Dining Alone Restaurants

Kearny Mesa is keeping a big secret. In the corner of a tiny strip mall, slightly off the beaten track, hides a venue serving some of the most delicious Korean barbeque in the neighborhood. Although the outside façade is quite unassuming, Mapo greets guests with warm familiarity and the mouthwatering aromas of roasted meat. With an extensive menu featuring everything from seafood dishes to spicy noodle bowls, guests are even offered the unique option of grilling their entrees tableside. Showcasing a generous All-You-Can-Eat-Special, they are perfect for larger family gatherings or the solo diner seeking a quick lunch. Ordering a …

Discreetly situated in the business sector of Kearny Mesa is Bud’s Louisiana Café, a tried and tested destination for authentic Southern cuisine. This neighborhood eatery is bustling throughout the day with businesspeople and other local loyalists who make a point to savor Bud’s many Creole offerings. The Bud’s façade is almost indistinguishable from adjacent businesses; once inside, diners are welcomed by genuine Louisiana congeniality. The dining room is intimate, but not crowded, and well lit with natural sunlight streaming in from a wall’s length of large windows. Classic Creole specialties include dishes like the Cajun Jambalaya, the Pulled Pork Po …

Always seem to be in a time crunch when it comes to preparing and eating a meal? Let Brio, a Personal Chef Service LLC, help you out! Kyle Marie Wesendorf, the owner and professionally trained chef of Brio, has an exceptional passion for nurturing people through food. Chef Wesendorf is a graduate of the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts and specializes in everyday gourmet as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. Her menu spans a wide variety of culinary traditions and cuisines and her service is founded on professionalism, kindness, freshness, and creativity. Her company even offers gift certificates and …

The Studio Diner is a true local’s paradise; conveniently located in the Kearney Mesa Business District, this deliciously nostalgic eatery serves up heaping helpings of classic American fare with a gourmet twist 24-hours-a-day. Clad in chrome and gleaming with 1940s charm, film-making equipment graces the dining area and celebrates the restaurant’s ongoing relationship with television. The only thing that can steal the spotlight from the Diner’s cool décor is its impressively lengthy and satisfying menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be savored any time – from omelets to East Coast classics, the Diner aims to please. Menu favorites include the …

For a fresh take on authentic Mexican Food, Rancho’s features healthier alternatives with options for meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and those with food allergies. Located just a few blocks up from Ocean Beach, Rancho’s is a Mexican Natural Foods restaurant where any diet restriction can be met with ease. With meals priced between $4-$12, Rancho’s has something for everybody—including flavorful, large portioned dishes like Enchiladas Verdes and Seafood Chile Relleno. Any dish can be substituted for a vegan-friendly option, meaning everyone has a chance to indulge. They even serve breakfast all day, and patrons love their Shrimp and Mushroom Omelet …

Gluten-free, egg-free, or dairy-free? No problem! At Stephanie’s Bakery, Ocean Beach’s healthy baking epicenter, hungry guests can find a large assortment of cakes, pastries, cookies, and much more. Whether you have a food allergy, a dietary restriction, or are craving something new, Stephanie’s offers treats made fresh from scratch using only local and organic ingredients. Started as a cake company, Stephanie’s has expanded their menu, and now features new and unique items such as Spinach Herb and Cherry Cream Cheese Strudels, plus vegan sandwiches, salads and pizzas. They even make special wedding cakes! Enjoy a hot sandwich on their outside …

With a seemingly endless abundance of ethnic foods fairly represented throughout the county, Greek cuisine does not seem to draw a huge number of restaurateurs to San Diego. It just takes a little looking, though. Unassuming inside and out, the food at Olympic Café speaks for itself, as shown by the “Best Greek Restaurant in San Diego” award City Beat gave the café in 2004, and the number of repeat customers that regularly dine here. With the laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of an old diner and friendly staff, customers are made to feel right at home. The family-owned café was established …

Where can you find fresh and delicious food, a full bar, outdoor seating, and a beautiful ocean view? Ki’s Restaurant located at the border between Cardiff by the Sea and Encinitas. Situated on highway 101 right across the beach, this bar and restaurant strives to provide its patrons with superb service, an extensive menu, and healthy choices for all ages. They serve everything from breakfast, lunch, and dinner to a kids menu and have specialty evenings like taco Tuesdays.Come out to this beachfront establishment and let all your senses be amazed by the sights, sounds, and tastes that are the …

Hunting for a “little piece of Europe by the sea”, then look no further than Del Mar’s cozy restaurant wine bar, Crepes & Corks. Located along Camino Del Mar, this bistro stays open from early morning to night. The ambiance is that of romance and simplicity and be detected throughout their food and customer service. Crepes & Corks offers an extensive list of delightfully full bodied, smooth, and buttery wines. They also have dessert wines and beers and offer wine tastings! Crepes & Corks provides patrons with a little taste of Europe in the heart of this coastal town and …

San Diego sports fans and barbecue enthusiasts unite at Randy Jones All American Sports Grill! The Padres baseball legend has turned his sights from the field to the food, partnering with restaurateur Mark Oliver to bring guests a true sports bar and dining experience. Complementing their all-American cuisine menu is a staggering array of sports viewing options: 22 big screen TVs and a 14-foot high definition projection screen ensure that no game is left behind. And with 24 American beers on draft, we’re sure not to go thirsty either. From the finger-lickin’-good food to the top-notch viewing options, Randy Jones …

Carlsbad Beach Grill is a charming addition to Carlsbad Village with its relaxed atmosphere and family friendly cuisine. Serving a selection of signature soups, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, simplicity has never been more satisfying or more affordable. Although light on the wallet, there is no skimping on homemade ingredients with hand crafted soups, fresh catch of the day fish tacos, and house-roasted whole fresh turkey. When craving American cuisine with a distinctly Southern Californian twist, make sure to head on over to Carlsbad Beach Grill and experience coastal casual dining.

Directly across the street from Petco Park, The Dragon’s Den is the East Village’s answer to reasonably priced, quality Asian cuisine and sushi. Relax on The Dragon’s Den patio in any of their comfy upholstered chairs as you enjoy the outdoor fire pit and prime views of the ballpark. Inside, a warm color palette of earth tones provides a sophisticated backdrop for original design pieces to shine. The restaurant’s stand-alone raw bar features a number of traditional Japanese sushi favorites, while the full service drink bar showcases original cocktails, craft beers, and fine sakes. Their weekday happy hour specials are …

Truluck’s, nestled in University City, is always fresh on the dining scene with an edge not many can counter. Renowned for their seafood, they operate a crabbing fleet of no less than sixteen boats off the coast of Naples, Florida. Armed with this advantage, the crab is delivered fresh to your table within twenty-four hours of being caught. Those searching for an alternative to seafood can choose from a selection of seven steaks and chops roasted or grilled to a level of precision unmatched by most steakhouses. For recreational wine drinkers or connoisseurs alike, Truluck’s offers a hundred wines by …

Sushi Yaro, literally translating to, “Let’s do sushi,” is an appropriate name for this local gem tucked away in the backstreets of Kearny Mesa. Chef and owner Sam Cha discovered his culinary passion for sushi while stationed in Japan. In a traditional style sushi bar, Sushi Yaro boasts the expected large sushi bar where patrons can sit back and marvel at Chef Cha’s distinctive style and see his personality come alive through his edible artwork. Accents of Japanese culture subtlety show themselves through artwork and details along the bar. This menu is home to conventional Japanese cuisine of fresh hand …

Where Guinness flows, good times follow; and Dublin Square serves up both in abundance. Built in Ireland and transplanted to the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, this authentic Irish pub satisfies appetites and souls with the warm and welcoming spread of Irish culture and fare. If food and drink is what you’re pining for, look to Dublin Square’s menu any time of day. Come for their daily breakfast and enjoy dishes like the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs or the All Day Irish Breakfast that includes black and white pudding. For lunch, dinner, and everything in between, many crave …

It’s not hard to find eateries boasting “ocean views” in San Diego, but it is rare to find a noteworthy restaurant that happens to claim such prime oceanfront real-estate as Chart House. Picturesquely positioned along the South Coast Highway 101 (with the San Elijo Lagoon to the east), Chart House’s expansive dining room faces the Pacific Ocean and plates up some of the finest sunsets around. As the waves lap upon the rocky shore before you, settle in and savor Chart House’s array of hot and cold appetizers, signature seafood entrees, prime steaks, and luscious desserts. Pair the evening with …

Literally meaning “New Bridge,” Shimbashi Izakaya brings precision to its meaning by offering an elevated taste of classic Japanese cuisine. Located in Del Mar amongst eye-catching scenic views of the waterfront, Shimbashi Izakaya prides itself on being a casual place where one can easily unwind, similar to the Izakaya-style bars found in Tokyo, Japan. For those who enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a multi-faceted selection that pairs perfectly with their fine array of sake. Shimbashi Izakaya also offers full lunch and dinner entrees that embody Japanese cuisine with a contemporary finesse.

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine …

Each one of McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States is designed to create an environment that is unique and welcoming; the one in Downtown San Diego is no different. Located in the Omni Hotel on the corner of L and 7th Street the restaurant is connected via skybridge to Petco Park. The ever-changing menu features the highest quality of steak, like the tender aged Filet Mignon as well as seafood choices from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, the award winning bar food is just as satisfying as the main entrees. Indulge in classic …

Comfortably situated right in the middle of Old Town in a converted wooden house, 25 Forty Bistro and Bakehouse offers an intimate, relaxing atmosphere for friends and couples alike. Chef Mark Peliccia of New York opened the restaurant with the intent to use fresh, seasonal produce to create innovative dishes inspired by the various cooking traditions he studied abroad. He is exceptionally passionate about pastries and desserts, which are offered throughout the day, including the Vanilla Custard Crepe and Warm Chocolate Cake. Boasting an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio for warmer evenings, the restaurant has a modern vibe …