San Diego Restaurants : Inexpensive Cost

Bernard'O Restaurant

Address: 12457 Rancho Bernardo Road, San Diego, CA 92128 (Map)

Unassuming elegance is paired with striking attention to detail at Bernard’O Restaurant, in Rancho Bernardo. The main dining room provides a cosmopolitan space lit with the glow of an Italian-tile fireplace. The patio that affords views of glistening stars most nights also has a fireplace to keep diners comfortable. The menu is a toast to fine French fare, and Chef Vincent Viale plates dishes that are both complex in flavor and refreshingly direct in vision. The Californian Bouillabaisse is an ode to the ocean with seabass, scallops, shrimp, mussels, clams, and potatoes, in a Rouille lobster sauce. Stop by for lunch Tuesday through Friday or enjoy an elegant night out for dinner Monday through Saturday. Bernard'O Restaurant is sure to leave you satisfied.

Toast Enoteca & Cucina

Address: 927 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

In need of a relaxing moment and a glass of wine or want to sample varietals in a chic, intimate, and sophisticated environment? Come relax and unwind at Toast Enoteca & Cucina in San Diego’s East Village. This combination restaurant and wine bar features around 400 different bottles of wine to sample and purchase. By the glass sales are available as well. Toast offers an extensive and authentic Italian menu complete with antipasti, insalante, primi, pizze, secondi, and Panini courses. This downtown landmark is yet another culinary creation by Martin Gonzalez, the owner and executive chef of Acqua Al 2, a Gaslamp district restaurant known for its hearty, rustic, and authentic Italian cuisine. Come in, raise your glasses, and say cheers to Toast Enoteca & Cucina as they take the concept of a wine bar to new heights.

Whisknladle

Address: 1044 Wall Street, San Diego, CA 92037 (Map)

Whisknladle is the ultimate destination when in need of some culinary comfort. Boasting eclectic ingredients and bold flavors, patrons will be hard pressed to try only one dish. With California comfort food that eases your mind and uplifts your spirit, Whisknladle is the place to recuperate and excite your taste buds. With inventive dishes like Charred Bone Marrow and Crispy Sweetbreads, there is plenty of variety to challenge and delight the palate. Cooking dishes that are satisfying to the core, it is no surprise that the chefs at Whisknladle take their ingredients very seriously. The executive chef even visits local farms daily to ensure that his kitchen has the freshest produce available. Located in gorgeous La Jolla, the rustic décor and laid back atmosphere makes Whisknladle stand apart from the mundane dining experience. Quality ingredients, friendly service, and great atmosphere- who could ask for more!

Operacaffe

Address: 835 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

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 if you select any one of his handsome desserts.

Del Mar Rendezvous

Address: 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (Map)

A stone's throw from the Del Mar Racetrack, this irresistible Chinese and Asian Fusion restaurant by Chef Mark Sun has been voted 10 News' A-List Best Chinese Restaurant in San Diego. With the sparkling Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, diners can enjoy a variety of diverse dining options. Outside of the regular menu, Del Mar Rendezvous also offers a vegetarian and vegan menu with 45 vegetarian items and 29 vegan items, and a gluten-free menu featuring 40 items. Putting a modern twist on the traditional, Del Mar Rendezvous prides itself on using the freshest ingredients in a neighborly setting where great food, great friends, and great service all come together as one.

Urban Bar and Grill

Address: 827 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

There is a surplus when it comes to the average run of the mill “Bar and Grill” in San Diego. Fortunately, if you’re looking for one that will satiate your craving for some good ol’ American comfort food while still receiving fine dining service, then Urban Bar and Grill is right up your alley. Outside, the patio seating area is filled with content Happy Hour goers imbibing as they dive into their starters. This seating is ideal for out-of-towners and locals alike who wish to be at the center of the stimulating streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Inside, flat screens are mindfully positioned throughout to ensure restaurant goers can watch sports as they dine, because frankly, what would a bar and grill be without this focal detail? Take a glance at the menu, and you can let out a sigh of relief because there is literally something for everyone. The menu is diverse, and you can choose from some characteristic bar food such as Onion Rings or the innovative Truffled Macaroni and Cheese with bacon. No matter what you decide to munch on at this stellar spot, you will leave more than satisfied and ready to hit the downtown streets.

Hexagone

Address: 495 Laurel Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Named after the six-sided shape of France, Hexagone offers one of the largest French menus in San Diego with twenty appetizers and twenty entrees. Soft jazz croons its way lazily across a dimly lit L-shaped dining room adorned with crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rambunctious Art Nouveau prints. The Beef Bourguignon alone is reason enough to visit, as the rich wine-infused dish braises for a total of three days. This new addition to Banker’s Hill has been competing—and holding its own— against the likes of neighboring Laurel and Bertrand at Mister A’s, a sure indication of the quality of their California-inspired traditional French fare.

Meze Mediterranean Grill

Address: 551 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, just a stone’s throw from Petco Park, Mezè Mediterranean Grill offers a wide breadth of Mediterranean cuisine for diners in search of southern European flavors. From Greek Hummus and Falafel to the Grilled Asparagus salad inspired by southern Italian fare, dinner service runs until 11 p.m. throughout the week, and on Friday and Saturday until 12:00pm, Weekend brunch features bottomless mimosas and bloody marys with the purchase of an entree. All throughout the week, the full bar keeps things lively with signature cocktails such as the refreshing Tuscan Gimlet, the savory Dirty Mezè, and the spicy Drop It Like It’s Hot. Mezè also offers catering and special banquet menus, for those looking to host large parties with Mediterranean flair. When in the Gaslamp and cravings for a taste of southern Europe call, the menu at Mezè Mediterranean Grill answers.

Royal India

Address: 329 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Royal India is where to go when you want to dine like kings and queens. The Gaslamp area restaurant serves authentic Northern Indian cuisine in a refreshing, elegant setting. An outdoor patio offers prime views of downtown foot traffic, while inside, the tall ceilings and open space give the feel of a modern palace, complete with regal décor imported from India. Ornate chandeliers cast an elegant glow, while a cascading waterfall offers a backdrop of serenity. The menu is as rich as its surroundings, with flavorful curries, tandoori kababs, and a tempting array of fresh tandoor-baked breads. If you’re unable to make your mind up about the menu, visit during lunch or on Monday evenings, when over 20 dishes are offered buffet-style.

Ocean Room

Address: 630 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

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 some of the freshest seafood that San Diego has to offer.