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A plate of larb garnished with mint, chilies, and green onions at Sovereign Thai.

The 38 Essential Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego’s essential eateries across an array of cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points

by Candice Woo Updated Jan 10, 2023, 9:10am PST

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A plate of larb garnished with mint, chilies, and green onions at Sovereign Thai.

| Sovereign Thai/Facebook

by Candice Woo Updated Jan 10, 2023, 9:10am PST

Presenting San Diego’s updated Eater 38, your answer to any question that begins, “Can you recommend a restaurant?”

This standout group of 38 must-try restaurants reflects the best of our diverse dining culture and is meant to cover the city of San Diego and beyond while spanning a range of price points and neighborhoods. Restaurants on this list must be open for six months to qualify for consideration. For buzz on newer restaurants, check out our monthly Eater heatmap.

With every update, Eater San Diego adds a few restaurants that have become newly eligible or stepped up their game. As such, a few restaurants are retired from the map each quarter — not necessarily forever — to make room.

If your favorite restaurant isn’t on the list, send us a note nominating it for inclusion; we’ll be posting updated versions of the Eater 38 map throughout the year.

For all the latest San Diego dining intel, subscribe to Eater San Diego’s newsletter.

Note: Restaurants on this map are listed geographically.

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Dija Mara

Helping to kickstart the culinary evolution of Oceanside, Dija Mara has attracted the attention of the Michelin Guide, which honored it as a 2020 “new discovery”. The modern Indonesian restaurant conveys the complex flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine through its interpretation of some of the region’s signature dishes like beef short rib rendang and nasi goreng with chicken confit.

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232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

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Wrench and Rodent

Another standout in Oceanside, this sushi spot showcases chef/owner Davin Waite’s unique skills with foraging and far-out flavor innovations. Though his approach is broad enough to include both traditional sushi and unconventional rolls paired with creative sauces, Waite is uncompromising in his care for ingredients.

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1815 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054

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The sushi bar at Wrench and Rodent

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Jeune et Jolie

Chic to the max, the second Carlsbad restaurant from the team behind Campfire applies a SoCal twist to modern French fare. An enviable open kitchen is its sparkling stage, turning out a sophisticated but not-at-all stuffy four-course menu from executive chef Eric Bost and chef de cuisine Jacob Ruck, Jeune et Jolie is one of a handful of local establishments to have received a 2021 Michelin star.

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2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008

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Campfire

Chef Eric Bost is now at the helm of Jeune et Jolie’s casual sibling At this Carlsbad charmer, wood-fired cookery permeates every aspect of the menu, including the creative cocktails. Smoked and grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables are showcased in a stylishly rustic dining room that’s equally suited for date night or family dinners.

2725 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008

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Carlsbad's New Campfire Sets Off Sparks in North County's Food Scene

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Market Restaurant & Bar

Chef/owner Carl Schroeder, whose extensive culinary experience includes working with famed chefs Michael Mina and Bradley Ogden, has kept his well-established restaurant open while remaining faithful to a hyper-seasonal cooking style inspired by local farms, including the nearby Alice Waters-endorsed Chino Farm. The restaurant offers a three-course tasting menu in the dining room while a la carte service is available in the bar and lounge.

3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014

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Addison Restaurant

San Diego’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison is guided by longtime executive chef/director William Bradley, whose team leads diners through elaborate nine-course chef’s tasting dinners of contemporary California cuisine that revolves around the seasons.

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5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130

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Front entryway of Addison Restaurant with a sunset sky in the background.

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A.R. Valentien

The Lodge at Torrey Pines’s signature restaurant transcends hotel dining by a mile. Executive chef Kelli Crosson oversees the restaurant’s impeccably-sourced farm-to-table cooking. Housemade terrines, Liberty Duck breast and leg confit, and beets with pistachio butter are all on the menu, served in a warm and welcoming Craftsman-style dining room.

11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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The outdoor dining patio at A.R. Valentien overlooking Torrey Pines Golf Course.

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George's At The Cove

Though its lower- level fine dining restaurant closed during the pandemic, George’s still offers top-notch views and dishes like local tuna crudo and roasted Jidori chicken at its rooftop terrace and craft cocktail-focused gastrobar. As San Diego’s top supporter of Chino Farm, its ingredients are impeccable, while executive chef/partner Trey Foshee is one of the city’s most admired chefs.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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The dining room at George’s at the Cove

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Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

San Diego has several stellar hotel restaurants and this is one of them. The La Jolla spot, located in the Grande Colonial Hotel, is run by longtime executive chef, Jason Knibb, who is admired by the food-obsessed and other local chefs for his precise and never pretentious California cuisine. Check out his signature dish, the Jamaican jerk pork belly.

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910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

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Yakitori Hino

Japanese food is one of San Diego’s strong suits and this modest and unassuming Kearny Mesa spot is an under-the-radar industry favorite. Expertly-grilled yakitori is on the menu, along with a compelling selection of izakaya dishes, from takowasa (raw octopus with wasabi) to fried smelt. The restaurant recently added an option for omakase, or a chef’s tasting menu, featuring its skewers.

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7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd #104, San Diego, CA 92111

Sign saying “Hino” in front of restaurant.

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Where to Eat Japanese Food in San Diego

Menya Ultra

This Japanese transplant with multiple locations has garnered national attention and Michelin Plate recognition thanks to its masterful bowls of ramen. Its signature tonkotsu broth is rich but not overly heavy, and its noodles, made in-house, have near-perfect pull and chew.

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8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd m, San Diego, CA 92111

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Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot

One of the few stateside locations of this high-end hot pot restaurant that hails from Beijing but specializes in Sichuan-style hot pot from China’s municipality of Chongqing, this is hands-down the top spot for hot pot in town. Dressed in traditional decor, this upscale restaurant offers a signature spicy and numbing broth as well as milder options and a panoply of fresh ingredients to simmer in the soup, from wagyu beef and fried tofu skin to shrimp dumplings and duck blood.

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4225 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111

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A dining room at a fancy Chinese hot pot restaurant. — A dining room at Shangchen Lameizi.

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Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

When it set up shop in the quiet coastal community of Bird Rock in 2018, Wayfarer brought the beach its first real-deal bakery. Established by owner and master baker Crystal White, the takeout-only spot has become a destination for its flaky pastries sweetened with local produce and sturdy-crusted loaves made from heirloom grains.

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5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

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The bread counter at Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

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The Fishery

For a city of its size, San Diego has too few restaurants dedicated to showcasing local seafood and the bounty of the West Coast. With chef Mike Reidy running this kitchen of this restaurant that’s also a seafood distributor and retail market, this family-run Pacific Beach institution does more than its share to balance the scales. .

5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109

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The front entrance of The Fishery

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Soichi Sushi

This gracious family-run Adams Avenue sushi bar, which has been awarded a Michelin star, offers an eight-course omakase experience from master sushi chef Sochi Kadoya that includes delicately-prepared appetizers, nigiri, and sashimi offered alongside a well-curated sake selection.

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2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

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Platter of nigiri from Soichi Sushi

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Et Voilà!

This neighborhood bistro, run by a veteran of the city’s best French restaurants, has charm for days. Its relaxed bar and comfortable dining room are a fine setting for French classics that include made-to-order, sky-high souffles.

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3015 Adams Ave #103, San Diego, CA 92116

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Dining room at Et Voila

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Tuetano Taqueria

Chef Priscilla Curiel’s Michelin-recognized taqueria has now settled in as the Old Town Urban Market’s anchor tenant. Though the move from San Ysidro has resulted in higher prices, the slow-simmered birria and roasted bone marrow still make for an unparalleled combo.

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2548 Congress St, San Diego, CA 92110

A birria taco topped with bone marrow with consome and salsa on the side.

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Fort Oak

Honored with Michelin Plate status, the sophomore entry from the chefs behind Trust Restaurant, is a staple in Mission Hills. With a relaxed cocktail bar, upscale dining room, and chef’s counter perch it offers a range of dining experiences.

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1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103

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A modern dining room with glass walls. — The main dining room.

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Sushi Tadokoro

Well-crafted nigiri sushi is one of the attractions at this Michelin-starred Old Town restaurant, which tops many sushi aficionados’ lists for its adherence to traditional Japanese style and technique. The setting is spare; all of the fireworks are reserved for what’s on the plate.

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2244 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

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Front entrance of Sushi Tadokoro

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Where to Eat Japanese Food in San Diego

Tribute Pizza

Though it was initially built to honor some of the world’s great pizzerias, this North Park restaurant has earned respect for its own menu creations, from homemade bread and farmer’s market-sourced vegetable plates to its “Neo-Neapolitan” pies that ranges from creatively-topped weekly specials and classic pies.

3077 North Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104

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Pizza from Tribute Pizza

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Trust Restaurant

Overseen by chef/co-owner Brad Wise, this stylish independent restaurant, an Eater Award -winner, has both sustained its success over the years and spawned a growing hospitality group. With a dinner menu highlighted by pasta and wood-grilled proteins, it also offers a can’t-miss brunch. fort

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103

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A modern dining room with glass walls. — The dining room.

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Where to Eat in San Diego on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Cori Pastificio Trattoria

The first solo restaurant from Accursio Lota celebrates the popular chef’s Sicilian heritage and has been well-received by locals as well as the international culinary community. Located in North Park, the cozy spot serves handmade pasta, including some made with ancient grains, and entrees like pistachio-crusted lamb chops and eggplant parmigiana.

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2977 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104

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Pasta dish from Cori Pastificio Trattoria

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CUCINA Urbana

This recently-refreshed Bankers Hill restaurant and wine shop has enjoyed enduring popularity due to its consistently-good contemporary Italian cuisine that includes pasta, pizzas, and starters like fried squash blossoms and seasonal starters.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Dining room at Cucina Urbana

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Juniper & Ivy

Continuing to serve as one of the anchors of Little Italy’s ever-growing restaurant scene, the admired restaurant is still in the hands of longstanding executive chef Anthony Wells, a James Beard Awards semifinalist, whose menu of “left coast cookery” is informed by his commitment to support local farmers and fishermen.

2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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Dining room at Juniper & Ivy

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Herb & Wood

Herb & Wood is still a stunning spot to see -and -be -seen in, with its California-meets-Mediterranean menu of grilled meats, pastas, and wood-fired pizza, as well as a standout brunch, keeps diners coming back. Six years in, the restaurant is now being headed up by executive chef Carlos Anthony under the mentorship of its celebrity chef owner, Brian Malarkey.

2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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Dining room at Herb & Wood

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Kettner Exchange

An expansive rooftop patio is part of the draw at this bi-level restaurant that’s a fixture on the nightlife scene but was also recognized with Michelin Bib Gourmand status in 2021 for executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s consistently tasty and thoughtful food that inflected with Asian ingredients and techniques.

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2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

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The bar at Kettner Exchange

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Born and Raised

This Little Italy steakhouse has firmly established its classic status. Thrill to Caesar salads, omelets, and steak tartare made tableside followed by luxurious cuts of dry aged beef cut to order, prized Wagyu beef grilled on Japanese charcoal, and retro hits like Tournedos Rossini and steak Diane.

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1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

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The rooftop patio at night with columns made to look like trees with twinkling lights and a black and white striped floor.

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Civico 1845

This warmly-welcoming restaurant, one of the anchors of Little Italy’s main thoroughfare, offers a menu of Southern Italian seafood dishes made with local ingredients as well as modern innovations on Italian classics using vegan and gluten-free ingredients.

1845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Dining room at Civico 1845

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Morning Glory

Awarded Bib Gourmand status by the Michelin Guide, this popular brunch spot stands out by serving an internationally-inspired breakfast menu (think egg fried rice and breakfast carbonara) and commendable cocktails in a pink-hued, fantastical setting.

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550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101

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Pink velvet booths at Morning Glory sit under a large chandelier shaped like a pink flower.

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KINDRED

This South Park rebel makes its mark with the rarely-seen pairing of top-notch craft cocktails with a creative and comforting vegan menu. Add a dose of seriously eye-catching design and you’ve got a winner.

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1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102

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Dining room at Kindred

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Buona Forchetta

With outposts throughout San Diego, the flagship location of this friendly, family-owned Italian restaurant remains the most beloved. Regulars rave about the pizzas that emerge from its signature gold-tiled ovens as well as the pastas; both are also available gluten-free.

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3001 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102

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Pizza coming out of the oven at Buona Forchetta

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Kingfisher

Among the hottest arrivals of the year, and also earning national buzz, Kingfisher is settling in as one of the city’s most dynamic restaurants. Bringing destination dining to the undersung neighborhood of Golden Hill, its menu elegantly modernizes classic Vietnamese dishes while highlighting San Diego treasures like Chino Farm. Don’t miss the dry-aged duck, available in limited quantities, or the fantastically creative cocktails.

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2469 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92102

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