Fortunately for San Diegan’s, the city is home to plenty of award-winning and Michelin star restaurants, and there’s also an abundance of easy-going eateries serving up irresistibly good dishes. Secret San Diego has explored sensational sushi spots, Korean restaurants, and even popular burger joints. And now curious gourmands can refer to our list of some of the best restaurants (non-cuisine specific) in San Diego for their next meal.
1. Callie
Before arriving at Callie, Chef Travis Swikard spent years nurturing a flavorful relationship with Mediterranean cuisine. His dishes are inspired by the likes of Greece, Spain, and Italy, and combined with quality ingredients from San Diego. The menu is fresh and full of surprises at this modern-style restaurant on Island Avenue. From the patatas bravas and squid ink rigatoni to harissa grilled lamb chops, Callie serves tradition with a twist.
📍 1195 Island Avenue, San Diego
2. The Smoking Goat
Easily one of the best restaurants in San Diego, The Smoking Goat also made it on our list of fabulous French restaurants. What could be more wonderfully indulgent than PEI mussels served grilled bread and a side of The Smoking Goat’s famous duckfat truffle fries? There’s also macaroni & cheese, steak frites, and wild mushroom linguine—drooling yet? As well as offering an irresistible menu, the French-American bistro is a unique space of exposed-brick walls and rustic edges.
📍 3408 30th Street, San Diego
3. Al Dente
And if you’re in the mood for something Italian, make your way to Al Dente where Sicilian and Neapolitan flavors are being treasured. With an aim to “transport your taste buds to a realm where tradition and innovation harmoniously coexist”, this authentic Italian restaurant is a must-try for foodies in search of a memorable plate of pasta, eggplant parmigiana, and more.
📍 4207 Park Blvd, San Diego
4. Animae
While the A5 wagyu beef may appear to be the star of a fine-dining experience at Animae, diners are also blown away by the rest of the Asian-inspired menu. Find yourself sitting in a breathtaking Art Deco-style dining room eagerly waiting to try some of the dishes that are prepared on a coal-fired oven and Japanese robata grill. Chef Tara Monsod is reimagining Asian Fusion cuisine with the likes of caviar shrimp toast served with spicy aioli and crispy pig ears with a sweet tamarind glaze. Although it is on the expensive side, this high-end restaurant is definitely serving luxury.
📍 969 Pacific Hwy, San Diego
5. Kingfisher
It’s hard to not get a crick in your neck when entering and absorbing an elegant restaurant like Kingfisher. The eclectic architecture is bold and dripping in jewels and metallic gold leaf effect. The Vietnamese-inspired menu features dishes such as wild mushroom congee and Vietnamese curry. You can also make the most of Golden Hour Sunday through Thursday (from 5pm-6:30pm) with offers on cocktails and more.
📍 2469 Broadway, San Diego
6. Zama
Latin and Japanese flavors are coming together at one of the best restaurants in San Diego, Zama. You’ll feel like you’ve journeyed to the Amazon while sitting underneath lush greenery and tasting fresh ceviche or like you’re in the heart of Tokyo as you try the spicy salmon roll. As well as enjoying a tantalizing meal here, you can also listen to live music, show up for Zama’s happy hour specials, and attend private events.
📍 467 Fifth Ave, San Diego
7. Ironside Fish & Oysters
Ironside Fish & Oysters is a trendy seafood restaurant rightfully earning its place on our list of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego. If you’re craving a lobster roll or fresh oysters served with Champagne, you need to try Ironside. Previously a warehouse, the restaurant carries a 1920s industrial quirkiness that complements its nautical themes.
📍 1654 India St, San Diego
8. Shank & Bone
Not just any other Vietnamese restaurant, Shank & Bone can be found in the heart of North Park. From the braised caramelized catfish to sugarcane shrimp served with fine woven rice noodle, Shank & Bone is the perfect place to enjoy authentic and flavorful food in a casual, urban setting.
📍 2930 University Ave, San Diego
9. Marisi
Voted San Diego’s Best New Restaurant for 2023 by San Diego Magazine, Marisi is offering handmade pastas, classic cocktails, and fine wine—a combination that’s never unwelcome. Grilled beets, wagyu carpaccio, rigatoni served with calabrian chili, basil, and stracciatella are some of the dishes served on Marisi’s understated plates.
📍 1044 Wall St, La Jolla
10. Quixote
An Oaxacan-inspired dining experience giving monastic vibes, Quixote is a dark, inviting, and moody spot at The Lafayette Hotel & Club. Try a crab corn doughnut or the crispy chicken tacos while sitting surrounded by stained glass windows, cozy wood paneling, and order some drinks from the pulpit-style bar. The one-of-a-kind restaurant provides the perfect setting for special occasions and intimate meals.
📍 The Lafayette Hotel & Club, 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego
11. Addison
Look no further than Addison for the ULTIMATE FINE DINING experience in San Diego. As the only restaurant with three Michelin stars in Southern California, Addison has an impressive reputation to uphold. The menu focuses on California Gastronomy guided by Chef William Bradley. A ten-course tasting menu at Addison will set you back $365 per person and the elegant restaurant also boasts an extensive wine list covering over one hundred pages.
📍 5200 Grand del Mar Way, San Diego
12. George’s at the Cove
George’s at the Cove deserves paragraph alone for its breathtaking ocean views. The restaurant opened in 1984 and has become one of La Jolla’s greatest culinary treasures. Lunch in George’s at the Cove looks like priceless coastal views and tastes like local fish tacos, salmon served with a white vermouth sauce, and dinner offers an even more romantic lighting and the likes of crab bucatini with lemon butter and parmesan.
📍 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla