15+ Best Restaurants in San Diego 2023

San Diego is another coastal city with a diversified and great culinary culture, often overshadowed by Los Angeles. It may not have as many restaurants owned by celebrities or awarded Michelin stars, but it is still well worth the time of locals and tourists alike to check out. Close proximity to Mexico means excellent tacos and other Mexican fare. There are a plethora of beachside restaurants serving exceptionally fresh seafood and a wide range of food options. This makes it pretty difficult to keep track of restaurants to try out when you visit San Diego.

Well, you are in luck as this article will outline the top restaurants in San Diego, in no particular order, whether you’re looking for a casual taco stand serving real birria or a fancy restaurant with ocean views and white tablecloths for a special occasion.

Best Restaurants in San Diego 2023

Listed below are some of the top restaurants in San Diego and a must-visit for tourists.

El Coma

San Diego has some of the best Mexican food in the country, and El Comal is one of the best Mexican restaurants in town. El comal is an earthenware griddle, and the North Park neighborhood spot is famous for its hot, fresh meals that stay true to the delicious heat embedded in its name. If you only order one dish from El Comal, make it the Baja fish taco.

It’s deceptively easy. The taco comes fried or grilled, with cabbage and pico de gallo on top. Bring it to the beach or park to enjoy while basking in the San Diego sun for an unforgettable experience. El Comal also prepares a delectable house mole. It’s delicious, rolled into enchiladas and topped with crema, or as an accompaniment to the restaurant’s tacos and burritos.

Fort Oak

Fort Oak is a great place to start any evening in San Diego. The restaurant is housed in an old Ford dealership that has been renovated to include a bright blue bar in the center of the dining room. Take a seat and try one of the house cocktails. The martinis at Fort Oak range from extra-briny (the Chevelle) to more citrus-forward (the Vega).

The food at Fort Oak is equally delicious, focusing on freshly caught seafood and wood-fired flavors. Split a fresh platter of oysters for $1 during happy hour or the bright scallop aguachile with cucumber, onion, cilantro, and coriander oil. You can also sample Fort Oak’s wood-fired dishes, such as goat milk cavatelli with fennel sausage and summer truffle, fermented, herby charred caulilini, and hearth-roasted carrots.

Diji Mara

The Indonesian-inspired restaurant serves a small plate menu you’ll want to share with everyone you know. The atmosphere at Dija Mara is relaxed, but the food is celebratory. The brunch is markedly different from most other options in the county. It features Balinese takes on brunch classics like Thai sausage hash, confit tuna benedict, and kava jam toast.

If you find yourself in Dija Mara for dinner, order the nasi goreng. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal, with wok-fried rice topped with tender confit chicken, bay shrimp, and a sunny egg for a savory and satisfying dish that’s perfect for after a long day at work. If that isn’t reason enough to visit Dija Mara, they also have a great selection of reasonably priced cocktails. You could just stop in for a drink, but you’ll probably find it difficult to pass up the charred eggplant once you’re there.

Addison

A meal at Addison isn’t the cheapest option in San Diego, but it’s one of the city’s most lauded restaurants for a reason. The dining room at the restaurant is large and welcoming, with high ceilings, dark wood, and massive, arched windows. The grandeur of the restaurant extends to its meals. Its nine-course tasting menu, which changes with the seasons and is informed by Southern Californian ingredients and culinary influences, costs $355 per person.

Kumamoto oysters with a splash of champagne, a rich bite of Kobe beef short rib, and fig wafers with peanut butter caramel and horchata are all popular dishes at Addison. The meal can be accompanied by an expert wine pairing for an additional fee. If you want to keep things under control, Addison’s impressive selection of craft cocktails is available.

Aqui Es Texcoco

The Texcoco region in Mexico became known for popularizing lamb barbacoa, which involves slow-roasting meat for hours in an underground fire pit. Aqui Es Texcoco recreates this process using a specialized oven, which has helped this laid-back Chula Vista restaurant carve out a reputation as one of the best places in San Diego to get lamb barbeque. The lamb barbeque plate, unsurprisingly, is a must-order. So prepare to dish up and dig in with a small bowl of lamb broth, tortillas, salsa, lime, cilantro, and onion.

Finish with a warm, sweet plate of camote enmielado (honeyed yams) or a slice of homemade caramel flan. If you’re thirsty, Aqui Es Texcoco serves drinks ranging from house cocktails to iced buckets of beer that pair perfectly with any plate of barbacoa.

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

This Spanish-inspired North Park spot is a strong contender for an upscale night out with a neighborhood feel. Mabel’s Gone Fishing’s dining room is playful yet upscale, with colorful tiles, bouquets of fresh flowers, and eye-catching ceramic dishware you’ll want to take home with you. The seafood-forward small plate menu is also ideal for a party of any size, whether dining with a group of friends or dining alone.

You should order the swordfish schnitzel regardless of how many guests you bring. The crisp dish pairs well with fennel, salsa verde, and the tangy tonnato sauce. If you’re craving something sweet, order a slice of the caramelized, souffle-esque Basque cheesecake, and if you’re thirsty, order a Spanish gin and tonic.

Menya Ultra

Menya Ultra is a short drive inland if you’ve just enjoyed a sunset at Torrey Pines and want a dinner that will warm you up after braving the cool ocean breeze. In addition, it serves some of the best ramen in Southern California. The first Menya Ultra location opened in Japan and quickly became known as one of the best ramen shops in the area. Acclaim quickly followed when the restaurant began opening locations in San Diego.

Pick up a bowl of its signature Tonkotsu Paitan soup, which comes with fresh-made noodles, house-made broth, a slice of pork cha shu, bean sprouts, green onion, wood ear mushroom, roasted sesame seeds, red pepper, ginger, and a splash of chili oil for spice.

Campfire

Campfire, located in Carlsbad, specializes in wood-fired American cuisine served in a modern, camping-inspired setting. Though the interior is stunning and sleek, reserve a table on the patio to dine under the ethereal string lights at sunset. Everything from the decor to the plating contributes to an immersive dining experience that is unique and inventive.

The menu is divided into four sections titled Trailhead, Kindling, The Fire, and Trail’s End, demonstrating that the camping theme pervades throughout. The broccoli with chermoula and lime, as well as the wagyu skewers, kanpachi crudo, and smoked brisket, are all must-orders. If you feel particularly opulent, order the grilled Maine lobster with yuzu butter. While s’mores may appear as the obvious dessert option,make sure to take advantage ofrlook the Vasco cheesecake.

Valle

It’s not difficult to find great Mexican food in San Diego, but Valle takes contemporary Mexican cuisine to a whole new level. The restaurant focuses on a seasonal menu of Baja cuisine, cocktails, beer, and wine, making it ideal for your next special occasion. The tostada and tacos de pulpo are two of the best dishes on the menu, thanks to its Oceanside location.

If you’re stuck for dessert ideas, the Chocolate de Metate (stone ground chocolate) is a decadent blend of ganache, crumble, and ice cream that’s the stuff of a chocolate lover’s dreams. The dining room at Valle is intimate and beautifully lit, with gorgeous woodwork, spacious booths, and a cozy bar. You can also dine on Valle’s outdoor patio, which has an adorable succulent display and a stunning oceanfront view.

Ed Fernandez Birria

Yelp reviews can be deceptive, but if your restaurant has a five-star rating and over 800 reviews, you’re doing something right. Ed Fernandez Birria has been serving to-go orders every weekday from 7 a.m. since 2006. to 2 p.m. Slow-cooked with chiles and spices, the restaurant’s ridiculously tender birria is served with cilantro, diced onions, and a side of radishes and limes. It’s then topped with two gorgeous golden brown tortillas and finished with a kick of house-made salsa.

It doesn’t get more classic than that, but the birria tacos are exactly what people come to Ed Fernandez’s for (and should definitely order). Though it is not the restaurant’s main attraction, the tender, caramelized flan is also worth trying. Grab a slice to round out your meal with something sweet.

Juniper & Ivy’s

Juniper & Ivy’s dining room was formerly an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Little Italy, and it combines industrial elements with luxurious finishes to create an elevated yet un-stuffy atmosphere. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients hand-picked by local farmers and fishermen, so dishes change daily. Juniper & Ivy, on the other hand, continues to serve some iconic dishes and has established itself as one of most inventive restaurants in San Diego.

The carne cruda asada tartare is served on sourdough with cotija cheese, jalapeo crema, and half a dozen quail eggs. In the best possible way, the dish is spicy, rich, and showy. Gnocchi from Juniper & Ivy is another surefire hit, with flavors ranging from ricotta to chorizo to squash blossom. Of course, the restaurant’s San Diego location results in some great seafood, and its refreshing tuna crudo is given a sweet twist with toppings like cucumber, charred Fresno chiles, coconut snow, and strawberries.

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub

Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub has been serving up playful, creative sushi at its eclectically decorated Oceanside location since 2013. If you’re stuck for ideas, the $75 customized omakase is the way to go. If you’re in a hurry for dinner, the restaurant serves a variety of house rolls that have become local favorites.

The decadent truffle oil-topped Hedgehog, along with the tangy Chronic and slightly spicy Del Mar, is one of Wrench & Rodent’s most popular items. Wrench & Rodent’s sushi can be enjoyed by all your loved ones, regardless of dietary restrictions, thanks to a dedicated plant-based section on the menu and vegan-friendly omakase. If you’re not interested in sushi, the restaurant also serves sweet chili, teriyaki, and yakisoba bowls with chicken or tofu.

A.R. Valentien

A.R. Valentien combines a relaxed San Diego vibe with a meticulously kept fine dining experience. The dining room at The Lodge at Torrey Pines features tributes to California craftsman architecture, including lush earth tones, light from stained glass lanterns, and wood-framed windows with views of the Pacific Ocean.

The signature restaurant serves Southern Californian cuisine that changes with the seasons and local ingredients. The menu is delicious from start to finish, but A.R. Valentien excels at hearty, meat-centric dishes. The Lodge’s signature dish is the chicken liver pâté. The creamy spread is accompanied by slices of grilled toast, pickled carrots, and dollops of mustard, allowing you to customize your bite.

The Liberty Farms roasted duck breast and confit leg, served with potato dumplings, sheep’s milk feta, and fava beans, is also unabashedly cozy, with a bright hit of friseé and preserved kumquat.

Sushi Soichi

Soichi Sushi, led by renowned Chef Soichi Kodya, is the premier destination for authentic Japanese omakase. Chef Soichi meticulously prepares each course, paying attention to detail throughout the dish. Dinner at Soichi Sushi is an experience you won’t soon forget, from the presentation to the taste. The standard omakase option is $150 per person for dine-in, but you can also choose the nigiri omakase for $110 per person.

If you want a small taste of Chef Soichi’s creations, the petite omakase is only $55 and includes three tasting dishes as well as six pieces of nigiri. There are a few nigiri box options available for takeout, as well as a la carte rolls and sushi.

Market Restaurant & Bar

Market Restaurant & Bar is a Del Mar institution for those looking for a refined and elegant meal. The interior is sleek and modern, making it ideal for a romantic date night or special occasion. Reservations are strongly advised, but if you happen to walk in one evening and snag a seat at the bar or lounge, you can enjoy the separate sushi menu served there. The menu is extremely simple, with only a few nigiri and sashimi options, as well as some rolls. Having said that, the fish is extremely fresh and of high quality.

The standard dinner menu includes a la carte options as well as a three-course tasting menu created by the chef. The tasting menu is only $79,, which is a great deal for a restaurant of this caliber, and it can be enhanced with a wine pairing for an additional $65.

Jeune et Jolie

With its cafe-style tables, plush booths, and gold accents, Jeune et Jolie transports guests to a modern restaurant in France. The customizable four-course tasting menu features French fare with a California twist. The ability to select your courses from a tasting menu is a rare privilege granted to patrons, and for only $105 per person, this is unquestionably the best option. Just make a reservation ahead of time.

There are three or four options for each course on the tasting menu, and there are several vegetarian options. If you prefer a more casual meal and walk in to grab a seat at the lounge or bar top, you can order some a la carte options like white asparagus and veal tartare.

Et Voilà! French Bistro

Few places do traditional French cuisine better than Et Voilà! The menu focuses on tried-and-true bistro favorites that keep loyal customers returning for more. The dimly lit interior transports diners to Paris for the evening, while craft cocktails and an extensive selection of French wines are served.

Begin with the escargot and beef tenderloin tartare before proceeding to the main courses. Many of the entrees are rich and comforting, ranging from a traditional coq au vin to roasted duck breast. If you prefer something lighter, the roasted ocean trout is worth trying.

Sushi Tadokoro

Sushi Tadokoro has grown in popularity since receiving a Michelin star in 2021. The previously unnoticed Old Town sushi joint is now open Tuesday through Saturday and serves traditional Edomae-style sushi. All ingredients are made from scratch, and there is a strong emphasis on sourcing locally and seasonally. Sushi Tadokoro is a living example of the adage “food is art,” and it’s important to note that each bite is prepared with care and attention to detail.

Reservations are almost always required if you want to get a table, and because the restaurant is small, seats are extremely limited. Everything from the nigiri to the few cooked dishes is excellent, and there is no better place to take the sushi enthusiast in your life.

Las Cuatro Milpas

Even though there is a lot of competition in San Diego for Mexican cuisine, Las Cuatro Milpas always manages to impress. This popular taco joint is open every day except Sunday and is best known for its homemade tortillas,, which hlocals have lovedcals since 1933. The fact that Las Cuatro Milpas has been in business for so long demonstrates how delicious the food is.

The menu changes frequently, but you can always count on finding the popular rice and beans. When ordering tacos, you can choose between flour and corn tortillas, but corn is the most popular. Tamales, in addition to tacos, are a popular dish at Las Cuatro Milpas.

The Plot

The Plot is unrivaled when it comes to vegan cuisine. Even the most skeptic carnivores will be blown away by how realistic and delicious the food is. Everything at The Plot is made in-house from real ingredients, rather than using fake meats like Impossible Meat. If you’re looking for a spacious and warm patio in Oceanside, the weekend brunch is ideal. The sausage and biscuit is a must-order that tastes almost as good as the real thing.

Plus, if you want to make your brunch a little more boozy, order the Bloody Mary and add the chicken nug. The skewer that it comes on is almost a meal in itself. Everything from the “sushi” to the seasonal risotto will impress you at dinner, and you’ll definitely want to pair your wine with a glass of wine.

What Is the Most Eaten Food in San Diego?

The humble taco is, without a shadow of a doubt, San Diego’s most popular food, and one of the best ways to experience San Diego’s taco scene is to hop in the car and visit as many taco stands and restaurants as your gas tank and stomach can handle. This is one of the best ways to experience San Diego’s taco scene.

What is known in San Diego?

The city of San Diego is located in southern California and is known for its beautiful beaches and pleasant climate. Nevertheless, San Diego is well-known not only for the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Padres, but also for its burgeoning craft beer industry, which contributes to the city’s prominence as a tourist destination.

15+ Best Restaurants in San Diego 2023