clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
More Maps

Where to Eat Sushi Right Now in San Diego

The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Pop-Ups in San Diego

Where to Find Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in San Diego

More in San Diego See more maps

Updating The 38 Essential San Diego Restaurants, Jan '14

by Candice Woo
4 comments / new
View as Map
by Candice Woo
4 comments / new

Hello there, it's time to update the Eater 38, your answer and ours to any question that begins with, "Can you recommend a restaurant...?" This specially selected group covers much of the city, spans myriad cuisines, and aims to collectively satisfy all of your restaurant needs. Every few of months, we'll be adding worthy restaurants that were omitted, have newly become eligible (restaurants must be open at least six months), or have stepped up their game.

This curated survey of the San Diego food landscape runs the gamut from the farm-to-table icon, A. R. Valentien in La Jolla to an instant classic, North Park's Carnitas' Snack Shack. There's a good number of Japanese entries (a cuisine that San Diego does pretty well), some neighborhood stalwarts (Urban Solace, Alchemy, Cafe Chloe), and a few gems that you may not have tried (Aqui es Texcoco, Wine Vault & Bistro).

In this installment, we add in two San Diego eateries that deserve inclusion: Buona Forchetta is killing it in South Park, many of its regulars touted its merits via the tipline. North County's Veladora get a nod too, for being our current favorite place to celebrate special occasions with food.

Restaurants are listed in no particular order.

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


04/09/13: Added: The Marine Room, La Fachada

07/09/13: Added: MARKET Restaurant + Bar, Tapenade, Alchemy

10/08/13: Added: Prepkitchen Little Italy, Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle, Tiger!Tiger!

01/07/14: Added: Buona Forchetta, Veladora

Read More
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.

Cafe Chloe

Copy Link

A small, cozy spot in the East Village with a menu of updated bistro classics and a beloved brunch that manages to be untrendy yet totally stylish.

721 9th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-3242
(619) 232-3242

Also featured in:

Blind Lady Ale House

Copy Link

At this beacon of the Normal Heights neighborhood is a quality lineup of beer, house-brewed and otherwise, and a local farm driven-menu of tasty pizzas and salads.

3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 255-2491
(619) 255-2491

Also featured in:

Yakyudori Yakitori & Ramen

Copy Link

Impeccably grilled meat on sticks, bowls of steaming ramen, plus the beer and sake make this Hillcrest transplant many a chefs' favorite late-night hangout.

4898 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 268-2888
(858) 268-2888

Also featured in:

Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza

Copy Link

Chef-owner Wade Hageman left the fine dining kitchen, but applies the same culinary sensibilities to Blue Ribbon's wood-fired pizza and small plates.

897 S Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA
(760) 634-7671
(760) 634-7671

Also featured in:

Kaito Sushi

Copy Link

Kaito Sushi inspires devotion and reverence from sushi purists who delight in owner Kazuo Morita's dedication to the freshest seafood and time-honored technique.

130 N El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 634-2746
(760) 634-2746

Also featured in:

Carnitas' Snack Shack

Copy Link

2012's biggest success story, this pork-centric spot from Chef Hanis Cavin is bound to multiply this year, and inspire other chefs to venture out on their own.

2632 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 294-7675
(619) 294-7675

Also featured in:

The Original Sab-E-Lee

Copy Link

Flavor and heat co-mingle deliciously at this no-frills Thai joint. The curries and noodles are above par but the catfish or duck larb and raw beef salad are really something special.

2405 Ulric St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 650-6868
(858) 650-6868

Also featured in:

Farm House Cafe

Copy Link

Chef-owner Olivier Bioteau turns out thoughtful, classic French food out of an impossibly small kitchen. Their Sunday brunch is among the best in town.

2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 269-9662
(619) 269-9662

Also featured in:

Sushi Ota

Copy Link

Helmed by a venerable sushi master (request a seat in owner Ota-san's section of the sushi bar), the restaurant is unassuming, low-key and unquestionably authentic.

4529 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 270-5670
(858) 270-5670

Also featured in:

George's At The Cove

Copy Link

Chef Trey Foshee at George's California Modern is cited as a guiding force in the San Diego food culture and one of the first champions of local seafood.

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-4244
(858) 454-4244

Also featured in:

Tender Greens

Copy Link

The first San Diego location for Tender Greens - affordable, fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and specials. This is also where P. Balistreri salumi got its start.

2400 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 226-6254
(619) 226-6254

Also featured in:

Wine Vault And Bistro

Copy Link

Winemaker events, an ever-changing seasonal menu and prix fixe dinners that feel like a steal. Friday: $20, 3-courses; Saturday $30, 5-courses.

3731 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 295-3939
(619) 295-3939

Also featured in:

Cucina Urbana

Copy Link

Three years after opening, this is still one of the toughest tables to get in town. The shareable, Italian-inspired menu is modern and accessible.

505 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-2222
(619) 239-2222

Also featured in:

Searsucker

Copy Link

The first of Brian Malarkey's restaurant empire to open and its flagship concept; Searsucker adds a needed food-worthy dining destination to the Gaslamp.

611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-7327
(619) 233-7327

Also featured in:

Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop

Copy Link

An in-house butcher shop, skilled mixologists and a non-stuffy vibe set this steakhouse apart from its expense account counterparts. Try for a seat at Victor Jimenez's chef table.

640 10th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 450-5880
(619) 450-5880

Also featured in:

More in Maps

Urban Solace

Copy Link

Chef and owner Matt Gordon has established a loyal following for his unpretentious new American comfort food and popular Bluegrass Brunch.

3823 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 295-6464
(619) 295-6464

Also featured in:

Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant

Copy Link

San Diegans were glad to see Market's Carl Schroeder move down from North County for this more casual second spot.

2202 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-0222
(619) 231-0222

Also featured in:

El Pescador Fish Market

Copy Link

Just-plucked seafood and unfussy, simple preparations make El Pescador a winner. Hopefully, none of that will change with the market and cafe's move and expansion.

627 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 456-2526
(858) 456-2526

Also featured in:

Wa Dining OKAN

Copy Link

Cozy, homestyle Japanese cuisine sourced with seasonal ingredients from adjacent Nijiya Market. Their set menu at lunch (served 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday) is a must.

3860 Convoy St. Ste 110, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 279-0941
(858) 279-0941

Also featured in:

Starlite

Copy Link

Responsible for kicking off the local craft cocktail scene. It's also a haven for late night eaters who still want good food - the kitchen's open until midnight every night.

3175 India St, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 358-9766
(619) 358-9766

Also featured in:

Aqui Es Texcoco

Copy Link

Traditional Barbacoa-style lamb, stuffed into tacos and enchiladas or on top of sopes or tostadas. In any form, it's delicious - the Travel Channel's Andrew Zimmern agrees.

1043 Broadway Ste. 108, Chula Vista, CA 91911
(619) 427-4045
(619) 427-4045

Also featured in:

A.R. Valentien

Copy Link

Chef Jeff Jackson heads up a highly-trained kitchen of farm-to-table devotees. Their Thursday night artisan table dinners are some of San Diego's most special dining experiences.

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92137
(858) 777-6635
(858) 777-6635

Also featured in:

Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

Copy Link

Chef Jason Knibb's cuisine is innovative yet accessible; he combines modern cooking techniques with a good understanding of ingredients. In other words, he doesn't mess around.

910 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 964-5400
(858) 964-5400

Also featured in:

Bencotto Italian Kitchen

Copy Link

Handmade pastas and quality Italy-sourced products, plus a sleek, contemporary setting, help distinguish this Little Italy eatery from the rest of the neighborhood.

750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 450-4786
(619) 450-4786

Also featured in:

Neighborhood

Copy Link

The burgers at this East Village spot are as good as the craft beer that's served with it (yes, even without ketchup). It's bar food done better: steak tartar and deviled eggs with artichoke mousse.

777 G St., San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 446-0002
(619) 446-0002

Also featured in:

The Fishery

Copy Link

A local seafood distributor, market and restaurant in one. Chef Paul Arias does right by his product; his Tuesday tasting menu ($28 for 4 courses) is a good time to taste how.

5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 272-9985
(858) 272-9985

Also featured in:

Jayne's Gastropub

Copy Link

There are many gastropub wannabes but Jayne's is the real deal, boasting a British owner and a well-executed modern pub menu. The wine list is more interesting than most, cocktails too.

4677 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116
(619) 563-1011
(619) 563-1011

Also featured in:

Whisknladle

Copy Link

From-scratch cooking combined with a casual approach to fine dining. This group also runs the popular Prepkitchen locations.

1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-7575
(858) 551-7575

Addison at The Grand Del Mar

Copy Link

One of the few splurge-worthy spots in town, Addison is the signature restaurant at the Grand Del Mar. Chef William Bradley's menu combines his French training with local ingredients and contemporary plating.

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130
(858) 314-1900
(858) 314-1900

Also featured in:

Romesco Baja Med Bistro

Copy Link

Javier Plascencia's only San Diego-based restaurant; worth a try for a taste of the Baja Med cuisine that the chef has helped to make world-famous.

4346 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902
(619) 479-8627
(619) 479-8627

Also featured in:

Market Restaurant & Bar

Copy Link

Chef/owner Carl Schroeder has an enviable culinary resume and a solid reputation for his seasonal cuisine and thoughtful cooking style.

3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 523-0007
(858) 523-0007

Also featured in:

Tapenade

Copy Link

This La Jolla institution, first opened in 1998, offers reliable service and traditional French Provencal food from chef Jean Michel Diot; their Bistro bar menu's one of the best values in town.

7612 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-7500
(858) 551-7500

Also featured in:

Alchemy

Copy Link

This community-minded restaurant has garnered affection in the neighborhood and beyond, thanks to chef Ricardo Heredia's eclectic farm-to-table food and their warm service.

1503 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102
(619) 255-0616
(619) 255-0616

Also featured in:

PrepKitchen Little Italy