Only steps away from the famous La Jolla Shore, this establishment is always crowded with locals, ranging from college students to business professionals. An eclectic assortment of tables and chairs is accompanied by lively jazz music playing overhead. In addition, a surprisingly extensive menu features breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Popular entrees include the Tuna Melt, Shrimp Pasta Salad, and Turkey Lasagna. Meanwhile, dozens of pastries line a glass display case at the order counter. Choose from tarts, cakes, croissants and danish.
The atmosphere at this popular restaurant and bar is best characterized as colorful. The bright yellow sign, along with a front door featuring yellow, blue and green prints, welcome guests into the restaurant. Once inside, guests will notice colorful tabletops as well as mural-covered walls. The small, busy restaurant offers juke box music and a big bar. Carne asada- grilled steak, tops the menu, including combination of tacos, tortas and burritos. The place also offers marinated steak with a cheese enchilada and guacamole. Jose's Court Room is the place for great craft cocktails and delectable eats done the authentic Mexican way.
This multiple award-winning restaurant is a true San Diego treasure. Located inside of the historic US Grant Hotel, Grant Grill exudes class and elegance. From it's waffle brunch buffets to its lavish dinner presentations, diners head here when they want something extraordinary. The opulent ambiance elevates the experience, lending an added sense of luxury to the already world-class cuisine. The adjoining lounge is perfect for those who want to sip a cocktail among San Diego's elite. Attire is dressy, so don your favorite suit or dress and take in your glamorous surroundings.
As the name Dumpling Inn suggests, dumplings are the specialty at this small Chinese eatery nestled in the lair of Asian restaurants that is Convoy Street. Choose from a variety of pork, seafood or vegetarian dumplings, all homemade. The menu also offers noodles, rice, and a small selection of stir-fry dishes. If you need to cater for a party, the restaurant also sells uncooked dumplings by the dozen though advanced order is required.
In Downtown San Diego, this fine dining establishment is not only well known for premium cuisine, but also for an expansive wine list. In fact, it has been praised for hosting "one of the most outstanding wine lists in the world." While many San Diego restaurants allow for casual dress, this particular establishment requests more formal attire. Men should wear long-sleeved dress shirts and all guests are asked not to wear shorts. Popular entrees include linguini with clam sauce and veal piccata. Enjoy cocktails from the outdoor patio as the sun sets and gives way to the city lights below. Whether you're dining or drinking, Bertrand at Mister A's is a magical venue for a memorable evening.
Mustangs and Burros at Estancia La Jolla is a beautiful restaurant designed in the Territorial Ranch way. The restaurant has a warm and inviting dining room with low lighting, casual seating, a large brick fireplace and a wonderful patio similar to a Spanish hacienda for a wonderful romantic night dinner with a fireplace. The menu is packed with enticing small bites infused by the Southwest and the seasons. The full bar has some amazing house crafted cocktails and creative margaritas with great happy hour offers during the weekends. All the ingredients are fresh, local and seasonal, and are used in the menu in the most creative way. If you are craving for beautiful flavors and awesome dining experience, then M & B is the place to be in.
Your tour of San Diego is not quite complete without a visit to Mariposa Ice Cream, an award-winning ice cream shop with over 15 years of experience in churning out homemade creamy delights for eclectic patrons. Mariposa is a relatively small shop with limited seats but it's big on flavors. There are more than 15 regular flavors in addition to rotating favorites like Coconut Almond Fudge, Watermelon Sorbet, Pumpkin and the Black Cherry. Best enjoyed with a waffle cone, their double scoop feature comes most recommended for those with a sweet tooth. At USD5, this is a treat for your palate and your wallet.
This is a great place to enjoy casual dockside dining and watch the fishing boats. The interior is cozy and warm with plenty of windows to watch the sport-fishing action. The outside seating consists of stools on the balcony overlooking the piers. Breakfast offers biscuits and gravy, a deck-hand breakfast and seafood omelets. Lunch includes an array of sandwiches on fresh baked bread, as well as fish platters and salads. Try the Beer Battered Fish, Fried Calamari or Crab Cake. Wine and beers are also available at the restaurant.
Dining at Addison, named after its architect, provides the experience of a lifetime in taste and ambiance. Tastefully done bites wear tiny herbs and flowers or are perched atop dabs of sauces. The seasonal menu is complemented by an extensive selection of wines from around the world. Located at The Grand Del Mar resort destination, this is the only 3 Michelin-star restaurant in Southern California. It does not disappoint! The attentive service staff work like clockwork. You can meet up with the chef and observe the staff at work. Every dish is incredible. If you are seeking out a life-changing dining experience, go to Addison! The night starts with four champagnes from which to choose. The tableside Louie XIII is the icing on the cake. You could go in for a progression of cocktails instead of wine pairing if that’s your thing. The mixologist makes amazing signature drinks for you to enjoy throughout the meal. The food is delicious, and the food train is seemingly endless.
On the corner of State St. and West Cedar St. behind a tree, sits a small patio of tables and chairs. A flat screen television, which displays a video that describes various points of interest throughout Italy, takes guests to a world away from the San Diego traffic. Pappalecco offers a selection of thirty-six flavors of gelato, which guests can order in cups, as well as sugar or waffle cones. Pappalecco gets a little creative with their gelato: they serve "Coppe Gelato"—cups of gelato that consist of various flavors that will give guests an unforgettable taste of Italy. For those who prefer a cup of coffee, Pappalecco offers various gourmet coffees; and of course, for those who want to splurge, Pappalecco serves a wide selection of Panini, Bruschetta, and salads. - Erick Pettersen
Named after an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast, Catania offers an assortment of coastal Italian delicacies that are sure to delight your palate. Menu offerings include contemporary Italian dishes like Braised Beef Tongue, Crispy Octopus and Wild Boar Pasta. Complement the meals with draft and bottled brews, wines or Italian sodas. Situated atop La Plaza Center, the restaurant also allows you to enjoy sweeping views over La Jolla Cove while you enjoy the creative delicacies and delectable drinks. If you are craving for inventive Italian food, on a clear evening in the middle of summer, it’s hard to think of a better place to be.
Trilogy Sanctuary Café is a health café serving organic vegan food to heal the body and mind. Treat yourself with fresh juices, creamy desserts and smoothies that will surely make you feel nourished inside out. The café also has a well equipped rooftop aerial yoga studio where yoga and meditation is practiced. Backed by inspiring instructors, a variety of classes are conducted every day. Rental space is also available to host workshops promoting health and wellness.