It has been twelve months of digging into the San Diego meals scene whereas sharing my favourite restaurant locations with my loyal readers every month. A whole 12 months has come and gone and my record of the place to dine subsequent continues to develop. This 12 months has been an unimaginable journey of many meals shared with family members, making reminiscences round a desk full of scrumptious meals, and even higher conversations. My household has now lived in San Diego for 2 years and 4 months, and in some way we by no means appear to have the ability to run out of issues to do, locations to discover, or consuming institutions to go to. Formally, the honeymoon part ought to be over, but I proceed to fall deeply in love with “America’s Best Metropolis”. Maybe in 2024 I can divert from highlighting nice eating places and give attention to the distinctive experiences that this magical metropolis affords… or each? Neither? Let me know what you, my superior subscribers, want to see extra of within the upcoming 12 months. Within the meantime, handle yourselves, love each other, and eat properly!
I am keen on every little thing about this stylish Roman-influenced rooftop restaurant. The sultry scene exudes sophistication, making it a great spot for a Saturday evening date spot.
execs: nice ambiance, attentive wait workers, lovely views
cons: downtown parking unimaginable (valet on the Intercontinental for $10)
should order: arancini and the bistecca alla fiorentina
I am thrilled to have this cute, new seashore cafe in my yard. Not solely is the vibe extraordinarily charming, nevertheless it additionally pumps out tremendous inventive breakfast and lunch gadgets which can be wholesome.
execs: quaint, neighborhood eatery harking back to summers in New England and a singular menu full of choices which can be good to your physique
cons: order on the counter, will get very crowded on the weekends
should order: smoothie with mango, chamoy, and tajin and the breakfast bowl with hummus, farro, oyster mushrooms, crispy garlic chips, and goat cheese topped with a fried egg
Bustling, loud, and FUN, Madison is a good alternative for an evening in town with associates. The menu serves flavorful Mediterranean fare amidst dwell music in a smooth setting.
execs: full of life, nice service, and strong meals
cons: should you’re delicate to noise, this is not the place for you
should order: the leaping cholla cocktail is excellent (mezcal, pineapple, lime, jalapeno, foam, and black salt) and the waffle churro sticks for dessert
Chef Sebastian has a stellar resume working in a few of the finest kitchens, together with Eleven Madison Park in NYC. He’s on a mission to open his first restaurant and whereas he hunts for the right house, he’s working out of “pop-up” kitchens. His most up-to-date stint was out of a house in Windandsea. On the Saturday morning that I checked out Pepino, the road wrapped across the block. We waited one hour and fifteen minutes for our flip on the counter solely to seek out out that one of many three savory menu choices couldn’t have the meat omitted. Evidently, I used to be annoyed. I do not do strains, and I would not wait on this line once more, though the meals was actually good. Seeing the younger, well-dressed, hip crowd linger and listening to the neighbors ask “What is occurring on this home?” made the wait an entertaining expertise.
execs: really feel such as you’re “within the know” by signing up for the e-newsletter HERE to seek out out the place Sebastian will likely be serving out of subsequent
cons: lengthy strains, restricted menu (3 savory and a couple of candy choices), weak chilly brew
should order: brekky membership sammy with sesame brioche, steamed egg, american cheese, arugula, tomato pepper jam, and dijonnaise and the apple cider espresso cake
Romantic involves thoughts once I consider this Sicilian trattoria that proudly serves freshly made pasta ready every day. The heated patio is stuffed with allure and so is an indoor desk by the window, or higher but – snatch a seat on the marble counter and watch because the kitchen works its wonders.
execs: genuine Italian eatery serving scrumptious Italian fare
cons: a 4 % surcharge added to the invoice
should order: the califano cocktail is divine (black pepper rum infusion, vermouth rosso, angostura, and smoked rosemary), the arancini, and the pistachio-encrusted sea bass
And that is a wrap 2023! If you would like to evaluate the 12 months at a look you’ll be able to click on on every month’s featured eating places under:
On my record for 2024: Solare, Dija Mara, Campfire, Ken Sushi, Sushi Gaga, Ricky Sushi, The Rose Wine Bar, Craft and Commerce, Room 50 six, Valle, Jeune et Jolie, Valentina, Hitokuchi, Younger Blood, Well mannered Provisions Bar, Noble Experiment, Hane Sushi, Parc Bistro, Cowboy Star, Uncommon Society.