Late Dining Restaurants

Whimsically whisking guests off to a sweet oasis of tasty times is Babycakes, in Hillcrest. This chic uptown eatery is located in a handsome craftsman-style home characteristic of the neighborhood’s charming architecture, and boasts a large front and back patio. Inside, visitors enjoy a home-away-from-home vibe complemented by antiques, cozy couches, the brick fireplace, and open-beamed ceilings. Sweet dreams meet saccharine-scented fantasies with Babycakes’ luscious dessert cocktails, cupcakes, pastries, and savory delights. Celebrate the weekend with a Babycakes brunch (the Red Velvet Hot Cakes are a hit) or meet up with friends for a proper Monday night nightcap: pair the … 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 »

Tuned in to what diners really want, Q Restaurant and Sports Bar serves as a true neighborhood hotspot that features not only prime drink specials but also a casual and friendly environment suited for sports fanatics and families alike. This Oceanside eatery is open for lunch, dinner, and late night cravings, and offers quite the spread of classic American fare, along with some international inspired favorites. All of their tasty food selections wash down nicely with any of their fine drink options, which taste even better during Q’s twice-nightly happy hours. And did we mention their grandiose display of HDTV … Learn More »

Hunting for a “little piece of Europe by the sea”, then look no further than Del Mar’s cozy restaurant wine bar, Crepes & Corks. Located along Camino Del Mar, this bistro stays open from early morning to night. The ambiance is that of romance and simplicity and be detected throughout their food and customer service. Crepes & Corks offers an extensive list of delightfully full bodied, smooth, and buttery wines. They also have dessert wines and beers and offer wine tastings! Crepes & Corks provides patrons with a little taste of Europe in the heart of this coastal town and … Learn More »

Located on University Avenue, in North Park, this quaint coffee shop remains a favorite among locals for coffee, pastries, and just a place to curl up with a good book. Claire De Lune opens early and closes late daily. They also serve up some of the most creative and tasty coffee drinks in San Diego. Established in 1997, Claire De Lune caters to the college age crowd and hosts live musical acts quite often. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing night in a comfy chair, a casual coffee date, or your morning cup of joe, Claire De Lune is … Learn More »

The Studio Diner is a true local’s paradise; conveniently located in the Kearney Mesa Business District, this deliciously nostalgic eatery serves up heaping helpings of classic American fare with a gourmet twist 24-hours-a-day. Clad in chrome and gleaming with 1940s charm, film-making equipment graces the dining area and celebrates the restaurant’s ongoing relationship with television. The only thing that can steal the spotlight from the Diner’s cool décor is its impressively lengthy and satisfying menu. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner can be savored any time – from omelets to East Coast classics, the Diner aims to please. Menu favorites include the … Learn More »

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, … Learn More »

The North Park neighborhood of San Diego is quickly becoming the welcomed alternative to downtown, with high-quality and hip joints popping up all the time. Toronado is one of those places that have gained quite the local fan base for its staggering selection of craft beers on tap, and its satisfying menu of fresh and tasty pub fare. Toronado boasts a refreshingly casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere where the enjoyment of fine drink and food takes precedence. In fact, freshness and quality is so important to the Toronado crew that the drink and food menus are updated daily to ensure guests savor … Learn More »

Heaven Sent Desserts in San Diego’s North Park district is legitimately a slice of heaven right here in California. It’s fresh in house made desserts are imaginative and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a group celebration, or just feel like curling up on one of their plush couches with a book, a slice of chocolate decadence or a fruity tart and some coffee, you are in store for a fabulous time. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as is the ambiance. Heaven Sent also caters and loves enhancing any celebration you may be having … 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 »

Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both … Learn More »

Terms like “chic throwback,” “upscale dive bar,” and “retro lounge” have all been used to describe Downtown San Diego’s latest dining dig, Analog Bar. Aligning itself with such local landmarks as Lamp Lighter and Nunu’s, Analog presents guests with a well-rounded dining experience of lively libations, vinyl tunes and karaoke classics, and charmingly comfort-cuisine bites. Two distinct dining spaces showcase different musical persuasions in the early evening hours, then converge each night for one powerhouse of a good time. Who said hamburgers and karaoke couldn’t be hot! Learn More »