The Best Restaurant in Old Town and Uptown, San Diego

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With some notable exceptions, historic Old Town celebrates Mexican dining. Nearby, Uptown’s diverse communities offers many bars, bistros, and gastropubs, along with ethnic restaurants ranging from Afghan and Indian to Russian and Vietnamese.

Leila

$$$$ | North Park Fodor's Choice

Once it opened in 2024, Leila became the hottest—and hardest to get—reservation in town, but if you manage to acquire a table, or you take your chances for an open bar seat, expect an immersive experience as magical as it is overwhelming. From the waterfall wall to the sparkling star-studded ceiling to patterns exploding off of every tapestry, table, and tile, it can be hard to tear your eyes away from it all to focus on the menu, which pays homage to owner Arsalun Tafazoli's Iranian heritage.

3956 30th St., San Diego, CA, 92104, USA
858-723--3766
Known For
  • Eye-popping, maximalist decor
  • Rotisserie-roasted kebabs made of beef, chicken, steak, and more
  • Hipster clientele taking lots of photos
Restaurant Details
No lunch
Strongly encouraged

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