Best Restaurants in San Diego

When you stay in San Diego, you'll want to experience some of the tastiest treats this cool SoCal town has to offer. We'll help you plan with these suggestions.

Burgers and Barbecue

Fill up on massive burgers piled high with fresh toppings, accompanied by thick steak fries and monstrous milkshakes at Hodad’s ,Ocean Beach’s beloved family-owned restaurant since 1969. Head inside this laid-back eatery, just steps from the sandy shores of the Pacific, where the walls are covered with license plates and surfboards. You can even dine inside an old Volkswagen van. Chow down on mesquite-grilled ribs and chicken at Phil’s BBQ, Point Loma’s legendary barbecue joint. Long lines snake out the door, but speedy counter service makes the wait bearable. Sidle up to the bar to watch the game from a flat-screen TV and sip on one of the many local suds on tap.

Italian Offerings

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto has been serving up authentic Italian sandwiches, pizza and pasta since the Little Italy restaurant opened in 1950. Feast in the restaurant’s original dining room, a cozy space with Chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling, and pick up groceries from the small attached market before you leave. Unwind in the elegant setting of Bankers Hill’s Cucina Urbana where the gourmet Italian cuisine includes artisanal breads, cheeses and sausages. The shabby chic decor is upscale—complete with colorful artwork and low-hanging lights—but the menu is affordable, including daily specials and happy hours that make it perfect for a night out.

Mexico's Calling

If you’re a pork lover, stop at Carnitas' Snack Shack in San Diego’s North Park neighborhood. The menu changes daily based on available products from local farmers, but standout samplings include carnitas tacos, chicharrones and pork belly sandwiches. Wash it all down with a local craft beer as you soak up the San Diego sun on the spacious outdoor patio. Kitschy disco balls, bright pink walls and Mexican wrestling memorabilia create a festive atmosphere at Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop  in Mission Hills. Dive into a heaping plate of the famed gourmet tacos at this casual, counter-service restaurant. For added fun, reserve a spot in the roped-off, all-gold champion’s booth.

Breakfast Spots

Bring your appetite to Hash House A Go Go the Hillcrest breakfast diner known for its mammoth portions. Marvel at the piles of food, including such mouth-watering creations as banana cinnamon French toast, mango coconut flapjacks and their famous sage fried chicken and waffle combo. Sip on a bloody Mary while dining on the outdoor patio. Enjoy a healthy start to your morning at The Mission, San Diego’s heralded breakfast bistro with locations in North Park, Mission Beach and East Village. Latin-inspired and health-conscious dishes include soy chorizo with scrambled eggs and chilaquiles topped with black beans and ginger sauce. Fresh baked breads are also a specialty at this popular a.m. hangout.