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Updating Eater San Diego's Heatmap, April '13

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More often than not, tipsters, readers, friends and family of Eater have just one question: Where should I eat right now? Restaurant obsessives want to know what's new, what's hot and what to try. And while the Eater 38 is a great resource that covers old standbys and neighborhood essentials across the city, it's not a chronicle of the 'it' places of the moment.

Thus, we offer the Eater Heatmap, which will change continually to highlight the latest openings that are generating serious buzz. See who made the list in this month's Heatmap update.

Know of a new restaurant with a good amount of heat that should be added to the list? Send us a tip!


04/04/13: Added: The Haven Pizzeria, Amaya La Jolla.

03/07/13: Added: Soda & Swine, Great Maple, Heights Tavern, Project Pie

02/07/13: Added: Eclipse Chocolat, Buona Forchetta and Fathom Bistro.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Monello

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From the owners of Bencotto; open for just a few weeks. Menu of Italian street food, pizza, pasta and meat. Free small bites w/a cocktail during aperitivo hours (4-7p.m.).

Sushi Tadokoro

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For fans of the documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi and traditional Edomae-style nigiri; some new world rolls but thankfully, not many.

The Patio on Lamont Street

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Opened in late November, brought new life to the former Lamont Street Grill; small plates and craft cocktails to the casual Pacific Beach community.

Gang Kitchen

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A lounge-like setting, an Asian fusion menu. No, it's not the 90's, but some of the dishes at Gang Kitchen are an homage to fusion cuisine classics reminiscent of Wolfgang Puck's era-defining Chinois.

The Blind Burro

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Over 100 tequilas, sangria on tap and a Baja-inspired menu. Their "amigo hour" (happy hour) food is more interesting than most: $5 fish collars and taquitos stuffed sweet potato-chorizo filling or smoked fish.

Eclipse Chocolat Bar & Bistro

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Eclipse's new South Park digs offer a new beer & wine menu, snacks and dessert plus a weekend brunch service that's soon to be a daily occurrence.

Buona Forchetta

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This corner joint boasts a real deal Neapolitan pizza oven. The small size of the restaurant combined with lots of initial buzz makes for frequent long waits for a table.

Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle

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A craft beer vet transforms a Shelter Island bait and tackle store into a beer bar and eatery with a great tap list, kimchi-topped hot dogs and burgers, and a killer bay view.

Soda & Swine

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A choose your own adventure meal, starring meatballs. The sides shine, including crispy polenta with burrata. Hop next door for a cocktail at Polite Provisions (bring your food or have it delivered).

Great Maple

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A longstanding diner gets a swanky mid-century modern makeover from Johnny Rivera (Hash House, The Tractor Room). The desserts and homemade pies are standouts.

Heights Tavern

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Normal Heights gets a spike in patio seating thanks to this better version of a sports bar which serves chef-y pub grub (burgers, chili and fries), plus craft cocktails and beer.

Project Pie

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This locally-owned chain is on the verge of global expansion. Project Pie specializes in speedy food made fresh, your way; their customizable flatbread pizzas cook up in a matter of minutes.

The Haven Pizzeria

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A friendly new pizzeria for the Kensington neighborhood - the owner also runs a nearby cafe. Besides pizza, people are flocking for the starters, salads and selection of craft beer.

Amaya La Jolla

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Amaya has a relation in North County's Grand Del Mar, but this new La Jolla outpost differentiates itself by giving their upscale American menu a bit of Southern flair.

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Monello

From the owners of Bencotto; open for just a few weeks. Menu of Italian street food, pizza, pasta and meat. Free small bites w/a cocktail during aperitivo hours (4-7p.m.).

Sushi Tadokoro

For fans of the documentary film Jiro Dreams of Sushi and traditional Edomae-style nigiri; some new world rolls but thankfully, not many.

The Patio on Lamont Street

Opened in late November, brought new life to the former Lamont Street Grill; small plates and craft cocktails to the casual Pacific Beach community.

Gang Kitchen

A lounge-like setting, an Asian fusion menu. No, it's not the 90's, but some of the dishes at Gang Kitchen are an homage to fusion cuisine classics reminiscent of Wolfgang Puck's era-defining Chinois.

The Blind Burro

Over 100 tequilas, sangria on tap and a Baja-inspired menu. Their "amigo hour" (happy hour) food is more interesting than most: $5 fish collars and taquitos stuffed sweet potato-chorizo filling or smoked fish.

Eclipse Chocolat Bar & Bistro

Eclipse's new South Park digs offer a new beer & wine menu, snacks and dessert plus a weekend brunch service that's soon to be a daily occurrence.

Buona Forchetta

This corner joint boasts a real deal Neapolitan pizza oven. The small size of the restaurant combined with lots of initial buzz makes for frequent long waits for a table.

Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle

A craft beer vet transforms a Shelter Island bait and tackle store into a beer bar and eatery with a great tap list, kimchi-topped hot dogs and burgers, and a killer bay view.

Soda & Swine

A choose your own adventure meal, starring meatballs. The sides shine, including crispy polenta with burrata. Hop next door for a cocktail at Polite Provisions (bring your food or have it delivered).

Great Maple

A longstanding diner gets a swanky mid-century modern makeover from Johnny Rivera (Hash House, The Tractor Room). The desserts and homemade pies are standouts.

Heights Tavern

Normal Heights gets a spike in patio seating thanks to this better version of a sports bar which serves chef-y pub grub (burgers, chili and fries), plus craft cocktails and beer.

Project Pie

This locally-owned chain is on the verge of global expansion. Project Pie specializes in speedy food made fresh, your way; their customizable flatbread pizzas cook up in a matter of minutes.

The Haven Pizzeria

A friendly new pizzeria for the Kensington neighborhood - the owner also runs a nearby cafe. Besides pizza, people are flocking for the starters, salads and selection of craft beer.

Amaya La Jolla

Amaya has a relation in North County's Grand Del Mar, but this new La Jolla outpost differentiates itself by giving their upscale American menu a bit of Southern flair.

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