Dishing up fabulous flavors to tempt your tastebuds.
insideOUT

San Diego is definitely fit for foodies. From sizzling street tacos to sushi rolls that roll out the red carpet for your taste buds, this city serves up a culinary adventure that's hotter than a chili pepper eating a jalapeño. Pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a journey through San Diego's diverse and delectable cuisines. Bon appétit with a side of beachy vibes!
Breakfast
Snooze

Super creative and zesty assortment of imaginative breakfast and lunch delights awaits alongside liquid concoctions that'll make your taste buds dance the day away. Make sure to get there early or go after the lunch rush, otherwise you will have a long ass wait!
Neighborhood
Breakfast Bitch

Sip on delightful libations, embrace the caffeinated charms, and indulge in breakfast & brunch delights with a whimsical twist, all amidst the vibrant palette of an al fresco oasis.
Neighborhood
Hash House A Go Go

This hip chain whips up a mouthwatering storm of imaginative, market-fresh American brunch and dinner delights based on Midwest comfort food, accompanied by their cocktails and legendary Bloody Marys that could make even a tomato blush!
Neighborhood
The Huddle

Cozy diner joint, with old school vibes and pretentiousness is left at the door. You'll be transported back in time with their classic menu of delectable American comfort foods.
Neighborhood
Crème de la Crêpe

Delightful French hot spot where mouthwatering crêpes dance with savory and sweet flavors, waltzing alongside scrumptious French dinners fit for a hungry bon vivant!
Neighborhood
Kafe at the Abpopa

Kafe is a triple threat - bakery, delicatessen, and grill all rolled into one delicious destination. Offering up their jaw-dropping talent for roasting in-house meats, with GF and vegan options alongside yummy cocktails baby!
Neighborhood
Lunch
Mendocino Farms

Uniquely inspired gourmet sandwiches, soups, and salads that are crafted with local and seasonal ingredients, ensuring each bite is an epic flavor adventure.
Neighborhood
Crest Cafe

The neon exterior sets the vibe at this American diner turning out tasty comfort classics to satisfy those insatiable taste buds.
Neighborhood
Bahn Thai

Bahn Thai serves up authentic and tasty Thai dishes that capture the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine. From savory curries that pack a punch to aromatic noodle dishes that satisfy every craving, Bahn Thai offers a culinary experience with rich and diverse flavors, perfect for both lunch and dinner!
Neighborhood
Taste of Denmark

Laid-back Danish gem, dishing out the great fare from the Danes - breakfast & lunch delights, extremely scrumptious pastries, and concoctions to quench any thirst. If you are hungry for some Danish delights, this is your spot.
Neighborhood
Coasterra

Level up your dining experience and head to Coasterra for a stunning waterfront dining experience. You’ll enjoy signature dishes like the Ahi Tuna Tostada, Ancho Chili Roasted Salmon or the Mexican Paella for Two on the expansive solar heated patio or the mural-painted main dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. They also serve delicious margaritas, including the Frida Rita or Deb’s Coconut Margarita. Cheers to all that!
Neighborhood
Aladdin Hillcrest

Serving up authentic Lebanese meals “straight out of Grandma's kitchen,” Aladdin is a great spot to get hummus, kebabs & exotic rice plates. This family owned business has been delighting palettes in San Diego for decades. You’ll enjoy a great meal, served with a warm welcoming smile - and you can top it off with a glass or two of Lebanese Wine. Aladdin has amazing dinner options also if you feel like a Mediterranean delight.
Neighborhood
Cali "O" Burgers

Lively spot that can be both a carnivore’s paradise and a veggie lover's dream rolled into one deliciously entertaining experience. We highly recommend the shakes!
Neighborhood
Khyber Pass Zarparan

East meets West at this culinary gem that transports diners to the heart of Afghanistan with its authentic and flavorful dishes. This family-owned restaurant offers food that is rich in culture and history. With a warm and inviting ambiance and gluten-free and vegetarian options, come here for a surprise for your taste buds. Awesome dinner selections and big kabob plate portions for those hungry tummies.
Neighborhood
NOLA on 5th

In the heart of Hillcrest's bustling Fifth Avenue, NOLA is a New Orleans-infused eatery, boasting not one, but two vibrant bars, ready to quench your thirst and tickle your taste buds with its delectable plates.
Neighborhood
Poke Chop

Calling all poke enthusiasts! Poke Chop stands out as a delightful eatery that offers a refreshing twist on the popular Hawaiian poke bowls and sushi burritos. Customize your bowl to your heart's content with their endless fresh seafood options. Fast, easy and will fulfill that poke craving in no time.
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Dinner
Common Stock

Common Stock is a culinary spot that delightfully slings scrumptious plates and expertly crafted cocktails that are prepared from scratch with obsessively sourced ingredients. Common Stock is also a great lunch spot for your afternoon hungers!
Neighborhood
Mattarello Cooking - Cucina Italiana

Italian kitchen where each dish is an artisanal masterpiece. From the freshest local and organic ingredients to the pasta that dances with delight on your taste buds. (Pasta is made daily and offers cooking classes!)
Neighborhood
Costa Brava

Spanish-styled from the Basque Region and Catalonia with a robust cookery of Castile and Extremadura. Think tapas and sangria, adorned with modern splendor and graced with a rustic patio.
Neighborhood
Au Revoir French Bistro

Serving up authentic french cuisine in a casual atmosphere, Au Revoir French Bistro lives up to its name. Whether you’re craving mussels for lunch or croque madame for brunch, they deliver tasty meals with reasonable prices. It is a small place, so try to get a reservation if at all possible.
Neighborhood
Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

Harley Gray is found on the outskirts of Hillcrest, which is a light-filled New American restaurant offering delightful seafood options, plus a bar with a daily happy hour. Popular spot during the late afternoons/early evenings for their happy hour specials, when those tummies are in need of sustenance and during weekend brunches for their flowing cocktails.
Neighborhood
Sushi Ota

Sushi Ota offers the freshest authentic Japanese dishes, with high-quality ingredients and fabulous service. For an intimate date or a sake-fueled gathering of friends, the team at Sushi Ota is ready for you. No gimmicks here, just some of the best sushi in town and a love for Japanese culinary traditions. Lunch time offerings available Wednesday through Friday, and it is delicious!
Neighborhood
Cocina De Barrio

The cuisine of Oaxaca makes this restaurant unlike any others in San Diego, but don’t miss their tequila and mezcal bar either. This is the ultimate foodie fiesta, where every dish is spicier than the latest gossip. So, if you want a boost for your taste buds or just your mood, be prepared to stop here for some extra spice.
Neighborhood
The Asian Bistro

Golden Dragon Asian Bistro offers a tantalizing selection of dishes inspired by various Asian cuisines, showcasing the flavors and culinary traditions of the region. With a late-night dining experience that keeps the kitchen sizzling into the wee hours, diners can indulge in delicious bites and bold flavors long after the sun sets, making it a go-to spot for night owls seeking a satisfying Asian feast at any hour.
Neighborhood
The Red Door

With a chef hailing from Milano and influenced by German and Indian cooking techniques, this restaurant offers an array of rich, flavorful options. This is Italian comfort food with class, leaving you fulfilled whether you’re looking for fresh pasta or their delectable Beef Wellington.
Neighborhood
Parma Cucina Italiana

Chefs Franca and Celso left their native Italy for over 30 years and opened Parma Cucina Italiana which delivers signature pasta dishes and delectable desserts made from scratch. The food hails from Northern Italy and is made from only fresh ingredients and the cozy atmosphere makes you right at home. Some of Parma Cucina Italiana's specialties include lasagna, penne salsiccia and tortellini, but they also have a dish of the day if you’re feeling adventurous.
Neighborhood
Ironside Fish & Oyster

This place serves up a delectable seafood feast that will make your taste buds dance with joy. From the freshest oysters to mouthwatering fish dishes, it's a seafood lover's paradise.
Neighborhood
Brunch
Trust Restaurant

Trust offers a delightful and diverse menu that combines farm-fresh ingredients with culinary creativity. From succulent meats to inventive vegetarian dishes, Trust delivers a dining experience that you can truly trust to satisfy your cravings. Dinners here are also absolutely delectable if you are in the mood for some evening deliciousness.
Neighborhood
Farmer's Bottega

This warm and rustic restaurant lets their fresh and organic ingredients be the star of the show. With a sunlit patio full of greenery, this is a great place to grab your crew and start off your weekend with some true nourishment. Don’t worry though, there are plenty of mimosas and Bloody Marys to boot!
Neighborhood
Serẽa Coastal Cuisine

Serẽa's offers a tantalizing menu that celebrates the bounty of the ocean with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced seafood. From perfectly grilled fish to artfully crafted seafood platters, Serẽa's serves up a coastal dining experience that will transport you straight to the seashore.
Neighborhood
Parkhouse Eatery

Casual, yet elegant, Parkhouse Eatery is neighborhood eatery where you can enjoy brunch and dinner on their garden patio, the front living room or cozy hearth room. They serve up specialty salads, sandwiches and entrees along with local craft beer, cocktails and an extensive wine list. You leave here feeling full and satisfied!
Neighborhood
Breakfast Republic

Breakfast Republic offers up a delightful array of breakfast and brunch dishes that are both indulgent and inventive. From their famous bacon flight to unique twists on classics like pancakes and eggs Benedict, Breakfast Republic will leave you feeling satisfied and eager to come back for more morning delights.
Neighborhood
Madison

This award-winning restaurant serves up beautifully fresh meals in its sunkissed dining room. From a carnitas shakshuka to their indulgent Nutella french toast, everyone will find an option to catch their eye. You can’t miss the wellness twist on their drinks, with options including activated charcoal or blue-green spirulina, you can take in the benefits while you build a buzz.
Neighborhood
insideOUT

How about walking inside to eat outside? Yep, you heard right, situated in Eitol Towers, insideOUT’s main dining room leads to an outdoor open-air atrium with walkways and seating nooks. You can enjoy their seasonal California-Mediterranean inspired menu with a view of their striking water feature. And, insideOUT is LGBTQ-owned and operated, so can contribute to your community while filling your stomach.
Neighborhood
Fine + fancy
Mister A's

Mister A's offers a sophisticated dining experience with an upscale menu that showcases exquisite contemporary American cuisine, featuring dishes crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients and artistic flair. Complementing the culinary delights, their extensive wine list and handcrafted cocktails, along with the captivating views of the water, add a touch of elegance and make dining at Mister A's a truly memorable affair.
Neighborhood
Sushi Tadokoro

Set off the beaten path, this mini counter is where you will find Traditional Japanese (Edo-mae) Style sushi using homemade ingredients and recipes. Your meal is prepared using the best of local and seasonal ingredients from around the world. Omakase is the way to go here, and you expect meaty oysters from British Columbia or succulent scallops from Hokkaido. The space is small and the place is popular (Tadokoro is a Michelin star spot), so make sure that you make a reservation in advance.
Neighborhood
Top of the Market

This contemporary seafood restaurant overlooks the sparkling San Diego Bay. Grab a spot overlooking the water to make your trip here complete. Top of the Market offers the freshest fare, from grilled octopus and oysters on the half shell to salmon and swordfish entrees. Seafood lovers shouldn’t miss this.
Neighborhood
Eddie V's Prime Seafood

This two-story restaurant offers fresh seafood and gorgeous steaks, with hand-crafted cocktails to compliment whichever dish you choose. Eddie V’s intimate atmosphere and classic live music will go perfectly with a glass of wine from their sommelier-curated wine menu.
Neighborhood
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

If you’re craving seafood, Lionfish features sustainable, fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz. You’ll enjoy fresh and healthy dishes like their 5-star rated grilled octopus in a modern and tasteful atmosphere. This is a great place to go with friends, and savor delicious seasonal cocktails and conversation.
Neighborhood
Huntress

Huntress is a culinary haven for meat lovers, showcasing an impeccable selection of dry-aged steaks and premium cuts that are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. Complementing the carnivorous delights, their craft cocktails and wine list add a touch of sophistication, creating an experience that satisfies both the palate and the soul.
Neighborhood
On a budget
Hillcrest Sandwich Shop

For a guaranteed fresh and delicious sandwich, look no further than Hillcrest Sandwich Shop. Tucked into the heart of Hillcrest, this inconspicuous sandwich shop offers quick and friendly service that never misses. Whether you want to enjoy your sandwich on their quaint outdoor patio or take it on the go, this shop is always worth a visit.
Neighborhood
Ichiban Hillcrest

Ichiban Sushi & Japanese Cuisine has been serving authentic and traditional dishes sushi and Japanese cuisines in Hillcrest since 1981. Expect good quality ingredients for a great price. Their happy hour is a Hillcrest tradition with deals on food and drinks, so this place is always packed!
Neighborhood
Phở Fifth Avenue

Phở Fifth Avenue serves up steaming bowls of authentic and flavorful Vietnamese pho that are both comforting and delicious. With a wide range of aromatic broth options and fresh toppings, Pho on Fifth is the go-to spot for a taste of Vietnam's beloved noodle soup right in the heart of Hillcrest. Be sure to try one of their tasty banh mi sandwiches - yum!
Neighborhood
The Taco Stand

Inspired by Tijuana’s taco stands, this restaurant offers an authentic food experience to satisfy your cravings. They stand above the others, with handmade tortillas, guacamole, and salsa made from scratch daily. You can’t forget a cerveza as you enjoy the explosion of tastes in each bite that - quite frankly - puts other tacos to shame.
Neighborhood
Empanada Kitchen

Empanada Kitchen serves up mouthwatering empanadas filled with a variety of scrumptious ingredients, from savory meats to flavorful vegetarian options. These perfectly baked pockets of goodness are a delightful treat for any empanada enthusiast, offering a taste of Latin American comfort food right in the heart of San Diego.
Neighborhood
The Melt

The Melt is full of flavor that will satisfy on a stop in downtown San Diego. There are no artificial ingredients in their long list of burger and mac and cheese options, and don’t miss their hand-spun milkshakes for a taste of something sweet.
Neighborhood
Doner Mediterranean Grill

Known for its fresh and clean flavors, this modest counter-serve Mediterranean eatery serves some of the best French fries, hummus, and falafel in town. The dishes are prepared using succulent and well-marinated meats, crisp and fresh vegetables, and sauces that will delight your taste buds. If you want something delicious and fast, this is the spot for you.
Neighborhood
Dairy free
Not about that lactose life? Hit us up with your best dairy-free hotspots! Let us know!
Gluten-free
Solare Ristorante

Solare was named Best Italian Restaurant by San Diego Magazine and prepares authentic Italian cuisines with a focus on Tuscany. As you can imagine, they have pasta for days, but also have some delicious gluten-free options as well. With an impressive wine list and a view of the Liberty Stations greens, this will be a treat for all your senses.
Neighborhood
Parakeet Cafe

Organic, whole foods, and ethically sourced ingredients are central to this cafe. From brunch foods to savory bowls, options for vegan, gluten-free, and keto patrons abound. There’s always something for anyone who wants nourishment without skimping on substance.
Neighborhood
Paleo Treats

Looking for a gluten, grain, and dairy free treat? AND keto and plant based options? Well, Paleo Treats has got you covered. From cookies to clusters to donuts and cakes, you’ll enjoy mouthwatering paleo treats with clean ingredients and no guilt!
Neighborhood
Osteria Panevino

Osteria Panevino serves delicious Italian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, authentic flavors, offering classic pasta dishes and savory wood-fired pizzas that will transport you to Italy. They also provide a thoughtful selection of gluten-free options, ensuring a delightful dining experience for those with dietary restrictions.
Neighborhood
Vegetarian
Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant

Plumeria offers a vegetarian and vegan Thai menu with many gluten-free options. This is a menu that even the biggest meat lover won’t find lacking. The contrasting spices and textures will tingle your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Neighborhood
Greenhaus Vegetarian Eatery

Greenhouse is a wonder of fresh, beautifully presented dishes that are healthy and delicious. From their Nirvana burger to their Veggie Meatballs, they’ll make sure you leave feeling full and feeling healthy.
Neighborhood
Jyoti-Bihanga

Jyoti-Bihanga offers an array of American-style vegetarian and vegan dishes that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. From hearty veggie burgers and plant-based sandwiches to scrumptious vegan desserts, their menu combines traditional American flavors with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients for a satisfying and guilt-free dining experience.
Neighborhood
Evolution

The world’s first vegan drive-thru offers indulgence while keeping the options hand-crafted and plant-based. With gluten-free options and food ranging from burgers and tacos, to smoothies and milkshakes.
Neighborhood
Vegan
Grains

Serving up a plant-based experience with a unique East-meets-West style, Grains tantalizes your senses with dishes like Stir Fried Eggplant, Holy Shiitake and Drunken Angel. This rustic-chic setting and open floor plan is the perfect spot to enjoy your meal along with a glass of wine or pint of beer.
Neighborhood
Plant Power

Plant Power is a vegan fast food haven that offers a mouthwatering selection of plant-based burgers, fries, and milkshakes, providing a guilt-free indulgence for those seeking a more sustainable and compassionate dining option. With their creative and delicious plant-based twists on classic fast food favorites, Plant Power is a must-visit for vegans and non-vegans alike looking to savor the taste of comfort food in an eco-friendly and cruelty-free way.
Neighborhood
KINDRED

A contemporary vegan restaurant, KINDRED has extensive creative options from cocktails to food. If you’re looking for a sad, basic salad - look elsewhere. Every dish is 100% vegan and made with the freshest ingredients, so make sure you come early to avoid a line at this beautiful restaurant.
Neighborhood
Donna Jean

Donna Jean is a seasonal restaurant serving plant-based comfort food like fresh pastas and pizzas. They also have a beautiful garden, teeming with herbs where you can enjoy a chilled glass of wine, kombucha, or beer with your meal. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a sustainable plant-based meal in the fresh evening air.
Neighborhood
Peace Pies

Peace Pies is a haven for raw, vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free cuisine, offering a diverse menu of delicious and healthful dishes made from organic, unprocessed ingredients. From their delectable raw lasagna to their flavorful nut-based cheeses, diners can indulge in a guilt-free and allergen-friendly dining experience in a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
Neighborhood
The Purple Mint

Bringing a vegan twist on Asian cuisine, The Purple Mint offers many gluten-free and vegetarian options. Their goal is to provide colorful entrees that don’t sacrifice taste, and they deliver with everything from their “chicken” lettuce wraps and spring rolls to their papaya salad.
Neighborhood
Native Foods

Using natural, plant-based ingredients, Native Foods is a great spot to get a burger or bowl that is 100% plant-based. Their menu items are made-from-scratch with environmentally sustainable, non-GMO ingredients sourced from local producers whenever possible and they’re made super fast! If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and plant-based meal, this is the place for you.
Neighborhood
The Yasai

The Yasai is a vegan paradise for ramen and sushi enthusiasts, offering an extensive menu of plant-based delights that cater to diverse tastes. From their flavorful and rich vegan ramen bowls to their artfully crafted vegan sushi rolls, diners can savor the authentic Japanese flavors in a cruelty-free and environmentally-conscious dining experience.
Neighborhood
Veganic Thai Cafe

Vegan and organic is their philosophy, with dishes meant to be nutritious and fulfilling. This cozy restaurant provides traditional Thai dishes with vegan-friendly ingredients and enough spice that has kept the crowds coming back.