Andrew and Courtney's Local Restaurant Guidebook
Food scene
Delicious ice cream with unique flavors and their house-made cookies. Great place for dessert on a hot day.
97 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Baked Bear
4516 Mission BlvdDelicious ice cream with unique flavors and their house-made cookies. Great place for dessert on a hot day.
Boba tea made with an expresso machine so that the flavors are intense and aromatic. Our favorite San Diego boba place.
Presotea
4343 Mission BlvdBoba tea made with an expresso machine so that the flavors are intense and aromatic. Our favorite San Diego boba place.
Don't let its location deceive you. Sushi Ota serves some a staple, authentic sushi in San Diego. If you're looking for sushi with fat cuts of fish and feel like you're in Tokyo, this is the place to be. Reservations recommended.
Although it's not the best in San Diego, it is definitely the best within Pacific Beach. A convenient place for Sushi to-go as well if you weren't able to get a reservation.
146 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Ota
4529 Mission Bay DrDon't let its location deceive you. Sushi Ota serves some a staple, authentic sushi in San Diego. If you're looking for sushi with fat cuts of fish and feel like you're in Tokyo, this is the place to be. Reservations recommended.
Although it's not the best in San Diego, it is definitely the best within Pacific Beach. A convenient place for Sushi to-go as well if you weren't able to get a reservation.
Our favorite spot for weekend morning breakfast. The Congress Cafe serves Venezuelan breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. Definitely try their sweet corn pancakes. Don't forget to shop around all of Old Town's quaint little shops afterwards. Check out our Old Town guide if you want more details regarding the area.
The Congress Cafe
3941 Mason StreetOur favorite spot for weekend morning breakfast. The Congress Cafe serves Venezuelan breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes. Definitely try their sweet corn pancakes. Don't forget to shop around all of Old Town's quaint little shops afterwards. Check out our Old Town guide if you want more details regarding the area.
A lively bar and restaurant with views of the beach and sunset from the second floor. Great place to just chat with friends over a few pints and some seafood. There are numerous restaurants and bars with live music in the area as well.
228 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wonderland Ocean Pub
5083 Santa Monica AveA lively bar and restaurant with views of the beach and sunset from the second floor. Great place to just chat with friends over a few pints and some seafood. There are numerous restaurants and bars with live music in the area as well.
Great western style Pho and Asian noodles. Come on your birthday for a free soju (that they'll make you chug as the whole restaurant watches). You get the vibe.
205 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
OB Noodle House & Sake Bar
2218 Cable StGreat western style Pho and Asian noodles. Come on your birthday for a free soju (that they'll make you chug as the whole restaurant watches). You get the vibe.
Tired after a long day and just want some pho? Three tables indoor next to a coin laundry. Have some (relatively) cheap and delicious pho here without any of the fuss. Support a local family business.
Pho Minh
4468 Ingraham StTired after a long day and just want some pho? Three tables indoor next to a coin laundry. Have some (relatively) cheap and delicious pho here without any of the fuss. Support a local family business.
Some of the sushi chefs at Himitsu were once apprentices of those at Sushi Ota according to what we've heard. They've done a spectacular job at mastering their profession as well. Himitsu is a great contender for our good sushi in San Diego. Reservations recommended.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Himitsu
1030 Torrey Pines RdSome of the sushi chefs at Himitsu were once apprentices of those at Sushi Ota according to what we've heard. They've done a spectacular job at mastering their profession as well. Himitsu is a great contender for our good sushi in San Diego. Reservations recommended.
If you've been reading through our guidebook you can probably tell we love "authentic" Japanese food. HiroNori serves some of the best Ramen we could find in San Diego, and the only place that served Hiroshima style spicy dipping ramen. Regardless of which ramen you order the ramen broth will be perfect.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
HiroNori Craft Ramen
3803 Fifth AveIf you've been reading through our guidebook you can probably tell we love "authentic" Japanese food. HiroNori serves some of the best Ramen we could find in San Diego, and the only place that served Hiroshima style spicy dipping ramen. Regardless of which ramen you order the ramen broth will be perfect.
This place is terrible... at least that's what they tell you to say in their reviews. Yakitori Hino doesn't want to play the restaurant reviews game and is a "underground" local favorite for Japanese and Asian communities. Come here for the absolute best Yakitori. Without exaggeration, their skewers have been perfected in capturing that smokey aromatic grilled meats flavor. The unagi is a must try.
Yakitori Hino
7420 Clairemont Mesa BoulevardThis place is terrible... at least that's what they tell you to say in their reviews. Yakitori Hino doesn't want to play the restaurant reviews game and is a "underground" local favorite for Japanese and Asian communities. Come here for the absolute best Yakitori. Without exaggeration, their skewers have been perfected in capturing that smokey aromatic grilled meats flavor. The unagi is a must try.
Board and Brew have a few locations now. The original, which we've listed here, is in Del Mar and serves their best. However, the locations in Mira Mesa and Pacific Beach have done alright as well. We will always recommend the Board Master with their signature sauce. For first-timers, getting anything else would be a waste.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Board & Brew - Del Mar
1212 Camino Del MarBoard and Brew have a few locations now. The original, which we've listed here, is in Del Mar and serves their best. However, the locations in Mira Mesa and Pacific Beach have done alright as well. We will always recommend the Board Master with their signature sauce. For first-timers, getting anything else would be a waste.
Spicy City has been a staple amongst San Diego's Chinese American community for years. If you want some Szechuan spicy dishes, this may still be the best place to get in San Diego. If your limit for spicy is Mongolian Beef from Panda Express, this is not the place for you. If you want deep friend spicy fish fillets in mountains of pepper, pork ears marinated in chili oil, and beef tendon in chili sauce, this is the place for you.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Spicy City
4690 Convoy StSpicy City has been a staple amongst San Diego's Chinese American community for years. If you want some Szechuan spicy dishes, this may still be the best place to get in San Diego. If your limit for spicy is Mongolian Beef from Panda Express, this is not the place for you. If you want deep friend spicy fish fillets in mountains of pepper, pork ears marinated in chili oil, and beef tendon in chili sauce, this is the place for you.
Whether you're vegetarian or not, this place serves some delicious, hearty, and creative salads. We thought it was a bit expensive until my single order was enough food for me for two meals. Come here for tasty salads with innovative ingredients you've never thought about adding to your salad before.
Our Green Affair
980 Garnet AvenueWhether you're vegetarian or not, this place serves some delicious, hearty, and creative salads. We thought it was a bit expensive until my single order was enough food for me for two meals. Come here for tasty salads with innovative ingredients you've never thought about adding to your salad before.
Ironside is always bustling with energy. Although a bit pricey, their cocktail drinks and fresh seafood are hard to beat. Located in the center of Little Italy, it is hard not to have a good time grabbing a bite to eat here and just exploring all the shops and desserts nearby.
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India StIronside is always bustling with energy. Although a bit pricey, their cocktail drinks and fresh seafood are hard to beat. Located in the center of Little Italy, it is hard not to have a good time grabbing a bite to eat here and just exploring all the shops and desserts nearby.
A Georgian (the country, not the state) style restaurant with unique dishes that we had never seen in San Diego before. This places offers a cozy setting for trying some dishes you may never had before.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pomegranate
2312 El Cajon BlvdA Georgian (the country, not the state) style restaurant with unique dishes that we had never seen in San Diego before. This places offers a cozy setting for trying some dishes you may never had before.
Piacere Mio was* our favorite Italian restaurant in all of San Diego. Serving sizes are large, service is friendly, and sometimes dessert is free. Their bread was* house-made and absolutely delicious. Although not as glamorous or busy as some of the other options, Piacere Mio is still our in South Park for an casual Italian dinner.
*There's better now. But still worth a try if you're in the area.
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Piacere Mio
1947 Fern StPiacere Mio was* our favorite Italian restaurant in all of San Diego. Serving sizes are large, service is friendly, and sometimes dessert is free. Their bread was* house-made and absolutely delicious. Although not as glamorous or busy as some of the other options, Piacere Mio is still our in South Park for an casual Italian dinner.
*There's better now. But still worth a try if you're in the area.
Ocean 97 is food-truck located in South Park with Mexican/South American style seafood dishes that will blow up your expectations. Careful though, portion sizes are large and wait time can get quite extensive if you come at peak hours. Can't go wrong with a few tacos and a refreshing ceviche here.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ocean 97 Seafood
3030 Grape StreetOcean 97 is food-truck located in South Park with Mexican/South American style seafood dishes that will blow up your expectations. Careful though, portion sizes are large and wait time can get quite extensive if you come at peak hours. Can't go wrong with a few tacos and a refreshing ceviche here.
Curryosity is a modern and hipster take of Indian food and cocktails. Our favorite place when we're craving some curry and a mojito with spice.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CURRYOSITY
3023 Juniper StCurryosity is a modern and hipster take of Indian food and cocktails. Our favorite place when we're craving some curry and a mojito with spice.
If you want deep friend scallops, mussels, clams, or shrimp do not miss out on this place. Owned by a local family, Mister Fish and Chips serves from fresh seafood deep friend to perfection.
Mister Fish & Chips
5647 Balboa AveIf you want deep friend scallops, mussels, clams, or shrimp do not miss out on this place. Owned by a local family, Mister Fish and Chips serves from fresh seafood deep friend to perfection.
Noble Chef is often overlooked due to its location, but they serve some of the best Chinese food in San Diego in our Opinion. Always try the French style lamb ribs.
Noble Chef
6159 Balboa AvenueNoble Chef is often overlooked due to its location, but they serve some of the best Chinese food in San Diego in our Opinion. Always try the French style lamb ribs.
Our go-to for a classic American style breakfast. The farm house aesthetic ties it all together. Skip the hectic pretentious brunch in Little Italy or La Jolla and grab a perfectly buttery and crisp waffle and glass of OJ at The Original Pancake House. (I'm still more of a waffle type of guy).
14 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Original Pancake House
14905 Pomerado RdOur go-to for a classic American style breakfast. The farm house aesthetic ties it all together. Skip the hectic pretentious brunch in Little Italy or La Jolla and grab a perfectly buttery and crisp waffle and glass of OJ at The Original Pancake House. (I'm still more of a waffle type of guy).
Located in the Grand Colonial Hotel, Nine-Ten was recognized a few years ago by the Michelin Guide. This place is great for a more formal date or a small special occasion. Outdoor seating may offer sunset views, but this may depend on Covid-19 seating arrangements.
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Prospect Bar and Lounge
1025 Prospect StLocated in the Grand Colonial Hotel, Nine-Ten was recognized a few years ago by the Michelin Guide. This place is great for a more formal date or a small special occasion. Outdoor seating may offer sunset views, but this may depend on Covid-19 seating arrangements.
San Diego's best BBQ. However, if you're from the South or Midwest of the USA... it may be better just to wait to get home before getting BBQ again. As for the rest of us, Phil's has some great ribs and sweet n' savory BBQ sauces.
166 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Phil's BBQ
3750 Sports Arena BlvdSan Diego's best BBQ. However, if you're from the South or Midwest of the USA... it may be better just to wait to get home before getting BBQ again. As for the rest of us, Phil's has some great ribs and sweet n' savory BBQ sauces.
If you've never tried xiaolongbao and this is your first exposure to Chinese Huaiyang cuisine then I can highly recommend Din Tai Fung. The original Din Tai Fung in Hong Kong were Michelin Star restaurants. Although these U.S branches are not as good or awarded, they do offer a relatively unique and rare taste of xiaolongbao for those not within the Asian American community. Try the spicy noodles as well (they look spicy, but are more of a sweet spicy)!
39 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Din Tai Fung
4301 La Jolla Village DrIf you've never tried xiaolongbao and this is your first exposure to Chinese Huaiyang cuisine then I can highly recommend Din Tai Fung. The original Din Tai Fung in Hong Kong were Michelin Star restaurants. Although these U.S branches are not as good or awarded, they do offer a relatively unique and rare taste of xiaolongbao for those not within the Asian American community. Try the spicy noodles as well (they look spicy, but are more of a sweet spicy)!
A solely Omakase sushi restaurant, Hidden Fish offers some unique flavors due to the nature of the sushi chef's being younger and from a variety of ethnicities. Hidden fish is innovative while walking the fine line between traditional and modern sushi. Reservations are required here so plan ahead of time.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hidden Fish
4764 Convoy StA solely Omakase sushi restaurant, Hidden Fish offers some unique flavors due to the nature of the sushi chef's being younger and from a variety of ethnicities. Hidden fish is innovative while walking the fine line between traditional and modern sushi. Reservations are required here so plan ahead of time.
Liberty Station Public Market is a collection of restaurants within what used to be a naval base. It is now converted to an arts district with a handful of breweries and dozens of restaurants. If you like shopping for lunch going stall to stall check this place out.
227 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mercado Público de Liberty
2820 Historic Decatur RdLiberty Station Public Market is a collection of restaurants within what used to be a naval base. It is now converted to an arts district with a handful of breweries and dozens of restaurants. If you like shopping for lunch going stall to stall check this place out.
The Lion's Share serves a variety of different and more unusual meats (if you didn't catch the implication from the name). If you're looking for venison, lamb, frog, pheasant, rabbit, along with a good whisky or a strong cocktail, this is the place for you.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Lion's Share
629 Kettner BlvdThe Lion's Share serves a variety of different and more unusual meats (if you didn't catch the implication from the name). If you're looking for venison, lamb, frog, pheasant, rabbit, along with a good whisky or a strong cocktail, this is the place for you.
Sushi Tadokoro earned their first Michelin Star in 2021. Located in an unassuming little plaza, this little Sushi joint serves the most enticing nigiri and sashimi in town. They go beyond just good cuts of tuna or urchin . Although the decor may be a bit dated, the sushi chefs are masters at their craft.
18 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego AveSushi Tadokoro earned their first Michelin Star in 2021. Located in an unassuming little plaza, this little Sushi joint serves the most enticing nigiri and sashimi in town. They go beyond just good cuts of tuna or urchin . Although the decor may be a bit dated, the sushi chefs are masters at their craft.
Enoteca Adriano is located in the quiet neighborhoods between La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Most people, except for the locals, probably pass it off because they'll either go to La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or Little Italy for a "nice" Italian restaurant. Enoteca Adriano is perfect for a date night. Outdoor seating with a heat lamp and old films played on the projector on the outdoor wall. It'll be nice quiet evening with a few glasses of wine, some delicious pasta, and a perfect tiramisu and latte to top it all off.
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Enoteca Adriano
4864 Cass StEnoteca Adriano is located in the quiet neighborhoods between La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Most people, except for the locals, probably pass it off because they'll either go to La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or Little Italy for a "nice" Italian restaurant. Enoteca Adriano is perfect for a date night. Outdoor seating with a heat lamp and old films played on the projector on the outdoor wall. It'll be nice quiet evening with a few glasses of wine, some delicious pasta, and a perfect tiramisu and latte to top it all off.
There is no better burger than The Friendly's. Especially at the original location in North Park. Forget In-n-Out. Forget Rocky's (over-rated anyways). The Friendly is god's gift of a burger.
The Friendly
1344 Garnet AvenueThere is no better burger than The Friendly's. Especially at the original location in North Park. Forget In-n-Out. Forget Rocky's (over-rated anyways). The Friendly is god's gift of a burger.
Matoi is maybe one of the best omakase sushi places in San Diego. Simple, fun, and delicious. Reservations required and highly recommended. CJ only does a total of 20 seats per night, 10 at a time. Omakase only. Don't ask because CJ doesn't take requests. Did I also mention he has some of the best sake for a fraction of the price other restaurants would sell it at? And he blasts classic RnB and gangsta rap. A white guy trained by Yakuza adjacent sushi chefs in Japan. Somehow he does sushi right.
Matoi
4212 Convoy StreetMatoi is maybe one of the best omakase sushi places in San Diego. Simple, fun, and delicious. Reservations required and highly recommended. CJ only does a total of 20 seats per night, 10 at a time. Omakase only. Don't ask because CJ doesn't take requests. Did I also mention he has some of the best sake for a fraction of the price other restaurants would sell it at? And he blasts classic RnB and gangsta rap. A white guy trained by Yakuza adjacent sushi chefs in Japan. Somehow he does sushi right.
This is, without a doubt, the most expensive restaurant I have in my guidebooks. If you somehow get a reservation at Addison, which I believe is the only 2 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego, within the timeframe of your stay I would go. Be prepared to spend about $1,000 for two though.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Addison Restaurant
5200 Grand Del Mar WayThis is, without a doubt, the most expensive restaurant I have in my guidebooks. If you somehow get a reservation at Addison, which I believe is the only 2 Michelin star restaurant in San Diego, within the timeframe of your stay I would go. Be prepared to spend about $1,000 for two though.
The original Menya Ultra got palced on the Michelin guide a few years back. Since then Menya has exploded and there's something like 2 or 3 locations in San Diego.
Menya is great ramen but a little bit more expensive. Still affordable. Definitely more delicious. Worth the visit if you're a ramen fan.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Menya Ultra
8199 Clairemont Mesa BlvdThe original Menya Ultra got palced on the Michelin guide a few years back. Since then Menya has exploded and there's something like 2 or 3 locations in San Diego.
Menya is great ramen but a little bit more expensive. Still affordable. Definitely more delicious. Worth the visit if you're a ramen fan.
Louisiana Purchase is probably the best cajun restaurant in San Diego. How you interpret that comment from somebody that's spent their entire lives in Southern California is up to you.
I think this place serves a bit of a modern and upscale interpretation of cajun food. Drinks and cocktails are strong and can come in liters if you want them to. It's easy to have a good time here.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Louisiana Purchase
2305 University AveLouisiana Purchase is probably the best cajun restaurant in San Diego. How you interpret that comment from somebody that's spent their entire lives in Southern California is up to you.
I think this place serves a bit of a modern and upscale interpretation of cajun food. Drinks and cocktails are strong and can come in liters if you want them to. It's easy to have a good time here.
Nolita hall is always lively. You can tell the chef's are "trying" to create something new in almost every dish, and most are pretty good. The bar has one of those boards above it with the flipping letters, like ones at old train stations or airports. It shows the information of almost every flight that passes over. Pretty cool.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nolita Hall
2305 India StNolita hall is always lively. You can tell the chef's are "trying" to create something new in almost every dish, and most are pretty good. The bar has one of those boards above it with the flipping letters, like ones at old train stations or airports. It shows the information of almost every flight that passes over. Pretty cool.
Kettner Exchange is a place I hear about at least once a week. I would recommend it but I cannot remember most of the nights that involve Kettner exchange. I've been told that their food is great. Definitely a place for a party. Rooftop tables available if your group is large enough and willing to spend a few hundred dollars on drinks.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner BlvdKettner Exchange is a place I hear about at least once a week. I would recommend it but I cannot remember most of the nights that involve Kettner exchange. I've been told that their food is great. Definitely a place for a party. Rooftop tables available if your group is large enough and willing to spend a few hundred dollars on drinks.
Places like this were rare 10 years ago. Now they're pretty much extinct. Even other "vintage diners" are mostly new places specifically curated for a vintage Americana look.
Lucky's serves simple yet delicious breakfast. Breakfast anybody and everybody can enjoy.
But the vibe, the environment, the decor, and Lucky himself are a part of a slowly disappearing Asian American era. Something that I hope other first and second generation immigrants can experience with nostalgia.
Also it's like $8.00 for a full breakfast. You can't complain.
Lucky's Breakfast
3804 Grim AvePlaces like this were rare 10 years ago. Now they're pretty much extinct. Even other "vintage diners" are mostly new places specifically curated for a vintage Americana look.
Lucky's serves simple yet delicious breakfast. Breakfast anybody and everybody can enjoy.
But the vibe, the environment, the decor, and Lucky himself are a part of a slowly disappearing Asian American era. Something that I hope other first and second generation immigrants can experience with nostalgia.
Also it's like $8.00 for a full breakfast. You can't complain.
Matsu is a must-try experience if you are willing to drive to Oceanside during your stay. These aspirational chefs have executed what I believe is a near-perfect menu in balancing taste, creativity, and presentation. Very few, in my opinion, have come this close in providing a perfect dinner. I would go to Matsu without looking at Yelp or other reviews. Like a good movie, it's best to go in with no prior judgements. Get a reservation and enjoy the experience.
Matsu
Matsu is a must-try experience if you are willing to drive to Oceanside during your stay. These aspirational chefs have executed what I believe is a near-perfect menu in balancing taste, creativity, and presentation. Very few, in my opinion, have come this close in providing a perfect dinner. I would go to Matsu without looking at Yelp or other reviews. Like a good movie, it's best to go in with no prior judgements. Get a reservation and enjoy the experience.
La Jolla restaurants are either good views or good food, usually not both and rarely the latter.
Catania has both. An interesting menu of dishes you wouldn't necessarily find on every other Italian/Mediterranean/Californian menu between here and LA. Food is creative and tastes good. Be sure to get reservations for rooftop sunset views.
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Catania
La Jolla restaurants are either good views or good food, usually not both and rarely the latter.
Catania has both. An interesting menu of dishes you wouldn't necessarily find on every other Italian/Mediterranean/Californian menu between here and LA. Food is creative and tastes good. Be sure to get reservations for rooftop sunset views.
The best choice for tapas. Don't let the cliche name or the mundane menu fool you, the food is delicious, creative, and carefully played. Highly recommend the calamari and the pate. A great wine menu and a quiet evening for two. Reservations highly recommended unless you come right at opening.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wolf In The Woods
1920 Fort Stockton DriveThe best choice for tapas. Don't let the cliche name or the mundane menu fool you, the food is delicious, creative, and carefully played. Highly recommend the calamari and the pate. A great wine menu and a quiet evening for two. Reservations highly recommended unless you come right at opening.
Ichifuji is our new favorite omakase sushi place in San Diego. The rice is perfect. The selection is perfect. The mix of simple and complex nigiri places is perfect. Pay attention to the chefs' knife skills and how his cuts and slices change the texture of the sushi. If you're looking for the best and the most authentic sushi in San Diego, this is it. Reservations required.
Ichifuji Sushi
Ichifuji is our new favorite omakase sushi place in San Diego. The rice is perfect. The selection is perfect. The mix of simple and complex nigiri places is perfect. Pay attention to the chefs' knife skills and how his cuts and slices change the texture of the sushi. If you're looking for the best and the most authentic sushi in San Diego, this is it. Reservations required.
Soichi is on the Michelin guide, but our experience there was about average. Although not our favorite, it does come highly recommended by most locals. Reservations recommended.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SOICHI
2121 Adams AveSoichi is on the Michelin guide, but our experience there was about average. Although not our favorite, it does come highly recommended by most locals. Reservations recommended.
Authentic and delicious tonkatsu, cooked perfectly with juicy pork in a perfect crunch. No dry cuts of pork with overly sweet sauce. The chefs' had one goal in a tonkatsu staple for San Diego and they succeeded above and beyond. A local favorite that flies under the radar because tonkatsu isn't high on the list when people look for Japanese food.
EE NAMI Tonkatsu Izakaya
Authentic and delicious tonkatsu, cooked perfectly with juicy pork in a perfect crunch. No dry cuts of pork with overly sweet sauce. The chefs' had one goal in a tonkatsu staple for San Diego and they succeeded above and beyond. A local favorite that flies under the radar because tonkatsu isn't high on the list when people look for Japanese food.
Kinme comes highly recommended amongst locals, but I can't say it's the best in San Diego. Although we appreciate the chefs' vision in creating interesting menu with creative dishes, the execution in flavors needed some work. Frequently, our dishes were oversalted. Reservations required.
Kinme Omakase
Kinme comes highly recommended amongst locals, but I can't say it's the best in San Diego. Although we appreciate the chefs' vision in creating interesting menu with creative dishes, the execution in flavors needed some work. Frequently, our dishes were oversalted. Reservations required.
Yakitori Taisho is frequently claimed to be the best yakitori place in San Diego. Those people are wrong. Although very good, it comes nowhere near to Yakitori Hino. However, if yakitori is what you're craving and Hino is too busy, this is not a bad place to be.
Yakitori Taisho
5185 Clairemont Mesa BlvdYakitori Taisho is frequently claimed to be the best yakitori place in San Diego. Those people are wrong. Although very good, it comes nowhere near to Yakitori Hino. However, if yakitori is what you're craving and Hino is too busy, this is not a bad place to be.
Ju-ichi is my favorite Japanese restaurant on this continent. However. That only applies to their set menu on Sundays. The head chef brings his best to every dish. Even some of the best restaurants in the world have had a few disagreeable dishes to me, but Ju-ichi's set menu does not miss. Each piece had the perfect flavor profiles. Ju-ichi is unpretentious and you can tell the chefs' love their art and creativity.
Ju-ichi
Ju-ichi is my favorite Japanese restaurant on this continent. However. That only applies to their set menu on Sundays. The head chef brings his best to every dish. Even some of the best restaurants in the world have had a few disagreeable dishes to me, but Ju-ichi's set menu does not miss. Each piece had the perfect flavor profiles. Ju-ichi is unpretentious and you can tell the chefs' love their art and creativity.
Bar scene
The coolest speak-easy style bar you'll find in San Diego in our opinion. You'll feel like you were transported to a secret bar in Tokyo, Singapore, or Shanghai when you enter. Drinks are tasty, but food might be a hit or miss here. Reservations recommended.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Realm Of The 52 Remedies
4805 Convoy StThe coolest speak-easy style bar you'll find in San Diego in our opinion. You'll feel like you were transported to a secret bar in Tokyo, Singapore, or Shanghai when you enter. Drinks are tasty, but food might be a hit or miss here. Reservations recommended.
A "speak-easy" style tiki bar. Looks like just a poke store from the outside, but walk into the right freezer door and you can enjoy some tiki drinks.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Grass Skirt
910 Grand AveA "speak-easy" style tiki bar. Looks like just a poke store from the outside, but walk into the right freezer door and you can enjoy some tiki drinks.
False Idol is another Tiki Bar speakeasy in downtown. With seasonal menus, unique décor, and exciting signature drinks, this is a great place to visit for small parties of 2-6 people.
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
False Idol
675 W Beech StFalse Idol is another Tiki Bar speakeasy in downtown. With seasonal menus, unique décor, and exciting signature drinks, this is a great place to visit for small parties of 2-6 people.
As far as I know there aren't many places like this in North America. CMB takes inspiration from Japanese music bars which I'm sure was inspired by American speakeasy's and piano or jazz bars from the early 20th century. The setting is cozy and intimate. Low light. A short, but inspired, cocktail menu. A different DJ/mixer of vinyls every night of the week. And it's the only speakeasy in San Diego that's actually hard to find. Message me if you get lost.
Convoy Music Bar
4646 Convoy StreetAs far as I know there aren't many places like this in North America. CMB takes inspiration from Japanese music bars which I'm sure was inspired by American speakeasy's and piano or jazz bars from the early 20th century. The setting is cozy and intimate. Low light. A short, but inspired, cocktail menu. A different DJ/mixer of vinyls every night of the week. And it's the only speakeasy in San Diego that's actually hard to find. Message me if you get lost.
This is a cocktail bar hidden behind/with-in another bar/restaurant. Noble Experiment does some of the more artsy/craft cocktails. You can pick from the menu or talk to the mixologist about what specific flavors you're looking for.
There's also a wall of (fake) skulls. Reservations recommended.
116 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Noble Experiment
777 G StThis is a cocktail bar hidden behind/with-in another bar/restaurant. Noble Experiment does some of the more artsy/craft cocktails. You can pick from the menu or talk to the mixologist about what specific flavors you're looking for.
There's also a wall of (fake) skulls. Reservations recommended.
Before this place absolutely exploded in popularity due to social media, it was easily one of the top 3 "speak-easy" style cocktail bails in San Diego.
If you can get a reservation during your stay it is definitely worth the trip. This place stays on theme and is an easy fun night out.
Oculto 477
Before this place absolutely exploded in popularity due to social media, it was easily one of the top 3 "speak-easy" style cocktail bails in San Diego.
If you can get a reservation during your stay it is definitely worth the trip. This place stays on theme and is an easy fun night out.