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Updating The 38 Essential San Diego Restaurants, July '14

by Candice Woo
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by Candice Woo
6 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, or have stepped up their game. (A note to readers who've been writing in to rally for Juniper & Ivy and Ironside Fish & Oyster, which both debuted in the spring; restaurants must be open at least six months to qualify for consideration.)

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 update, the newly-eligible Pizzeria Mozza joins the roster along with Supannee House of Thai, a neighborhood eatery currently firing on all cylinders.

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

04/08/14: Added Q'ero, TJ Oyster Bar, Jsix

07/01/14: Added: Pizzeria Mozza, Supannee House of Thai

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Cafe Chloe

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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

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Blind Lady Ale House

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At this beacon in the Normal Heights neighborhood you'll find 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

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Yakyudori Yakitori & Ramen

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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

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Blue Ribbon Artisan Pizza

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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

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Kaito Sushi

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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

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Carnitas' Snack Shack

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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

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Sushi Ota

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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

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George's At The Cove

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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

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Tender Greens

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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

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Wine Vault And Bistro

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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

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Cucina Urbana

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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

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Searsucker

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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

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Cowboy Star Restaurant & Butcher Shop

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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

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Urban Solace

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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

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Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant

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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

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Wa Dining OKAN

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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

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Starlite

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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

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Aqui Es Texcoco

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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

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A.R. Valentien

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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

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Nine-Ten Restaurant and Bar

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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

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Bencotto Italian Kitchen

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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

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The Fishery

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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

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Jayne's Gastropub

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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

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Whisknladle

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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

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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

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Romesco Baja Med Bistro

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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

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Market Restaurant & Bar

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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

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Tapenade

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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

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Alchemy

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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

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PrepKitchen Little Italy

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Though there are multiple Prepkitchen locations, the Little Italy space has been steadily stepping up its culinary game. The cocktails are commendable too, as are the bar bites and brunch.

1660 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 398-8383
(619) 398-8383

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Fathom Bistro, Bait & Tackle

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This place might be an only-in-San Diego special. Where else could you eat house made sausages while drinking local beer in a still-operational bait and tackle shop on a pier?

1776 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 222-5835
(619) 222-5835

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Tiger!Tiger!

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This unpretentious spot just celebrated their two year anniversary. That's two years of what might be San Diego's best convergence of craft beer and food.

3025 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 764-5475
(619) 764-5475

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