If you’re going to splurge on anything in San Diego, spend your money on the food! There are so many delicious choices for all meals, including dessert. Whether you are craving Italian, Japanese, American, or something totally different, there is a high chance you will find something in San Diego that suits your preferences. Check out some of my favorites below, and let me know which ones make you the most hungry!
Buon Appetito
This one is by far my favorite, although I may be slightly biased since Italian food is always at the top of my list. Located on a quaint street in the heart of San Diego’s Little Italy, I enjoyed some of the freshest pesto I’ve ever had at Buon Appetito. They even served the Italian Birra Moretti, which is always an added perk for me! Little Italy is a safe bet when it comes to food, so this is a good starting point for an area to return to for later meals during your trip.
Buon Appetito
Union Kitchen and Tap — Gaslamp
This rustic, new American restaurant puts a tasty twist on classic favorites, like their fish tacos with jalapeño cream or their fig flatbread. I opted for the fish and chips during my last visit to Union Kitchen and Tap — Gaslamp and was certainly not disappointed.
Union Kitchen and Tap — Gaslamp
Taka Restaurant
Known to have the best Japanese cuisine in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Taka Restaurant is the place to go for delicious sushi. The space is limited, so remember to make a reservation beforehand, especially if you will be dining with a larger group.
Toscana Café and Wine Bar
You will be more than satisfied without even ordering at food at Toscana Café and Wine Bar. Order a pitcher of their mimosa and start your day on the right foot. No judgment if you are not sharing with anyone! It’s the perfect way to soak up the sunshine of a beautiful California morning.
Toscana Café and Wine Bar
Chocolat Cremerie
Of course, it’s only natural that I end with the dessert option! While I cannot speak for the food they serve, their gelato is to die for! I’ll admit, I have never had “bad” gelato, but it’s worth stopping by the Chocolat Cremerie for a satisfying treat if you are in the area. Be ready to try many samples, because it’s a tough decision to make with the many flavor options they offer you.
If you’re looking to stay close to the action in the Gaslamp Quarter, check out the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter Hotel. You’ll be within walking distance of most of the city’s best restaurants and a short trolley ride away from many others. By no means have I been able to even come close to trying out all of San Diego’s best restaurants, but these are some of the highlights from the ones I have tried. Do you have any recommendations to add to the list? Share them below in the comments!
10 Comments
Anna
June 23, 2015 at 1:26 pmI have heard that San Diego is a great place to grab a bite. I have never been to the States, but all the food stuff convinces me most.
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Marissa Sutera
July 10, 2015 at 12:58 pmThere’s so many options you won’t know what to choose from! The thing I love about food in the states, is that each state and even city sometimes has its own unique selection of cuisine. There’s so much diversity your guaranteed to find something you’ll like!
Megan | Traveling Nine to Fiver
June 16, 2015 at 10:34 amPerfect timing! I am staying down in the Gaslamp for work for a week starting Sunday. Will be sure to try out a few of these. Thanks for sharing.
Marissa Sutera
July 10, 2015 at 12:54 pmSo glad it was useful for you! Hope you had a blast in San Diego!
Stephanie
June 12, 2015 at 11:32 pmI lived in San Diego for awhile and I really miss the food scene. If you like authentic Mexican tacos, you can’t do any better than Tacos el Gordo. Wow. Taka is actually the best sushi I’ve had outside of Japan, probably because it’s exactly run the same way as in Japan! I remember Chocolat too oh and Zanzibar has some of the best iced chai lattes! 😉
Marissa Sutera
June 13, 2015 at 8:27 amThanks for the suggestions Stephanie! I’ll have to add those to my list for the next time I get a chance to visit. I think I’ll need to extend my stay (and my stomach) next time so I can try out the multitude of delicious food options there are!
Tami
June 3, 2015 at 5:08 pmI live in San Diego, so I have a bunch of favorites…Cafe Luna in Carmel Mountain Ranch–small restaurant in a tiny strip mall but amazing Italian food, Siamnara in Mira Mesa — another strip mall restaurant where the food is so much better than you’d think (Thai cuisine), Isola Pizza Bar in Little Italy — urban chic authentic Italian food in a restaurant named after the owner’s grandmother…and much nicer than you’d expect for a restaurant called a pizza bar. that’s just a sampling. Too many to write about here!
Marissa Sutera
June 5, 2015 at 9:31 pmGreat additions, thanks Tami! I’ll have to keep these in mind next time I have the opportunity to visit the area! There really are so many delicious options to choose from 🙂
Elaine J. Masters
June 3, 2015 at 4:16 pmI hope you get to spend more time in San Diego. We have so many stellar dining options for every palate and almost every country. It’s a huge county and so close to the border that diners and foodies can never get bored.
Marissa Sutera
June 5, 2015 at 9:30 pmI hope so too! I’ve been there twice, but once when I was younger and the other was for a conference, so I haven’t been able to fully explore the area like I would prefer to. Hope to check out more next time!