3 Stars

Elegantly decorated with white tables and splashes of lime green mixed with black trimming, Celadon is a stunningly modern Thai restaurant located in Hillcrest. An evening here promises a classy and contemporary spin on Asian cuisine, with a mixture of traditional Thai dishes and modern interpretations of Thai cuisine, with just a hint of French influence. Specialties include Larb Pla, a deep-fried whole striped bass topped with green mangoes, onions, scallions and a mint and chili lime sauce, and Duck Red Curry, featuring barbequed duck, pineapple, bell peppers, and basil in a special red curry sauce. Just one meal at …

Located in San Diego’s stylish and trendy Gaslamp Quarter, Rama blends in perfectly with its fashionable and bustling surroundings. The modern Thai restaurant is the sister restaurant of Hillcrest’s Celadon, and brings owner’s Alex Thao’s stylish, flavorful Thai cuisine to downtown patrons. The dramatic setting offers soft lighting and an earthy minimalist style, with romantic tables separated by floor-to-ceiling sheer panels. The menu is fresh, spicy, and ultimately authentic, with a variety of stir fries and curries that can be prepared with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, or tofu, as well as indulgent house specialties such as Rama …

Where else can you get good music, over 250 beers on tap, and excellent food? Though named for its yard-tall beer glasses, the Yard House offers more than just a pub experience. Among the traditional burger fare appear elegant dishes that rival less casual, fine dining establishments. A sizable wine list holds its own alongside the beer and spirits. The Yard House is an equally ideal gathering place for happy hour, a business lunch, or a large dinner party because everyone, from the burger-lover to the gourmet connoisseur, is likely to find something that pleases their palate.

Nestled in the heart of the exciting Gaslamp District, and just minutes away from the San Diego Convention Center, is The Oceanaire Seafood Room – a stylish and upscale seafood restaurant famed for its oyster bar and fresh fish flown in daily. Its menu offers a daily changing selection of snapper, swordfish and rare seasonal items like Alaska Weathervane Scallops, in addition to chops, steaks and poultry. Its sophisticated décor, large open dining room and award-winning service only add to its appeal, making it the ideal setting for special occasions, date night and corporate functions. Visit the bar area during …

If you love Italian food but feel trapped in a pasta and pizza rut, Devine Pastabilities will serve up your old Italian favorites with a twist. The Point Loma eatery’s unique specialty, dubbed the “Torpasta,” consists of a hollowed-out Italian bread roll stuffed with a pasta dish such as Spaghetti Marinara or Fettuccine Alfredo. Pizza, salads, and classic Torpedo sandwiches are also on the menu. Devine Pastabilities features locally brewed beers on tap and offers happy hour specials from 5pm to 7pm, Monday thru Saturday.

Veg N Out offers juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and gourmet sandwiches, all created vegetarian. This unique North Park establishment was opened by Rachael Fogg, who yearned to show meat-eaters that vegetarian doesn’t have to mean salads and tasteless garden burgers. Among menu choices are the popular Western Burger, Island Girl pineapple and teriyaki burger, and the I Love Rach’y cucumber, cream cheese, and "bologna" sandwich, which was created by Rachael at age eleven. So if you want to go out for something fresh, give Veg-N-Out a try and experience a truly satisfying vegetarian meal.

Bali Thai Cafe offers an eclectic mix of regional specialties from Thailand and Indonesia in a casual, intimate setting. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere portrays a commitment to quality that is the cornerstone of this family-owned restaurant. Centrally located in Mission Valley, Bali Thai Café transports your taste buds to the Pacific for a fusion of exotic flavors with an extensive menu offering an assortment of vegetarian, meat, noodle, and seafood dishes that pack a punch of tasty satisfaction.

With a motto like “good times , great food” you can’t go wrong. Located in Encinitas along South Coast Highway 101, and open daily until 1:30am, D Street Bar and Grill is the place to stop by for a drink with friends, Taco Tuesday, or meal with the whole family. D Street sits at the heart of Encinitas and is situated only a short walk from the beach and eccentric local shops. This venue genuinely accentuates San Diego’s relaxed beach culture and is a local favorite.

Soulful food and bluesy tunes intertwine inside Crossroads at the House of Blues located in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter. The kitchen’s performance is spot-on, with energetic renditions of hearty classics from celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez like the Applewood Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Jambalaya, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken in addition to tasty signature hamburgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, kid’s selections and desserts. This fun and trendy restaurant celebrates the rich culture of the South with vibrant artwork and live music from an eclectic mix of performers. Come in for the popular happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. nightly and sip …

Just north of University Avenue, Aladdin restaurant is one of Hillcrest’s most flavorful dining destinations. This Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant serves an array of fresh, vibrant dishes such as Lamb Schwerma, Vegetarian Bryani, and the chef’s favorite, Halibut Arrabiata. Lighter fare includes an array of traditional Meza such as hommos, tabouleh, and dolmas, as well as salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired middle-eastern pizzas. The casual setting and elegant décor is welcoming and comfortable; combined with the food it just may convince you that you’re not in Hillcrest anymore.

The seaside city of Del Mar holds an array of charms, but until you’ve experienced a meal at Sbicca, you’ll not know how charming it can be. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Dan and Susan Sbicca, the seaside restaurant is a quintessential neighborhood bistro. The restaurant proper offers an open, airy setting and comfortable vibe, while a separate bistro bar is a gathering place for locals, with an outstanding wine selection and a renowned happy hour. While Dan manages the front of the house, Susan runs the kitchen, putting together an array of refreshing, modern American cuisine that melds …

At this family-run Italian restaurant, Chef-owner Stefano Ceresoli has transported the essence of his Milan birthplace to the beautiful setting of Pacific Beach. As a native who knows the niceties of Mediterranean dining, Chef Stefano prides himself in the bona fide Italian ambiance of his restaurant, accenting the space with mood lighting and decorative gold metalwork. His Northern Italian cuisine includes a variety of homemade pastas, complemented by rich sauces such as Saffron and Creamy Tomato. With scrumptious signature entrees, over thirty selections of wood-fired pizza, and a superb wine list with over 70 bottles, Caffe Bella Italia is a …

Tucked away behind a white, stucco exterior Urban Solace of North Park brings a taste of home back into the neighborhood. Serving up favorites that are sure to reawaken childhood memories as well as the senses, Chef Matt Gordon epitomizes the idea of New American Comfort Food. Along with a cozy softly lit interior, they offer patio seating and a live jazz quartet on featured nights. Pair this with an impressive list of West Coast wines and a menu featuring locally sourced produce and this bit of home is a welcome addition to the city.

Delinquent account! This restaurant has an unpaid balance for our services. Unfortunately, it has been our experience that account delinquency is the result of an establishment’s financial difficulties, which also commonly translate into a deterioration in service and food quality. As we have not been given the opportunity to assess the status of this restaurant, we cannot in good faith recommend it to our customers. While we can’t currently endorse this venue, we are happy to suggest a number of other high quality restaurants to meet all your dining needs.

Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant in Kearny Mesa has been pleasing San Diegans with its healthful, authentic Mediterranean cuisine for 15 years. Handcrafted delicacies like Hummus, Tabouleh, and Pita, baked fresh in the restaurant’s clay ovens, transport palates to the Middle East with exotic flavors and succulent spices. While vegetarians will be thrilled by the copious selection of satisfying salads and meatless dishes, diners with more carnivorous predilections will be satiated by Aladdin’s mouthwatering kabobs, shawermas, and various other traditional meat options.

City Cruises transform the typical dining experience into an adventure. Diners are treated to an exclusive excursion aboard a spacious yacht, featuring champagne, multi-course meals and stunning views of America’s Finest City. 3 hour dinner cruises feature live music, DJs and dancing in addition to the three course extravagance. For a novel take on Sunday brunch, climb aboard the Hornblower for a sunny two hour cruise and treat yourself to a lavish brunch buffet complete with carving stations, salad and dessert bars, a variety of scrumptious breakfast and lunch entrees, and endless champagne. A variety of specialty cruises satisfies any …

‘High quality’ is the first thing you think of when hearing the name Bentley’s. Located in Encinitas, the restaurant serves beautifully cured and braised meats, with some of the freshest seafood and poultry along the coast. The Bentley’s dining room and outdoor patio have space between tables so that guests can have a private conversation or romantic evening. The restaurant’s ambiance and décor is that of a “classic” steakhouse; they provide a kids menu, and can accommodate up to 50 guests for a private event. Bentley’s cuisine mixes flavors and textures that excite palates and offers the option of creating …

The Incredible Cheesecake Company combines old methods with excellent quality ingredients to bring some of the best cakes that taste heavenly and also look appealing. Aside from the usual classics such as fudge brownie and cookies n’ cream there are other unique creations that aren’t offered anywhere else. These specialty cakes are not difficult for the chefs to create and they usually have the cake done in 3 hours! In the meantime, patrons can enjoy the espresso bar that features many caffeinated sweets to keep the anticipation high until the cheesecake is ready. They’re also extremely popular with weddings due …

Euro Pastry & Chocolate Fountain is a combination of sweet delights. Choose from the delectable cheesecake and pastry options of Euro Pastry or indulge in the rich, flowing chocolate desserts of the Chocolate Fountain. Every dish is masterminded by Chef Urs Huwyler, who brings his traditional European recipes all the way from Switzerland. Adding a bit more culture to San Diego, Huwyler has special attention for chocolate as he believes it can be used for anything. Whether it is a flowing fountain to dip fruit in or the ultimate pastry for a wedding, he knows to put a creative spin …

San Diego Desserts offers a large variety to fulfill anyone’s sweet tooth. With a menu hosting a range of indulgences such as tarts, cookies, cupcakes, and cakes, one could spend hours looking at all the different options and in the end want to try them all. Every item is made from scratch with no re-using of ingredients so everything is fresh and sweet as can be. This dessert and bakery hybrid also caters so it is a great place to order food for parties or weddings. The extra options add up to create a unique experience for any who dare …