes will undoubtedly leave you wanting more or at least already planning your next outing to this charming yet sophisticated restaurant. Located in Little Italy, Herb and Wood will draw you in by the amazing decor and unique style.
9) Born & Raised - Steakhouse - 4.7 stars - $$$$
Born and Raised is your go-to for a high-class, modern yet classic decor with truly appetizing food. As soon as you walk into Born and Raised, your breath is taken away by the awesome stylings and the smell of mouth-water entrees and appetizers. Try anything and everything, it’s all good and when you’re done, you walk out into the middle of Little Italy so there is much more to do before or after dinner.
10) Serea Coastal Cuisine - Seafood - 4.1 stars - $$$
Unobstructed ocean views. That’s all it takes for me to be interested in a restaurant no matter what type of food they serve. Serea Coastal Cuisine offers just that, coastal cuisine and with the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean and beautiful palm trees surrounding the outdoor dining area - ugh, it’s just too good. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood, with a coastal cuisine menu that spotlights the best of the region’s oceans, farms and fields, ranging from the California Coast down to the Baja Peninsula. Serea is on the south side of Coronado Beach and is steps away from the famous Hotel del Coronado.
Honorable mention - Morning Glory - Global Cuisine - 4.4 stars - $$
If you are a fan of pink, or like a classic twist on decor, or are in a funky or punk mood - you have got to go to Morning Glory. This is more of a breakfast or brunch options located in the middle of Little Italy blocks away from the waterfront park. Morning Glory will scratch your every itch for a typical fun brunch spot and the decor is, * chefs kiss, * so good.
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