Restaurants in San Diego

Discover San Diego’s top dining spots and elevate your culinary experience to a whole new level.

Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and when you’re traveling, dining out often becomes one of the highlights of your journey. Whether you’re craving the zing of Mexican spice, the elegance of Italian tradition, or the vibrant flavors of Asian fusion, San Diego offers a wealth of exquisite dining options to tantalize your taste buds.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Choose the destinations that entice you the most and make a reservation—world-class flavors await.

Best Restaurants in San Diego by Cuisine Type

San Diego is a paradise for diverse palates, boasting a range of restaurants that serve not only local cuisine but also global flavors. Here’s a curated list of favorite spots, recommended by food enthusiasts, for each type of cuisine. Dive into these culinary delights and savor a truly delicious experience.

Mexican Cuisine: Spice up your taste buds

Mexican food is exceptional, often celebrated as one of the best cuisines globally. Its fame stems from a rich array of ingredients, vibrant colors, and flavors, earning it the prestigious recognition of UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Thanks to its proximity to Baja California, San Diego is home to several restaurants paying homage to this exquisite gastronomy. Here’s where you can enjoy it:

The Taco Stand

The Taco Stand The Taco Stand is a favorite among San Diegans for its authentic tacos inspired by Tijuana, the nearest Mexican city to the U.S. border. Here, you’ll also find a variety of regional dishes like burritos and quesadillas, showcasing a rich culinary culture. The Taco Stand has four locations in San Diego, with the main one being:

• Location: 621 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

El Agave Restaurant Tequileria

El Agave Restaurant Tequilería is a restaurant and museum dedicated to Mexico’s iconic spirit—Tequila. It serves superb Mexican dishes such as enchiladas, tacos, and burritos, and features the largest Tequila collection in the U.S. This establishment has garnered numerous awards and is recognized as the best Tequila restaurant in San Diego.

• Location: 2304 San Diego Ave B, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Oscars Mexican Seafood

Oscars Mexican Seafood offers a delightful blend of Mexican and seafood cuisines, with dishes like fish burritos and shrimp tacos. It also caters to diverse dietary preferences, including options for those who prefer plant-based proteins, such as soy chorizo. Oscars has three locations in San Diego, with the most popular one being:

• Location: 746 Emerald St, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Argentinian Cuisine: Enjoy a glass of wine and a slice of meat

Argentinian cuisine is renowned for its focus on expertly prepared meats and high-quality wines. Savor the rich flavors of the land of silver and visit the following restaurants to experience this culinary tradition.

Puerto La Boca

Puerto La Boca, a top choice among San Diego diners, is celebrated for its traditional meat cuts influenced by delicious Italian cuisine. Don’t miss out on the flavorful chorizos, a staple of gaucho cooking that has become one of the restaurant’s standout features. Immerse yourself in the authentic tastes of South America and pay a visit to this spot!

• Location: 2060 India St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 1:00 p.m.

Empanada Kitchen

Empanada Kitchen specializes in baked, handmade empanadas. Popular flavors include mushroom and goat cheese, sweet corn and basil, beef, chicken, and apple tart. Enjoy a gourmet experience perfect for a light meal and dare to taste these classic argentinian flavors.

• Location: 819 C St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with extended hours Monday to Saturday until 6:00 p.m.

Parana Empanadas Argentinas

At Parana Empanadas Argentinas, you’ll taste the essence of Argentina in every bite. Starting as a family project, this spot aims to bring the best flavors of South America to your palate. With a variety of flavors and sauces, delightful culinary experiences are always on the menu.

• Location: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd UNIT 139, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you’re also traveling to Miami, you’ll find excellent Latin restaurants there. Don’t miss out on exploring the Magic City’s vibrant culinary scene!

Italian Cuisine: Lace up your boots and explore these restaurants

San Diego boasts a delightful array of Italian restaurants that will surely charm your taste buds. While you might have enjoyed a plate of pasta or a slice of pizza before, these are just a glimpse into the rich culinary landscape of Italy. Dive into the Mediterranean flavors with these recommended spots:

Ambrogio15

Ambrogio15 is one of the most beloved mediterranean restaurants in San Diego. It started by serving traditional regional-style pizza, staying true to its roots while carefully avoiding any alterations to the original recipe. Over time, they began experimenting with a wider variety of ingredients, eventually expanding the menu to include all kinds of Italian dishes. With five locations in San Diego, the main branch is:

• Location: 926 Turquoise St h, San Diego, CA 92109, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Parma Cucina Italiana

If you’re craving more than just pasta and pizza, Parma Cucina Italiana is the perfect spot. Here, you’ll find a variety of meats, cheeses, salads, and even delectable desserts like cannoli and tiramisu, all prepared with authentic Italian flair. This restaurant is a favorite among tourists, who love not only the food but also the warm and attentive service.

• Location: 3850 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.
• Hours: Daily from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., with extended hours on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 12:00 p.m.

Pappalecco

Pappalecco has a unique feature: instead of serving the typical main dishes of Mediterranean cuisine, it offers café-style products so you can spend the afternoon enjoying a snack in true Italian style. Think delicious gelato, freshly made paninis, a variety of rich coffees, and even pizza—perfect for a delightful Italian-style snack.

• Location: 1602 State St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
• Hours: Open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Asian Cuisine: Take your taste buds on an eastern journey

Asian cuisine is incredibly diverse, just like the vast continent itself, which spans countries with rich ethnic heritages like Japan, China, India, Thailand, and Korea, among others. Each region offers its own unique culinary traditions that food lovers around the world treasure. In San Diego, you’ll find a wide variety of asian restaurants. Here, we’ll highlight some of the most popular spots among locals and tourists alike, so you can pick the one that tempts your taste buds the most.

Harney Sushi

For an authentic sushi experience, Harney Sushi is the place to be. Offering the signature dish of Japan’s island culture, this restaurant has been serving up award-winning sushi for over 20 years. It’s consistently ranked among the best Japanese restaurants in San Diego, making it a must-visit for any sushi lover.

• Location: 3964 Harney St, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
• Hours: Every day from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Phở Ca Dao

A family-run Vietnamese restaurant, Phở Ca Dao brings the rich flavors of Vietnam to San Diego, with its star dish being the traditional Phở—a hearty rice noodle soup with a fragrant broth that’s a staple in Vietnam. Phở Ca Dao has six locations across San Diego and the surrounding areas, but its main branch is here:

• Location: 5223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, USA.
• Hours: Open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Supannee House of Thai

For a taste of Thailand, Supannee House of Thai is a top choice among both tourists and locals. San Diego has many Thai restaurants, but this one stands out thanks to its authentic dishes like Pad Thai Crab and Somtum. Plus, you’ll find unique offerings here that you won’t come across at other Thai spots in the city. Visit this vibrant restaurant for a true explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the heart of Thailand.

• Location: 2907 Shelter Island Dr UNIT 110, San Diego, CA 92106, USA.
• Hours: Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Closes between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays.)

Local Cuisine: A culinary journey through San Diego’s regional flavors

American cuisine is wonderfully diverse, blending flavors from cultures around the world. However, when we talk about local food, it often includes dishes centered around animal proteins like beef, chicken, and fish, along with plenty of vegetarian options. In San Diego, you’ll find countless spots to enjoy these flavors, so make sure to visit the following places and let your taste buds be captivated by their delightful offerings.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

A true symbol of American tradition, Ruth’s Chris Steak House was founded by the legendary Ruth Fertel, who proudly put her name on this iconic brand. Known for serving USDA Prime-certified steaks—an assurance of top quality from the United States Department of Agriculture—this restaurant is a haven for meat lovers. Beyond steak, their diverse menu includes fresh seafood and vegetarian options to suit all preferences. Be sure to visit their main location in San Diego:

• Location: 1355 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Fort Oak

At Fort Oak, the magic happens over an open flame, with wood-fired ovens taking center stage. Specializing in perfectly cooked meats, poultry, and fish, this Michelin-starred restaurant elevates its dishes with fresh ingredients and flavorful spices. Experience the charm of dining outdoors or enjoy their cozy indoor spaces that invite you to relax and savor every bite.

• Location: 1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, USA:
• Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Juniper Ivy

Juniper Ivy is a culinary love letter to San Diego, showcasing the finest locally sourced ingredients in a constantly evolving menu. Whether you’re in the mood for meat, vegan, or vegetarian dishes, you’re in for a surprise—no two visits will be the same, as the chefs are always reinventing the menu. As a Michelin-starred restaurant, the food here is not just a meal, but an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.

• Location: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
• Hours: Open daily from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pick your favorite cuisine and indulge in the mouthwatering flavors that San Diego has to offer, transporting you to culinary destinations around the globe without ever leaving the city.

Map of restaurants in San Diego

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