Mentioned by Time Out San Diego
The 18 best restaurants in San Diego
"The Taco Stand is a popular counter-order taco stand with limited indoor seating. Everything is made-to-order. We like the spicy shrimp tacos and al pastor tacos."
"Established in 2009, Evolution is San Diego’s original vegan fast food outlet and the vegetarian’s answer to the universal fast food burger joint, including the drive-thru window. Following the successful formula of meat-centric burger joints, the restaurant has a menu of burgers, tacos, and wraps, including the gluten-free Evo Burger with either a black bean or house-made tempeh patty stacked with fresh lettuce, pickles, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, tomato, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing. Pair burgers with a side of chili cheese fries and organic shakes or smoothies."
"Evolution, located in Bankers Hill, serves vegan burgers, sandwiches and wraps, small bites, cakes, and more. And when they say fast, they mean fast—they even have a drive thru. Grab a sandwich and enjoy it at Balboa Park, which is just across the street!"
"I've come to evolution many times prior to covid and had pleasant experiences. Today, was very unpleasant. Our burger was wrong.."
"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."
"For a quick bite, head to this friendly counter service spot in Ocean Beach. The menu is packed with vegan versions of fast food favorites, from crispy “chicken” sandwiches to chili “cheese” fries. For those with further dietary restrictions, the entire menu is cholesterol-and GMO-free, and the fries, sauces, and even sodas are made from organic and all-natural ingredients."
"Plant Power offers awesome vegan food without GMOs or artificial ingredients. Their menu includes burgers, sandwiches, breakfast, salads, small bites, and shakes, along with a kids’ menu. Plant Power has three locations in San Diego, and their Ocean Beach restaurant has a drive thru—for those of you who need your vegan fix fast."
"The guy who just took my order was so rude, idk if it was cause I'm Hispanic but he was so nice to everyone else there asking about their day, but w..."
"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."
"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."
"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."
"Open since 1998, Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano adds a bit of contemporary flair to classic Italian specialties. The menu offers a wide range of appetizers, salads, meat and seafood entrees, pasta dishes, and house specialties including homemade gnocchi and sea scallops in a white wine garlic sauce. Plenty of thought has been put into the extensive wine list and many special bottles are prominently displayed in a large wine rack on the wall."
"The founder of Mimmo's Italian Village was born in Sicily and the restaurant has been family owned and operated for three generations. The menu has an excellent array of salads, specialty pastas, seafood dishes, pizzas, and meat entrees. There are also a number of small plates that are perfect for sharing."
"Mimmo’s Italian Village is a highly regarded restaurant which started as “Italian Village” in 1969. Back then it was a deli, bakery, flower shop, and grocery store. Now, customers come for their Italian dishes, especially their meatball subs at lunch time."
"Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two) and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with it’s own magical chandelier. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1871 or ponsatys.com"
"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."
"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."
"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."