Mentioned by SmarterTravel
The Best Cheap Eats in San Diego
"in the barSpecials: Half-shell oyster specials, other food, and drink discounts, including on cocktails and wines by the glass at happy hourOcean View: YesWhy Go: High-end steak and seafood with great views that are popular for special occasions and date nights Neighborhood: Village of La JollaAddress: 1270 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037"
"As a seaside town, you might be expecting to try out some seafood and there is no better place than Eddie V’s. The restaurant offers fine dining with a casual vibe. Their patio offers a terrific view of the ocean and it’s not the only thing that will make you smile."
"With outposts in Liberty Station, Encinitas, and Petco Park, the flagship location of this friendly, family-owned Italian eatery remains the most beloved. Regulars rave about the pizzas that emerge from its signature gold-tiled ovens as well as the pastas, both are also available gluten-free."
"A golden-domed pizza oven, named Sofia after the owner’s daughter, delivers authentic Neapolitan-style pizza to fans who often line up for patio...Read More"
"With more than 3000 reviews on Google with a 4.6 average, you can tell this is one of the places you must eat when in San Diego. The restaurant is inspired by the taco stands in Tijuana and adventures you experience along the Baja Peninsula. The Taco Stand is a small restaurant located on the south side of La Jolla and what it lacks in size or grandeur it makes up for with a menu and taste palette that will be etched in your memory for years to come."
"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)."
"A family favorite in Coronado is always the Village Pizzeria (bayside location). Its a classic pizza joint with a gorgeous view of the bay. It is nestled in a cute shopping center and the pizza dough is made with imported New York water- yes for reals!!"
"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"
"Village Pizza has great Italian Food and there are about 8-10 tables outside that are dog friendly!. However, no beer or wine is served outside."
"There are around 320 places offering Fast Food delivery in San Diego on Uber Eats, including Plant Power SDSU in College West."
"This hole-in-the-wall City Heights restaurant proves that looks can be deceiving. The food, which includes an assortment of egg noodle soups, rice noodle soups and practically any other Chinese dish you could imagine, is highly recommended by regulars. There are so many menu options that you could try something different every time and never run out of options or combinations!"
"Handcrafted, small-batch beers are the name of the game at Kilowatt. The master brewers at this eclectic neighborhood beer palace continually tweak their recipes for optimal color, flavor, bouquet, and balance. This commitment to experimentation means the beer list is always brimming with fantastic flavors and uncommon variety."
"Owned and operated by Sicilian chef Vincenzo Lo Verso, Osteria Panevino is located in the historic Gaslamp District. The breakfast menu offers egg dishes, waffles, pancakes, and a unique breakfast pizza, while soups, salads, sandwiches, and a selection of entrees are available for lunch. Dinner brings even more options, including appetizers, risotto, pizza, and pasta with gluten-free alternatives."
"Osteria Panevino is the oldest Italian restaurant in San Diego’s Gaslamp district and offers authentic Tuscan food themes – including fresh bread, pasta, and desserts. Relish the delectable ossobuco, stuffed Portobello caprese sandwich, or the spinach and cheese ravioli. They also serve an award-winning collection of domestic and Italian wines."
"With its laid-back vibe, surf decor, and a steady line out the door most days, this iconic North County café is the place to come for bomb breakfast burritos and scrambles. For those in a lunch mood, there are plenty of burgers, sandwiches, and salads to choose from."
"Time: Daily from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.Specials: $5 house bubbles, wine, and well drinks | $10 artisan cheese board | $8 La Rue sliders | $9 salt and vinegar chicken wings | moreOcean View: No, however, it’s located inside the La Valencia Hotel which does have ocean views from its lobbyWhy Go: It’s a modern bistro and bar with a French village theme, modern Mediterranean cuisine, indoor seating, and patio seating along bustling Prospect StreetNeighborhood: Village of La JollaAddress: 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037"
"Located in the iconic La Valencia Hotel right by La Jolla Cove, this street-side café offers a “libation hour” daily from 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Specials include bar bites for $5-$10 (our favorites are the La Rue Sliders and Deviled Eggs) and $5 bubbles, white and red wine, draft beer and well drinks. They also have live entertainment Monday – Thursday and weekly specials like Baja Tuesdays ($3 tacos, $10 margaritas and $5 coronas) or Prime Rib Thursdays ($19 prime rib dinner and $10 martinis)."
"This is a cozy restaurant located inside La Valencia that is ideal for individuals that want a bit of French in the traditional sense."
"You can choose to customize a crepe, waffle, or their original "brick toast." They also offer a variety of drinks ranging from coffee to Nutella banana shakes, and you can add boba to any of them. After tasting your food, Up2you will make you feel like a professional pastry chef."
"Visit this Clairemont Mesa hang out to sip milk tea from a mason jar and munch on brick toast. It’s a buttery and sweet block of toast served with various toppings like ice cream and fruits. Frequented by local college students, Up2You has funky lounge seating and games to play."
"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by UP 2 YOU CAFE + DESSERTS 🍡 (@up2youcafe) on Mar 28, 2019 at 10:26am PDT"
"Normal HeightsNo, they can’t help you with your laundry, but An’s Dry Cleaning will satisfy your cravings for a smooth, chilly treat that’s not your typical scoop shop offering. Quirky names and inventive combos like Cypress, an intense chocolate that’s like eating a gelato brownie; Polyester, a maple syrup gelato swirled with crushed roasted pecan; or Burlap, a vegan option made of coconut milk, peanut butter, and chocolate bits. How to order: Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."
"The gelato here is handmade and whimsically named after fabrics but inspired by seasonal farmer’s market produce. Regular flavors include Canvas (olive oil and rosemary) and Tweed (tres leche). Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for advance notice on private tasting menus."
"This La Jolla gem is less than two blocks from La Jolla Cove. Grab a cup of their organic gelato, made-in house everyday from scratch and walk down to the park or eat it on one of their cute outdoor tables with ocean views. They change their flavors everyday and have an updated list on their website you can review before stopping in."
"Ok, I get that gelato isn’t exactly a meal but I would definitely replace my meal with this gelato so therefore I had to add it to the list!. Hands down the best dessert I’ve ever had. If you are a coffee lover you have to get the Affogato."
"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."
"The Oceanaire Seafood Room is one of the premier dining locations in San Diego, located in the Gas Lamp District. The establishment is a part of a high-end restaurant chain that offers a sophisticated yet lively environment that draws crowds of diners. The art-decor is reminiscent of an ocean liner with upscale accents and the service is great."
"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."
"This seafood restaurant group, established in 1969, has other locations throughout the San Diego region, but the reason it’s one of our favorites is consistency – in its selection of entrees, excellent food quality, price point, and wonderful service. We love the Coronado location directly across from the Hotel del Coronado. The elegant, laid-back eatery underwent a recent remodel and continues to be a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists alike."
"Brigantine Seafood restaurant opens its doors at 10 AM daily and features a casual and clubby atmosphere in a chain platform so there are others in the nearby towns. They specialize in surf n’ turf meal combinations with seafood and other types of American fare. Their fish tacos and oysters on the half shell are real crowd-pleasers."