San Diego Restaurants: All Personally Reviewed by San Diego's Dean of Restaurant Reviewers

1500 OCEAN at The Hotel Del: Impressive Ocean Views and Fresh California Cuisine
California Cuisine in Coronado
1500 OCEAN at The Hotel Del: Impressive Ocean Views and Fresh California Cuisine

1500 OCEAN, The Del’s signature restaurant, opened in 2006 to rave reviews in the Wine Spectator and Bon Appetit. Chef de Cuisine Brian Sinnott works with local farmers and producers in creating the restaurant’s fresh Southland coastal cuisine. His seasonal menus offer selections from Santa Ynez to Cabo San Lucas. In addition, the restaurant includes… (read more)

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333 Pacific Has Spectacular Seafood Overlooking the Oceanside Pier
California Cuisine in Oceanside | Happy Hour Menu
333 Pacific Has Spectacular Seafood Overlooking the Oceanside Pier

This is Oceanside and North County’s most spectacular new restaurant. It overlooks the Oceanside Pier and it’s breathtaking sunset view is unsurpassed! They serve fresh seafood and steaks nightly with an emphasis on presentation and innovation. For example, a sensational appetizer is their crab, shrimp and lobster cake ancho aioli with a mango salsa. It’s… (read more)

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Adam’s Steak n’ Eggs is Celebrating 45 years Serving the Best Breakfasts in Mission Valley
American in Mission Valley
Adam’s Steak n’ Eggs is Celebrating 45 years Serving the Best Breakfasts in Mission Valley

This family restaurant has been a respected breakfast destination for more than 45 years. The “name-sake” steak n’ eggs is a two-inch thick, perfectly cooked sirloin steak, plus two fresh ranch eggs, cooked any style, with hash browns or hominy grits and toast or flour tortillas.
Also try the carne asada, which is a tasty… (read more)

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Al’s Cafe Has Is A Carlsbad Local Favorite Since 1991
Breakfast & Lunch in Carlsbad
Al’s Cafe Has Is A Carlsbad Local Favorite Since 1991

Since Al’s opened in 1991, it has been a local favorite. And yes Al, who spent many years in Hawaii, will most likely be on hand to greet you! For breakfast he’ll probably recommend one of six types of eggs Benedict or their famous cinnamon coconut macadamia nut french toast. Lunch favorites include salads, Angus… (read more)

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Albie’s Beef Inn is a Mission Valley Favorite for its Piano Bar & its Delicious Aged Steaks & Seafood
Steak & Seafood in Mission Valley
Albie’s Beef Inn is a Mission Valley Favorite for its Piano Bar & its Delicious Aged Steaks & Seafood

Albie’s, which has been in business for more than 45 years, is well known and highly recommended for its popular piano bar and delicious aged steaks and fresh seafood. A loyal following of San Diegans of all ages dine here often. Ask to be seated in the cocktail lounge piano bar in a comfortable leather… (read more)

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Alfonso’s is a Legend in Our Town Since 1971
Mexican in La Jolla
Alfonso’s is a Legend in Our Town Since 1971

Alfonso and his restaurant are legends in our town. If there is a secret to his success, it has to be in the well-guarded Mexican recipes that have been in his family for generations. This third-generation family restaurant’s house specialty is carne asada Alfonso. Also, try the La Jolla Burrito, or the Quesadilla Mercedes, named… (read more)

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Andrés Cuban Restaurant is San Diego's Finest Cuban & Puerto Rican Cuisine
Cuban & Puero Rican Cuisine in Bay Park
Andrés Cuban Restaurant is San Diego's Finest Cuban & Puerto Rican Cuisine

This family owned and operated restaurant has been a San Diegan classic for over 25 years, with a strong local following, and a favorite of many dignitaries, pro-athletes and notable figures visiting San Diego from Latin America that were in search of the best authentic Caribbean food. For the best seating, ask for table 7. An evening meal at Andrés is a delicious experience.

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Anthology: Award-winning Live Music Venue and Fine Dining
California Cuisine in Little Italy | Happy Hour Menu
Anthology: Award-winning Live Music Venue and Fine Dining

A perfect place to begin or conclude your discovery of romantic Little Italy is at Anthology. They were recently voted San Diego’s best live music venue and restaurant. So expect to see your favorite jazz, rock and contemporary artists perform while you are pampered with excellent service and outstanding cuisine. The per formers rave about… (read more)

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Anthony’s Fish Grottos Have Been Voted San Diego’s Best Seafood Restaurants in the County
Seafood in Chula Vista, Downtown & La Mesa
Anthony’s Fish Grottos Have Been Voted San Diego’s Best Seafood Restaurants in the County

Best Seafood Restaurant by the San Diego Union-Tribune reader’s poll 12 years in a row. They are so committed to freshness that they hand select and prepare all of the seafood they serve. Plus, each of their locations has either a beautiful bay or lake view. Featured on the menu is a variety of excellent… (read more)

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Ashoka the Great: Amazing Indian Cuisine That You Will Never Forget
Indian in Mira Mesa
Ashoka the Great: Amazing Indian Cuisine That You Will Never Forget

This is a fabulous restaurant featuring the finest tasting Indian cuisine in San Diego. Their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet and dinner buffet are very popular. However, it is from their extensive menu that you will find the truly memorable Indian cuisine that has made Ashoka the Great so well known. And you can also order your… (read more)

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Babcock & Story Bar at The Hotel Del: Creative Cocktails & Views of the Pacific
Restaurant & Bar in Coronado
Babcock & Story Bar at The Hotel Del: Creative Cocktails & Views of the Pacific

Babcock & Story, often called B&S, was named after The Del’s visionary founders, Elisha Babcock and H.L. Story, two mid-western businessmen who dreamed of building a resort hotel that would be the “talk of the Western world.”
Babcock & Story Bar is designed to take advantage of the spectacular seaside setting. The original 46-foot handcrafted… (read more)

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Baci Ristorante: Italian Done Right
Italian Gourmet in Bay Park
Baci Ristorante: Italian Done Right

Baci is Bay Park’s best Italian restaurant. It’s classic neighborhood friendly gathering place where people from various cultures and economic classes find the same comfort and pleasure. Their impressive menu offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos.
In addition to the cuisine,… (read more)

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Baily’s Fine Dining Features Great Wine & Impressive Cuisine in Old Town Temecula
Continental Coastal in Temecula
Baily’s Fine Dining Features Great Wine & Impressive Cuisine in Old Town Temecula

For a special occasion or any occasion, Baily’s Fine Dining is the place to dine. Their four charming formal dining rooms offer a perfect setting for a memorable meal. The tables are beautifully set with white linen tablecloths, beautiful bouquets of flowers adorn each table and diners are pampered with attentive service.
Here in this… (read more)

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Baja Cactus Mexican Restaurant: Temecula Dining Reminiscent of Old Mexico
Mexican in Temecula
Baja Cactus Mexican Restaurant: Temecula Dining Reminiscent of Old Mexico

This delightful medium-sized restaurant has a loyal following of happy diners. And once you dine here, you will undoubtedly become a regular too! Baja Cactus has a loyal following because the food is exceptional, the atmosphere is as authentic as that of old Mexico, the decor is upscale and the service is prompt and friendly.… (read more)

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Bali Hai Restaurant: Excellent Dining, Mai Tais & Spectacular View of the San Diego Bay
Polynesian in Shelter Island
Bali Hai Restaurant: Excellent Dining, Mai Tais & Spectacular View of the San Diego Bay

Bali Hai has been a San Diego favorite for seafood fine dining since 1954 because of their delicious seafood served with a breathtaking view of San Diego Bay. If you want to impress your out-of-town guests, bring them here. Entrées to rave about are their Chicken of the Gods, which has been a best seller… (read more)

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Barra Barra Saloon and Restaurant in Old Town has “the Best margaritas in San Diego for $5″
Mexican in Old Town
Barra Barra Saloon and Restaurant in Old Town has “the Best margaritas in San Diego for $5″

Ask to sit on their patio overlooking the Old Town Plaza in historic Old Town State Park. Entrees of special note include the Chicken Mole Oaxaca topped with pablano mole sauce. Another winner is their Chicken Mole Oazaca topped with pablano mole sauce. So brings your friends and have tons of fun! There are always… (read more)

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Bistro 39 Offers A Savory Selection of Bistro Classics with a California Twist & a Great Decor
California Cuisine in Carmel Valley
Bistro 39 Offers A Savory Selection of Bistro Classics with a California Twist & a Great Decor

Bistro 39 is conveniently located Bistro 39, in the Hilton Garden Inn in Torrey Hills, between Del Mar and Carmel Valley. Their Friday happy hour starting at 3pm is legendary. This place is a favorite dining destination for residents and out-of-towners alike. The reason for it’s local appeal is that it’s surrounded by apartments, condos… (read more)

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Bombay Exotic Cuisine of India: Wonderful Indian Cuisine with Upscale Decor
Indian in Hillcrest
Bombay Exotic Cuisine of India: Wonderful Indian Cuisine with Upscale Decor

From the moment you enter, you know this restaurant is special. The graceful waterfalls, the upscale decor, the gracious staff and serene atmosphere welcome you. And the cuisine is equally as wonderful with a delicate blend of spices that tantalize and please the palate.
Curry never tasted so good. There are 10 different curry dishes… (read more)

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Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant: Traditional Family-Style Dining with Italian Flare
Italian in Carslbad, Downtown & Mira Mesa
Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant: Traditional Family-Style Dining with Italian Flare

This is not just another Italian restaurant. It’s a dining destination! You can even get a table in the kitchen with early reservations. Or if you are coming with a group of people, reserve the Godfather room. As for the decor, the walls are filled with photos of famous Italians and candid photos of daily… (read more)

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Bully’s East Has the Best Prime Rib In Town
Steak House in Mission Valley | Happy Hour Menu
Bully’s East Has the Best Prime Rib In Town

This full-service restaurant, along with its popular cocktail lounge, is a San Diego legend for dining excellence. Bully’s is well known for its great-tasting well drinks and as a meeting place where lots of singles come here to meet and be met in the cocktail lounge. For the best seating for groups of five or… (read more)

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Buster’s Beach House Features Island Style Cuisine in a Casual Setting & Hawaiian Decor
Hawaiian Fusion in Downtown
Buster’s Beach House Features Island Style Cuisine in a Casual Setting & Hawaiian Decor

Catch the island spirit at Buster’s with its romantic tropical decor, friendly service and great menu. With pastas, fresh fish specials, burgers, salads, wraps and ribs, it’s hard to decide which great-tasting entrée to select. An extra plus is dining on their terrace with its romantic bay and marina view.
Now offering Sunday Brunch. and… (read more)

C Level Lounge: Casual Dining with Breathtaking Bay Views
California Cuisine in Harbor Island | Happy Hour Menu
C Level Lounge: Casual Dining with Breathtaking Bay Views

At the eastern tip of romantic Harbor Island are two restaurants under one roof, Island Prime and C Level Lounge, which offers dazzling views of the bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.
For spectacular seating at C Level Lounge, ask for table 212 or ask to sit outdoors on their bayview patio. The key… (read more)

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Cabana Cove Bar & Grill: The Vibe and Flavors of the Sea, the Sun and the Surf
International in Valley Center
Cabana Cove Bar & Grill: The Vibe and Flavors of the Sea, the Sun and the Surf

The creators of this theme restaurant traveled to six locations in the world in search of awesome surf and full plates of food that tasted unusually delicious. From Hawaii comes the Hukilau Pipeline, which is an ahi steak seared rare and served with rice and stir-fried vegetables.
And don’t miss the Devil’s Break rib eye… (read more)

Cafe Coyote & Cantina: Delicious Food, Great Margaritas and an Amazing Taco Tuesday!
Mexican in Old Town
Cafe Coyote & Cantina: Delicious Food, Great Margaritas and an Amazing Taco Tuesday!

A winner of the San Diego Restaurant Association’s 2005, 2006, 2008 & 2009 Gold Medallion Award for “Best Mexican Dinner House.” In a festive and colorful setting, memorable Mexican cuisine is served. The margarita chicken and the fajitas with their own special marinade are popular entrées.
Dining on the patio is a favorite, so you… (read more)

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Cafe Sevilla Restaurant is Home to the Flamenco, Tango and Salsa Dinner Shows
Spanish in Gaslamp Quarter | Happy Hour Menu
Cafe Sevilla Restaurant is Home to the Flamenco, Tango and Salsa Dinner Shows

They have been voted best Spanish and Tapas restaurant in San Diego numerous times. Enjoy the spirited music and flavorful cuisine of Spain. Their popular Gypsy Fusion Dinner Show ($47.50) is featured Sat. 7 p.m.–9:30 p.m., and their Classical Flamenco Dinner Show ($39.50) is performed Fri. 7 p.m.– 9:30 p.m. in the downstairs nightclub. The… (read more)

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Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery is Fine Dining and a Temecula Wine Country Favorite
California Cuisine in Temecula
Carol’s Restaurant at Baily Winery is Fine Dining and a Temecula Wine Country Favorite

Carol’s Restaurant is perfectly situated in a high-ceiling room dominated by a huge fireplace, the restaurant seems to be of another, perhaps medieval, time. Ask for seating inside next to the fireplace or on their delightful terrace overlooking their Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. Their patio is covered by a pergola and nestled between the restaurant and… (read more)

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Casa de Bandini is Carlsbad’s Favorite Mexican Restaurant with Lively Decor and Delicious Dining
Mexican in Carlsbad
Casa de Bandini is Carlsbad’s Favorite Mexican Restaurant with Lively Decor and Delicious Dining

San Diego’s famous restaurateur, Dianne Powers, has opened her newly relocated We Casa de Bandini restaurant at The Forum in Carlsbad. The architecture and decor are reminiscent of Mexico’s beautiful and festive haciendas. Diners will enjoy fresh, delicious Mexican cuisine to the tune of the lively mariachi band, in an environment that showcases many beautiful… (read more)

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Casa de Pico is A Local Favorite for Over 30 Years
Mexican in La Mesa
Casa de Pico is A Local Favorite for Over 30 Years

They are also home to the world famous “Bird Bath-Sized Margaritas.” One of the most colorful and enjoyable Mexican restaurants in San Diego County is Casa de Pico, which for 35 years was in Old Town’s Bazaar del Mundo. Now, by popular demand, it has relocated to La Mesa. More than 40 Mexican meals are… (read more)

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Casa de Reyes Mexican Restaurant is Famous For Their Big Refreshing Frosty Cadillac Margaritas
Mexican in Old Town
Casa de Reyes Mexican Restaurant is Famous For Their Big Refreshing Frosty Cadillac Margaritas

This impressive Mexican restaurants in Old Town’s State Historic Park is a real find. The atmosphere is warm and festive and the food is delicious. At night you can even dine under the stars. An added plus is that they also feature live Mexican music while you dine.
Of course a great way to start… (read more)

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Casa Guadalajara Was Voted Best The Mexican Restaurant in San Diego in 2005 & 2006
Mexican in Old Town
Casa Guadalajara Was Voted Best The Mexican Restaurant in San Diego in 2005 & 2006

Here is an excellent Mexican restaurant that is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. Ask for a seat on one of their two patios, which are filled with lush plants and a great south-of-the-border atmosphere. The menu is also inviting, with mouthwatering dishes such as the prize winning pescado a la naranja, fresh grilled sea… (read more)

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