3 1/2 Stars Restaurants

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 »

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 »

Situated on the upper floor of the Fish Market, Top of the Market, serves up the catch of the day in style. Paneled with soft dark wood and accented with crisp white table linens, the chipper dining room is outshined only by the beautiful scene it overlooks. The ocean gleams bright through the large open windows that stretch the length of the restaurant. So while some guests may enjoy watching the preparation of their meal in the airy exhibition kitchen, others are encouraged to soak up the California sunshine and dine on the covered patio. By using the best the … Learn More »

If you ask the locals where to find the best prime rib in San Diego, they’ll tell you to try Bully’s East. Opened in 1971, this favorite San Diego hotspot is known for their famous Horseradish Crusted Prime Rib, but they also make the grade with their impressive collection of sports memorabilia and classic sports bar ambiance. With a large array of options for brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, Bully’s is even open late—a tradition they’ve maintained since their launch 40 years ago. They also feature a full bar, an extensive happy hour menu, and a sports lounge. Bully’s East … Learn More »

The Gaslamp Strip Club is named after the restaurant's signature "strip steak." This 21-and over steakhouse offers an old-school supper club setting, complete with curved leather booths, dim lighting, and a central grill around which guests cook their own steaks. Grill options include a range of premium steaks and kabobs, as well as poultry, seafood, and vegetarian options. An extensive cocktail selection, late night hours, and a casual vibe amid artwork by the famous "pin up" artist Alberto Vargas makes the Gaslamp Strip Club an ideal destination not only for a meal but for an entire evening. Learn More »

While far from the urban bustle of downtown San Diego, Via Lago exudes cosmopolitan charm. Located at the Village Walk at Eastlake, the restaurant is well worth the short drive from central San Diego, thanks to a modern, elegant atmosphere, spot-on professional service, and a menu of Sicilian favorites that will redefine your notion of Italian cuisine. Overseen by Joe Busalacchi, the kitchen turns out dish after mouthwatering dish using fresh ingredients and inventive combinations, such as Ramigna Alla Contadina, pasta with artichokes, chicken, zucchini, eggplant, tomato, garlic, basil, and ricotta salata, or Pasta Palermitana, rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage, … Learn More »

Hillcrest’s India Palace offers a refreshing and casually elegant dining experience. The prime corner location at the shopping center at University and 7th is a serene space filled with fountains, live trees, and warm tones. A stunning, inlaid-wood star motif on the ceiling watches over the dining room, where guests take solace in curved booths and intimate round tables. Whether dining on the lunchtime buffet or the dinner menu, guests will find a tantalizing array of Northern Indian cuisine, with classics such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, and Sag Paneer, plus an array of Tandoori offerings. Whether you stick … 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 »

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 Alain Delahaye 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 … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

In the age of fast food, quality and price have become an oxymoron. So when it comes to pizza, you can pay more for quality service and ingredients or stay on budget and replace freshness with grease. Thankfully there's Surf Rider Pizza Cafe. Finally, a no-fuss pizza eatery where the recipes and toppings of a gourmet restaurant meet the laid back attitude of Ocean Beach. Combined with reasonable prices, Surf Rider Pizza has beach dwellers and visitors buzzing about their popular fresh baked pizzas, such as their house special Surf Rider Pizza with roasted garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, parmesan, … Learn More »

Steps away from the convention center; a stone’s throw from Seaport Village; and a San Diego minute from the Gaslamp Quarter is Redfield’s Sports Bar, in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. Redfield’s combines dining elegance and premium seasonal ingredients with delicious, classic sports bar dishes. With twenty-one high definition TV’s showing every sporting event imaginable, a gigantic pool table, and a fully loaded bar, Redfield’s is the ideal destination for game night or after work. Redfield’s also boasts a daily eight hour happy hour, with drink and food specials that will have people wondering why they’re not regulars. Enjoy a … Learn More »

Tucked away in the heart of Adams Avenue- the famous strip in the neighborhood of Normal Heights- you will find Tao. Offering healthy Vietnamese/Japanese cuisine with an extensive vegetarian selection, Chef Hung “Eric” Tao also features his homemade tofu and soy milk, which he makes fresh daily. His specialty is his Mango “Chicken” Rice: soy based mock “chicken” pieces sautéed with sweet, juicy mango, and the Tofu Rice Pot, tofu, and stir fry vegetables atop rice served in an iron rice pot. With such popular selections, this casual hotspot will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike. 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 »

Located right off Balboa Avenue, Sufi Mediterranean Restaurant boasts some of the most authentic Persian cuisine San Diego has to offer. And that is no small feat. The elegant venue, its caring staff, and well-executed classic dishes set it apart from others. With proper accommodations for large private events and parties, Sufi Mediterranean Restaurant still maintains tried-and-true traditional quality throughout their entire menu. From the fresh Shirazi salad, to the popular koobideh kebab, and even to the extensive dessert offerings, the options are endless. Patrons have made it a definite go-to for Middle Eastern food done right. Learn More »

Trattoria i Trulli pairs fresh ingredients with traditional Italian tastes and welcomes all to dine in a warm, hospitable atmosphere. Great pride is taken in the extensive and meticulously chosen international wine list which helps provide the best experience Encinitas has to offer. There are international white and red wines from Santa Maria, Paso Robles, Germany, St. Lucia and many other regions of the world. Sit inside the enchanting dining room or on the exclusive patio overlooking Italian shops, buildings and an urban neighborhood. Come in for lunch or dinner and choose from a wide variety of entrees which include … Learn More »

Solace & The Moonlight Lounge is situated in the heart of Encinitas, just off the historic Highway 101 by Moonlight Beach. This is the perfect place for folks who love tasty, innovative food with no artificial ingredients or sugars. The restaurant is a revelation in the making thanks to personal dedication and the use of wholesome ingredients and unique liquors. Now serving Saturday and Sunday brunch featuring seared albacore chop chop, oysters, black mussels and jumbo Mexican white shrimp, come celebrate the weekend and sip on a variety of exciting drink specials such as Bloody Marys, CoCo Mojitos or the … Learn More »

Every family member at Yu Me Ya Sake House puts their heart into providing consistent, high-quality, home-style Japanese cuisine, and the cozy dining room accentuates a philosophy of family dining. Try refreshing cold and hot appetizers from the extensive menu, followed by Vegetable, California, and Crunchy Sushi Rolls, which can be customized and served with brown rice upon request. Yu Me Ya Sake House also offers potatoes, calamari and chicken, breaded and deep-fried on a stick for a low price every day of the week. Explore a plentiful sake menu including a variety of grades from different regions throughout Japan, … Learn More »