Best Diners in Mission Beach

"There’s a reason Harry’s Coffee Shop is on so many "best diner" lists, including our own. It's been doing San Diego's finest take on a proper NYC greasy spoon in La Jolla since before bell-bottoms were a thing. Harry’s opens at 6am so early birds can get their eggs and bacon at the crack of dawn, but breakfast is served all day for those who can't function before noon -- which is a whole bunch of you."

"Harry’s Coffee shop has been around since 1960 and boasts the title of La Jolla’s oldest diner. Patrons enjoy revered yet straightforward all-day breakfast favorites like eggs Benedict, scrambles, pancakes, and French toast."

"Hob Nob Hill is located in the Bankers Hill Neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant sits adjacent to popular Balboa Park and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and has been a staple of America’s Finest City since the 1940s, garnering the attention of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It has regularly received accolades from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association."

"A pure dose of dining nostalgia, this San Diego landmark has been serving up generous portions of classic American comfort food since the mid-1940s. With an expansive menu, dishes like the homemade roast beef hash and traditional eggs Benedict have kept customers coming back for more."

"This iconic ’50s-style diner has been one of the main go-to family restaurants in San Diego for more than a quarter-century. Disc Jockeys, balloon artists, magicians and live entertainment frequent the diner on a weekly basis but the main entertainment draw for kids and grown-ups alike is the 5,000 square-foot Gamers Garage. Not your typical arcade, the Gamers Garage has over 50 games including everything from the latest high-tech simulators to interactive pinball throwbacks."

"It’s a diner that pays homage to every era time has gone by since diners were a thing. From a brightly colored 50s retro diner with a milk bar and vintage care behind the hostess, to the train room with a black and white film showing above each booth, to a modern red room dedicated to corvette car lovers. A radio DJ booth pumps out Frank Sinatra, New York, New York and other classic tunes like Wild Thing, which matches the 70s groove room we dined in."

"Have a blast from the past by taking your family to Corvette Diner in Liberty Station. This restaurant is more than a place to eat, it’s a true experience!. Retro decorations, car-themed booths, music, and wait staff full of character and decked out in full costume make this a place treat to remember."

"Serving hungry locals for over 90 years, this café has been operating out of its current location since 1954!. Known for huge plates sure to fill any appetite, they serve breakfast all day and on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer months, they are open 24/7 for you to enjoy lunch and dinner too. The café still boasts its original diner décor, a 100-year old flat top grill and an iron hood that was salvaged from an old ship over 125 years ago!"

"Studio Diner is open late-night (round-the-clock from Thursday through Sunday and until midnight during the rest of the week) and set on a working studio lot in the Kearny Mesa business district. The menu features a wide array of great selections, made from only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. Try the turkey Reuben sandwich, T-bone steak and eggs, patty melt or other hearty fare but be sure to save room for Yo Mama's apple pie or decadent carrot cake."

"OK, now we're talking genuine diner: all steel and chrome and bay windows. Studio Diner is a true roadside diner, located off the beaten path on the grounds of the Stu Segall studios (Veronica Mars). Refurbished with a movie studio theme, Studio Diner is sleek and slightly upscale, featuring comfort food tweaked ever so slightly, in a delicious way."

"Next to Burger Lounge, near the heart of the downtown La Jolla, sits Coffee Cup, an assuming storefront with an incredible menu. Many of their dishes are a magical fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, utilizing unique ingredients for both their breakfast and lunch entrees. Top breakfast recommendations include: the Pesto Scramble, Soy Chorizo Scramble, Breakfast Enchiladas, and Coffee Cup French Toast."

"The Mexican Mocha is amazing as were all other entrees we tried. Highly recommend this place for breakfast in La Jolla."

"If Rudford's had chrome instead of stucco, it would be a genuine diner, because it has the bay windows and mid-century signage. In any case, it's a landmark (and just down the street from the Chicken Pie Shop). Basic comfort fare here, which gets mixed reviews."

"Equally popular with the early bird special crowd and after-bar party goers; both sets agree that the biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak at this 24-hour diner are first rate."

"Sometimes mom and dad want a bloody Mary or mimosa with breakfast. While on vacation, indulge in a greasy, calorie-laden breakfast with a cocktail at MaryJane’s Diner in the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Even their omelets seem imbued with some sort of magic potion (cream, I suspect)."

"This cute little cottage in the middle of the parking lot of Beachwalk Center offers a great breakfast menu while offering their custom roasted blend of coffee, available by the pound or half-pound. Free Wi-Fi + Menu: Breakfast, Lunch, Desserts (brownies, cookies, cupcakes) + Coffee Club: Yes, and pre-paid cards available for grab ‘n go coffee runs"

"The original of three locations, this Fig Tree Café is located in the laidback, surfer-friendly neighborhood of North Pacific Beach. It’s situated in an aging cottage located just a couple of blocks from the Pacific Ocean. Diners can expect a dog-friendly patio under a canopy of trees that provide ample shade and a plethora of fragrant and colorful tropical plants and vines that provide a country/beach ambiance."

"There's a cool kid play area (for ages 10 and younger) that keeps the littles busy while you eat Texas-style BBQ from rotisserie chicken to baby back ribs. You can sit and have your pick of over 36 beers on tap while your sidekick plays nearby. Also, you'll find a kids menu, communal seating, and arcade games."

"The buzz:Roman-style pizza, served by the slice.The food: The newest member of the Buona Forchetta family, Gelati & Peccati, is modeled after the walk-up pizzerie and gelati shops common in Rome. High-hydration dough ferments for 72 hours, and is baked in sheet pans for light, airy, and crispy crusts. Sold al taglio, or “by the cut,” there’s dozens of combinations that rotate throughout the day, and while it’s difficult to pick favorites, standouts include luxurious Lussuria with mozzarella, caciocavallo, guanciale, and fresh truffle or simple marinara; cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, and garlic."

"North ParkAt Gelati & Peccati, you’ll have to walk past an eye-popping array of Roman-style pizza, sold a taglio, “by the cut,” to reach the bins of gelati in the back, but isn’t eating dessert first one of the pleasures of adulthood?. Eighteen different rotating signature and seasonal flavors, including vegan and sorbet options, are bursting with roasted pistachios, sweet cherry, and chocolate, or boozy, earthy Makers Mark 46. Don’t worry if you’re too full for pizza afterwards; you can always take a few slices home for a late night snack."

"Roman-style pizza and gelato meet at this spot in North Park. Helmed by the Buona Forchetta Family of restaurants, this shop serves 18 flavors of gelato. For a combination of carbs and cream, order the GOLA: gelato stuffed into a pizza crust with whipped cream and hazelnuts."

"Many families who need to be near UC San Diego stay at this gorgeous Spanish-style hotel with its stunning gardens, spa, and pool. The dining is also good at Estancia La Jolla and I am a fan of organic margaritas at Mustang y Burros. (Location: UC San Diego/Torrey Pines)"