San Diego Restaurants

One of the most frequently asked questions that I receive from readers is where to eat in San Diego near their hotel. Fortunately, our culinary scene is booming, meaning there are many cuisines to choose from in all price ranges. and nearly all dietary restrictions can be met.

We residents never run out of new San Diego restaurants to try either. I’ve listed some reviews of individual eateries that we love, too. You should also take a look at must-eat San Diego food. We are famous for some dishes, like fish tacos. And did you know that there are nearly 200 craft breweries to try? The other good news is that all San Diego restaurants welcome families, but a few are especially kid-friendly. We are a vacation destination for foodies, I promise!

Best Restaurants by Area

Oysters at Eddie Vs La Jolla

La Jolla

Outdoor booth and table seating at Serea restaurant.

Coronado

Best downtown San Diego restaurants: BIGA

Downtown San Diego

Soft serve cones from Mr. Frostie.

Pacific Beach

Balboa Park restaurants: Craft beer at Panama 66

Balboa Park

Skewers on a grey platter at Dija Mara in Oceanside.

Oceanside (Coming Soon)

Sushi at Cannonball, a best Mission Beach restaurant

Mission Beach

Campfire restaurant in Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad

Appetizers at Fairmont Grand Del Mar Addison.

Del Mar (Coming Soon)

Best Little Italy San Diego Restaurants Story Poster Image

Little Italy

View Top San Diego Kid-Friendly Restaurants

San Diego Restaurants Articles

    People enjoying a Carlsbad Food Tour.

    6 Fun San Diego Food Tours to Take

    Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these San Diego food and drink tours are a fun and flavorful way to experience the city’s best bites and sights.

    Brockton Villa Coast Toast Recipe

    18 Best La Jolla Breakfast & Brunch Spots: A Resident’s Restaurant Guide

    A resident’s guide to the best places to eat breakfast or brunch in La Jolla that suit all appetites and price ranges. My community excels at morning meals!

    Two women toast with champagne flutes at JRDN in San Diego

    New Year’s Eve in San Diego: Ring in 2024 at These Hotels & Restaurants

    New Year’s Eve in San Diego means special menus and events at local restaurants and hotel parties. Where to ring in 2024.

    Campfire restaurant in Carlsbad, California

    18 Best Carlsbad Restaurants to Try Now: A Local’s Guide

    These are the best Carlsbad restaurants from finer dining to casual meats to even a family-friendly spot with a teepee.

    Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego at Pendry San Diego

    Where to Eat Thanksgiving Dinner in San Diego & Order Chef-Prepared Meals To-Go (2026)

    Where to eat Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego restaurants or pick-up chef-prepared meals that you can reheat at home.

    Tortilla lady at Cafe Coyote in Old Town San Diego.

    11 Best Restaurants in Old Town San Diego Offer Mexican Food & More

    Sure, we’ll tell you where to get Mexican food but there’s so much more to eat in Old Town San Diego like Michelin star sushi, Italian, and even Venezuelan.

    Half a roasted duck and stuffing cast iron plate for Christmas dinner in San Diego at Lionfish.

    Christmas Dinner in San Diego: Where to Go In 2026

    Find the perfect Christmas dinner at San Diego restaurants and hotels on this list which outlines special menus, prices, and experiences.

    Inside tables and artwork at NINE-TEN Restaurant in Grande Colonial La Jolla

    20 Best Restaurants in La Jolla: A Resident’s Guide to Favorites

    This best restaurants in La Jolla list is based on where we locals eat Mexican, Italian, seafood, breakfast, and more from takeout to fine dining — and often with extraordinary ocean views.

    A milkshake held up in front of a vintage car at Corvette Diner in San Diego.

    Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants in San Diego (2026) – Play Areas, Arcades & Family Fun

    Updated for 2025, our list of top San Diego family restaurants expands to include breweries and bars the whole family will love.

    Find the best San Diego breweries to visit.

    23 Best Breweries in San Diego to Try Now

    San Diego is home to an impressive assortment of craft and specialty breweries. Learn more about our favorites here!

    Best Pacific Beach restaurants: Pacific Beach Fish Shop

    Best Pacific Beach Restaurants: Local Favorites, Ocean Views & Reservation-Worthy Picks

    Pacific Beach dining spans everything from longtime local legends and casual neighborhood staples to oceanfront restaurants worth planning around. Ourguide covers where locals actually go.

    A plate of nigiri sushi on a ledge with Mission Beach in the background

    6 Best Mission Beach Restaurants Along San Diego’s Coast

    Come on in, the food is fine. Whether you’re a local or visiting, it’s not just the surf that’s the  draw; you can find plenty of great casual dining—including some with a view.