Mentioned by Spoon University
31 Things To Eat In San Diego Before You Die
"Eddie V’s offers some of the best fine-dining in La Jolla featuing a seafood and steak menu along with a live jazz cocktail bar. What to get: reportedly, the Lobster Tacos are “to die for”. We also think the Bananas foster cake is worth a shot, particularly if you like your desserts served flambe!"
"1270 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA Elegant fine-dining chain with a seafood & steak menu, plus a cocktail lounge featuring live jazz"
"Buona Forchetta is all about pizza—Neapolitan-style, specifically—with blistered crusts, San Marzano tomato sauce, and five-star olive oil (Italian-born owner Matteo Cattaneo hails from a line of olive oil producers, and ships in his family's liquid gold by the barrel). Pies are simple, allowing high-quality ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and the much-beloved spicy salami to shine. Grab a seat on their oft-packed patio, illuminated by string lights and filled with leafy trees, and soak in the warm California night while you wait."
"Thanks to an owner and several staff members who hail from Italy, this Neapolitan-style pizzeria has an authentic feel that locals love. Its popularity shows—San Diego restaurants are rarely crowded, yet Buona Forchetta often boasts wait..."
"One of our favorite San Diego treats is the Mexican street corn from the Taco Stand. The Taco Stand is a La Jolla local favorite for burritos, and unless you arrive early (or late), expect to find a line. It is one of our family must stop visits in San Diego!"
"If you’re looking for a solid taco or burrito, head to Taco Stand. It’s inspired by the taco stands of Tijuana and Baja Mexico and busy for a reason. It’s best to go on the early side to avoid peak lunch and dinner crowds (or opt for takeout)."
"Village Pizzeria has become home to family portions of quality Italian food with a fun, friendly environment. Open for lunch and dinnerDress code: CasualPhone: +1 619-522-0449"
"Happy hour was great, $2.50 for a slice of pizza the size of your head, the worker up front was really relaxed and the pizza there was great, a perfect spot..."
"I always eat here I'm local and I've been chowing here for over 25 years. I could say the beat pizza in this town. Hit it up if your hungry More reviews"
"El Jardin chef and partner Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins starred on Top Chef and Top Chef Mexico, but this is far from a vanity project. The regional Mexican restaurant in Arts District Liberty Station is deeply personal. The chef grew up in Tijuana..."
"The name says it all at this spot, where mala, the addictive tingling, numbing sensation achieved by the combination of chilis and Sichuan peppercorns, permeates the menu. You’ll find a dizzying array of dishes—ma po tofu, a traditional Sichuan dish, is wonderful, and preserved chili dishes will more than satisfy the most blasé chiliheads, and even simple vegetables like stir-fried long beans will have your palate popping. There’s usually a handwritten list of specials near the door that you’ll want to check out as well.How to order: Order online, in person or call 858-278-1818 for takeout, or delivery via Chowbus."
"Spicy City is a place where you can order extremely spicy food with a good amount of green vegetables. You don’t have to feel bad if you don’t have time to visit because you can also order your favourite spicy dishes online. They have over 100 different food items to choose from, including rice noodles, chillies, casseroles, hot pots, sizzlers and soups."
"Relatively new on the vegan culinary scene, Plant Power-Fast Food was opened by the founders of Hillcrest’s Evolution Fast Food and offers a broad menu of plant-based sandwiches, salads, wraps, and burgers along with super smoothies and decadent desserts. Signature dishes include the Rambler Burger with crispy onion rings, American “cheese,” BBQ sauce, lettuce, and tomato, the Southwest Avocado Wrap filled with a zesty black bean and “beefy” medley of chipotle “aioli,” avocado, salsa, and kale mix, and the raw Jumbo Veggie Wrap packed with spinach, avocado, cashew hummus, sprouts, and cucumber in a whole wheat tortilla. Plant Power-Fast Food is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
"What we found: When I was researching San Diego vegan restaurants, someone in a local Facebook group suggested visiting Plant Power vegan fast food, saying that it was so good they were thinking of taking a trip to San Diego specifically to stop by this place. Plant Power is located in a nice building on a busy intersection, and has its own parking lot and a couple drive-in terminals. It appeared to be very popular with the local vegan and veg-curious crowd."
"You can find this vegan fast food joint on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard. Plant Power Fast Food is a great option if you’re craving waffles, tacos, or American classics like plant-based buffalo chicken, but it’s their selection of burgers that really stands out. They have all-vegan ‘beef’ burgers, as well as patties made from black beans, and all burgers come with a wide selection of healthy seasonings."
"This quaint little spot has been operating since 1911 in the historic Anderson Building along Orange Avenue and offers a casual dining option. Order at the counter and then grab a table inside or out on one of their sidewalk tables. They are known for delicious house made pastries but also feature a full breakfast menu."
"This bakery boasts scratch-made drop cookies made daily using only natural ingredients and the finest culinary technique. After winning the Food Network’s Sweets Showdown, bakery founder Chef Rachel later went back to win again on Chopped. Some of her daily flavors include Two Tone (Dark & Milk Chocolate Chip), Blackstrap Betty (Molasses Apricot), Cinnamon Snick (Cinnamon Sugar), Giddy Up (flourless PB, Walnuts, Oats, Chocolate), vegan Sprinkle Cookie and flourless Walnut Mudslide."
"The North Park location has their entire selection of breads and sweet offerings for pickup and curbside delivery. Rolls of raw cookie dough to bake at home are also available starting at $15. Call and pay ahead orders are encouraged for quick pickup."
"A post shared by Blackmarket Bakery San Diego (@blackmarketbakerysd). Don’t worry, there’s nothing nefarious about Blackmarket Bakery. Visit the North Park location for baked goods like light tarts, layer cakes and rich chocolate cookies."
"A post shared by Figaro Dessert Cafe (@figarodessertcafe) on Sep 28, 2017 at 6:27pm PDT. While previous spots on this list featured fun and chill vibes, Figaro Dessert Café brings class and elegance in serving great coffee and desserts. They offer a large menu filled with intriguing flavors and an exciting display of gelato, cakes, macarons, and tarts."
"An island staple since 1941, while this retro diner serves food until 10 p.m., nothing beats pulling up a cherry red barstool at the counter for coffee and an all-American breakfast. Short-stacks, huevos rancheros, and chicken waffles are some of their most popular dishes. On the sweeter side, there’s a homemade granny smith apple pie alongside several milkshakes, malts and soda floats."
"Serving breakfast all day every day from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm, this coffee shop offers more than just great coffee. House specialties include many Mexican inspired dishes as well as traditional breakfast favorites. If you’ve got a large appetite, we recommend the Chicken Fried Steak Biscuit Sandwich served with a fried egg, country gravy and hashbrowns!"
"The minute you walk though Clayton’s doors, you’ll feel like you’ve opened a time capsule. The first thing that catches you eye is the horseshoe counter that connects to the kitchen. Its bold red leatherette swivel stools make you smile with the memory of simpler times."
"The Fig Tree Café has a trio of locations to satisfy your breakfast cravings. Since it only uses the freshest local produce, eggs from a family-owned ranch in Ramona, and humanely-raised meats, chowing down at Fig Tree might be the most ethical thing you'll do all week. For all of you vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free types, Fig Tree has you more than covered -- though you'll miss out on the joy that is ordering a side of Man Candy: thick bacon with brown sugar and paprika."
"Fig Tree Cafe is an unassuming house turned popular breakfast spot in the beach community of Pacific Beach. Ingredients are locally sourced or even home-grown and transformed into authentic California cuisine at a reasonable price. Try french toast stuffed with marscarpone cheese, mangos and strawberries, house-made granola and yogurt, or a shrimp frittata."
"I like this cute little rustic restaurant, they have an extensive menu with all of the breakfast favorites, and a few unique items, too. Man candy bacon is a must-try, as well as a flight of coffees or the antioxidant shots, they’re really good!. Three locations, Liberty Station, Pacific Beach, Hillcrest."
"For a celebratory upscale meal in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, you won’t be disappointed at The Oceanaire Seafood Room. Great for a date night, the dining room feels like you’re stepping aboard a luxury ocean liner from years past. Start with the Grand Shellfish Tower — an array of fresh crab legs, jumbo shrimp, and other ocean goodies served atop crushed ice in an impressive display."
"Versatility and freshness set this seafood specialist apart. Combining a bountiful oyster bar with a fresh fish menu that changes daily, Oceanaire offers a changing selection that may include snapper, swordfish, grouper, mahi-mahi and blue marlin steak. Jumbo lump crab cakes and fish and chips are favorites as well."
"Enter the sleek and sophisticated seafood room at The Oceanaire and behold a space reminiscent of a luxury cruise liner. Guests are immersed in the fresh menu offerings, topped of by oysters from the nearby Carlsbad Shellfish Farm.[Learn more]"
"EncinitasThis upscale-casual seaside restaurant boasts an extensive menu served up alongside stunning views. If you’re stuck on what to choose, go with the lobster tacos at lunch or dinner. It’s also a great bet for an exciting breakfast, with enticing options like Hawaiian Loco Moco, lobster and shrimp chowder, and butter-poached lobster croissant sandwiches."
"Pacific Coast Grill's new beachfront location makes it one of the most scenic spots in North County to eat or grab a drink. The festive, al fresco patio wall borders the sand and the ocean breezes are as relaxing as you might imagine. The California cuisine menu is made with fresh, local and free-range ingredients."
"If you haven’t visited Pacific Coast Grill, it’s safe to say you’ll probably be awestruck by the on-the-beach dining. imagine the sound of waves lapping the shore, expansive ocean views, and amazing deck and patio seating. Go near sunset time and you and your date will not be disappointed."