13 Best Restaurants in San Diego, California

Next to its sister concept and successful fine-dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, The Crack Shack's flagship location is a casual eatery complete with a walk-up counter, picnic-style tables, a bocce court, and a giant rooster—a nod to the egg- and chicken-themed menu. Ingredients are sourced from high-quality vendors and used for sandwiches, of which the fried-chicken varieties shine, as well as salads and sides like fluffy mini-biscuits with a miso-maple butter and a Mexican spin on poutine. The all-outdoor space feels like a cool playground for foodies, and there's even a slick bar that doles out craft cocktails. Parking can be a challenge in the busy neighborhood, but if you're just picking up to-go, be sure to snag one of the curbside pickup spots right out front.

Inspired by the grass-fed burgers they sampled in New Zealand, the founders of this convivial eatery set out to replicate those same high-quality flavors in their Ocean Beach spot. The interior nods to the outdoor-oriented Kiwi country, with surfboards turned into light fixtures, rugby photos, and bodyboards as wall art. An outdoor "parklet" wrapping the corner lot draws a crowd, clinging to the laid-back atmosphere and chill staff that will know you by name before the meal is over. Food focuses on burgers with organic, grass-fed beef, as well as chicken, lamb, and seafood options dressed in garlic aioli and tomato chutney, along with huge portions of onions rings and fries. The meat pies have a croissant-like crust, and there are also salads for those seeking greens. The weekend brunch menu delivers chilaquiles, steak and tamale Benedict, and cheesy grits. With 24 beers on tap, this OB mainstay was one of the first local businesses to pioneer the craft beer movement.

The exterior of Communal Coffee reads "Coffee + Flowers," and though that's not the name of the café, it's also not inaccurate—you actually can pick up a bouquet while you're there. But while there's plenty to keep patrons occupied—including a curated selection of housewares, books, and chocolates—the main attraction is still the fresh-brewed coffee and flaky, buttery pastries.

With world-class brewmaster Skip Virgilio behind the award-winning beers and an equally impressive food menu, this sprawling 9,000-square-foot brewpub achieves quality in every detail. Choose from hearty fare like the Gravity Burger and wood-fired pizzas, lighter options like salads and spring rolls, or come to enjoy brunch favorites like the Hawaiian pancake, brisket hash, or their can't-resist cinnamon roll. Mimosas are a great accompaniment for weekend merriment, but you can't go wrong with the craft beer tap list, either. 

Too early to grab a pint of Harland beer? Just head to their café counter that's open daily from 7 am to 3 pm for a fresh pastry and espresso instead. The pet- and kid-friendly patio is a great place to sit with a laptop or with friends, and if you stick around, it'll be beer-o'clock in no time.

Handmade pasta, Italian-hearth cooking, and classic cocktails are the winning formula for this La Jolla restaurant inspired by the best of Italian cuisine. Grab an indoor table near the bar, or one in the open-air dining space where heat lamps and fairy lights bring warmth on those rare, chilly nights. Although the entrées are on point, it’s really the starters that steal the show, like the marinated olives, chicken liver mousse, garlic prawns, and roasted bone marrow. The smoky birch-wood beets with goat cheese, pistachio, and raspberry will have you contemplating how to replicate the dish at home. Scallops are served on a bed of cauliflower puree and the in-house pastas are generous on the sauces, including the Bolognese with pasture-raised beef and farmer’s market soffritto. Be wise and make a reservation to avoid the wait, especially on weekends.  

Tucked away on the bottom floor of a tattoo parlor, this funky little taco shop has a drink menu larger than the Mexican food lineup (but don't let that dissuade you). Place your order next to the wall of bottle caps, and then head to the pet-friendly street-side patio that draws a crowd for the hearty burritos wrapped in warm, soft tortillas and authentic salsas that range from traditional red salsa to chipotle cream. Prepare to wait a few minutes for those no-skimp octopus tacos, and thick steak burritos. On Friday and Saturday, this hole-in-the-wall cures late-night munchies with carne asada fries and a 10 pm last call.

This casual indoor-outdoor eatery in La Jolla Shores has a sprawling outdoor patio perfect for leisurely lunches with friends and family. Surfers and well-heeled locals populate the 50-seat patio while enjoying made-to-order organic smoothies and fresh salads, as well as scrumptious breakfast and creative lunch entrées that include flatbreads, soups, sandwiches, and the popular cheeseburger and prime steak frites. The blueberry banana smoothie is addictive, while the tarragon chicken salad with lemon aioli, green apple, avocado, pistachios, and dried cranberries over mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette is a tantalizing mix of flavors.

Bacon is king at this lively burger, beer, and sports bar in Liberty Station. Founder Scott Slater’s signature “designer” patty, half beef and half ground bacon, is topped with a fried egg and cheese, and sauced with chipotle adobo mayonnaise. Or design your own burger from a menu with over 30 toppings like bacon jalapeño jam. Even fries get a lift from bacon ketchup. While little ones munch sliders from the kids' menu, parents quaff one of the 100 craft and local beers on tap and join military from nearby bases and other sports fans following games on the room’s many flat-screen TVs. There's even a dog menu featuring the signature 50/50 patty or bacon strips for furry friends.

If the chef at this La Jolla bakery looks familiar, it's because she won Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship in 2015. Since that win, chef Maeve Rochford has made a name for herself as a celebrity chef and owner of Sugar and Scribe, offering baked goods like delicious scones as well as sit-down options (final seating 2 pm) like lobster Benedict, Irish sausage rolls, and irresistible blueberry pancakes with fresh-plucked berries, edible flowers, and vanilla whipped cream. For a La Jolla summer cool down, try the horchata latte.

Dine any time of day at this French-inspired café a block from San Diego Bay, as breakfast commences at 7 am with homemade granola, quiche, and just-baked coffee cakes and croissants. Sandwiches, salads, and soups round out the daytime menu, while dinner highlights include the catch of the day. Just be sure to save room for the Paris-pretty desserts.

Perched on a rooftop in La Jolla, this café features a mindful menu of bowls, tacos, and other creative entrées that are all 100% organic, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, plant-based, seed-oil free, and soy-free. There's also a boutique with sustainable products and a yoga studio with aerial yoga, sound healing, and training workshops.