Eater Awards 2019: Here Are the San Diego Finalists

Today, the process of choosing this year’s stars in the San Diego restaurant world — the Eater Awards winners for 2019 — continues apace. After fielding many solid ideas from readers during the course of our month-long nomination period, it’s time to narrow the playing field. There are four finalists in three categories: Restaurant of the Year, Design of the Year, and Bar of the Year.

Here they are:

Restaurant of the Year:

Fort Oak. The Trust team created another neighborhood standout in Mission Hills.

Il Dandy. The ambitious Italian endeavor is backed by Michelin starred chefs.

Jeune et Jolie. Carlsbad’s modern French haunt is earning national acclaim.

Serea. The Hotel del Coronado added an impressive seafood showcase.

Design of the Year:

Morning Glory. Brunch reaches new heights in a gilded, glossy pink palace.

Jeune et Jolie. France meets Southern California in a space that epitomizes effortless chic.

Realm of the 52 Remedies. Convoy’s first speakeasy is a devastatingly sexy cocktail den.

Luca at The Guild Hotel. Paired with a handsome bar and lounge, the all-outdoor restaurant oozes charm.

Bar of the Year:

Tahona. Old Town finally gets a real drinking destination.

Realm of the 52 Remedies. Creative Asian-inspired cocktails, plus food.

Morning Glory. Brunch cocktails go beyond basic.

Fernside. South Park scores the ideal neighborhood bar.

All of these finalists have either opened or come into their own in a new way since we declared the winners last year. All of them were key contributors to making 2019 a great year of eating and drinking in San Diego. So please, take a moment to give these brave finalists a round of applause. Winners will be crowned, with much fanfare, on December 10, 2019.