Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
The Original Pancake House
14905 Pomerado RdCheap, fresh and delicious breakfast.
Reasonably priced, good sushi and ramen. Staff is very friendly. Downside is the quality varies day to day.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Ototo Sushi Co.
2558 Laning RdReasonably priced, good sushi and ramen. Staff is very friendly. Downside is the quality varies day to day.
Freshly made tea, drinks, coffee, and pastries of all kinds.
16 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
85C Bakery Cafe - Balboa Mesa
5575 Balboa AveFreshly made tea, drinks, coffee, and pastries of all kinds.
The Habit Burger Grill
4175 Genesee AveGreat local burger restaurant.
Sometimes long waits towards dinner time, but the ramen is worth it! Highly rated.
28 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen
4646 Convoy StSometimes long waits towards dinner time, but the ramen is worth it! Highly rated.
Developed by Richard Blais of Top Chef Season 4, this American style restaurant is elegant and the food is out of this world.
I still visit every time I'm in town,sometimes more than once. The kitchen is ran by Executive Chef Anthony Wells. The menu changes EVERY day so there is always something new to try.
If you have a party of two or more the duck is a MUST TRY staple of J&I.
123 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Juniper & Ivy
2228 Kettner BlvdDeveloped by Richard Blais of Top Chef Season 4, this American style restaurant is elegant and the food is out of this world.
I still visit every time I'm in town,sometimes more than once. The kitchen is ran by Executive Chef Anthony Wells. The menu changes EVERY day so there is always something new to try.
If you have a party of two or more the duck is a MUST TRY staple of J&I.
Bar, ocean views, great food. Overall excellent place to relax and eat some amazing food.
228 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Wonderland Ocean Pub
5083 Santa Monica AveBar, ocean views, great food. Overall excellent place to relax and eat some amazing food.
Dine in or take out fried fish and seafood. Excellent value and great tasting food. They supply you with all condiments and silverware. The seafood platter includes fries, one side, one piece of fish, fried scallops, and fried shrimp.
Mister Fish & Chips
5647 Balboa AveDine in or take out fried fish and seafood. Excellent value and great tasting food. They supply you with all condiments and silverware. The seafood platter includes fries, one side, one piece of fish, fried scallops, and fried shrimp.
A great spot for smoked meat, ribs, chicken, cornbread, excellent BBQ sauce and more. Delivery available on Uber Eats.
32 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
BBQ House Bar & Grill
5025 Newport AveA great spot for smoked meat, ribs, chicken, cornbread, excellent BBQ sauce and more. Delivery available on Uber Eats.
"Fast food", build your own, freshly made personal pizza. Choose your crust and toppings and your pizza is cooked within a few minutes. Be sure to opt for the sea salt and oregano at the end of the topping line.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blaze Pizza
5604 Balboa Ave"Fast food", build your own, freshly made personal pizza. Choose your crust and toppings and your pizza is cooked within a few minutes. Be sure to opt for the sea salt and oregano at the end of the topping line.
Unassuming and inside of a strip mall with only a few seats. If you want top tier sushi and sashimi (not california rolls) at a reasonable price look no further.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sushi Tadokoro
2244 San Diego AveUnassuming and inside of a strip mall with only a few seats. If you want top tier sushi and sashimi (not california rolls) at a reasonable price look no further.
#2 sushi spot in San Diego behind Soichi. The seats fill up extremely fast, there are usually reservations, and almost always a line at the door waiting for the restaurant to open. A little on the pricey side, but the sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh and worth every penny. If you want to experience the best of the best then come here. A quick 10 minute drive away.
146 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sushi Ota
4529 Mission Bay Dr#2 sushi spot in San Diego behind Soichi. The seats fill up extremely fast, there are usually reservations, and almost always a line at the door waiting for the restaurant to open. A little on the pricey side, but the sushi and sashimi are incredibly fresh and worth every penny. If you want to experience the best of the best then come here. A quick 10 minute drive away.
#3 sushi restaurant in San Diego. Downtown setting so this is higher priced than my other favorite spots. They prepare the sushi and sashimi with a little extra kick (wasabi) compared to the other locations. Just because I ranked it #3 doesn't mean I wouldn't go back every week for more.
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Shino Sushi + Kappo
838 W Ash St#3 sushi restaurant in San Diego. Downtown setting so this is higher priced than my other favorite spots. They prepare the sushi and sashimi with a little extra kick (wasabi) compared to the other locations. Just because I ranked it #3 doesn't mean I wouldn't go back every week for more.
Chef Nobu is a "celebrity chef" with appearances on various cooking shows. Classy, high end restaurant with a standalone sushi bar. Japanese food with Peruvian ingredients. Opt for any of the local fresh seafood or the, "Omakase" course. Omakase is a multi-course presentation and meal starting at $100 and up. The meal lasts an hour and a half or more.
22 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Nobu San Diego
207 Fifth AveChef Nobu is a "celebrity chef" with appearances on various cooking shows. Classy, high end restaurant with a standalone sushi bar. Japanese food with Peruvian ingredients. Opt for any of the local fresh seafood or the, "Omakase" course. Omakase is a multi-course presentation and meal starting at $100 and up. The meal lasts an hour and a half or more.
Every Saturday from 8am-1pm the local fishermen sell their catch to the public here. There is also a small booth cooking fresh fish sandwiches. There is also a cutting station that will portion out an entire fish should you buy one. Find a wide array of seafood straight off the boat here including sea urchin, crabs, snails, lobster, tuna, and other fish.
Tuna Harbor Dockside Market
598 Harbor LnEvery Saturday from 8am-1pm the local fishermen sell their catch to the public here. There is also a small booth cooking fresh fish sandwiches. There is also a cutting station that will portion out an entire fish should you buy one. Find a wide array of seafood straight off the boat here including sea urchin, crabs, snails, lobster, tuna, and other fish.
A walk in style market with fresh seafood. They also serve food here. There is everything from fish jerky, to dip, to the fresh catches of the day. The oysters by the dozen here are amazing. They have tables outside where you can eat.
120 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Point Loma Seafoods
2805 Emerson StA walk in style market with fresh seafood. They also serve food here. There is everything from fish jerky, to dip, to the fresh catches of the day. The oysters by the dozen here are amazing. They have tables outside where you can eat.
A spin off open air restaurant from Chef Blais right next to Juniper and Ivy. This place is "all day chicken and eggs". Dishes are based off of those two ingredients. Full bar, wine, outside seating, and all ingredients are high quality - only the best here.
145 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
2266 Kettner BlvdA spin off open air restaurant from Chef Blais right next to Juniper and Ivy. This place is "all day chicken and eggs". Dishes are based off of those two ingredients. Full bar, wine, outside seating, and all ingredients are high quality - only the best here.
Large selection of affordable sushi rolls. They focus almost entirely on rolls so don't go here if you want nigiri or sashimi. The rolls are very tasty and there are enough of them to satisfy anyone's preferences.
54 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Sushi Deli 1
228 W Washington StLarge selection of affordable sushi rolls. They focus almost entirely on rolls so don't go here if you want nigiri or sashimi. The rolls are very tasty and there are enough of them to satisfy anyone's preferences.
Legendary ice cream sandwiches. You choose the ice cream, toppings, and two freshly made cookies. Combine them all for a hand held treat.
97 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Baked Bear
4516 Mission BlvdLegendary ice cream sandwiches. You choose the ice cream, toppings, and two freshly made cookies. Combine them all for a hand held treat.
The Pho is simply amazing. The broth is perfectly balanced and you could drink it by itself. A must visit.
Mignon Pho + Seafood
3860 Convoy StThe Pho is simply amazing. The broth is perfectly balanced and you could drink it by itself. A must visit.
Wow. Come here for fresh off the boat fish sandwiches, tacos, ceviche, sashimi, and poke. You can also purchase fresh fish products. There is a line at 1045a every morning!
100 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
3667 India StWow. Come here for fresh off the boat fish sandwiches, tacos, ceviche, sashimi, and poke. You can also purchase fresh fish products. There is a line at 1045a every morning!
Expect some creative dishes. When you're done eating head in back to the hidden tiki bar False Idol.
151 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Craft & Commerce
675 W Beech StExpect some creative dishes. When you're done eating head in back to the hidden tiki bar False Idol.
Open late when you are craving Borscht, pierogies, or other Russian fare. The bar has great drinks as well.
Pushkin Russian Restaurant
750 Sixth AveOpen late when you are craving Borscht, pierogies, or other Russian fare. The bar has great drinks as well.
Looking for a quick lunch bite? Head here for more fresh fish put into delicious tacos and other mexican dishes.
25 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Rubio's
4504 E Mission Bay DrLooking for a quick lunch bite? Head here for more fresh fish put into delicious tacos and other mexican dishes.
Recently awarded their first Michelin star, Soichi is the best sushi experience in town. Reservations are extremely difficult to get now. Call Rachael and let them know I referred you!
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
SOICHI
2121 Adams AveRecently awarded their first Michelin star, Soichi is the best sushi experience in town. Reservations are extremely difficult to get now. Call Rachael and let them know I referred you!
Animae
969 Pacific HwyCeleb chef Brian Malarkey's Asian fusion restaurant.
It's Boba Time
4344 Convoy StSmoothies and boba tea here, many great flavors and creations
Recently voted best seafood restaurant in the city, ask for Nick the GM and enjoy your journey.
117 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Fishery
5040 Cass StRecently voted best seafood restaurant in the city, ask for Nick the GM and enjoy your journey.
Another wood fired earthy American restaurant from Celeb Chef Malarkey.
62 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Herb & Wood
2210 Kettner BlvdAnother wood fired earthy American restaurant from Celeb Chef Malarkey.
Check out the clam chowder and lobster tacos with an ocean view
207 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach DrCheck out the clam chowder and lobster tacos with an ocean view
Best ice cream I've ever had, really. Unique flavors and impressive 5 star reviews
Pacific Beach Ice Cream Co.
Best ice cream I've ever had, really. Unique flavors and impressive 5 star reviews
Poké Chop
1404 Garnet AveTheir Poke bowls are among my favorite
Tweety Thai Cuisine
1768 Garnet AveMy favorite place in town for Pad Thai
Hawaiian style chicken and steak with rice and sides. A local favorite
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Chris' Ono Grinds Island Grill - North Park
4506 30th StHawaiian style chicken and steak with rice and sides. A local favorite
Menya Ultra
8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd#1 Ramen in the city. Get the Tonkotsu Chashu
Pop Pie Co.
4404 Park BlvdDelicious pot pies and desserts
Fantastic breakfast dishes, Japanese soufflé pancakes, and everything is pink
72 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Morning Glory
550 W Date StFantastic breakfast dishes, Japanese soufflé pancakes, and everything is pink
Parks & Nature
Iphakamisa yaseFiesta Island
1590 E Mission Bay DrRelaxing waterfront park
Nice place to visit to learn about fish and sea life on the west coast. Mostly indoors. There is an outside section with an amazing ocean view.
366 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayNice place to visit to learn about fish and sea life on the west coast. Mostly indoors. There is an outside section with an amazing ocean view.
Drinks & Nightlife
710 Beach Club
710 Garnet AveLive music, good drinks and people. Fun vibe
British Pub in the heart of Little Italy. Plenty of drinks and traditional food
23 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Princess Pub & Grille
1665 India StBritish Pub in the heart of Little Italy. Plenty of drinks and traditional food
Intimate night club with three levels. Great DJ sets. Laid back and friendly crowd. More relaxed and low key compared to Omnia. Mixed drinks are pricey - $13
24 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Music Box
1337 India StIntimate night club with three levels. Great DJ sets. Laid back and friendly crowd. More relaxed and low key compared to Omnia. Mixed drinks are pricey - $13
A very Irish dive bar. Live Irish music, karaoke night and more. It is a quick 10 minute walk from here to there.
7 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blarney Stone Pub
5617 Balboa AveA very Irish dive bar. Live Irish music, karaoke night and more. It is a quick 10 minute walk from here to there.
Speakeasy storefront / revolving wall leading to a fantastic dark bar and plush seating area. Reservations recommended.
39 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Raised by Wolves
4301 La Jolla Village DrSpeakeasy storefront / revolving wall leading to a fantastic dark bar and plush seating area. Reservations recommended.
A hidden tiki style bar within Craft and Commerce with plenty of fruity rum drinks. Reservations are needed
47 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
False Idol
675 W Beech StA hidden tiki style bar within Craft and Commerce with plenty of fruity rum drinks. Reservations are needed
Young Blood
Best place for custom-tailored cocktails in the city.
Sightseeing
"Old west" style village with many shops for trinkets and souvenirs. Live music, several restaurants, and small museums are here.
1070 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Old Town
"Old west" style village with many shops for trinkets and souvenirs. Live music, several restaurants, and small museums are here.
Shops, music, food, great views. Great place to visit
762 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrShops, music, food, great views. Great place to visit
Hop aboard the USS Midway, grab a set of headphones to listen to the audio tour, and walk the ship step by step. My tour was cut short, but I would guess you can spend 3-6 hours or more here if you take your time and look at everything.
775 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrHop aboard the USS Midway, grab a set of headphones to listen to the audio tour, and walk the ship step by step. My tour was cut short, but I would guess you can spend 3-6 hours or more here if you take your time and look at everything.
Hop a ride on a hornblower cruise and tour the north bay, south bay, or go whale watching. Food and spirits on board, of course.
49 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Hornblower Cruises & Events
1800 N Harbor DrHop a ride on a hornblower cruise and tour the north bay, south bay, or go whale watching. Food and spirits on board, of course.
Great rollercoaster from the early 1900's, Mini Golf, and a newly created indoor pool / kids obstacle course.
689 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdGreat rollercoaster from the early 1900's, Mini Golf, and a newly created indoor pool / kids obstacle course.