Child Friendly Restaurants

An evening at Nine-Ten is not just a meal but a culinary adventure. Tucked into the ground floor of the historic Grande Colonial Hotel in downtown La Jolla, the contemporary restaurant takes fine dining to new heights. Chef Jason Knibb’s innovative menu finds inspiration in fresh ingredients from local farms, transforming the essence of seasonal offerings into creative concoctions such as white truffle emulsion and potato foam. Each dish is a meditation on flavor, expertly and creatively intertwining pure, fresh ingredients into elegant and delightfully surprising combinations. With an equally talented pastry chef and sommelier (not to mention a most … Learn More »

Immerse yourself in the beautiful historic architecture of Point Loma and savor the fresh tastes of Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill inside Liberty Station. From hand-crafted pizza to farm fresh salads and extraordinary tapas selections, Sammy’s has everything you need to experience a satisfying meal in a comfortable, casual environment suitable for occasions of all kinds. Many come just for Happy Hour, when all tapas are half price between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. every day. Others bring the family and order from tantalizing pizza choices like the Margherita with tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil, Prosciutto with artichoke, scallion, garlic … Learn More »

Blue Wave Bar and Grill, tucked inside the Best Western Island Palms Hotel, boasts of all the delights coastal San Diego has to offer. Providing waterfront dining on picturesque Shelter Island, it serves as a tropically inspired destination with all the fitting accommodations. While selecting from any of the restaurant’s stunning breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus, or visiting for its popular happy hour, diners can take in the pleasures of the restaurant’s lovely outdoor patio and views of the hotel’s private marina. Executive Chef Marc Brislin crafts a menu ranging from macadamia-crusted halibut to oven roasted Filet Mignon with shitake … Learn More »

Peohe’s captures the essence of Southern California dining with its stunning bay front views, Pacific Rim cuisine menu, and chic tropical vibe. This Coronado Island destination is ideally situated just steps from the Ferry Landing and offers picture-perfect views of the Downtown San Diego skyline, as well as an endless parade of passing boats. Peohe’s menu celebrates the sea by showcasing the flavors of the Pacific; island cooking techniques are married with tropical accents for dishes that are bold in flavor and freshness. Sushi enthusiasts appreciate Peohe’s selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi, specialty rolls, and platters. Likewise, meat lovers rejoice … Learn More »

New York’s prized seafood and steakhouse is now in San Diego’s posh East Village. Still family owned and 30 locations strong, The Palm continues to follow tradition as instilled by its founders. Exceptional service and quality American cuisine with signature Italian dishes make The Palm a familiar destination that diners around the country have enjoyed for over 80 years. Centrally located downtown near the ballpark and the convention center, guests can enjoy dinner among friends and family in a warm nostalgic setting. No matter what the occasion – The Palm is a prime choice for great food and hospitality. Learn More »

Boasting fresh sushi and an oyster bar overlooking an open kitchen, Ocean Room also offers fresh seafood including shellfish cooked to perfection using a kettle steaming technique. This is something that is rarely seen here on the west coast as it is a technique utilized more in the southern region of the United States, particularly Louisiana. Located in the center of Fifth Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, Ocean Room’s contemporary décor, friendly staff, and flavorful seafood creations - headed up by Chef Felix Frias - will be a sure bet to indulge in … Learn More »

Located in the newly renovated Paseo de Mission Hills is Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar. Specializing in modern Italian fare and utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients, guests can revel in Olivetto’s cozy ambiance of exposed brick, dark wood, and rustic toned décor. Serving both lunch and dinner seven days a week, patrons can experience a complete Italian meal day and night, or just stop in to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. The inviting atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal, whether as a night out on the town with friends, or a romantic … Learn More »

A visit to the Butcher Shop transports diners to the glory days of the Rat Pack. The dim glow of candelabras and twinkling lights cloaks the dining room in the nostalgic magic of a bygone era, while the expansive red leather booths and banquet tables treat diners to the kind of pampering distinction associated with vintage clubs. Food is simple, satisfying, and never ending, adhering to the tradition of classic steakhouses. The result is a continuous onslaught of massive portions that challenge even the heartiest appetites. An evening at the Butcher Shop is a return to a time characterized by … Learn More »

Cohn Restaurant fans take note: the San Diego restaurateur powerhouse has brought their fine dining expertise to Oceanside with their restaurant, 333 Pacific. It is an ode to Southern California, with breath-taking views of its seaside setting, innovative California cuisine, and a faultlessly stylish design aesthetic. Located on the first floor of the Wyndham Oceanfront Pier Resort, diners can feast on clever creations like Bleu Cheese Crusted Kobe Beef Meatloaf and Maine Diver Scallops seared in apple cider, while enjoying a stunning, panoramic view of the Oceanside Pier and beach. 333 Pacific promises a welcome invigoration of the North County … Learn More »

It is the very presence of charismatic Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his lovely wife, Chef Patrizia Branchi that sets Operacaffe apart from the countless “authentic” Italian eateries downtown. The first ingredient in all of Chef Bernadoni’s dishes is his "cuore", his heart and passion for his trade. This is splendidly reflected in the careful presentations, wistful aromas, and creative tastes of their traditional dishes. Allow your taste buds to be transported to Italy by thin crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and herby and flavorful pasta and second course dishes. Chef Bernardoni will be delighted … Learn More »

Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant in Kearny Mesa has been pleasing San Diegans with its healthful, authentic Mediterranean cuisine for 15 years. Handcrafted delicacies like Hummus, Tabouleh, and Pita, baked fresh in the restaurant’s clay ovens, transport palates to the Middle East with exotic flavors and succulent spices. While vegetarians will be thrilled by the copious selection of satisfying salads and meatless dishes, diners with more carnivorous predilections will be satiated by Aladdin’s mouthwatering kabobs, shawermas, and various other traditional meat options. Learn More »

Taking inspiration from a primary ingredient, Pomodoro Ristorante boasts a décor that features more than one nod to that master fruit, the tomato. With curtains hanging over the dining room’s large windows and accent pieces that could have come from Grandmother’s home, Pomodoro is both casual and comfortable. Fresh, house-made pastas and sauces drive in that home-away-from-home feeling, while the full menu of sumptuous Italian specialties confirms you’re in a special place. The heated patio makes dining al fresco a possibility any time, especially with the Point Loma breezes beckoning us out to play. Learn More »

Pipirins is a new Guadalajaran restaurant in downtown San Diego specializing in campfire flavor carne asada, strip loan asado, chicken asado, homemade horchata, decadent flan, and more. Each entree is served with fresh salsas, Peruvian beans, and just-made white corn tortillas. Learn More »

Tucked into a building on Fourth Avenue, Gourmet India is a culinary jewel distinguished by a father-son team serving authentic Indian cuisine. Savory aromas, layers of flavor and extraordinary textures take you abroad without leaving the comfort of your cushions and pillows or more traditional table and chair. Life-size murals, maroon walls and draperies, and sconces of stained glass and mosaics provide an exotic ambience, but the real story is the food. Begin your culinary journey with samosas and sangrias or succulent chicken tikki masala, and you'll soon find yourself at the junction of foreign and delicious. Learn More »

Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy … Learn More »

Whether you want a wide assortment of small plates to share, farm-fresh salads, exotic entrées or unique pasta dishes, Romesco’s Bistro in Bonita has it covered, with a Baja-Mediterranean blanket that leaves you with a familiar, foodie feeling. Chef Javier Plasencias rolls out hot and cold tapas from octopus to Jamon Serrano (dry-cured Spanish Ham). He creates distinct dishes such as Beef Cheek Tacos and Crab Mac and Cheese, along with an assortment of fondues to extinguish any craving one might have. Plasencias’ Mediterranean techniques and recipes mix superbly with local Mexican flavors to complement the warm ambiance of this … Learn More »

The Melting Pot is a one-of-a-kind restaurant giving guests the opportunity to dip to their hearts’ content – in fondue, that is. Boasting an unbelievably decadent menu of cheese, broth, and chocolate-based fondue options, diners are armed with everything they need to satisfy that certain craving for something sweet or savory. Home in the Gaslamp Quarter’s very first skyscraper, The Melting Pot’s chic décor hearkens back to a golden era of opulence, while maintaining a contemporary air of casual elegance. Join family and friends around the Melting Pot table and partake in the joyous style of dining that is fondue. Learn More »

Opened in 1999, Fresco Trattoria in Carlsbad is just a few blocks from the beach and offers traditional Italian cuisine seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Owner Leone D’Arcangelo is from a small town on the west coast of Italy, very similar to the restaurant's location in North County. When it comes to seafood, pasta, steaks, veal, chicken, pizza or appetizers, Fresco has every base covered. A very encompassing wine menu provides the perfect pairing for your meal whether sitting in the elegant dining room with a bubbling fountain or lounging under the stars on the patio … Learn More »

No shirt, no shoes, no problem! Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots. Located right off the beach near the infamous Ocean Beach Pier, Hodad’s is a fast food paradise within … Learn More »

Finding a great burger can be hard if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Luckily, at Evolution Fast Food, the search isn’t that difficult anymore. With an option to sit outside or drive-thru, Evolution offers only vegan options for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, smoothies, wraps, and finger food options like soy chicken tenders. Even meat-eaters can agree that their “bacon cheeseburger” can do the trick when one has a craving for something greasy. Evolution Fast Food has a dedication to providing fast food for diets of all types while offering a healthier alternative to other drive-thru burger joints. Learn More »