The Non-Snobby San Diego Dining Guide

Big thanks to the awesome @thedakku. Check out his amazing retro & modern video games and stuff here 

Address: 1810 W Washington St San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 296-8226
Yelp: 4 stars with 6000+ reviews
Website

Get ready to walk into the the fun, festive world of Lucha Libre.  They’ve got TVs running classic wrestling matches and if you come in wearing a Lucha mask they’ll give you the Luchador Discount!

• The Surf N Turf Burrito and Salsa is to die for!
• Excellent veggie options for vegetarians and the large selection of dips wins them extra points in our book

8. Cafe Sevilla

Address: 353 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 233-5979
Yelp: 4 stars with 2000+ reviews
Website

Cafe Sevilla San Diego is located right in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, just steps from the convention center, Petco Park, local shops, museums and other San Diego attractions. Come join for live “Gypsy-King” style music seven nights a week, flamenco dinner shows on the weekends, salsa dance classes, happy hour and so much more.

• Love the live performances
• Great happy hour specials and great selection of tapas

9. La Puerta

Shoutout to the talented photographer Yale Gurney

Address: 560 4th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 696-3466
Yelp: 4 stars with 2700+ reviews
Website

• They never use artificial flavorings and enhancers
• Their Quesadilla game is on point
• On Mondays, all drinks and appetizers are half off and
• Taco Tuesday happy hour: Selected tacos for only $3

10. BO-beau kitchen + bar

Shoutout to the lovely Teresa K

Address: 4996 W Point Loma Blvd San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 224-2884
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 1200+ reviews
Website

For over 33 years, David and Lesley Cohn have brought San Diego dining to a new level.  Beginning with one small diner in 1981, Cohn Restaurant Group now owns and operates over 24 restaurants within Southern California and Maui.

• Great date night spot – there is a rustic, romantic feel to the space
• Can’t beat their French Onion Soup and Crispy Brussel Sprouts
• The wait can get long on the weekends, so plan ahead or come early if possible

11. Veganic Thai Café

Cheers to the incredibly compassionate and stunningly beautiful Maria Robinson

Address: 1417 A University Ave San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 230-5540
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 200+ reviews

• Hands down, one of the best Thai Vegan place we’ve tried. Definitely worth a visit
• The Larb Salad is a total knockout

12. Veggilish

Thanks to the adventurous, fit and fab @theflyingfitfoodie. Check her out here

Shoutout to the always lovely Karli – check out her awesome feed and blog 

Address: 1146 7th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 798-3381
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 90+ reviews
Website

• They offer meal prep plans for those with specific dietary goals or looking to lose weight
• We recommend getting a bowl of their fresh salad choices and hand made sauces/dressings paired with a refreshing Hibiscus tea

13. Cafe Coyote

A standing-o to the talented dance and yoga teacher Maria Navarette

Address: 2461 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
Phone: (619) 291-4695
Yelp: 3.5 stars with 3200+ reviews
Website

For over 25 years Café Coyote has remained one of San Diego’s Landmark Restaurants located in the Heart of Old Town San Diego’s Historic Walking District. Café Coyote y Cantina is a certified “Tequila House” by the prestigious Academia del tequila, Mexico City and is ONE OF ONLY TWO “Tequila Houses” IN THE ENTIRE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

• They usually have long lines but lines move fast
• Margaritas are top notch, among the best in the city
• Chosen an as a favorite “editor’s choice” by SanDiego.com
• They’ve got a live Mariachi band that floats from table to table

14. Surati Farsan Mart

A huge thanks to the stunning and fierce martial artist Yesenia Miel – you’re awesome!

Big thanks to incredibly charming Erin

Cheers to the awesome Ibrahim Ahmad

Address: 9494 Black Mountain Rd San Diego, CA 92126
Phone: (858) 549-7280
Yelp: 4 stars with 400+ reviews
Website

Serving your favorite Indian sweets and snacks since 1986, Surati Farsan Mart first opened its doors in Little India Artesia, California providing customers a place to enjoy fresh food served with quality and consistency. Before they knew it, they became highly regarded in the Indian community and now with a second location in San Diego.

• They offer nationwide shipping that includes free ground shipping for all orders above 7lbs.
• We LOVE the freshly made Delhi Chaat

15. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

Big ups to Peter Chu – check out his brilliant feed

Thanks and credit to the brilliant Marketing Director and Jet Setter Shadia Wehbe Dipp

Address: 750 W Fir St San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 450-4786
Yelp: 4 stars with 1700+ reviews
Website

• Their pastas are made fresh daily; Great Gnocci
• They have gluten-free pasta options

16. Alforon

Shoutout to Erin Jackson – Amazing writer, photographer, and runner. Check out more of his brilliant work here

Thanks and credit to the brilliant Josh Lurie and his awesome food IG feed here

Address: 5965 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115
Phone: (619) 269-9904
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 900+ reviews
Website

• Fresh and organic. Lots of vegan, gluten-free options
• Owners Samia and George are the epitome of what makes mom-and-pops so great

17. Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant

Address: 2202 4th Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 231-0222
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 1200+ reviews
Website

18. Berkeley Pizza

A huge thanks to the lovely Lindsay Kenders

Address: 539 Island Ave San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 937-0808
Yelp: 4 stars with 800+ reviews
Website

• Incredible Chicago Style Deep Dish pizzas
• The pizzas are handmade, so you have to wait for your order, but trust us, it’s well worth the wait
• Open super late

19. Juniper & Ivy

Big thanks to one of the city’s most prolific foodies @ewexate, check out the incredible feed.

Image creds to the chrming Rayray

Address: 2228 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 269-9036
Yelp: 4 stars with 1700+ reviews
Website

Located in the North End of the Italy Neighborhood, Juniper & Ivy offers refined American cuisine with unique iterations of the clasics. The whimsical menu, helmed by Chef Partner Richard Blais and executed by Executive Chef Anthony Wells, is in constant state of change depending on the freshest, seasonal ingredients provided by our local purveyors.

• Top Chef: All Stars winner Chef Richard Blais and his team are among the best in the industry
• The place is modern, trendy, and luxurious all at once; definitely worth checking out

20. Zia Gourmet Pizza

Address: 3311 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 284-4320
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 700+ reviews
Website

• Solid pizza spot and friendly service have made Zia a regular part of our cycle
• Great vegetarian and vegan options and they’ve even got a wheat crust option

21. Hash House A Go Go

Thanks and credits to the lovely Courtney Kealhofer

Address: 3628 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 298-4646
Yelp: 4 stars with 6100+ reviews
Website

Listed as Reader’s Choice Breakfast in 2009 by San Diego Magazine, Best American Food in 2009 by City Search, A List Winner Best Brunch in 2009 by ABC 10 News, and many more awards. They were also featured in Marth Stewart, New York Times, Man vs. Food, Travel Channel, Rachel Ray Show, etc.

• Huge portions
• Ask about their Waffle Tower
• This is the kind of place that is always packed because of how solid it is

22. True Food Kitchen

Big thanks to the stunning Celia

Image cred and shoutout to the awesome @the.hungryblog run by four hungry gals @rosiealchalel @fania.pupko @arielaacohen and @daniielacassell

Address: Located in Fashion Valley, 7007 Friars Rd Ste 394 San Diego, CA 92108
Phone: (619) 810-2929
Yelp: 4 stars with 1600+ reviews
Website

They take great pride in a menu that caters to nearly every food preference with a variety of gluten-free, naturally organic, vegetarian and vegan offerings.

• Vegan Pizza is a total game changer – some of the best we’ve had anywhere
• The Ginger Margarita and Hangover RX are some of our favorites

23. Buon Appetito

Motorcycles and cars, music and concerts and lots of food to try? That would probably be the awesome David

Address: 1609 India St San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 238-9880
Yelp: 4 stars with 1700+ reviews
Website

The three partners have more than 60 years of restaurant and hospitality experience between them. All three found their cooking  skills from the “University of Mama’s Kitchen” and hospitality and management skills from grace and compassion of remembering where they came from and how it all got started back in 1993. Break bread in Buon Appetito, drink wine and nourish your soul with the goodness of genuine Italian hospitality and the true family recipes from their kitchen to your belly.

• Everything they serve is great, has authentic Italian flavor but their pasta dishes are the true stars
• The restaurant was bustling and loud with friendly chatter and laughter – reminded us of Italy

24. Plumeria Vegetarian

Thanks and credit to the brilliant and gorgeous Kristine Jiao. Check out her blog

Address: 4661 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 269-9989
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 1000+ reviews
Website

Plumeria Vegetarian believes in high-quality vegan and vegetarian food. All of their dishes are free of fish sauces and animal products, with the exception of optional egg in some dishes.

• Even our non-vegan friends enjoy the vegan dishes here, it’s that good.
• The flower cups are a great appetizer, light and very flavorful

25. Buona Forchetta

A huge thanks to Hayley – check out her delightful foodie feed!

Address: 3001 Beech St San Diego, CA 92102
Phone: (619) 381-4844
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 1400+ reviews
Website

• Some of the best, authentic Italian food in San Diego
• Pet friendly

26. Urban Solace

Big ups to the brilliant and by Corey Claxton. See more of his work here

and to the beautiful Alisa Brennan

Address: 3823 30th St San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 295-6464
Yelp: 4 stars with 2900+ reviews
Website

• Cozy setting with rustic and modern touches throughout
• Phenomenal sweet potato options, we love all of them especially their sweet potato hash

27. Loving Hut

A huge thanks to the brilliant and gorgeous Annabelle

Shoutout to the wonderful Kana. Check her out here

Address: 1905 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 683-9490
Yelp: 4 stars with 800+ reviews
Website

Loving Hut is currently the fastest growing International vegan fast food chain in the world with branches in Milpitas, Palo Alto and San Francisco. Internationally, branches are currently open in Formosa (Taiwan), Au Lac (Vietnam), Singapore, Indonesia, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More branches will be opening in various locations all around the world in the coming months.

• Super reasonable prices given the quality of the food
• Their Spicy Cha Cha will blow you away. Definitely on our favorites list

28. OB Noodle House

Big thanks to the always dapper Joel

Thanks and credits to the brilliant and creative Olga Lopez

and to the awesome Lauren Briana

Address: 2218 Cable St San Diego, CA 92107
Phone: (619) 450-6868
Yelp: 4 stars with 2400+ reviews
Website

OB Noodle House is known for our signature pho bowls and Asian-fusion dishes. Featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives, it’s the meal Guy Fieri says “You’re going to have a pretty tough time finding it this good.”

• Fun, young, hip vibe
• Their Vermicelli dishes are splendid, among their best sellers
• Parking can be difficult

29. Puesto

A standing-o o the brilliant and awesome Kima Jones. See more of her here

Cheers to the amazing, always cool Heather

Address: (located in The Headquarters at Seaport) 789 W Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 233-8880
Yelp: 4 stars with 2200+ reviews
Website

Puesto has branches in La Jolla, Los Olivos Irvine, Park Place (Coming Late Summer 2017) and Santa Clara (Coming Late 2017). Awarded as Best food 2016 by Oozefest, Diner’s Choice 2016 Winner by OpenTable, Best Restaurants 2016 by San Diego Magazine, 2016 Certificate of Excellence by Trip Advisor, etc.

• Taco Tuesdays: selected tacos are $2.50 with unlimited complimentary chips and salsa
• They have created the world’s first taco donut!

30. Bahn Thai

Big thanks to adventurous and awesome Monica. Check out her feed and her vlog here

Address: 4646 Park Blvd Ste 3 San Diego, CA 92116
Phone: (619) 299-6363
Yelp: 4.5 stars with 1400+ reviews
Website

Family owned & operated restaurant serving freshly cooked, flavorful, authentic Thai dishes with no MSG added. With 20+ years of culinary wisdom, Sam and Kate together have formed a masterful set of skills to bring the best Thai flavors in order to delight each and every taste bud.

• This place is a foodie’s dream, a hole in the wall of sorts with mind blowingly good food
• Their Pad Thai is amazing, but their Rangoon is our favorite

31. Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen

Address: 4646 Convoy St San Diego, CA 92111
Phone: (858) 573-2400
Yelp: 4 stars with 1900+ reviews
Website

Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen opened its doors in October of 2012 to it’s first  locatation in the heart of Kearny Mesa in San Diego, California. Now with a second location in San Diego’s Little Italy, Rakiraki specializes in serving authentic Japanese cuisine including curry, tsukemen, or dipping noodles, and specialty sushi rolls, but is best known for its great-tasting ramen. Spending over six years dedicated to learning the basics of cooking, Watanabe quickly established himself as a devote student in the culinary arts. He flew back to Japan and spent several months shadowing three of Japans most notable ramen chefs. After years of apprenticeship, Watanabe brought his vision into fruition as Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen opened in October 2012.