When we think of a place like San Diego, our mind usually conjures up images of beaches and palm trees, sunshine and mostly good weather. Maybe the San Diego Zoo or Sea World as well as the San Diego Bay, the Coronado Bridge, and quite a few Naval Bases.
What some of us might not imagine is that San Diego is home to some of the finest restaurants in the world and is really growing some culinary roots. The range of ethnic cuisine here is outstanding. Also, from fine dining to casual eateries, San Diego offers more delicious restaurants than one could possibly imagine.
It is common for new residents to think that they miss San Francisco, Los Angeles, or New York because of all of the great restaurants there -- but once they begin to realize all of the hidden gems in San Diego's beautiful and unique neighborhoods -- they might just change their mind.
The great thing also is that there are many ethnic neighborhoods that make some of the most delicious food outside of their countries of origin, and quite a few at that. San Diego boasts some of the best Mexican food (it better -- it is only a stone's throw from the Mexican border), Italian, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean food. Also there are African, Ethiopian and middle-eastern restaurants that are quite amazing, as well as lesser known regional cuisines.
For some of the best Mexican food definitely visit Old Town. Our personal favorite is Cafe Coyote. They always have fresh hand-made tortillas and strolling mariachis. The Convoy area is the place to be for Asian specialty restaurants. For Italian check out Little Italy. Filippi's has some amazing pizza and pasta at affordable prices, and Deborah Scott's Indigo Grill is out of this world when it comes to innovative cuisine inspired by the flavors of the southwest.
Some of the top steak and seafood restaurants are also in San Diego. Bertrand at Mr. A's, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, and Morton's Steak House in the Gaslamp area are worth mentioning for steak and seafood -- as well as Anthony's Fishette where you can order some of the best fried fish, shrimp, calamari, and chowder (for a very good price) -- and sit right above the water to watch the activity on one of the many cruise ships that make stops in the Port of San Diego.
As far as a more eclectic style of artistic creations in the realm of culinary greatness, San Diego boasts a large amount of restaurants with award-winning chefs, who go to great lengths to provide the freshest local produce and incredible taste in dishes that are at the same time complex and beautiful. For some of the top dining experiences in San Diego, try a visit to Nine-Ten or George's Modern in La Jolla. Or maybe 1500 Ocean at the Hotel del Coronado for some of Chef Brian Sinnott's innovative southland Coastal Cuisine. Arterra at the Marriott has also won awards for their innovative cuisine.
Check out this video featuring The Food Network's Aaron Sanchez talking about the 'Fish Tacos' at George's Modern La Jolla
1500 Ocean Restaurant at the famous Hotel Del Coronado
Spectacular views from George's at The Cove in La Jolla
The taqueria scene in San Diego is probably by far the best outside of Mexico and is quite diverse. They each offer their own unique interpretations of traditional Mexican dishes including California-only creations like the California burrito with Carne Asada and french fries. Some even offer tortillas without lard for the vegetarians or health-conscious folks. But for the most traditional, who really just want some good old-fashioned Carne Asada tacos, head to Tacos El Gordo in Chula Vista where they will amaze you with the freshness and quality of their tacos that seem to put them head and shoulders above the rest (not to mention that their quesadillas are to-die-for). Perhaps this is why they are incredibly busy every day of the week. They handle the volume easily though as their cooks are very impressive and lightning-fast. Just be aware that the traditional style is very simple. And they only offer a few items. It's definitely a cultural experience and the food is delicious. They also have Orange Bang which is a plus.
A couple of our personal favorites are The Hash House A Go Go in the Hillcrest area and Tao restaurant in the Normal Heights/Adams Ave. neighborhood. The Hash house boasts huge portions of creative comfort food that must be seen and tasted to be believed. Click on the link to their website and see for yourself. Their breakfast scrambles and 'hashes' are so delicious, as well as all of their creations. A must-visit in my opinion if you are a visitor or local of San Diego. Tao restaurant is a tiny restaurant that takes no reservations but is well worth the wait if it happens to be full. Give them your cell number and they will call you when a table is ready. First of all, they make their own tofu which happens to be delicious, especially when served with the free mixed green salad (yes free -- they give every table a complimentary salad for starters, and ice cream with mango and strawberries for dessert). Their fried snapper 'hot pot' is so good we order it almost every time. As well as the garlic chicken which can be made with real or 'mock' chicken. Absolutely amazing... and amazingly affordable. Great service and ambiance too. The choices here in San Diego are absolutely stupendous. I will admit it takes a while to discover all the top spots, but keep checking our site and we'll steer you in the right direction. Here's a fun video from the Executive Chef of The Hash house showing how to make some of their famous pancakes --
So the next time you are bout to take a trip to visit a place, think about all it has to offer. Not too many places can offer the variety and quality of cuisine, as well as living, that San Diego offers. It truly is a very special place and is constantly developing to fit the name it has often been given -- "America's Finest City." If you are headed down this way feel free to email us here at Explore San Diego for some tips on where to go, where to dine, and where to have fun. It's a one stop shop for all ages. I hope you have a wonderful visit if you decide to explore San Diego.
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