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A salad of beets and berries.
Beets and berries at Manna.
Kimberly Motos

The Hottest Restaurants in San Diego, May 2023

The latest lineup includes a new daytime cafe and omakase spot

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Beets and berries at Manna.
| Kimberly Motos

More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends, and family of Eater have one question: Where should I eat right now? And while the restaurant industry is still being affected by the pandemic, new restaurants continue to persevere and are managing to open their doors to diners eager to get back to dining out.

Note: map points are not ranked.

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Chef William Eick’s fine dining take on modern Japanese cuisine, which started as a pop-up before opening in its own intimate space in Oceanside’s Tremont District, spotlights progressive dishes that combine Japanese technique with Southern California ingredients.

A matcha ice cream waffle on a large dish.
A dessert course at Matsu.
Matsu

Atelier Manna

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Chef Andrew Bachelier (Jeune et Jolie, Cucina Enoteca) is behind this stylish cafe and test kitchen in Leucadia where the eclectic and craveable daytime menu ranges from coconut milk-soaked Spanish-style French toast to blue corn chilaquiles in mole negro and Turkish poached eggs served alongside fresh juices and tonics. Its 25-seat patio will also be used for special events, including preview dinners for Chick & Hawk, his highly-anticipated North County restaurant with Tony Hawk.

A coffee counter inside a cafe.
Inside Manna.
Kimberly Motos

Haidilao Hotpot San Diego

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As China’s largest high-end hot pot chain, Haidilao is known for its attentive service and thoughtful extras, including wireless phone charging at tables and protective aprons and bags for keeping diners’ clothes and smartphones tidy. Its tomato and spicy Sichuan hot pot are the most popular, but you can try up to four broths per tabletop.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters

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The relaxed, upscale restaurant brings fresh oysters to La Jolla Shores along with a flexible menu that includes wood-grilled meats like California squab, prime rib, and double-cut pork chops and accompanying sides.

A cocktail bar with an undersea mural on the back wall. Crave Imagery

Elegant and breezy, the La Jolla restaurant interprets modern Italian cuisine with a focus on handmade pasta, pairing delicate tagliatelle with king crab and luscious short rib ragu with thumbnail-size gnocchetti, and sourcing fresh catch from the local Tuna Harbor Dockside Market for standout seafood dishes featuring squid and mackerel. Don’t miss the cocktails, which center around carefully-considered classics.

Carpaccio with American wagyu, pine nuts, and horseradish.
Carpaccio at Marisi
Jim Sullivan

Sushi Ichifuji

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Two highly-trained itamae, veterans of the Michelin-starred Soichi Sushi as well as downtown’s popular Taka Sushi, have paired up to open a sleek restaurant in Linda Vista that showcases their sushi skills through an eight-course omakase menu. With two seating per night and just 10 seats, reservations are required for the seasonal seafood experience.

A plate of sashimi.
The sashimi course at Sushi Ichifuji.
Candice Woo

Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger - Pacific Beach

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Chef Steve Brown’s largest restaurant yet brings together a wagyu beef butcher shop, burgers, and a steakhouse experience in an expansive space in Pacific Beach. The restaurant and bar offers upscale dinner service (including his wagyu tasting menu) along with brunch.

Large patio filled with chairs and tables with a red sunshade overhead.
Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger
J.Dixx Photography

Mission + Garnet Food Hall

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Occupying a prime corner in Pacific Beach where it’s open early in the morning for post-surf breakfast burritos and late into the night for after-party munchies, this six-restaurant food hall offers everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to churro waffles, build-your-old salads, and tacos filled with a wide variety of spit-fired meat.

Two stalls at the food hall.
Kimberly Motos

Izakaya Maíze

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The first solo restaurant from chef Nate Horton (Swagyu, Animae) highlights his background in wagyu beef and Asian cuisine, mixing high-end steaks with modern izakaya dishes and influences and ingredients that reflect his Hispanic heritage. Bringing a rare tasting menu opportunity to East County, the bar also offers creative cocktails that showcase Japanese whisky and agave spirits.

A modern Japanese restaurant’s dining room.
Inside Izakaya Maize.
James Tran

White Rice Bodega

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Chef Phillip Esteban’s first stand-alone restaurant for his Filipino rice bowl chain pairs the fast-casual menu with beer and natural wine. Its silog bowls come topped with everything from crispy pork belly to grilled chicken and a vegan mushroom and tofu sisig. Filipino flavors extend to desserts and drinks, including taho (sweetened tofu and fruit) and ube milk tea.

The outdoor patio of a restaurant. White Rice Bodega

Wolf In The Woods

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The cozy, wine-focused space features a New Mexican-inspired design and serves an eclectic menu of snacks and tapas from executive chef Carmine Lopez (Great Maple) that includes yellowtail aguachile, harissa octopus, and citrus-cured salmon.

Little Thief and Papalito

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With an impeccably curated wine list, this bar and bistro from the team behind Vino Carta and Bottlecraft is the hottest new hangout in North Park. Pair a glass of something natty with smoked meat from Papalito, chef Drew Bent’s in-house Sonoran barbecue outfit, or a sandwich stuffed with fried chicken or smoked local fish.

Tables inside a wine bar.
The dining room at Little Thief.
Kimberly Motos

Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado

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Grand Ole BBQ’s original spot in North Park is back and more grand than ever; the soaring space now features a larger patio along with an indoor dining area and bar. In addition to its accomplished Texas-style barbecue (and Argentine specialties on Sundays), the restaurant has expanded its menu to include more vegan options, sides, and desserts.

A casual dining room filled with picnic tables. Kimberly Motos

Kinme Omakase

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The Japanese tradition of kaiseki is on display at this intimate and special new spot in Bankers Hill from the team behind Azuki Sushi. The 10-seat restaurant hosts two seatings per night for its 10-course seasonal tasting menus that combine sushi and sashimi with grilled and cooked dishes.

A chef plates sashimi.
A sashimi course at Kinme.
James Tran

ARTIFACT at Mingei

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Situated among the museum’s collection, Artifact offers a transportive menu that spans the globe, with beautifully-presented dishes and accomplished cocktails. A special dinner experience, featuring a multi-course menu inspired the cuisine and traditions of select cities and regions around the world, is offered once a month.

A sleek and modern restaurant dining room and cocktail bar. Kimberly Motos

Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

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This sparkling addition to Little Italy is thrilling diners with Baja-style plates of fresh seafood, from platters of chocolate clams to standout dishes like shrimp aguachile en salsa verde, tuna and scallop tostadas dressed with guajillo chile mayo and ponzu, and tiradito mixto in XO sauce from executive chef Miguel Angel Gomez. Seafood-friendly drinks include sake, champagne, and a selection of labels from wine regions throughout Mexico.

A raw bar at a seafood restaurant.
The raw bar at Crudo.
Kimberly Motos

The Desmond

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Acclaimed LA chef Jason Neroni of Venice Beach icon, the Rose, has been spending significant time in San Diego where he created this sleek new restaurant for downtown’s revamped and renamed Kimpton Alma. Supported by chef de cuisine Aldo Negrete and pastry chef Erin Steidley, Neroni’s seasonal menu for the dinner-only space includes everything-spiced Parker House rolls served with black sesame and smoked eggplant dip and local black cod prepared in the style of Japanese unagi. The chef, who is in the process of opening a highly-anticipated pizzeria in LA, will reportedly be bringing his pizza prowess to a new poolside bar opening at the hotel later this spring.

A modern dining room.
The dining room.
The Desmond

Market on 8th

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South Bay’s dynamic food hall holds a diverse collection of cuisines, offering everything from Filipino, Thai, and Indonesian food to Southern barbecue. Built to service the local community and draw interested diners to downtown National City, the public market also houses a beer garden and tap station from Novo Brazil Brewing.

Exterior of building with Market on 8th sign. Kimberly Motos

Matsu

Chef William Eick’s fine dining take on modern Japanese cuisine, which started as a pop-up before opening in its own intimate space in Oceanside’s Tremont District, spotlights progressive dishes that combine Japanese technique with Southern California ingredients.

A matcha ice cream waffle on a large dish.
A dessert course at Matsu.
Matsu

Atelier Manna

Chef Andrew Bachelier (Jeune et Jolie, Cucina Enoteca) is behind this stylish cafe and test kitchen in Leucadia where the eclectic and craveable daytime menu ranges from coconut milk-soaked Spanish-style French toast to blue corn chilaquiles in mole negro and Turkish poached eggs served alongside fresh juices and tonics. Its 25-seat patio will also be used for special events, including preview dinners for Chick & Hawk, his highly-anticipated North County restaurant with Tony Hawk.

A coffee counter inside a cafe.
Inside Manna.
Kimberly Motos

Haidilao Hotpot San Diego

As China’s largest high-end hot pot chain, Haidilao is known for its attentive service and thoughtful extras, including wireless phone charging at tables and protective aprons and bags for keeping diners’ clothes and smartphones tidy. Its tomato and spicy Sichuan hot pot are the most popular, but you can try up to four broths per tabletop.

Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters

The relaxed, upscale restaurant brings fresh oysters to La Jolla Shores along with a flexible menu that includes wood-grilled meats like California squab, prime rib, and double-cut pork chops and accompanying sides.

A cocktail bar with an undersea mural on the back wall. Crave Imagery

Marisi

Elegant and breezy, the La Jolla restaurant interprets modern Italian cuisine with a focus on handmade pasta, pairing delicate tagliatelle with king crab and luscious short rib ragu with thumbnail-size gnocchetti, and sourcing fresh catch from the local Tuna Harbor Dockside Market for standout seafood dishes featuring squid and mackerel. Don’t miss the cocktails, which center around carefully-considered classics.

Carpaccio with American wagyu, pine nuts, and horseradish.
Carpaccio at Marisi
Jim Sullivan

Sushi Ichifuji

Two highly-trained itamae, veterans of the Michelin-starred Soichi Sushi as well as downtown’s popular Taka Sushi, have paired up to open a sleek restaurant in Linda Vista that showcases their sushi skills through an eight-course omakase menu. With two seating per night and just 10 seats, reservations are required for the seasonal seafood experience.

A plate of sashimi.
The sashimi course at Sushi Ichifuji.
Candice Woo

Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger - Pacific Beach

Chef Steve Brown’s largest restaurant yet brings together a wagyu beef butcher shop, burgers, and a steakhouse experience in an expansive space in Pacific Beach. The restaurant and bar offers upscale dinner service (including his wagyu tasting menu) along with brunch.

Large patio filled with chairs and tables with a red sunshade overhead.
Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger
J.Dixx Photography

Mission + Garnet Food Hall

Occupying a prime corner in Pacific Beach where it’s open early in the morning for post-surf breakfast burritos and late into the night for after-party munchies, this six-restaurant food hall offers everything from bacon-wrapped hot dogs to churro waffles, build-your-old salads, and tacos filled with a wide variety of spit-fired meat.

Two stalls at the food hall.
Kimberly Motos

Izakaya Maíze

The first solo restaurant from chef Nate Horton (Swagyu, Animae) highlights his background in wagyu beef and Asian cuisine, mixing high-end steaks with modern izakaya dishes and influences and ingredients that reflect his Hispanic heritage. Bringing a rare tasting menu opportunity to East County, the bar also offers creative cocktails that showcase Japanese whisky and agave spirits.

A modern Japanese restaurant’s dining room.
Inside Izakaya Maize.
James Tran

White Rice Bodega

Chef Phillip Esteban’s first stand-alone restaurant for his Filipino rice bowl chain pairs the fast-casual menu with beer and natural wine. Its silog bowls come topped with everything from crispy pork belly to grilled chicken and a vegan mushroom and tofu sisig. Filipino flavors extend to desserts and drinks, including taho (sweetened tofu and fruit) and ube milk tea.

The outdoor patio of a restaurant. White Rice Bodega

Wolf In The Woods

The cozy, wine-focused space features a New Mexican-inspired design and serves an eclectic menu of snacks and tapas from executive chef Carmine Lopez (Great Maple) that includes yellowtail aguachile, harissa octopus, and citrus-cured salmon.

Little Thief and Papalito

With an impeccably curated wine list, this bar and bistro from the team behind Vino Carta and Bottlecraft is the hottest new hangout in North Park. Pair a glass of something natty with smoked meat from Papalito, chef Drew Bent’s in-house Sonoran barbecue outfit, or a sandwich stuffed with fried chicken or smoked local fish.

Tables inside a wine bar.
The dining room at Little Thief.
Kimberly Motos

Grand Ole BBQ Y Asado

Grand Ole BBQ’s original spot in North Park is back and more grand than ever; the soaring space now features a larger patio along with an indoor dining area and bar. In addition to its accomplished Texas-style barbecue (and Argentine specialties on Sundays), the restaurant has expanded its menu to include more vegan options, sides, and desserts.

A casual dining room filled with picnic tables. Kimberly Motos

Kinme Omakase

The Japanese tradition of kaiseki is on display at this intimate and special new spot in Bankers Hill from the team behind Azuki Sushi. The 10-seat restaurant hosts two seatings per night for its 10-course seasonal tasting menus that combine sushi and sashimi with grilled and cooked dishes.

A chef plates sashimi.
A sashimi course at Kinme.
James Tran

ARTIFACT at Mingei

Situated among the museum’s collection, Artifact offers a transportive menu that spans the globe, with beautifully-presented dishes and accomplished cocktails. A special dinner experience, featuring a multi-course menu inspired the cuisine and traditions of select cities and regions around the world, is offered once a month.

A sleek and modern restaurant dining room and cocktail bar. Kimberly Motos

Related Maps

Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar

This sparkling addition to Little Italy is thrilling diners with Baja-style plates of fresh seafood, from platters of chocolate clams to standout dishes like shrimp aguachile en salsa verde, tuna and scallop tostadas dressed with guajillo chile mayo and ponzu, and tiradito mixto in XO sauce from executive chef Miguel Angel Gomez. Seafood-friendly drinks include sake, champagne, and a selection of labels from wine regions throughout Mexico.

A raw bar at a seafood restaurant.
The raw bar at Crudo.
Kimberly Motos

The Desmond

Acclaimed LA chef Jason Neroni of Venice Beach icon, the Rose, has been spending significant time in San Diego where he created this sleek new restaurant for downtown’s revamped and renamed Kimpton Alma. Supported by chef de cuisine Aldo Negrete and pastry chef Erin Steidley, Neroni’s seasonal menu for the dinner-only space includes everything-spiced Parker House rolls served with black sesame and smoked eggplant dip and local black cod prepared in the style of Japanese unagi. The chef, who is in the process of opening a highly-anticipated pizzeria in LA, will reportedly be bringing his pizza prowess to a new poolside bar opening at the hotel later this spring.

A modern dining room.
The dining room.
The Desmond

Market on 8th

South Bay’s dynamic food hall holds a diverse collection of cuisines, offering everything from Filipino, Thai, and Indonesian food to Southern barbecue. Built to service the local community and draw interested diners to downtown National City, the public market also houses a beer garden and tap station from Novo Brazil Brewing.

Exterior of building with Market on 8th sign. Kimberly Motos

Related Maps