San Diego’s food scene keeps growing, and the best new restaurants keep popping up around town. This list will grow as new spots open, with the newest restaurants always at the top. The next time you’re googling ‘food near me,’ start here. I’m always on the lookout for new places. I welcome your tips on places I should be checking out.
The newest spots on this best new restaurants list each bring something unique to San Diego’s dining scene.
- JOEY This La Jolla location delivers a winning formula with a sleek design, lively bar scene, and a globally-inspired menu.
- Nómada: One of the Best new restaurants for bold, fire-driven Mexican seafood and a menu that stands out from the usual.
- Katsuya Ko: One of the Best new restaurants for modern Japanese share plates in a lively, easygoing setting.
- Leu Leu: One of the Best new restaurants thanks to its fresh start with a new chef and a creative, globally influenced menu.
- Bacari: One of the Best new restaurants for Mediterranean-inspired small plates that are perfect for sharing with a group.
I’ll be frequently adding to my list of Best New Restaurants. To be updated, add your name below:
JOEY
JOEY La Jolla is one of the best new restaurants to land in San Diego, bringing the polished, upscale casual concept from the Canadian-based Restaurant Group to the Westfield UTC area. Known for its globally inspired menu, the restaurant has built a reputation across North America for consistent quality and a refined yet approachable vibe. This La Jolla location delivers that same formula with a sleek design, lively bar scene, and a menu that works for everything from casual lunches, happy hour, and nights out.
Bacari
Bacari is already one of the best new restaurants to know in North Park. This LA favorite brings a Venetian-inspired small plates concept with a menu that has Mediterranean and Middle Eastern inspiration. They specialize in shareable dishes, a strong cocktail program, and a lively setting that works for everything from date night to group dinners. It’s the kind of place where you will want to order a little of everything.
Nómada
Nómada is one of the best new restaurants bringing good food and great vibes to North County. This Carlsbad restaurant leans into live-fire cooking and bold Mexican flavors rooted in Sinaloan tradition. The menu highlights local seafood with dishes like charred octopus and wood-fired oysters, along with a strong raw bar and house-made salsas. Coming from Chef Alex Carballo, it is worth the drive if you want something different from the usual San Diego Mexican food.
Katsuya Ko
Katsuya Ko lands on the best new restaurants list as a more relaxed and modern take on the well-known Katsuya brand. Located at Westfield UTC, it focuses on shareable Japanese dishes with a mix of sushi, robata-grilled items, and crowd favorites like crispy rice and wagyu sandos. The vibe is social and approachable, making it an easy pick whether you’re grabbing a casual lunch or meeting friends for dinner. A reservation is highly recommended.
Leu Leu
Leu Leu earns its place among the best new restaurants with its refresh, thanks to a new direction from chef Jason Ambacher. Set in a very cool space in Leucadia, the menu blends seasonal items with global influences, creating dishes that feel both familiar and unexpected. The space has a relaxed mood and is already a North County hotspot.
Sobremesa
Sobremesa is one of the Best new restaurants to open in La Mesa, focusing on Baja and Latin American-inspired dishes. The menu highlights fresh seafood, quality meats, and thoughtful plating, with signature items like Trucha con Leche de Tigre. A strong cocktail program and desert-oasis design round out the experience. The kitchen is led by Chef Oscar Torres, whose background in Valle de Guadalupe shows in the seafood-forward menu.
Roppongi
I feel strange adding Roppongi to my list of best new restaurants in San Diego, and it’s new, but it is not. Roppongi La Jolla really did the impossible. It closed for ten years and reopened in the same La Jolla location with the same owner, same chef, and the dishes people remember. The space has been completely redone, but still looks familiar (minus the fish tank). The food, drinks, and service were all on point. And the happy hour deal alone is worth a visit.
Dora Ristorante
Dora Ristorante is one of the best new restaurants in San Diego right now. I had dinner there and the food and decor were spectacular. Chef Accursio has built a menu that makes choosing hard, with dishes that go in a different direction than Cori Pastificio Trattoria and also include pizzas. Each plate is beautifully plated and was delicious. The room is spectacular too. The decor is warm, detailed, and easy to enjoy. It is inviting from the moment you walk in. Dora Ristorante sits on Theatre District Drive in La Jolla, just steps from La Jolla Playhouse. It’s an easy pick for a pre-theatre dinner for anyone catching a show.
Cherryfish
Cherryfish in Pacific Beach impressed me right away. Chef Marcus Twilegar is putting out food that is fresh and a little daring. Every dish I tried had real flavor that are beautifully presented. The wagyu sushi and swordfish skewers were the first thing that hooked me. And the kanpachi sashimi in blood-orange aguachile is the kind of dish you don’t want to share. The room is lively and modern with its greenery, soft pink accents and glowing bar, and it all fits the energy of the menu. After eating there, I’d easily put Cherryfish on any list of the best new restaurants in San Diego.
Mia's
Mia’s on 101 is a superb addition to the Best New Restaurants list. It is located where Alce 101 was on Highway 101 in Solana Beach. The menu features Baja-California dishes with Mediterranean touches. One of teh standout dishes was the Hibiscus Tataki Hamachi. It was beautifully plated and flavorful from the hibiscus ponzu and charred pineapple. I’d also recommend the Snapper Ceviche, Ancho Rubbed Skirt Steak, and Grilled Bluefin Tuna. Cocktails are inventive, and the tequila and mezcal selection is extensive. The reimagined space is warm, with a cozy outdoor patio, open kitchen, and an elevated atmosphere. Service was impeccable, and on a Saturday evening, the place was buzzing with energy.
Lana
Lana in Solana Beach has completely transformed the space that once housed California Pizza Kitchen. The new restaurant and its modern decor bear no resemblance to the old CPK whatsoever. The only familiar element remaining is the iconic yellow brick oven, which now fires up many of their signature dishes. We visited on a Wednesday evening and found the place absolutely packed. Word about it as one of the best new restaurants is spreading throughout the North County community. The Baja Seabass and Heirloom Tomato Salad are standout small plates.
Shorebird
I’ve been waiting almost two years for Shorebird to open its San Diego location. And it was worth waiting for. Having dined at their other locations, I was impressed by their modern American dining concept. Specializing in both seafood and steaks, they emphasize quality ingredients. I’d recommend the sashimi (especially the Salmon Carpaccio Sashimi) and rolls to start. I suspect that all of the dishes are as good as the Chilean Seabass and Black Cod. The restaurant has a stunning coastal backdrop at Seaport Village. It is a great addition to the best new restaurants list for San Diego.
Fonda del Barrio
Fonda del Barrio just opened in San Diego’s Barrio Logan. It immediately goes on my list of Best New Restaurants. The food is delicious: ancestral Mexican flavors crafted by Chef Eduardo Baeza. The craft cocktails and Mexican beers fit the menu and vibe. The service is friendly, and the hacienda-style décor is very inviting. On Saturday evening, just days after opening, the restaurant was packed. There was live music in the lounge that brought energy and charm. The prices are very affordable. Congrats to owner Gerry Torres for bringing something personal and special to the neighborhood.
The Victorian
Update 11/17/25, per the restaurant: “We are taking a brief pause in our service to renew. Sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We do look forward to welcoming you back. ” (It may be leaving the list of Best New Restaurants). The Victorian at Hill Street should be on your list of the best new restaurants in Oceanside. You can find it in the charming, century-old Wetzel House. Builders completed it in 1888, and it still keeps much of its original character. Chef de cuisine Lisa Rivera has a selection of shareable and larger dishes, plus wines and creative cocktails. Expect to spend about $31 to $50 per person for dinner. They soft-opened in early August 2025. I’d highly recommend the grilled vermillion, sweet potato, and NY steak. Visited in August 2025.
Vulture
Update: Vlture has closed. It is worth making a reservation at Vulture. It’s a sleek, moody speakeasy-style restaurant hidden behind Dreamboat Diner. The chef creates all of the dishes with plant-based ingredients. The server torched the Rockefeller table-side, poured the sauces, and made a Caesar salad right in front of us. You’ll spend around $31 to $50 here. If you’ve not tried a vegan fine-dining experience, this is a perfect opportunity. Vulture has earned its place among the best new restaurants with its forward-thinking dishes and stylish space. Visited in August 2025.
The Henry
The Henry is already making a name as one of the best new restaurants in Carlsbad, just weeks after opening. If you’ve been to their Coronado spot, you know the food and service are top-notch. The new location lives up to that with gorgeous design and a warm, friendly vibe. Try braised short rib, Korean prime skirt steak, spicy tuna crispy rice, and grilled shrimp. Visited in July 2025.
Sally's
Sally’s ranks among the best new restaurants, serving fresh seafood and premium steaks with a stunning waterfront view. After a major remodel, the spot feels refreshed but still carries the charm that keeps locals coming back. The menu highlights Baja and Mediterranean flavors with seasonal ingredients. The beef empanada, whole branzino, and 14-oz ribeye were unforgettable. Visited in July 2025.
Witherby
One of the best new restaurants, Witherby blends historic charm with modern elegance in a restored 1886 hotel. I’d recommend the grilled octopus, tender beef cheek, and Faroe Islands salmon. The cocktail list matches the food with balanced, thoughtful drinks. The décor, from the original bar to gold accents, sets a perfect scene for a memorable meal. Visited in July 2025.
Piedra Santa
Piedra Santa serves authentic Argentinian-inspired dishes with serious flavor. From 28-day dry-aged steaks to house-made chimichurri, every bite stands out. Highlights include the braised beef cheek, empanada trio, beef carpaccio, and T-bone steak. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs cook over an open flame, filling the space with amazing aromas. Piedra Santa is a must-visit spot to grab one of the best steaks in San Diego. Now on the list of San Diego Best New Restaurants.
These are just a few of the best new restaurants I’ve discovered so far. But there are always more amazing spots popping up. I’d love to hear from you. What new restaurant should I add to the list next? Drop your suggestions in the comments or send me a message. And let’s keep finding the best new restaurants together!
