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San Diego's Award-winning Restaurants

by OpenTable

Updated April 18, 2023

James Beard Award winners. MICHELIN-recognized restaurants. Perennial best-of picks. Book an award-winning spot in San Diego and find out for yourself why these restaurants are beloved by critics and diners alike.

A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant

Addison By William Bradley

4.8

4.8 (1884)

$50 and over

Californian

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.

Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.

Top review

LE

LouiseE

Dined on Apr 1, 2023

worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!

A photo of Animae restaurant

4.8

4.8 (3238)

$50 and over

Contemporary Asian

Downtown

About the restaurant

ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.

Top review

M

Michelle

Dined 1 day ago

Highly recommended. We have the best experience ever! Dina was our server and she was excellent! Overall, the restaurant has given us a superb customer service from the entrance to our table. The food was delicious! Especially the Taiwanese chicken and Miyazaki wagyu tenderloin! This place was worth it. Will be back again.

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A photo of Short Rib Kare Kare of a restaurant

Short Rib Kare Kare

A photo of Taiwanese Chicken of a restaurant

Taiwanese Chicken

A photo of Grilled Half Chicken of a restaurant

Grilled Half Chicken

A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.8

4.8 (2507)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

La Jolla

About the restaurant

A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state.

A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

Top review

B

Bernard

Dined on Oct 9, 2024

We had a fantastic experience. The staff were spectacular, the food was amazing, the ambiance, incredible. It was an anniversary celebration for us and the service blew us away, from the personalized menu to the amazing attention to detail by all the staff. A very happy experience all around. We highly recommend

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A photo of Alaskan Halibut of a restaurant

Alaskan Halibut

A photo of Born & Raised restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6415)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Little Italy

About the restaurant

The American steakhouse is an iconic restaurant institution. We’d wanted to tell that story for years, but waited until we had the skill, talent and ability to execute it properly, and the right space to be our canvas, an important corner in Little Italy, a neighborhood where we have deep roots. We brought an almost academic appreciation for steakhouse history and tradition to Born & Raised, while trying to stay relevant and authentic to ourselves and our city. Our dry-aged beef pays tribute to earlier, earthier, pre-government grading practices and is the centerpiece of a meal best savored at a slow pace. A timeless celebration of everything that makes restaurants so special. - Consortium Holdings. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

Top review

D

Dave

Dined 1 day ago

Food and drinks were amazing. The service and timing of the food was great. We ordered the table side salad and Steak Diana, which was super fun. The bread and Potato Purée was delicious and my NY was cooked perfectly. I suggest getting reservations early and try to get a table upstairs, great views!

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A photo of Porterhouse of a restaurant

A photo of T-Bone of a restaurant

A photo of Bone-In Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Campfire restaurant

4.8

4.8 (5252)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A New American restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on market driven live-fire cooking, Campfire is a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, and celebrates the spirit of the name by creating an environment in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.

Top review

S

SeanVIP

Dined today

The food was great and the service was Top Notch! Highly recommended!

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A photo of Brisket of a restaurant

A photo of Ribeye of a restaurant

A photo of Catania restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2068)

$31 to $50

Italian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

Top review

M

Max

Dined 1 day ago

Val was AMAZING !!!! Her service, knowledge of food and wine was outstanding. Absolutely amazing experience and I will 100% be back !!!

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A photo of Duck Sugo Orecchiette of a restaurant

Duck Sugo Orecchiette

A photo of Crispy Octopus of a restaurant

A photo of Pizza Focaccia of a restaurant

A photo of Cesarina restaurant

4.9

4.9 (5513)

$30 and under

Italian

Ocean Beach

About the restaurant

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

Top review

G

GloriaVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Everything was delicious, my family and I had a wonderful time,will be back!

A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant

4.6

4.6 (964)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Little Italy

About the restaurant

WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!
Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionship
Our concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.
Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.

Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.

Top review

K

KanitaVIP

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Great service and amazing ambiance. They were so accommodating of allergies and the server, Kieran, was wonderful and knowledgeable of the menu. We loved it and can’t wait to return.

A photo of Coasterra restaurant

4.6

4.6 (7567)

$30 and under

Mexican

Harbor Island

About the restaurant

Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

Top review

C

Celena

Dined 1 day ago

Food was delicious and service was amazing, 10/10!

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A photo of Tortilla Soup of a restaurant

A photo of Mexican Chorizo Mussels & Clams of a restaurant

Mexican Chorizo Mussels & Clams

A photo of Crispy Masa Calamari of a restaurant

Crispy Masa Calamari

A photo of Craft & Commerce restaurant

Craft & Commerce

4.5

4.5 (1086)

$31 to $50

American

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Providing shelter from the storm since 2009.

Top review

J

JP

Dined 7 days ago

Hannah was so wonderful and attentive to our large group (as was Kim), and it was the perfect spot for our work holiday outing. Ya’ll are the best!

A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant

4.7

4.7 (7104)

$30 and under

Italian

Banker's Hill

About the restaurant

We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009.

The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.

CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.

Top review

R

rafael

Dined today

Cucina Urbana is a must everytime I’m in San Diego .. food , service and ambiance always amazing

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A photo of bucatini amatriciana of a restaurant

bucatini amatriciana

A photo of mushroom of a restaurant

A photo of cucina burger of a restaurant

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

Great Maple San Diego

4.8

4.8 (4385)

$30 and under

American

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

Top review

O

Olga

Dined 2 days ago

Very friendly staff and tasty food. Would definitely recommend and come back myself :)

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A photo of Maple Bacon Doughnuts of a restaurant

Maple Bacon Doughnuts

A photo of Great Maple French Toast Logs of a restaurant

Great Maple French Toast Logs

A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6471)

$31 to $50

Californian

Little Italy

About the restaurant

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

Top review

B

Bebe Beata

Dined 1 day ago

We love the Christmas dinner and thank you for your service, we will be back 🙏🏻

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A photo of Pork Belly of a restaurant

A photo of Strawberry Soufflé of a restaurant

Strawberry Soufflé

A photo of Himitsu restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1124)

$31 to $50

Sushi

La Jolla

About the restaurant

A sushi bar and Japanese bistro. Inspired by the sushi bars in Tokyo. Himitsu introduces Japanese culture, design, and hospitality to San Diego.

Our 8 person sushi bar and 20 person patio is located in a discrete corner of La Jolla, a setting well suited to our name, which translate to "Secret" in Japanese.

Chef Mitsu Aihara presents a menu of traditional sushi and nigiri, along with Japanese style tapas using the high quality products and ingredients.

Top review

L

LisaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

It’s always lovely and delicious! Our favorite sushi and bowls and a great place to take guests for a beautiful lunch. Excellent, caring staff and the freshest ingredients.

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A photo of Wagyu of a restaurant

A photo of Wagyu w Uni of a restaurant

A photo of Jeune et Jolie restaurant

4.9

4.9 (4064)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest.

For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.

Top review

S

SandiVIP

Dined today

We had a wonderful time! The service was incredible. The food was great from start to finish and the ambiance really tied it all together. Highly recommend.

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A photo of Jeune et Jolie New Year's Eve of a restaurant

Jeune et Jolie New Year's Eve

A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant

4.6

4.6 (8043)

$31 to $50

Unspecified

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

Top review

D

DonnaVIP

Dined today

This was one of the best meals we have ever had! The food and presentation was outstanding! Kudos to Chef Kinsella for his unique preparation of classic dishes!

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A photo of FLAT IRON STEAK of a restaurant

FLAT IRON STEAK

A photo of TOSTADA of a restaurant

A photo of MISO BLACK COD of a restaurant

A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant

Little Frenchie

4.7

4.7 (1437)

$30 and under

French

Coronado

About the restaurant

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

Top review

B

Barbara

Dined 2 days ago

Whenever we are in Coronado we make sure to have Brunch @ Little Frenchie. The menu provides diverse options. The food is delicious. Be sure to make a reservation. I am ready for the next visit. You won’t be disappointed. Yum.

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A photo of Quiche of a restaurant

A photo of Bruléed French Toast of a restaurant

Bruléed French Toast

A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant

4.8

4.8 (2288)

$50 and over

French American

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

**Please note: Patio requests must call the restaurant to confirm availability for patio dining, as availability is very limited due to table spacing.*

Nestled in the heart of the historic and charming village of Rancho Santa Fe, just four miles inland from Del Mar, Mille Fleurs offers magnificent California food presentation with extraordinary French flair. The exquisite yet comfortable French country décor with inviting outside patio provides an atmosphere that is gracious, warm and welcoming. Mille Fleurs has received numerous accolades including: "Top 25 in America" from Food & Wine Magazine "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" quoted in The New York Times as well as "Best French" and "Best of the Best" in San Diego Magazine. Our award winning wine cellar offers over seven hundred choices spanning the globe and varying greatly in price. A mile down the road is the Chino's Family Farm where our chef heads every day to get fresh ingredients.

Top review

J

JaniceVIP

Dined today

Came here for Christmas Eve dinner. Top-notch food, service & ambience.

A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant

4.7

4.7 (2933)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

D

Doug

Dined 7 days ago

Excellent restaurant. This a first class restaurant that never disappoints. I have been there numerous times and my experience is always the same. Perfection is the norm.

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A photo of Hamachi Sashimi of a restaurant

Hamachi Sashimi

A photo of Maine Sea Scallops of a restaurant

Maine Sea Scallops

A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant

Puesto La Jolla

4.6

4.6 (2124)

$30 and under

Mexican

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas.

In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere.

We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.

Top review

W

waleVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food, nice cocktails and awesome service. Nice ambience.

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A photo of Seréa restaurant

4.6

4.6 (2260)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Coronado

About the restaurant

Serẽa is proud to bring an exquisite sea-to-table dining experience to San Diego in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.
Located just steps from the beach in the legendary Hotel del Coronado, the restaurant's key focus is the bounty of the sea. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood, with a coastal cuisine menu that spotlights the best of the region's oceans, farms and fields, ranging from the California Coast down to the Baja Peninsula.
Creative cuisine with a global flair is prepared by San Diego's own Chef Jojo Ruiz, who creates elegant, fresh dishes with just a hint of Mediterranean flair.

*Serea & The Hotel Del Coronado are currently undergoing a once in a century transformation, after 100 years, we felt a facelift was in order!
We wish you to be aware there will be evolving changes to the way we are able to serve you during this period as Serea and The Hotel Del Coronado are reimagined for generations to come.*

Top review

A

AmyVIP

Dined today

Beautiful location and ambience. Food is good but expensive, although not unexpectedly for a resort restaurant. Service was awful. Appetizers delivered after salads, sides and bread delivered only after entrees finished and after having to hunt for anyone working to find out where they were. Then waiter disappeared and had to again hunt for anyone to first bring the check and then again to take the check. The service issues really detracted from what was otherwise a lovely dinner in a beautiful place.

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A photo of CHARCOAL GRILLED OCTOPUS of a restaurant

CHARCOAL GRILLED OCTOPUS

A photo of KING SALMON of a restaurant

A photo of BEET SALAD of a restaurant

A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant

4.7

4.7 (1318)

$30 and under

Italian

North Park

About the restaurant

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

Top review

A

Anees

Dined 3 days ago

The food was absolutely delicious. I got the Margherita Pizza and my friend got the Pappardelle Con Il Ragu D'Agnello and both were some of the most authentic Italian dishes we had ever had in San Diego. The staff were very friendly and attentive. I highly recommend this place! It did get busy so I was glad we had reservations :)

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A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

4.7 (2440)

$30 and under

Italian

Point Loma

About the restaurant

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

Top review

J

Joseph

Dined today

Fantastic fixed Xmas dinner! The braised spare ribs were absolutely perfectly cooked - juicy and tender. My mom enjoyed her salmon. The crostene app was delicious as well. Only complaint would be that the tables are really crammed in there, so my elderly mother who uses a can had a rough time navigating around the tables and other patrons to get to our far corner table

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A photo of La Parmigiana of a restaurant

A photo of Pappardelle all'Agnello Ragù of a restaurant

Pappardelle all'Agnello Ragù

A photo of The Fishery restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3062)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

BEHIND EVERY GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IS A WAREHOUSE STOCKED WITH FRESH SEAFOOD.
The Fishery Restaurant & Market is located just a few blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach.
The restaurant menu reflects ‘coastal cuisine’ with a simple yet serious focus on the best our coastal fisheries and local farms have to offer. The passion that drives Chef Mike Reidy is evidenced by flavors that can only be achieved using ingredients at their peak of seasonality and freshness.
The Fishery was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator in 2018- Present. Our wine list is inspired by the great wines of Europe and their American counterparts and we strive to showcase real, natural, food friendly-wines with a sense of place.

The Fishery Market showcases fresh fish, prepared seafood, salads, sauces and marinades.

Top review

D

Dave

Dined today

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve dinner. Our family of three enjoyed ourselves immensely. The appetizers, drinks and food were all outstanding. The ambiance was nice, not too noisy. We all look forward to returning for another enjoyable evening.

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