Local Favorite: 25 Restaurants Found
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Acqua Al 2
Address: 322 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
While it may be physically impossible to bring a Florentine trattoria to San Diego, Chef and Owner Martin Gonzalez has come remarkably close. Acqua Al 2 is the sister restaurant of the original Acqua Al 2, located on the Via della Vigna Vecchia in Florence. Using the same menu, recipes, and cooking techniques, Acqua Al 2 offers authentic Tuscan-style dining right in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp district. The charming ambiance hints of old world Italy, while the aromatic and flavorful dishes exude authenticity. Anyone considering an escape to Italy should first pay a visit to this local favorite.
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Rainwater's
Address: 1202 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Over two decades ago, Rainwater’s brought the first Eastern-style fine steak and chophouse to San Diego and has been accumulating awards ever since. Entrance by way of an elegant stairway transports diners to the ambience of a private club with exceptional service, complete with owners Laurel and Paddy Rainwater acting as hosts. Rainwater’s award-winning wine list pairs with classic steakhouse specialties, distinct salads, and quality seafood fare. Whether you go in for an upscale dinner or a more moderately-priced lunch, Rainwater’s on Kettner is a cut above the rest.
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Thee Bungalow
Address: 4996 W. Point Loma Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107
With a quaint and romantic atmosphere, elegant French cuisine, and one of the city’s most extensive wine lists, Thee Bungalow is one of San Diego’s hidden jewels. Tucked inside an old country house in Ocean Beach, the restaurant has four intimate dining rooms that each seat 15-30 guests. The menu offers contemporary French country cuisine with specialties including roast duck, rack of lamb, and escargot Bourgogne. The wine list alone may be reason to visit Thee Bungalow, with an award-winning selection of over 800 wines ranging from everyday classics to rare and sometimes old gems.
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Sante Ristorante
Address: 7811 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, CA 92037
Sante excels at bringing the traditions and elegance of fine Italian dining to the La Jolla Area. Chef Emelio Bertoli’s delectable Northern Italian cuisine ranges from delightful treats, such as homemade paperdelle with a wild boar ragu, to reliable favorites, such as risotto di frutti di mare, a rich risotto with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari. An outstanding and extensive wine list complements every dish on the menu. The classic setting is full of old world charm, as is the gracious host and owner, Tony Buonosante. With a combination of fantastic service, great food, and warm atmosphere, it’s no surprise Sante continues to be a local favorite.
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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.
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