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Situated off the Pacific Ocean and home to Little Italy, San Diego is filled with must-try eats. The city’s fine dining is the best way to immerse yourself in California’s culture while getting the most out of your stay.
Seafood, Italian, Mexican, or the Mediterranean–No matter your mood, there’s a restaurant to meet your cravings. Let’s take a look at the best San Diego restaurants.
Juniper and Ivy
Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Juniper and Ivy’s inspiration is simple–A love for food. What started as an abandoned warehouse on the northern edge of Little Italy is now an acclaimed restaurant. Juniper and Ivy’s founder, Michael Rosen proved just how powerful good food is.
Together, he and the eatery’s first executive chef, Anthony Wells, crafted an inventive menu. Since its opening, Wells took on a different leadership role, and renowned Chef Jason Franey took over. Franey’s most impressive accolade is the Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef award–a rare and international distinction.
But Franey isn’t the only one with an impressive reputation. Juniper and Ivy was named one of the best San Diego Restaurants for six years in a row for far more than its delicious cuisine. Juniper and Ivy’s modern yet upscale environment and private atmosphere are ideal for a relaxing night out.
Ensure your seat by reserving a table in advance. They’re open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday from 5 to 10:30 pm.
Puesto
Address: 789 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Puesto is a short 15-minute walk from Downtown San Diego and the perfect spot to swing by before heading in for the night. The up-and-coming family-owned restaurant serves traditional Mexican food passed down from generation to generation.
Although Puesto has a variety of items, they’re well-known for their blue corn tacos. The eatery’s emphasis on tradition is the primary reason they utilize blue corn tortillas. Dating back to the pre-Columbian era, the tortillas are a rarity and popular in upscale Mexican cuisine.
Most recently, Puesto brought aboard Chef Ian Tenzer, who was previously employed at the notorious Eleven Madison Park. In addition to excellent cuisine, the Mexican restaurant also prepares unique cocktails crafted with one-of-a-kind tequila, like Casa Noble Anejo.
Try out Puestos on Sunday through Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm or Friday through Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
Born and Raised
Address: 1909 Indiana St, San Diego, CA 92101 in Little Italy
Born and Raised is owned by Consortium Holdings–a group of culinary pioneers interested in progressing the neighborhoods they serve through genuine conversation and connection.
The moment guests step into Born and Raised, this mission is apparent. The timeless decor, unmatched cocktails, and dry-aged beef make you feel like you’ve never experienced a true American steakhouse until that very moment. Executive chef Ted Smith is the mastermind behind the creative menu.
Smith has worked in a variety of well-known and high-scale kitchens, such as the Four Seasons Resort and Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant. If you’re planning on staying near Little Italy during your vacation, Chef Smith’s unparalleled cuisine is a must-try.
Born and Raised requires reservations before arrival. The steakhouse is open Monday through Thursday from 3 pm to 10:15 pm, Friday from 3 pm to 11:30 pm, Saturday from 4 pm to 11:30 pm, and Sunday from 4 to 10:30 pm.
Sushi Ota
Address: 4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109
Originally from Kumamoto Kyushu, Japan, Chef Ota worked as a sushi chef in nearby cities before heading for San Diego. After visiting San Diego and sampling the region’s sea urchin, he decided to stay and open Sushi Ota.
Locals now consider Sushi Ota one of the best San Diego seafood restaurants. The eatery aims to provide San Diego with an ”authentic Japanese experience” through fresh and locally sourced seafood.
Sushi Ota is nestled between Mission Bay Drive and the San Diego Freeway in a modest plaza. With that said, there’s nothing modest about Sushi Ota’s menu. From classic roles to innovative dishes, it’s the perfect spot for seafood enthusiasts.
The restaurant is often busy, so they suggest making a reservation. They’re open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 am to 2 pm and Monday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Campfire
Address: 2725 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Have you ever wished you could indulge in upscale cuisine without putting on your best dress or tie and uncomfortable dress shoes? Yeah, we get it. That’s why San Diego locals adore Campfire.
Creative dishes served up in a laid-back, homey environment are what make the eatery unique. In recognition of its name, the restaurant has actual campfires for guests to gather around. They even have a teepee for the kiddos to play in. But, the atmosphere isn’t the only reason it’s a popular spot.
The eatery draws its inspiration from California’s unique landscape. From coastland to forests, executive Chef Eric Bost crafts dishes that capture the singularity and emotions associated with each landscape. Bost has extensive experience working for world-renowned restaurants and brings his vast knowledge to Campfire, mainly through live-fire cooking, capturing the essence of well… camping!
Campfire is 35 miles north of San Diego but worth the drive. Be sure to reserve a table before you head that way. The eatery is open every day from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Jeune Et Jolie
Address: 2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad, CA 92008
If you enjoy Campfire, try Jeune Et Jolie, as well. It is just 400 feet up the street. Chef Eric Bost also mans this adored French eatery. Considered one of the best restaurants in North County San Diego, locals love Jeune because it strives to create a home-like environment for the community.
The simplistic infrastructure, warm decor, friendly staff, and lively atmosphere succeed this mission. But, what about the food? The Michelin star restaurant offers each guest a four-course meal with versatile options for them to choose from. According to the San Diego Magazine, whatever you choose will undeniably satisfy.
Esquire Magazine even dubbed the restaurant “A touch of Provence in Cali.” If you’re longing to try French food but can’t make it to France anytime soon–try Jeune Et Jolie. The cozy diner will immediately transport you to a flavorful French inn.
If you’re interested in the four-course meal, reserve a table. However, if you didn’t make a reservation in time but still want to try out the San Diego favorite, you can order from their a la carte “Le Menu du Bar” list. Stop by Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Herb and Wood
Address: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 in Little Italy
Herb and Wood features traditional Mediterranean cuisine intertwined with California culture. The eatery’s founder, Brian Malarkey, achieves this through an unprecedented menu and atmosphere.
Chefs pay tribute to traditional Mediterranean cuisine by constructing entrees from core ingredients like carrots, beets, and chicken. Executive Chef Carlos Anthony brings each menu item to life. Anthony has worked in multiple Michelin-starred restaurants and won cooking shows like Cutthroat Kitchen.
Aside from quality ingredients made innovative by an accoladed chef, you can expect a warm and inviting environment to relax in. Described as an eatery, you could expect to see during the Gilded Age–ritzy decor fills a modern dimly lit space.
Because the restaurant is frequented by San Diego locals and tourists, book a reservation before arriving. Herb and Wood is open Wednesday through Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Serea Coastal Cuisine
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Located off Coronado beach inside the prestigious Hotel Del Coronado, Serea Coastal Cuisine is amongst the best San Diego restaurants with a view. The seaside eatery’s fundamental goal is to serve sustainable seafood sourced from California’s best oceans, farms, and ranches.
Executive Chef Jose Ruiz heads up the coastal restaurant’s sustainable efforts. From utilizing eco-friendly supplies to donating unused food to nonprofits, Ruiz tirelessly works to improve his community, city, state, and planet. Hence the reason, Serea Coastal Cuisine was one of two restaurants to receive the James Beard Certified Smart Catch Leader in San Diego.
If you want to taste the best San Diego’s oceans have to offer, Ruiz’s coastal cuisine is a must-try. Besides fresh and genuine food, the restaurant’s situated in the most ideal location. Enjoy breathtaking views of Coronado Beach as you indulge in a delicious meal and find a newborn appreciation for San Diego’s landscape.
Secure your experience by making a reservation in advance. The pristine restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Friday through Saturday from 5 pm to 10 pm.
Plan Your Get Away Today
San Diego has much more to offer than the beach. The city’s fine dining and culture are worth diving into. Before you head to San Diego, browse vacation rentals and find the perfect place to stay.
Header image photo credit: John Erkki
