Must-see restaurants in San Diego

  • Bencotto

    San Diego

    Bencotto melds the old with the new of Little Italy – contemporary, angular, multistory, architect-designed, arty and green – and the food is great, too,…

  • Swami's Cafe

    San Diego

    This San Diego chain, named after the famous surf break, sells salads, wraps and sandwiches, plus fresh smoothie bowls earlier in the day or fish-based…

  • San Diego Chicken Pie Shop

    San Diego

    It’s out of the way and looks like it hasn’t been redecorated since the Carter administration, but local foodies love the namesake chicken pies, with…

  • Encinitas Cafe

    San Diego

    Classic diner fare in retro surroundings including a counter top, blue booths and wood paneled walls. Dishes include salad, soups, chili, burgers and…

  • Primavera

    San Diego

    A subdued, romantic setting for Italian dining, plus a great wine list, presented by black-tied waiters. It’s known for steaks, seafood dishes like shrimp…

  • Hello Betty Fish House

    San Diego

    Set near the beach, locals love the peel and eat shrimp ($14 for half a pound), the Baja ceviche ($10.50) and steamed mussels and fries ($18). Grilled…

  • Il Fornaio

    San Diego

    For simple dining with beautiful sea views, white tablecloths and a nice patio, find classic Italian grub from homemade thin-crust pizza to pasta (the…

  • The Fish Market

    San Diego

    A daily market menu (subject to change depending on the catch) of sushi and smoked fish, chowder, and specialties like dungeness crab and chipotle-rubbed…

  • Babycakes

    San Diego

    Hillcrest location, a dozen-plus flavors of famously decadent cupcakes (from $4), wi-fi, a full bar and cafe selling wings, salads and mac 'n' cheese…

  • Bandar

    San Diego

    Exotic spices and fragrant cooking make this white-tablecloth Persian–Middle Eastern a favorite for giant kebabs and salads that zing with flavor. Come…

  • El Indio

    San Diego

    Counter-service shop famous since 1940 for its taquitos, mordiditas (tiny taquitos), tamales and excellent breakfast burritos. Eat on plastic plate in a…

  • Tea Pavilion

    San Diego

    Enjoy a quick, spicy noodle bowl or a simple cup of green tea at the umbrella-shaded tables beside the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden.

  • Bank of Mexican Food

    San Diego

    In this handsome former bank (c 1913), try mahimahi plates, huevos rancheros or anything with the righteous Mexican rice. A patio bar stays open until…

  • Wild Note Café

    San Diego

    Adjacent to the Belly Up venue, come here for preshow upscale pub fare, like filet mignon sliders and Dijon-herb crusted salmon.

  • Boney’s Bayside Market

    San Diego

    For picnics and takeout, stop by this market near the ferry for fantastic, (mostly) healthy sandwiches and an extensive assortment of salads and organic…

  • Mission Restaurant

    San Diego

    Fork into famously homemade cinnamon-bread French toast and berry pancakes, or spice it up with eggy Latino dishes like chilaquiles and rancheros verde.

  • Pacifica Del Mar

    San Diego

    For oysters, clams, mussels, seabass, swordfish and other morsels of the sea. Plus try more than 150 vodkas at the bar (though not all at once!).

  • MooTime Creamery

    San Diego

    Hand-rolled waffle cones and homemade ice cream, sherbet and fro-yo mixed with fruits, nuts and candy are a cool treat.

  • Las Olas

    San Diego

    A classic low-key Mexican joint serving the works: fish tacos, ceviche, burritos, quesadillas, tostadas and more.

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