San Diego’s vibrant food scene is a melting pot of flavors, offering everything from innovative fusion cuisine to comforting classics. Forget the usual tourist traps; this curated list, based on our team’s gastronomic explorations throughout the year, highlights the must-try food in San Diego that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Ramen Revelation at Tajima Ramen
Creamy Chicken Ramen
When the weather cools down, nothing beats a steaming bowl of ramen. Tajima on Adams Avenue delivers a no-frills, authentic experience. It’s the perfect spot for a quick, satisfying meal, much like grabbing a beer (which they also offer!). The creamy chicken broth is not just rich but decadent, making this ramen both affordable and unforgettable. A true cold-weather essential.
Fusion Feast at Bincho Taco
Yakiniku California Burrito
Prepare for a flavor explosion! Could this be the best California burrito in San Diego, or even the best breakfast burrito? The Yakiniku Cali from Bincho Taco is a Japanese-Mexican fusion masterpiece that has locals chasing its pop-up locations. Find it on Sundays at Mixed Grounds in Sherman Heights for a tender Yakiniku beef experience with spicy avocado, roasted peppers, scrambled eggs, and hashbrowns. Don’t forget the tangy, housemade hot sauces! Also available Tuesdays at Thorn Brewing and Fridays at Whistlestop.
Beyond Burgers at Hodad’s
Chicken Tenders
While Hodad’s famed burgers are a classic, the crispy chicken tenders are a sleeper hit. These tenders feature a unique potato-chip breading and come with the same addictive potato wedge fries. This is a satisfying alternative that deserves your attention.
Craft Cocktail Connoisseur at Roma Norte
Fig Leaf Old Fashioned
Roma Norte is a destination for deep conversation and delicious drinks. Located in Seaport Village, ask the bartenders for their favorite cocktail, and you might be presented with the Fig Leaf Old Fashioned. This intriguing concoction, served in a ceramic teacup, features butter-washed bourbon, fig leaf cordial, and cacao bitters. A slow sipper perfect for connecting with someone special.
Basque Cheesecake Bliss at Muse Cheesecake
Ube Cheesecake
Fall in love with the burnt Basque cheesecakes from Muse Cheesecakes. Made by local baker Lada Sadovnyk, these creamy, thick cheesecakes are available in seven flavors, including several gluten-free options. The ube flavor is perfectly sweet and melts in your mouth. Order via the company’s Instagram page while Sadovnyk searches for a brick-and-mortar location.
Solana Beach Secret at John’s Market
Mini Burritos
Hidden in Solana Beach, John’s Market serves soul-nourishing, family-recipe Mexican food. The mini burritos ($2.75) with homemade refried beans evoke the feeling of a morning in a small coastal town. Try the machaca or chorizo – you can’t miss. A true Mexican market with handwritten prices and a whole lot of love. Don’t forget extra beans and house-made salsa to-go.
La Jolla Diner Delight at Harry’s Coffee Shop
Eggs Benedict
Opened in 1960, Harry’s Coffee Shop is La Jolla’s oldest diner and a living time capsule. Start your day with bottomless coffee, vinyl booths, and cafe chatter in this nostalgic spot. The eggs benedict, topped with velvety hollandaise and served with crispy hash browns and a classic cup of joe, is a must-try. Breakfast is served all day! A mid-century diner experience that every San Diegan should try.
Encinitas Wine Bar Escape at Échale
Mussels
Échale has transformed a previously underutilized location in the Encinitas Lumberyard into a sexy and dark wine bar escape. The mussels, a smoky and luscious dish, are bathed in mezcal fennel broth and studded with crumbled chorizo. Soak it all up with cheesy garlic toast and pair with a glass of natural rosé.
Patagonian Fire at The Amalfi Llama
Beef Carpaccio
Amalfi Llama at Westfield UTC features Patagonian live-fire cooking techniques combined with Italian ingredients. While all the cuts are worth trying, start with the beef carpaccio. The incredibly thin slices melt in your mouth like clouds.
Rooftop Revelry at Kairoa Brewing Company
Citrus Otago Salad
University Heights’ Kairoa is a true California brewery with open-air rooftop seating, dog-friendliness, and vegan options. Opt for the citrus otago salad, with berries, candied lemon peel, charred grapes, and kumquat-passion-fruit vinaigrette. Whether you choose the omnivorous version (with pancetta and goat cheese) or the plant-based version, it’s a burst of flavor.
Animae’s Appetizer Astonishment
Tuna Crispy Rice
Don’t underestimate the appetizers at one of San Diego’s top restaurants!. The tuna crispy rice layers wakame and charred pepper ponzu with a side of spicy aioli. The presentation may be unassuming compared to Animae’s menu entrées, but the crunchy texture and rich tuna will have you dreaming about your next visit. 2024 James Beard finalist Tara Monsod has perfected this dish.
Convoy’s Crepe Cake Craving at Cake De Partie
Thai Tea Crepe Cake
While the jiggly soufflé pancakes at this Convoy bakery are popular, try the crepe cake if you’re short on time. The Cake De Partie team creates thousands of alternating layers of thin crepes and whipped cream, glazed in flavors like ube, mocha, and the standout Thai tea.
Oceanside’s Outer Space Oasis at The Space Pad
Spaceman’s Sour
Trade leather for chrome and neon at The Space Pad from Kilowatt Brewing in Oceanside. This unique take on the speakeasy aesthetic offers creative riffs on tiki classics. The Spaceman’s Sour, from the “Rillisporian” side of the menu, bursts with passionfruit and sangria. Pop the bubble tower atop the drink and inhale its cosmic mist.
Marine Room’s Wagyu Wonder
Japanese A5 Wagyu Strip Steak
The Marine Room offers a consistently excellent dining experience. But the Wagyu strip steak is a standout. This chef’s special is served with Oaxacan ancho creme, onion ash, arugula, bacon jam, and sweet drop pepper. Order it rare for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth experience with a hint of char.
Encinitas’ Comforting Porridge at Atelier Manna
Manna Porridge
Manna’s buckwheat rendition, studded with mixed mushrooms, egg yolk, and seared scallop, delivers a comforting and flavorful experience. A hint of miso adds depth and umami to this warm grain embrace.
Oceanside Pancake Perfection at Stratford at the Harbor
Cinnamon Bacon Pancakes
Pancake lovers, rejoice! These are some of the best pancakes around. If you could give our neolithic relatives one pancake to showcase our culinary evolution, this flapjack from this Oceanside gem might be it. Jordan Howlett (@jordan_the_stallion8) approved!
Explore San Diego’s Culinary Scene Today
This list only scratches the surface of San Diego’s diverse and delicious food scene. From hidden gems to established favorites, there’s something for every palate. Venture out and discover your own must-try food in San Diego! Bon appétit!
