Editor's Picks: 18 Restaurants Found
Narrow Results: By Popularity | By Name | By Price | By Location
Kemo Sabe
Address: 3958 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103
Executive Chef and Partner Deborah Scott’s faithful friend is Kemo Sabe Restaurant, in Hillcrest. The Pacific Rim-inspired décor and cuisine reflects an appreciation for unique cultural perspectives, and melds textures, colors, and flavors into artful culinary masterpieces. Diners may not only feast on the exquisite tastes of each dish, but their imaginations will be fueled by the visual intricacies Chef Scott arranges on the plate. The flash-fried Whole Tilapia is simply statuesque, and the desserts are scandalously seductive. Each element on the menu strives to be a faithful friend to the taste buds, and keep you coming back for more.
Review | Info | Menu | Wine List | Chef | Photos | User Reviews | Book Table
Monsoon
Address: 729 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Entering the restaurant from San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter, Monsoon diners are warmly greeted by an intoxicating aroma of spices wafting up from Chef Ashley Popat’s delectable Indian-inspired dishes. Deftly negotiating tradition and fusion, her menu presents purist renditions of less familiar fare, like the Dizzy Nu Shak banana curry, alongside playfully flavorful cultural pastiches like the Masala Hummus. The restaurant itself is also tastefully eclectic: walls festooned with Indian musical instruments and murals are lighted by antique-looking chandeliers, while a Bollywood-esque trip hop soundtrack mingles with the dulcet sounds of a prominent water feature. Monsoon goes beyond gastronomic indulgence: it is a feast for all the senses.
Review | Info | Menu | Wine List | Chef | Photos | User Reviews | Book Table
Whisknladle
Address: 1044 Wall Street, San Diego, CA 92037
The new project of Arturo Kassel and Ryan Johnston, Whisknladle, is one of the most honest, down-to-earth, and genuine restaurants around. The transformed space, which was once home to Fresh[er], now houses a contemporary neighborhood bistro with a back-to-basics approach. Johnston’s menu celebrates local sources, house-made provisions, and traditional preparations, while Kassel’s wine list, as before, is focused on quality and diversity. Guests will find small plates, seasonal creations, and a truly welcoming space that now boasts an after-hours lounge as a casual nightlife destination.
Review | Info | Menu | Wine List | Chef | Photos | User Reviews | Book Table
Royal India
Address: 329 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
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.
Review | Info | Menu | Wine List | Chef | Photos | User Reviews | Book Table
Sbicca
Address: 215 15th Street, Del Mar, CA 92014
The seaside city of Del Mar holds an array of charms, but until you’ve experienced a meal at Sbicca, you’ll not know how charming it can be. Owned and run by husband-and-wife team Dan and Susan Sbicca, the seaside restaurant is a quintessential neighborhood bistro. The restaurant proper offers an open, airy setting and comfortable vibe, while a separate bistro bar is a gathering place for locals, with an outstanding wine selection and a renowned happy hour. While Dan manages the front of the house, Susan runs the kitchen, putting together an array of refreshing, modern American cuisine that melds regional flavors, incorporates global ingredients, and doesn’t hesitate to play up comfort food favorites.
Review | Info | Menu | Wine List | Chef | Photos | User Reviews | Book Table
Narrow Results: By Popularity | By Name | By Price | By Location