I had the chance to eat at some amazing restaurants. Picking my favorite meals from the best restaurants in San Diego to recommend for dining in 2026 was probably my least favorite chore. I take pride in the city’s chefs and the incredible food we have, so narrowing it down is never easy. But I always publish my list, and this year is no different. I’ve listed them alphabetically because if I tried to rank them, I’d end up arguing with myself about which meal deserves to go higher. Here are my favorite and most memorable meals from the best restaurants in San Diego.
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24 Suns
Chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan impressed me with their food at 24 Suns. Their Michelin training shows in every dish. The menu changes every two weeks to match the seasons. The decor feels casual and elegant, and the prices are fair. The crispy bird’s nest is a must-order. This spot easily belongs on any list of the Best Restaurants in San Diego.
Beeside Balcony
In June, Chef Christophe Cevasco from Beeside Balcony collaborated with Chef Antonio Quindere (VALLE OMAKASE and Japas.mx, Valle de Guadalupe). It was an incredible seven course paired meal. The chefs combined flavors from Baja and the Mediterranean and made them feel like they belonged on the same plate. It’s one of those meals that reminds you why people search for the Best Restaurants in San Diego.
CHERRYFISH
Cherryfish just opened in Pacific Beach, and it already feels like one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Chef Marcus Twilegar leads the kitchen and mixes fresh local seafood with Japanese-inspired technique. The menu includes sushi, sashimi, charcoal-grilled fish, and creative small plates made for sharing. The interior is modern and lively, with bold colors and a glowing bar. If you want fresh seafood and a stylish night out, Cherryfish is a must-try.
Civico 1845
Civico 1845 has earned its place among the best restaurants in San Diego with ten years of standout Italian cooking. Their bold Calabrian flavors keep the room full night after night. Chef Pietro uses real ingredients that bring out deep, clean flavors. For their ten-year milestone, they joined top local chefs to create a menu that honored both Italy and San Diego.
Cori Pastificio Trattoria
Cori Pastificio Trattoria feels like a home away from home in North Park. It serves handmade pasta every day, with sauces rooted in Sicilian tradition. Chef Accursio Lota blends old-world recipes with fresh Southern California ingredients. It belongs on any list of the best restaurants in San Diego. The gnocchi is made from spelt flour and will melt in your mouth.
Dora Ristorante
Dora Ristorante by Accursio Lota brings the soul of Sicily to La Jolla’s Theatre District. This seafood-forward coastal Italian spot blends handmade pastas, fresh fish, and seasonal produce. The design is Mediterranean with its mosaic tiles (from recycled windshields), open kitchen and bar, and patio. Chef Accursio puts passion into every plate, and you can taste his respect for Sicilian cooking. Whether for a pre-show dinner or a slow meal with friends, Dora is a must-visit for Best Restaurants in San Diego.
EMBER & RYE
Ember & Rye shows why it belongs among the best restaurants in San Diego. Under Executive Chef Jonathan Bautista, the menu blends vintage steakhouse tradition with modern flavors and local ingredients. Every dish I ordered was stand out. Order the A5 Japanese Wagyu New York steak for a dish that be memorable. If you want food made with skill, local ingredients, and real knowledge of San Diego, Chef Jonathan Bautista at Ember & Rye delivers every time.
Fleurette
Fleurette only opened three days ago, and my first meal there made it an easy addition to this year’s list. Chef Travis Swikard, the San Diego native behind the acclaimed Callie, brings French-Provençal cuisine to La Jolla. The dishes are inspired by the flavors of the Riviera and shaped by seasonal California ingredients. The decor is elegant with a coastal touch, and features an open kitchen. The Kanpachi & Carrot “Cru”, Olive Oil Poached Mount Lassen Trout, and Crispy Chickpea Panisse are standout dishes If you’re tracking the best restaurants in San Diego, Fleurette is one you don’t want to miss this year.
Herb & Wood
Chef Aidan Owens at Herb & Wood creates dishes that are as beautiful as they are flavorful, and show his passion as a chef. His plates show creativity, balance, and care, making the restaurant one of the best restaurants in San Diego. From hamachi to wood‑fired chicken, every bite highlights fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The drinks complement the food perfectly. Dining here is a full experience you won’t forget.
Huntress
Chef Chris at Huntress crafts dishes that taste as amazing as they look, earning a spot among the best restaurants in San Diego. From Wagyu Bites to Filet Mignon and corn‑tomato agnolotti, every dish is rich and balanced. The cocktails and whiskey selection stand out. With modern, inviting space and top-notch service, Huntress is a must-visit in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Juniper & Ivy
Juniper & Ivy remains a standout on any list of the best restaurants in San Diego. The rustic‑warehouse space in Little Italy feels modern and inviting. The menu changes often and uses fresh seasonal produce from local farms. Dishes like miso black cod, bluefin tuna handrolls, and rockfish tostadas taste creative and clean. Dining here feels like a special night out that you’ll remember.
KETTNER EXCHANGE
Chef Brian Redzikowski at Kettner Exchange creates dishes that show not only why it is one of the best restaurants in San Diego, but why he’s one of the best chefs. His menu is bold, creative, and full of flavor, with standout dishes, inventive small plates, and beautifully plated entrées. The atmosphere is lively and trendy, and the service is polished. The grilled seabass with Calabrian chili tapenade is superb. But so is everything else on the menu.
LANA
Mastro's Ocean Club
Paradisaea
Piazza 1909
Piedra santa
Piedra Santa introduced bold Argentinian fire and flavor to Little Italy, earning its place among the best restaurants in San Diego. Their steaks are dry-aged for 28 days in a salt-lined room and cooked over open flame for deep, smoky flavor. The restaurant is warm and stylish, with a lively bar and open kitchen. Order the empanadas and ribeye to see how the food shows care and tradition.
SIAMO NAPOLI
Siamo Napoli delivers true Neapolitan vibes and deserves a spot on any “best restaurants in San Diego” list. Their wood‑fired pizzas and handmade pastas taste like they’re straight from Naples. The menu includes pizzas, pastas, seafood, and classic Italian dishes. A cozy vibe plus bold Italian flavor makes Siamo Napoli worth a visit.
SOVEREIGN THAI
Sovereign Thai is one of the best restaurants in San Diego for Thai food. They’re known for bold flavors and elegant presentation. During Japanese Seafood Week, their dishes showed fresh, diverse seafood in creative ways. From beautifully plated courses to balanced Thai flavors, every bite impresses. Sovereign Thai is a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable dining experience.
The Lion's Share
The Lion’s Share offers both adventurous eats and bold cocktails. A perfect fit for anyone looking for one of the best restaurants in San Diego. Their game‑meat menu includes standout items like bison tartare, elk chops, and fried chicken with caviar. The lighting is dim with eclectic taxidermy decor and a lively buzz. Their cocktails are inventive and strong, making it a great spot for happy hour or late‑night drinks.
The Plot
The Plot shows why it’s one of the best restaurants in San Diego when you want plant-based food. Their dishes use produce grown on-site or sourced from local farms. The menu changes with the seasons and avoids waste. My favorite meal there this year was a six-course vegan dinner. Whether you care about flavor, sustainability, or both, The Plot delivers.
Valle
Valle belongs on any “best restaurants in San Diego” list. Chef Roberto Alcocer leads the Michelin-starred kitchen with refined, modern Mexican cooking. The tasting menus blend tradition and creativity, using top-quality produce and bold Baja-inspired flavors. The dining room overlooks the pier and feels elegant but relaxed. One of my favorite meals there was the Tres Amigos 7-course collaboration dinner. It included Chef Roberto, Chef Tony Esnault of Michelin-starred Knife Pleat and Chef Chris Barnum-Dann of Michelin-starred Localis. If you love food that brings coastal California and Baja flavors together, Chef Roberto’s food at Valle is worth a visit.
WORMWOOD
The menu at Wormwood has a clear French touch, but it never feels heavy. The main kitchen is led by Chef Omar Armas. The dishes they served during Harvest Week showed how well the kitchen works with seasonal ingredients. The absinthe cocktails are a standout and worth ordering even if you are new to absinthe.
wrench & rodent
Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub in Oceanside deserves its spot among the best restaurants in San Diego. Chef Davin Waite and Loren turn out bold, creative sushi using responsibly sourced local fish and produce. Their menu often rotates. You might find dry-aged fish nigiri, seared swordfish with miso-truffle glaze, or wahoo with wagyu aioli and pickled persimmon. Seasonal items like garlic-chili albacore with black pepper collards or guava-cream ceviche show they’re always experimenting. If you care about great sushi or want a meal you won’t forget, this restaurant is worth checking out.
You can get reservations at these restaurants using Open Table and Resy.
12 Responses
It’s always intriguing to see what another foodie’s “bests” are! Thanks for the insights! While several of those restaurants are already on my regular rotation (and sadly, a couple are on my “nope, never again” list!), I have found a solid seven that your comments have made my “OK, heard about it before, but now I’ll definitely try it” list!
I am so pleased to know that this article inspires you to visit some San Diego restaurants that you have not visited before. Our local restaurants deserve all the support.
Frenchy’s Hideout in Hillcrest – small business check it out 😉
Thanks Paola, I don’t know that restaurant. Will check it out.
Manka Peruvian Restaurant in Carlsbad. Trust in San Diego. Callie SD in San Diego.
I don’t know Manka, but will check them out. The other two are great recommendations. It has been long time since I last hear from you Tom. You may remember me from Ken Smith & Associates, past president of Ad Club, Websense…
I’m surprised that Cloak & Petal in Little Italy did not make your list. Its a Great Sushi place and has amazing decor with its faux Cherry Blossom Tree. If you haven’t been you should check it out for sure.
Thanks Greg, I have been there before, but I was not overwhelmed. I agree that the decor is A+ (especially the tree and wall art), but my meal did not match that. Perhaps I’ll try it again.
So where is the headliner photo from? Looks amazing!
It is a duck meatball with anson mills grits, heirloom tomato, and a parmesan crisp on top from Kettner Exchange.
Kinme Omakase was incredible when we went last month!
They’ve to be commended for maintaining a consistently high standard with the quality of the fish and fine-dining omakase experience.