Mar 8, 20237 min read

All-Time San Diego Restaurants

Updated: May 10, 2023

I thought it was only appropriate to start this blog with my hometown. Spending +20 years in San Diego and growing up with foodie parents, I have tried my fair share of restaurants but certain ones I can't help but to go to over and over. Below are the all time greatest (in my opinion) restaurants in SD!

Given that I lived in Carlsbad and Solana Beach while in SD, most of these recommendations will be for North County. I am also gluten free, so all of these restaurants are dietary friendly.

Italian:

Buona Forchetta- Encinitas or Liberty Station

If I had to choose one place in San Diego, I would eat here. I have been here countless times and it is never not amazing. It is Naples-style pizza in a modest, small restaurant, so make sure to make a reservation. If pizza is not your thing, they also have amazing salads, pastas and entrees (dare I say I have never had anything bad here). The service is fantastic with a great Italian wine selection. I prefer the Leucadia location just because of the small, local feel, but Liberty Station is just as good! Lastly, best Gluten Free pizza ever.

My favorites: radicchio salad, artichoke starter, Bruna and Martina.

I Trulli- Encinitas

Another quaint Italian place! This has a mom and pop feel with reasonable prices and huge portions. They offer a variety of appetizers, pastas and proteins (no pizza). It has very few tables, so for more than 2 people, definitely make a reservation. Something to love about I Trulli is the location! It is in the heart of Encinitas, perfect for after dinner to get cocktails or go to a bar nearby. My favorites: the Melanzane Sorrentina, Scampi I Trulli, Tricolori salad

264 Fresco - Carlsbad

This restaurant is great not only for pasta, but also for the seafood and appetizers. The woman who owns it is so sweet and always remembers my family. I also enjoy it for the good wine selection and cute ambiance. Notable mention to their new rooftop which has a slight ocean view and sometimes has live music! My favorites: the seabass, short ribs, and artichoke appetizer

Asian:

Bird's Eye Kitchen - Leucadia

This is the ultimate Thai food spot. I have tried a lot a Thai food in a lot of different cities, but Bird's Eye always takes the cake. It is delicious Thai that is non-greasy and they use high quality ingredients (such as Mary's free range chicken). I love that almost everything on their menu can be made gluten free as well. They are busy for both dine-in and take out, so make sure to plan ahead! I have never had a bad dish from here and my mouth waters just thinking about it. My favorites: the green curry, glass noodles, papaya salad and house soup

Le Bambou - Del Mar

This has been one of my family's favorites for +25 years. It is a quaint hole in the wall Vietnamese place. It is a funky ambiance, so be aware it is not as chic or modern as the other places I have listed. It is a family run restaurant and you will see the same staff every time! It is great for a causal dinner or take out. The portions are generous for the prices.

My favorites: the chicken soup, egg rolls, lemongrass chicken, ginger chicken

Sushi Station - Solana Beach

This place does great sushi and a great happy hour! It is a casual spot close to the beach, so don't be afraid to stop in after! It is only open for dinner starting at 4pm everyday. It has nice outdoor seating, hefty rolls and good prices (especially on happy hour!).

My favorites: luv'n tuna, inferno roll, crunchy rice, house salad

Sushi Lounge - Encinitas

This is a no frills restaurant but their sushi is unmatched. Their prices are reasonable and their fish is very fresh. They also have a great happy hour! It is good for groups as you can make reservations in advance. They also have a fully gluten free menu!

My favorites: ring of fire, haji roll, loung lizard

Ocean View:

Pacific Coast Grill - Cardiff

This is a pricier restaurant, but you really pay for the view. It is literally on the sand and the sunset view does not get better than this. If you want to save a little, the lunch menu is slightly more reasonable than the dinner menu. They specialize in seafood. The cocktails, apps and mains are also amazing here! I highly recommend making a reservation before dining here. This is my favorite spot for special occasions. My favorites: the Cardiff roll, crab guacamole, seabass, short ribs

Monarch - Del Mar

Monarch is right next to Il Fornaio, Del Mar and they both have the same 360 view of the ocean! They are up on the hill a little so you will always get a gorgeous sunset on a clear day. They have $6 happy hour M-F, so this is the best and most affordable place for sunset views. It is an upbeat, young vibe, great for after the work day or before going out! My favorite: the burger, shishito peppers, dragonfruit marg, red wine at happy hour

This is the gorgeous view from Monarch and Il Fornaio patio!

Il Fornaio - Del Mar

Although this is a small chain restaurant, the food is still fabulous and the view on the patio is unbeatable. Dinner here at sunset is so gorgeous for special occasions and the staff is very professional. I would always recommend sitting on the patio if you can. They also have a great happy hour at the bar! My favorite: roasted chicken, penne alla vodka, red wine selection

Breakfast and Brunch:

Kis - Cardiff

Kis is a local favorite! It is healthy, affordable and has a beach-front view. What more could you ask for? They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the breakfast is my fav. During breakfast, it is pay at the counter and then you can seat yourself in their dining room. The prices for the view are unbeatable! It is good for big groups since it is so causal. Don't be afraid to come here in your beach clothes or sweats. My favorites: Mondo breakfast burrito, carne asada bowl, huevos rancheros, the hangover juice

Claire's On Cedros - Solana Beach

If you want chilaquiles, don't waste your time going anywhere else. Claire's is an adorable café with delicious and healthy options. They make great coffees and pastries too. They have both lunch and breakfast items, and I have never had anything bad from here! Keep in mind, they don't take reservations so you will have to put your name in. If you are ever fighting a hangover, their hashbrowns will change your life. My favorites: chilaquiles with chicken and verde, southwest omelet, beach bowl, vanilla latte, homemade granola, bloody mary

Pannikin - Leucadia

Visiting Pannikin is a must! Their coffee is fantastic and the café is a cute old yellow house they turned into a coffee shop. They have a full food menu, but their pastries are really what I go for. They have no Wi-Fi, so this is not a coffee shop to work at, but rather to spend time with friends & family! My favorites: muffin, breakfast burrito, Greek eggs, Mexican hot chocolate, latte

Nectarine Grove - Leucadia/Del Mar

If you are gluten free you MUST go here. The entire menu is GF and their pastries are insane (can you tell I like pastries??). Even if you are not gluten free, they have some of the best cinnamon rolls ever. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu as well! I come here every year on my birthday to get a yummy dessert. My favorites: cinnamon roll, quiche, burger, veggie pizza

Mexican:

Rudy's Taco Shop - Solana Beach

This is probably my favorite taco stand in San Diego (a bold statement I know). It has authentic, hole-in-the-wall vibes and cheap prices. They even have a happy hour and serve margs! It is no frills, but the food is always great. Their breakfast burritos are highly sought after, but my fav is their shredded chicken tacos. They also sell stuff in bulk, so if you want to do a DIY taco bar at home or get Mexican for a party, this is your spot. If you know me, you know I love refried beans, and this is the spot. My favorites: tortilla soup, shredded chicken tacos with rice and beans

Taco Stand - Encinitas/La Jolla

This is an ultra-popular taco spot in the heart of downtown Encinitas, but for good reason! They make homemade tortillas, high quality meat and have low prices. Be prepared to wait in line, but it is worth it. It is the perfect spot to stop by before going to the bars in Encinitas or after the beach for a casual bite to eat. My favorites: shrimp taco, carne asada taco

Lola's - Carlsbad

This is a little hole in the wall taco stand and market place. It is in Carlsbad village near where I went to high school, so it was a staple. They have amazing salsa and burritos. Not to mention it is super cheap. It is a no-frills, authentic Mexican place. My siblings love it so much they will fly it back to Colorado with them. My favorites: BRC burrito, chicken taco, salsa verde

Javier's - La Jolla

Javier's is a splurge, but it will not disappoint. The ambiance makes you feel like you are teleported to Cabo. The service is top-notch and their drinks are fantastic in addition to the food. This is a great high-end Mexican place for special occasions. My favorites: enchiladas, queso, guac, steak tacos, spicy marg, chips & salsa

Puesto - La Jolla

Although not as authentic Mexican as some of the other spots in San Diego, it is still very delicious nonetheless. It is a little overpriced so I would recommend going on a taco Tuesday when the tacos are half off or during happy hour. The shrimp and the short rib tacos are to die for. Not to mention they know how to make a good marg. Puesto has a great ambiance to meet and hangout with friends! Their chips and salsa are also fabulous as the salsa is made daily in house. My favorites: shrimp taco, short rib taco, guacamole, marg, quesadilla

Fish:

Fish Shop - Encinitas

My fav spot in San Diego for fish tacos! It is a causal pay-at-the-counter environment and they also offer beer & wine. It is good for sports games as they have a plethora of TVs to watch on. The tacos are hardy and I usually only need two! The spicy dorado hits the spot every time. My favorites: spicy dorado taco, ceviche, salad with mahi

Fish 101 - Cardiff/Leucadia

Fish 101 is another great spot for fresh caught fish. My dad religiously eats here every week. I prefer Fish Shop, but it is still great so I had to include it as a notable mention. There are two locations both conveniently located near the beach, so it is great for a bite before or after a beach day. My favorites: mahi taco plate, mahi bowl