If you ask a local, you’ll get the most up-to-date information on San Diego‘s food scene. So we looked at our data to see where the most in-the-know locals in this city known for its beaches and sunny weather go for the most enjoyable restaurants. While these tastemakers curate, you benefit. Find out where they’re eating right now and where the best Cute Places To Eat In San Diego:
Metl
The Gaslamp Quarter isn’t generally a neighborhood hangout, but it just became a little more cooler with Metl’s arrival. Save room for the headliners, which include more than 40 rotating flavors of liquored-up ice creams like Birthday Bitch (rainbow cake flavored vodka, birthday cake, blue raspberry pop rocks in white chocolate) and Slam Diego (Templeton rye, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and pretzels) available in scoops, cones, and pints, as well as ice cream sand (push pops). There are several vegan options, as well as menus for children and pets, a top-notch cocktail program, and a large selection of agave-based spirits.
Address: Gaslamp District
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine
Because of the intelligently raised floors and multi-level terraces, everyone gets a magnificent view of gorgeous sunsets, whether they’re seated on the outdoor patio or within Sera’s airy, stylish dining room. Chef Jojo Ruiz, a James Beard Smart Catch Leader in 2019 and 2020 for his commitment to sustainable fishing techniques, serves whole fish that is wood-grilled or flash-fried and delivered with style. Drink a sumptuous hand-crafted cocktail or choose from the unique wine cellar to complement your meal.
Address: Coronado Island
Gelati & Peccati
Gelati & Peccati, the newest member of the Buona Forchetta family, is inspired by Rome’s walk-up pizzerias and gelati businesses. For light, airy, and crispy crusts, a high-hydration dough ferments for 72 hours before being baked in sheet pans. While it’s impossible to pick favourites among the dozens of variations available al taglio, or “by the cut,” standouts include sumptuous Lussuria with mozzarella, caciocavallo, guanciale, and fresh truffle or simple marinara with cherry tomatoes, oregano, basil, and garlic. You’ll want to leave room for a scoop or two of gelato, which is available in 18 flavours and includes vegan alternatives as well as fruit sorbets.
Address: North Park
Gaslamp Breakfast Company
The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its late nights rather than its early mornings, but the Gaslamp Breakfast Company wants to change that. There are multiple vegan options to match the various drinks, as well as mocktails, cold brews, and kombuchas, on their basic but extensive menu, which includes anything from yoghurt bowls to mashed potato waffles.
Address: Gaslamp Quarter
The Presley
The Presley, which takes over the space that was previously occupied by Fireside, makes the most of its almost 2,100 square feet of dedicated outside dining space. Executive Chef Todd Nash’s menu includes lobster roll sliders, horseradish-crusted salmon, grilled pork prime rib, and a range of flatbreads, sandwiches, and salads, among other classic American dishes. A Dole Whip Mimosa and a Lava Flow are among the fun drinks on the menu, which include spins on classic cocktails.
Address: Liberty Station
Huntress
Of course, the centerpiece here is the big, brawny steaks, but Executive Chef James Montejano also excels with seafood, sugar-spicing a heavy prime rib of salmon or finessing Chilean sea bass with delicate dashi consommé and truffle prawn wontons. Desserts are a must-try, particularly the Instagram-worthy Magic Mushroom, a cherry, vanilla, dark chocolate, and pistachio micro sponge, and ice cream wonder that wouldn’t seem out of place on the forest floor. The bar program has one of California’s largest collections of Japanese whisky.
Address: Gaslamp Quarter
Puesto Mission Valley
Puesto Cerveceria in Mission Valley, which took over the old Gordon Biersch Brewery and expanded it with a $8 million buildout, is the latest addition to the Puesto empire. Along with all of your favourite Puesto iconic blue corn tacos, seafood, and shared platters, there’s a new brewery on the way, run by industry veteran Doug Hasker, that will specialise in Mexican lagers. A new bar programme offers draught margaritas, seasonal cocktails featuring agave spirits, and a range of over 70 tequilas, 50 mezcals, and over 300 spirits.
Address: Mission Valley
Cardellino
Cardellino recently debuted their new brunch menu, which includes a variety of fresh, summery meals such as delectable tartines on house-baked bread and classic dishes like a roasted wild mushroom omelette and banana vanilla pancakes, as well as pizzas and pastas. Coal-roasted Cedar River ribeye with roasted garlic, fennel, white wine herb butter, and grana padano, as well as spiced lamb orecchiette with dill cream, pine nuts, currant, sumac, and mint, are two dinner alternatives. Stop in every Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6pm for happy hour specials on select appetizers and cocktails; stop in every Wednesday through Sunday from 3-6pm for happy hour specials on select appetizers and cocktails.
Address: Mission Hills
Lumi
Warm and cold shared plates, such as rock shrimp tempura with spicy aioli and cabbage slaw, are on the menu, as well as contemporary Japanese cooking with Nikkei and Korean influences. Try the Akira Back Pizza, which is topped with tuna, yellowtail, serrano, red onion, beets, tomato, micro cilantro, and ponzu mayo, or the extensive sushi menu, which includes a signature mystery box called Nazo 9, as well as a curated selection of the chef’s sushi and sashimi specials with limited availability. The city’s largest range of top-tier Japanese whiskies, Akira Back’s own sake, and a variety of hand-crafted cocktails are among the signature drinks.
Address: Gaslamp Quarter