Beach towns may seem more popular for surfing, sun, and good times waves, rather than gourmet eating, but San Diego is the exception.
There are many delicious restaurants in this town, both for casual and fine dining. You can also find places that serve healthy food all day long.
San Diego is a rising city in culinary arts, with many restaurants popping up in the past few years, attracting big names.
One celebrity-style chef is Claudette Zepeda, who owns her own delicious restaurant in Encinitas. Her restaurant is one of a kind, overlooking the gorgeous ocean water while enjoying an exquisite meal!
Baja-style fish tacos are the signature dish of San Diego. They are sold all around the city and paired with local craft beer, a vibrant combination ideal for the city’s consistently sunny environment.
If you’re looking for a great meal after spending the day at the beach, look no further!
Here are 10 of the best places to eat in San Diego. From Mexican food to seafood, we’ve got you covered. So put on your stretchy pants and get ready to chow down!
Overview
- VAGA Restaurant
- Pacific Coast Grill
- Sea180 Coastal Travel
- Herb & Wood
- Juniper and Ivy
- Callie
- Duke La Jolla
- Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse
- Rockin Baja Lobster
- Fish 101
The following are the best places to eat in San Diego:
1. VAGA Restaurant
Vaga Restaurant in Encinitas is one of the best places to eat in San Diego, especially if you are looking for delicious Mexican food!
Executive chef Claudette Zepeda is the owner of this restaurant. She brings a sense of uniqueness and health to Mexican cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as duck breast, to pork belly.
This restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. All while enjoying the view of the ocean bluffs and local surf breaks. A must-try place!
- Location: 2100 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Price Range:$$$
- Seafood, Mexican
2. Pacific Coast Grill
- Location: 2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007
- Price Range: $$$
- Type: Bar and Grill
One of the newest and best places to eat near the beach at Pacific Coast Grill.
This restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood entrees and incredible hand-crafted cocktails that are available on the water’s edge.
In addition, you get a wonderful view of Cardiff while dining at the beach.
To guarantee that you can receive a table, make a reservation because it’s one of the more popular restaurants in the area. Weekends and summer hours will usually be busier.
3. Sea180 Coastal Tavern
- Location: 800 Seacoast Dr, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
- Price Range: $$
- Type: American
Tuscan-style with a 180-degree view of Imperial Beach, this is one of the best places to eat near the beach.
To make the most of the vista, split some small meals during happy hour and move outside for supper.
If you have not already seen any whales on a whale-watching cruise, you might even see some passing by.
4. Herb & Wood
- Location: 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Price Range: $$$
- Type: Mediterranean
Herb & Wood is one of the best places to eat in San Diego. It is an open-air restaurant with vaulted ceilings and flickering gas lamps.
Seasonal Mediterranean dishes on the menu include roasted oysters and bone marrow, Baja shrimp, and baby carrots served with cashew sesame dukkah sauce.
Herb & Wood is the place for you if you want to have a fine meal after your beach day. It’s the perfect place to bring your family.
5. Juniper & Ivy
- Location: 2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
- Price Range: $$$
This restaurant in Little Italy San Diego is a favorite among locals thanks to its constantly changing menu.
It varies daily based on what is in season, and it offers small plates and inventive cocktails with excellent service.
Recent favorites include uni linguine, whole roasted duck, and the Kiwi.
6. Callie
- Location: 1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Price Range: $$$
This restaurant served Mediterranean-inspired dishes and was inspired by the Greek name, which means ‘the most beautiful.
Their chef, Travis Swikard, has been cooking under Daniel Boulud for years, and now they reside in Southern California.
They serve dishes such as spot prawns al ajillo, Aleppo chicken, and pappardelle with asparagus.
7. Duke’s La Jolla
- Location: 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037
- Price Range: $$
- Type: Hawaiian
Check out Duke’s if you’re looking for some of the best places to eat in San Diego.
You can enjoy mouthwatering seafood delicacies and breathtaking vistas of La Jolla Cove.
Duke’s is known for its crab cakes, fish tacos, Hula Pie, and macadamia nut ice cream confections–all things you have to save room for!
8. Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse
- Location: 3878 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
- Price Range: $$$
Vigilucci’s seafood and steakhouse offer panoramic views of the ocean while enjoying Italian-inspired steak and seafood.
Even though, it’s not directly situated next to the beach you can still see the water while you dine. It is perfect for dinner right after your day at the beach.
9. Rockin Baja Lobster
- Location: 258 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054
- Price Range: $$
- Type: Seafood
If you are looking for a chill environment with food and a bar, then Rockin Baja Lobster is the place for you.
They offer everything from Taco Tuesday fish tacos, to seafood and more! In addition, you have a bar to have a drink at right after the beach!
I’ve been here a couple of times and it is so conveniently located close to the Oceanside Pier.
It is a perfect place to dine and then take a stroll down the famous pier while catching the sunset.
I love this place, although it will get busy on the weekends and in summer!
10. Fish 101
- Location: 1468 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
- Price Range: $$
- Type: Seafood
If your looking for a local fish shack then this is the place to go!
They offer everything from local fish tacos to quick bites and everything in between.
They have two locations both in Cardiff and Leucadia.
It isn’t too far from the water, you may have to walk a bit, but it’s perfect for lunch or even dinner!
FAQs
What food is San Diego famous for?
San Diego is famous for its fish tacos, carne asada fries, and California burritos.
What is the best place to eat in San Diego?
There are many great places to eat in San Diego, but some of the best include Herb & Wood, Juniper & Ivy, Callie, VAGA Restaurant, and Vigilucci’s Seafood & Steakhouse.
What is the best seafood restaurant in San Diego?
Some of the best seafood restaurants in San Diego include Rockin Baja Lobster, Fish 101, and The Crab Hut. All three offer great seafood options at reasonable prices.
What snacks is San Diego known for?
San Diego is known for its fish tacos, carne asada fries, and California burritos. Additionally, the city has many great seafood restaurants that offer fresh and delicious seafood options. Rockin Baja Lobster, Fish 101, and The Crab Hut are all great seafood spots in San Diego.
How many restaurants are in San Diego?
There are over 7000 restaurants in San Diego. With such a diverse population, there is something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for traditional Mexican food, fresh seafood, or a California burger, you’ll be able to find it in San Diego.
San Diego is a food lover’s paradise! With so many great options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to eat. However, these ten restaurants are some of the best places to eat in San Diego after a day at the beach. From Mexican and seafood to Italian and more, there’s something for everyone on this list. So what are you waiting for? Go out and explore all that San Diego has to offer!
What is famous to eat in LA?
Some of the most popular things to eat in LA are tacos, sushi, and Korean BBQ. LA is also home to many great seafood restaurants, such as Rockin Baja Lobster, Fish 101, and The Crab Hut. If you’re looking for a burger or some traditional American food, you’ll be able to find that too!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a great meal after hitting the beach, San Diego has plenty of amazing places to eat. From Mexican food to seafood, these 10 restaurants will satisfy your cravings. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy some of the best cuisines San Diego has to offer!
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