Poor San Diego—when it comes to eating out in California, it gets no love. All anyone wants to do is talk about Los Angeles, San Francisco, Oakland, and even San Jose. While it may be true that the city is more well known for its cheap eats, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some incredible finer dining establishments. Don’t believe us? Check out these 9 San Diego restaurants more than worthy of a visit.
Cucina Urbana
Images via Cucina Urbana 
The flavors of Southern California mesh with those of southern Italy at the beloved Cucina Urbana. There’s nothing quite like heading here with family or friends, getting a bunch of plates to share, and enjoying a casual night out. For those watching their figures, there are always delicious salads and vegetable-heavy small plates, but for everyone else, you’re going to want to go crazy on the pizza, pasta, and larger plates. Oh, and get a side of those truffle parm fries. If you’re not hungry right now, prepare to be. Date, ricotta, and bacon pizza? Squid ink pasta with mussels, clams, shrimp, calamari, and serrano chilies? We’re not drooling, you’re drooling.
LOLA 55
LOLA 55 keeps things simple: great tacos, tasty sides, solid cocktails. The restaurant plays off of San Diego’s laidback culture and love of taco shops with counter-service ordering, but these aren’t your normal tacos or your normal taco shop interior. Forget the carne asada you know—replace it with mesquite-grilled filet mignon, avocado mousse, a smoky pasilla salsa, crispy leeks, and a jalapeno toreado. For those of you who enjoy pain, try their INSANELY SPICY Smoked Fish taco with a Carolina Reaper salsa. The restaurant itself is bright and sunny, bringing the beachy vibes inside. If their goal is to bring taco shops to the next level, they’re doing it.
Whisknladle
Whisknlade has been open for a decade and it still constantly finds its way onto best-of lists. Nothing about it feels old or dated; it’s seasonal food served in a casual-chic, comfortable atmosphere. Brunch is served every day, though it’s hard to recommend you go before work if you have anything important to do that day. No one is being productive after eating their pancake stack or french toast with figs, plums, and Grand Marnier. Dinner changes with the season, but expect comforting dishes—whether that’s a burger, braised beef, or the Dungeness crab tortellini.
El Jardin Cantina
El Jardin closed and reopened less than 2 months ago as El Jardin Cantina, and it’s what you’d expect out of a modern San Diego restaurant, which probably helps explain both the James Beard nomination and difficulty getting a reservation. It’s casual and relaxed, reflective of chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins’ background, growing up between San Diego, Tijuana, and Guadalajara, Mexico. You should start with either the guacamole or salsa flight, and work your way through the ceviche options, taco choices, and entrees.
Nine-Ten
California cuisine isn’t as hyped in San Diego as you might expect, which makes Nine-Ten a welcome addition to Prospect Street. With a focus on seasonal California fare—much of it sourced from within driving distance of the restaurant—the innovative menu changes often. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and features a “Mercy of the Chef” tasting menu. The chef, Jason Knibb, pulls from his Jamaican heritage–and all the incredible chefs he’s worked for in California–to create a menu that will keep you on your toes.
Addison
If you’re being treated to a meal or you’re trying to impress a business contact, make a reservation at Addison in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar right now. There are two choices when you come: a four-course prix fixe or the 10+ course chef’s tasting menu. We are strong believers in “go big or go home,” so if you’re headed to Addison, you might as well go all out. Their modern European fare is as beautiful as it is delicious, and it’s sure to make all your Insta-followers super jealous.
Juniper & Ivy
If you’ve ever watched any food show, you’re probably familiar with wizkid Richard Blais. Well, now’s your chance to eat his food. This self-titled “fine-dining warehouse with a left-coast edge” is always a fun choice for a meal. Expect pasta, great seafood specials, and interesting large plates (at the time of writing, they had a tuna Wellington. What?!). Whatever dish you get, it’s almost guaranteed it will have some kind of whimsical or straight-up crazy spin on it.
George’s at the Cove
Forget eating in the city—head to beautiful La Jolla and drive straight to George’s at the Cove. Even if they were serving up microwaved taquitos, this spot would probably make the list, thanks to its tri-level view of the Pacific Ocean and incredibly al fresco dining. Luckily, the food here matches the view. The Ocean Terrace is the rooftop restaurant, featuring elevated takes on American classics. If you’re looking to have a drink before or after a meal, the Level2 cocktail bar won’t let you down. The lower level is home to California Modern, a restaurant that offers an…umm…modern Californian menu. Our recommendation: try the chef’s six-course tasting menu.
Herb & Wood
Another Top Chef alum, Brian Malarkey, started Herb & Wood. Take it from us, this is one cool, delicious spot. The restaurant is Malarkey’s take on California cuisine, with a locally focused menu that features fresh seafood and large, comforting entrees, like braised lamb neck with jalapeno, cilantro, and grilled cucumber tzatziki. This is the kind of place that’s great to go on a double date—get some solid cocktails, share some plates of food, and soak up the atmosphere.
*Bonus!*
Noble Experiment
Going somewhere exclusive always just feels cool—especially when it’s a speakeasy cocktail bar hidden inside a casual beer bar. Noble Experiment is a small, intimate bar that feels like something Don Draper would know about (though we’re not sure how he’d feel about the entire wall of golden skulls). This hidden gem is actually a hidden gem. Make a reservation through Resy to guarantee yourself a seat, then prepare yourself for cocktail perfection. Grab food next door at Neighborhood, a casual beer bar with mouthwatering burgers, gooey jalapeño mac and cheese, and loaded fries.
Just thinking of these places make you want to pack your bags and hop on the next flight to San Diego? Take a peek at our more in-depth San Diego moving guide and see if it’s the right place for you. Then, start your apartment search early so you’re ready to hit the town the moment you step off the plane.
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