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Best Restaurants San Diego
Restaurants are places where patrons can go to have food that has been prepared. They usually have a wide selection of foods and drinks, from drinks and sweets to appetizers and major entrees. Restaurants cater to a variety of tastes and events, and their menu styles, cuisines, and ambiances vary greatly. San Diego offers a wide variety of eating experiences and has a thriving culinary culture. From beach restaurants serving up fresh seafood to hidden urban gems featuring the moment cuisine, the city’s restaurants have something to offer every taste. Savor the flavors of ingredients that are sourced locally; many restaurants place a strong emphasis on farm-to-table ideas. Discover various ethnic restaurants, from hip fusion eateries to real Mexican restaurants.
The USA Insider Guide has compiled a definitive list of San Diego’s best restaurants, with an emphasis on satisfying a variety of palates. From elegant fine dining places to casual eateries with a distinct regional flair, each restaurant offers a unique culinary experience. Whether you’re craving succulent seafood, farm-to-table cuisine, or globally inspired dishes, this list showcases the city’s vibrant culinary scene. Uncover hidden gems, indulge in local favorites, and find the perfect spot for any occasion. Let the USA Insider Guide be your trusted companion in navigating San Diego’s culinary landscape, ensuring every meal is a delicious adventure.
1. Mister A's
Experience fine dining at its finest at Mister A’s, a prestigious restaurant with unmatched 180-degree views of downtown San Diego. With years of experience in creating unique menus, organizing lavish banquets, and serving sizable crowds, it is the best option for special events. For a genuinely exclusive experience, the restaurant offers flexible options that allow for partial or complete buyouts. San Diego’s Mister A’s Restaurant is a timeless institution amidst constantly evolving trends. Since its founding in 1965, this renowned fine dining establishment—nested atop the Manchester Financial Building in the Bankers Hill neighborhood—has been a popular attraction.
| Dine In | Parties & Events |
| Bar | Food |
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 3:30–10pm |
| Wednesday | 11 am–1pm | 3:30–10 pm |
| Thursday | 11 am–1pm | 3:30–10 pm |
| Friday | 11 am–1pm | 3:30–11pm |
| Saturday | 11 am–1pm | 3:30–11pm |
| Sunday | 10am–1:30 pm | 3:30–10pm |
- 2550 Fifth Ave 12th floor, San Diego, CA 92103
- (619) 239 1377
Review on Google – “The service was amazing from the minute we had walked into the restaurant. The outside seating is an absolutely beautiful view of down town San Diego along with a beautiful sun set. The mushroom soup I enjoyed, I have never tried mushroom soup and this one definitely made my experience a good one. From our dinner of getting a steak along with the macaroni and cheese along with mash potatoes was very delicious. I absolutely recommend this place for an anniversary or possibly for engagement because of the view. I definitely will be returning. Thank you to our waiter he had went up and beyond, making it an enjoyable experience.”-Michael Anthony
2. The Grant Grill
The Grant Grill, located in the famous Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, offers the highest level of excellent dining. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served with carefully prepared dishes that highlight prime meats, Pacific seafood, and locally grown produce on seasonal menus. At the stylish Grant Grill San Diego Lounge, which is known for shaking up some of the greatest drinks in the country, indulge in beautifully made cocktails. Grant Grill offers an exceptional dining experience, whether it’s the ever-changing seasonal cuisine or the refined atmosphere with elements like fleur de lis banquettes and traditional mahogany wood.
| Private Dining | Events |
| Dine In |
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard |
| Monday | 7–11 am | 11:30 am–2 pm | 5:30–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7–11 am | 11:30 am–2 pm | 5:30–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7–11 am | 11:30 am–2 pm | 5:30–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7–11 am | 11:30 am–2 pm | 5:30–9 pm |
| Friday | 7–11 am | 11:30 am–2 pm | 5:30–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7am–2 am | 5:30–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7am–2 am | 5:30–9 pm |
- 326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
- (619) 744 2077
Review on Google – “Amazing food, service, and atmosphere. Live Jazz band was playing, and the space the restaurant in is gorgeous. If you want old-school luxury, this is the place to go.”-N Andersen
3. The Smoking Goat
The Smoking Goat provides the ideal setting for private gatherings and special occasions. To customize an experience that exceeds expectations, potential hosts can get in touch with their focused event coordinator. Their seasonal and ever-changing menu reflects founder Piehl’s dedication to outstanding quality, a farmer-rancher mentality, and a passion for wine production. They constantly experiment with methods, suppliers, and chefs to guarantee new perspectives and creative products for both eateries. It’s crucial to remember that because of the dynamic nature of their menu, costs and selections may change. Nevertheless, they guarantee a delicious adventure full of wonderful surprises.
| Dine In | Takeout |
| Cocktails | Beer |
| Food |
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard |
| Monday | 5–9pm |
| Tuesday | 5–9pm |
| Wednesday | 5–9pm |
| Thursday | 5–9pm |
| Friday | 5–10pm |
| Saturday | 5–10pm |
| Sunday | 5–9pm |
- 3408 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
- (619) 955 5295
Review on Google – “Wow, definitely get those duckfat truffle fries…so delicious! We also had the baked brie with pistachio and cranberry which was very tasty. I had the Scottish salmon as an entree which was cooked to perfection. The service was excellent as well. A great spot for a date or girls night.”-Danielle M
4. 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant & Events
Discover the excellence of the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant & Events, a famous location that is prepared for your unique events. Whether it’s a birthday party, work gathering, or any other special occasion, they are experts at taking care of every little detail. Give them the freedom to bring your event to life and make your idea a reality. This location guarantees a flawless execution of your event and a memorable impact thanks to its established expertise. Rely on the 94th Aero Squadron to elevate your special moments with their attention to detail and commitment to quality, resulting in an unforgettable experience.
| Dine In | Food |
| Drinks |
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 4–8 pm |
| Thursday | 4–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–9 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–3 pm | 4–9 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–3 pm |
- 8885 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92123
- (858) 560 6771
Review on Google – “I love this place. The atmosphere is so cool, it’s an old French farmhouse style building with a whole bunch of World War 1 deco. Staff is super friendly, food tastes great and awesome views of planes taking off and landing at Montgomery Field. SO much food available for brunch.”-Brian Britton
5. Bali Hai Restaurant
Award-winning dining and event spaces are available at Bali Hai, giving visitors a remarkable experience. Plan your vacation if you want to arrange unforgettable parties or eat at fine dining establishments. Itis, a restaurant known for its distinguished awards, offers a refined ambiance and exceptional cuisine. Guests can anticipate nothing less than the finest, from the gastronomic adventure to the event coordination. With its outstanding reputation, it guarantees that every visit is an event to remember, whether it’s for a lovely dining experience or a special occasion. Seize the chance to enjoy the highly recommended products from Bali Hai, where quality is expected.
| Delivery Services | Dine in |
| Cocktail | Food |
| Cash | Visa |
| Mastercard |
| Monday | 11:30 am–8:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30 am–8:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 11:30 am–8:45 pm |
| Thursday | 11:30 am–8:45 pm |
| Friday | 11:30 am–9:45 pm |
| Saturday | 11:30 am–9:45 pm |
| Sunday | 9:30 am–8:45 pm |
- 2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92106
- (619) 222 1181
Review on Google – “The service was fantastic. Our server was very informative, straightforward and friendly. The food was phenomenal. We thoroughly enjoyed everything we had. The cocktails were delicious. I had the Korean Chicken dish which was absolutely fantastic.”-Lisa Moscarello
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