Mentioned by Marc Lyman
La Jolla Real Estate and Neighborhood Guide
"Located in downtown San Diego, just west of Balboa Park, this may very well be the best place in the city to combine fine dining with views to die for. Long time runner and famous for it’s attentive service, fantastic food and beautiful views, the terrace at Mister A's also offers a chance to catch the airplanes landing and taking of from San Diego airport. Serving crafted cocktails, a top-rated wine list and modern American cuisine for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, Mister A's is a great spot for celebrating special occasions."
"Bertrand at Mr. A's just might be one of the best places to enjoy a skyline view of Downtown San Diego, Coronado, Balboa Park and Point Loma, with the occasional plane landing or taking off from the airport. Imagine the sunset at dinner time: This is why this restaurant is perpetually voted one of the most romantic places to eat in the city. However, its casual elegance is also welcoming to families (there is no kids menu, however) and you may leave your jacket and tie at home."
"Visit Bertrand at Mister A’s primarily for the panoramic view of Hillcrest, Midtown, and Downtown. Sip your drink and become one with the city of San Diego. They serve lip-smacking American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influence."
"Owned by Top Chef Richard Blaise, think of The Crack Shack as a modern, hipster, casual eatery that takes the humble Chick-Fil-A and kicks it out of the barn and into the stratosphere. This is not fast food, this is foodie worthy chicken sandwiches and cocktails served in a fun and lively vibe. Great for families, and though not inexpensive you always get your moneys worth due to their excellent ingredients and incredible execution on their menu."
"With an all-star chef at the helm, nearly every menu item features free-range, organic chicken marinated to juicy perfection. You’ll also find sides like deviled eggs, Schmaltz fries, and mini biscuits. If you have time, you can hang out and play a game of bocce ball, or pull up to the bar for a craft beer."
"Not only does The Crack Shack serve incredible chicken but both of the locations also provides a fun setting for the whole family to enjoy. Try a game of bocce ball on the lawn or pose for a silly photo with the giant chicken that stands guard over the patio. Trust us, it’s a great, unique photo op!"
"For a place that’s best known for its buttermilk biscuits, Juniper & Ivy seems improbably swanky at first. Picture curtained-off banquettes, modern light fixtures, and painstakingly turned-out patrons. But the upscale/down-home contrast..."
"The food here is delicate and unique, with flavors meant to be slowly enjoyed just like your experience there. Fish and other high-end meats are the top selections here for one of the best dinner spots in San Diego."
"Draft Republic is a great place for beer-loving moms and dads who need a place where their kids can have fun too. They have the largest beer selection, awesome food and happy hour options, as well as arcade games, ping pong tables and a huge tv screen. View this post on Instagram"
"Bootlegger is known for its happy hour, craft cocktails, and weekend entertainment that will keep you wanting more. Located in East Village, this unique pub offers the perfect blend of fun and casual. Grab your friends, coworkers, and dates and get ready for an exciting night."
"The award-winning Marina Kitchen Restaurant & Bar has reinvented comfort food and features creative takes on American favorites and a popular buffet breakfast. Savor your dinner in a relaxed atmosphere, while enjoying stunning views of the San Diego Bay. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-234-1500"
"Breakfast a la carte: 6:30 AM-11:00 AM Breakfast Buffet: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM All-Day Menu: 11:00 AM – 1:30 AM Lunch & Dinner: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM"
"Satisfy your sweet tooth at North Park’s Nomad Donuts, which landed a spot in City Beat’s “Best Donuts in San Diego” roundup. Although not exclusively vegan, they do offer a number of non-dairy options, including ube taro, blueberry lavender, and Thai tea flavors. The venue itself is also delightful: a cherry-red, vintage double-decker bus set within a peaceful courtyard."
"This travel-inspired eatery got so popular that it moved to a larger space on University Avenue in August 2017. Once in the new location, executive pastry chef Kristianna Zabala was able to expand her menu (which changes daily) to include..."
"Visit this North Park shop for globally-inspired doughnut flavors like ube taro coconut and Thai tea. Montreal-style bagels and sandwiches are also available. Open regular hours for takeout and pickup or delivery via Postmates or DoorDash."
"On a normal day, the Donut Bar will have a line out the door, and it’s easy to see why. This is not your typical donut shop. Donut Bar is known for their unique display of donuts and a menu that changes constantly."
"M-Th: 7 AM - 1 PM; F: 7 AM - 1 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM; Sat 8 AM - 1 PM, 5 PM - 10 PM; Sun: 8 AM - 1 PM"
"OceansideGet here early to snag a picnic table overlooking the Oceanside Harbor. Best for brunch, this reasonably priced spot is known for fresh-baked cinnamon coffee cake, enormous pancakes, and chicken-fried steak doused with homemade country gravy."
"It’s great to sit out on the outdoor patio and watch the fishermen coming and going. It’s a local haven for omelets, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, fish tacos, and fish & chips. Plus, they also serve mimosas, bloody mary’s, and craft beer!"
"The Gaslamp District is giddy about the patio reopening at their neighborhood Italian staple, Operacaffe!. Slated to welcome back guests starting on Wednesday, February 3rd, the restaurant will keep their menu full of crave-worthy creations like their Gnocchi Gorgonzola e Mirtilli with sweet gorgonzola cheese and blueberries, and Penne Speperina with spicy sausage, mascarpone cheese and mint. Patio dining hours will be Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM to 9:30PM, and Friday through Saturday from 4PM to 9:30PM."