3 Stars

Asti Ristorante

Address: 728 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Asti Ristorante
$$$ Special Offer
Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both …

Kaiserhof

Address: 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
Kaiserhof
$$
If you are looking for a taste of Germany in San Diego, Kaiserhof Restaurant should be your destination. At this Ocean Beach restaurant, everything from the atmosphere to the beers on tap boasts German authenticity. The cuisine is hearty and comforting, from homemade Bratwurst to Beef Stroganoff, complete with side orders of sauerkraut and spatzle. The rotating selection of 14 beers on tap offer a range of weiss beers and pilsners, and may be one of the best selections of German beers in the city. And of course, as you are savoring your meal, don’t forget to leave room for …

McP's Pub and Grill

Address: 1107 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92118
$$
Established by a former navy seal in 1982, McP’s Irish Pub & Grill remains one of San Diego’s most authentic Irish Pubs. Located on Coronado’s Orange Avenue, McP’s hosts live music nightly and makes guests feel as if they are sitting in an old pub on the Irish countryside. The ambiance is laid back and invites patrons to raise a glass or two to those who have served our country. Their menu features a wide variety of selections including a kids menu. Mc P’s now also serves breakfast on Sunday mornings and hosts sporting events as well.

Brigantine - Coronado

Address: 1333 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118
Brigantine - Coronado
$$
Serving fresh seafood since 1973, the Brigantine Coronado is nestled in the heart of Coronado across from the Hotel Del. While it is one of six Brigantine Seafood restaurants in the San Diego, this particular island location offers a unique ambiance, with historical photographs of Coronado adorning the walls of the three dining rooms. In addition to the signature Grilled Marinated Swordfish, which made the Brigantine famous, the restaurant serves inspired seafood creations such as Pepita-Crusted Mahi Mahi, as well as treats from the land such as Blue Cheese-stuffed Top Sirloin with toasted hazelnuts. Also of note are the oyster …

Miguel's Cocina

Address: 1351 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92118
Miguel's Cocina
$$
This is the original Miguel's, opened in Coronado in June 1982. Located in the courtyard of the historic El Cordova Hotel, directly across the street from the world-famous Hotel Del Coronado, this restaurant features authentic Mexican cuisine in a lovely heated patio setting and is one of our most popular restaurants. This island favorite is focused around hospitality to its customers as well as great food and drinks as well. They're most known for their "white sauce"-- a special jalapeno sauce that makes Miguel's a staple of Mexican cuisine. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, Miguel's features patio dining, happy …

Crown Bistro

Address: 520 Orange Avenue, San Diego, CA 92118
Crown Bistro
$$
The Crown Bistro is an intimate local restaurant known for excellent cuisine created by Chef/Owner Jerry Tovar. His unique menu features a preparation of local and seasonal ingredients resulting in a distinctive gourmet French, Italian, and American blend. The Crab Gnocchi au Bistro, with blue crab meat and a brandy cream sauce, is an excellent example of how he incorporates the best of all cuisines into one dish. The Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers patio seating. A fine selection of California and imported wines are served. The Crown Bistro is centrally located within the beach …

Cafe Sevilla

Address: 353 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Cafe Sevilla
$$ Special Offer
Café Sevilla delivers the warmth and culture of Southern Spain locally, with a casually elegant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Café Sevilla offers traditional Spanish items like pitchers of sangria, a wide selection of tapas, and large paella platters which make it an excellent location for small groups. Theatrical Flamenco dinner shows are offered weekly and lively guitarists play Gypsy Rhumba and Latin music each night in the tapas bar. The restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for more than 20 years and a recent move has put their new location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The décor, …

Morton's The Steakhouse

Address: 285 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Morton's The Steakhouse
$$$$
Morton's is famous for its animated signature tableside menu presentation: steaks, whole Maine lobsters and other main course selections, along with fresh vegetables, are presented on a cart rolled to your table, where the server displays and describes each menu item in appetizing and entertaining detail.

Greystone the Steakhouse

Address: 658 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Greystone the Steakhouse
$$$$ Editor's Pick Special Offer
From the traditional Italian oregano to soy sauce and tropical mango, Greystone the Steakhouse on 5th Avenue in downtown San Diego displays a variety of flavors which will please the simple diner as well as the food connoisseur. Great steaks, exotic game, hearty fish and home-made pasta are prepared fresh and skillfully. They even have an award winning wine list awaiting you at this fine restaurant. Come for the food and stay for the warm family style of service in an atmosphere that retains the charm of the old theatre in which the restaurant was built.

Azul La Jolla

Address: 1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037
Azul La Jolla
$$$
With its prime location, Azul La Jolla offers innovative California coastal cuisine with a magnificent view of the Pacific. Chef Orion Balliet offers fittingly elegant dishes, with a menu that changes daily, emphasizes fresh seafood and local ingredients, and incorporates culinary styles from Cajun to Japanese. Enchanting creations such as Lavender Mustard-Crusted Lamb Loin Medallions with cinnamon-honey carrot mash and hazelnut foam; and Oak-Roasted White Sea Bass with sambal polenta skillet cake, lime-cilantro jicama salad and roasted pepper marmalade demonstrate the range of culinary styles, traditions, and ingredients that Balliet employs. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Azul also …

McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon

Address: 731 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
McFadden's Restaurant and Saloon
$ Special Offer
McFadden’s Saloon proves that St. Patrick’s Day is a year-round celebration. Already a staple on the East Coast, the “Wildest Irish Pub on Earth” brings the luck of the Irish out west. The fun never stops at this Gaslamp Quarter locale with its expansive main tavern, HD TVs playing every sporting event imaginable, and oversized mahogany bar. McFadden’s is host to a variety of special affairs from Board Game Night to nightly Karaoke. Step outside the vibrant interior onto McFadden’s 2,200 square foot patio and relax under the sun at the separate private bar. A selection of semi- private rooms …

On the Border - Mission Valley

Address: 1770 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108
On the Border - Mission Valley
$$
A border is a special place where the best of two worlds blend together to create something even better. Visit On The Border Mexican Grill and Cantina and step into a world where colors are brighter and flavors are more intense, yet the atmosphere is casual and upbeat. Flavors depart from the familiar and arrive at the extraordinary. Located in Mission Valley, guests can enjoy traditional Mexican dishes that are both memorable and comforting, not to mention full of spice and body. They feature options for take-out and catering, so you can always have a chance to add a little …

P.F.Chang's - San Diego

Address: 7077 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
P.F.Chang's - San Diego
$$
P. F. Chang's China Bistro offers a unique combination of traditional Chinese cuisine and American hospitality in a contemporary bistro setting. Intensely flavored, highly memorable culinary creations, prepared from the freshest ingredients, including premium herbs and spices imported directly from China. With popular dishes such as Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Chang's Spicy Chicken, plus more traditional Chinese dishes like Sweet and Sour Pork or Kung Pau Chicken, P. F. Chang's China Bistro has something for everyone. They even offer a kid's menu, a happy hour menu, and a gluten free menu. Great for romantic dinners for all eaters, this …

King's Fish House

Address: 825 Camino De La Reina, San Diego, CA 92108
King's Fish House
$$
Think harbor fish market meets fifties diner: this lively restaurant offers excellent quality seafood in a casual and energetic atmosphere. The menu offers a variety of seafood sensations, including soups, salads, sushi, and pastas. In addition, there is steak, chicken, and burgers for the non-seafood eaters. The "Regional Specials" change daily, while fresh oysters, crab, and lobster add to the extensive choice of specialties. The wine list includes a generous selection of wines by the glass. The adjoining King Crab Lounge is a vibrant bar where one could start with a King’s Martini or micro-brewed beer.

Cheesecake Factory

Address: 7067 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108
Cheesecake Factory
$$
With one of the most extensive menus in town, sure to please even the pickiest of palates, The Cheesecake Factory genuinely has something for everyone at your table. This landmark restaurant prides itself on hospitality and delectable menu items that are both sweet and savory. The restaurant has established itself as the go-to spot for large parties and big celebrations as well as a romantic date for two. Cheesecake Factory’s ambiance combines the hustle and bustle of the city with the quiet intimacy of a corner bistro. Ultimately renowned for their long list of signature cheesecakes, generous portions, and comfortably …

Extraordinary Desserts

Address: 2929 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
$$
Whether you're looking for a romantic cafe, a place to treat your friends to, or an exquisite birthday cake for a family member, you won't be disappointed in Extraordinary Desserts. This 5th Avenue Bankers Hill bakery was opened by Pastry Chef Karen Krasne in 1988, and has been a local hit ever since. With mouthwatering, hand-crafted, organic and decadent cakes, pastries, danishes, cookies, and ice cream-- plus a full espresso bar to-boot-- Extraordinary Desserts is just the place to feed your sweet tooth. This cozy, quaint little cafe boasts an astonishing 400+ item menu, so every time you visit make …

Taste of Thai

Address: 527 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Taste of Thai
$$
Taste of Thai in Hillcrest offers an extensive selection of authentic Thai cuisine that is light, fresh, and traditional. The menu includes Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes, and house specialties, often offered with a choice of chicken, pork, seafood, tofu, or vegetables. The seafood section of the menu is especially tempting, with dishes like Whole Fish in Curry sauce and Grilled Thai Prawns. While the menu is extensive, every dish is prepared well, proving that the kitchen is skilled in crafting intricate and harmonious presentations of taste and flavor. The simple décor imparts a subtle elegance, which serves as …

Vigilucci's - Encinitas

Address: 505 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
Vigilucci's - Encinitas
$$
Owner Roberto Vigilucci grew up in Milan, Italy. So it should come as no surprise that dining in one of his three restaurants is like taking a mini vacation to Italy. The combination of authentic Italian cuisine, Italian wait staff, and award winning wine selections provide a truly unique and memorable experience.

Beach House

Address: 2530 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007
Beach House
$$$
Is this a movie set or restaurant? While dining at The Beach House in Cardiff, the shore is just inches from you. Dine on abundant seafood, steak or chops. The wine list is extensive, cocktails priced reasonably, and happy hour is every day. Diners of all ages fill this restaurant because the menu offers new twists on classics, contemporary flavors and fresh ingredients. Dine on dishes like Herb Roasted Half Chicken, Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon, Pacific Mahi Mahi, or Baby Back Ribs. They also feature small plates, a children's menu, home made desserts, and a weekend champagne brunch. But …

Fiddler's Green

Address: 2760 Shelter Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92106
Fiddler's Green
$$$
Fiddler's Green on Shelter Island is a great place for steaks, fresh seafood, and pasta due to the wide variety of selections available. All are offered nightly in one of the world's most renowned sailing ports. Surrounded by model boats, the eclectic charm of Fiddler’s Green is family-friendly and warrants long stays to absorb its allure and atmosphere. The restaurant serves a wide selection of fresh catches and features its house specialty Coconut Tempura Prawns and Calamari Steaks. The cocktail lounge and outdoor terrace offer a special menu with lighter fare where anyone can take in the views of Shelter …