Trendy Hip Restaurants

McFadden’s Saloon proves that St. Patrick’s Day is a year-round celebration. Already a staple on the East Coast, the “Wildest Irish Pub on Earth” brings the luck of the Irish out west. The fun never stops at this Gaslamp Quarter locale with its expansive main tavern, HD TVs playing every sporting event imaginable, and oversized mahogany bar. McFadden’s is host to a variety of special affairs from Board Game Night to nightly Karaoke. Step outside the vibrant interior onto McFadden’s 2,200 square foot patio and relax under the sun at the separate private bar. A selection of semi- private rooms … Learn More »

With one of the most extensive menus in town, sure to please even the pickiest of palates, The Cheesecake Factory genuinely has something for everyone at your table. This landmark restaurant prides itself on hospitality and delectable menu items that are both sweet and savory. The restaurant has established itself as the go-to spot for large parties and big celebrations as well as a romantic date for two. Cheesecake Factory’s ambiance combines the hustle and bustle of the city with the quiet intimacy of a corner bistro. Ultimately renowned for their long list of signature cheesecakes, generous portions, and comfortably … Learn More »

Whether you're looking for a romantic cafe, a place to treat your friends to, or an exquisite birthday cake for a family member, you won't be disappointed in Extraordinary Desserts. This 5th Avenue Bankers Hill bakery was opened by Pastry Chef Karen Krasne in 1988, and has been a local hit ever since. With mouthwatering, hand-crafted, organic and decadent cakes, pastries, danishes, cookies, and ice cream-- plus a full espresso bar to-boot-- Extraordinary Desserts is just the place to feed your sweet tooth. This cozy, quaint little cafe boasts an astonishing 400+ item menu, so every time you visit make … Learn More »

Taste of Thai in Hillcrest offers an extensive selection of authentic Thai cuisine that is light, fresh, and traditional. The menu includes Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes, and house specialties, often offered with a choice of chicken, pork, seafood, tofu, or vegetables. The seafood section of the menu is especially tempting, with dishes like Whole Fish in Curry sauce and Grilled Thai Prawns. While the menu is extensive, every dish is prepared well, proving that the kitchen is skilled in crafting intricate and harmonious presentations of taste and flavor. The simple décor imparts a subtle elegance, which serves as … Learn More »

Las Olas, located beach side in the heart of Cardiff, has been serving up fresh, traditional Baja style Mexican food since 1981. While famous for creating “the original” fish taco, Las Olas has much more to offer, including healthy selections of seafood, traditional Mexican favorites, and new tantalizing dishes created by Executive Chef Ricardo Enriquez. With walls adorned with tropical plants and a dining room filled with vivid colors, your experience will mentally transport you to exciting Baja, Mexico. Whether it’s for a casual family gathering or a seaside dinner by sunset on the beachfront patio, Las Olas has something … Learn More »

Is this a movie set or restaurant? While dining at The Beach House in Cardiff, the shore is just inches from you. Dine on abundant seafood, steak or chops. The wine list is extensive, cocktails priced reasonably, and happy hour is every day. Diners of all ages fill this restaurant because the menu offers new twists on classics, contemporary flavors and fresh ingredients. Dine on dishes like Herb Roasted Half Chicken, Lobster Tail & Filet Mignon, Pacific Mahi Mahi, or Baby Back Ribs. They also feature small plates, a children's menu, home made desserts, and a weekend champagne brunch. But … Learn More »

Step into the main dining room of Humphreys Restaurant and understand how opulence is mastered. The large multileveled room is bathed in soft light and flowing panels of pale gray and ice blue upholstery. Juxtaposed against the whimsical softness of the colors are massive exposed beams that lend an anchor to a bay-side view that threatens to draw you in completely. The menu is thoughtful and inventive in the way it continues this balance between the ethereal and masculine – the Mirin Sesame Shrimp appetizer positions two large shrimp atop a bed of mango-mint relish that is refreshingly cool against … Learn More »

Who knew you could visit Ireland without leaving San Diego? The Field offers a great variety of food having everything from breakfast to dinner and happy hour too. This authentic Irish pub serves up a great round of comfort food and drinks. They have sporting events and are open late most nights of the week. The Field is located on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp District and remains a great place to stop in for a pint and watch a game or just relax with a group of friends. This Irish Pub and restaurant even holds an annual half way … Learn More »

Tio Leo’s has provided San Diego with quality Mexican food since 1979. The family owned and run restaurant started with one location and expanded to four, by consistently sticking with their motto of “Great Food, Great Service, and Generous Portions.” Tio Leo’s menu offers a wide range of traditional Mexican dishes, as well as some unique specialties. The health-conscious will love Tio Leo’s “Healthy Choice” selections, such as Grilled Eggplant Tacos and Pollo Asado Rice Bowl; the ravenous will appreciate Tio Leo’s Ole’, a platter with a taco, chile relleno, tostada, enchilada, carne asada, beans, rice, sour cream and guacamole. … Learn More »

A fanciful curtain of monsoon rain, visible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, is a friendly greeting as guests enter the spacious and elegant dining room at Bombay restaurant. Aromas of exotic spices promise a feast of flavors. Having won awards for the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” and “Best Indian Restaurant in San Diego”, from AOL City Guide and San Diego Magazine respectively, one can remain assured they will enjoy an authentic culinary adventure. The kitchen serves to satisfy expectations and the attentive wait staff ensures a delectable dining experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over again. Flavorful, mysterious fruit drinks … Learn More »

Elegantly decorated with white tables and splashes of lime green mixed with black trimming, Celadon is a stunningly modern Thai restaurant located in Hillcrest. An evening here promises a classy and contemporary spin on Asian cuisine, with a mixture of traditional Thai dishes and modern interpretations of Thai cuisine, with just a hint of French influence. Specialties include Larb Pla, a deep-fried whole striped bass topped with green mangoes, onions, scallions and a mint and chili lime sauce, and Duck Red Curry, featuring barbequed duck, pineapple, bell peppers, and basil in a special red curry sauce. Just one meal at … Learn More »

Located in San Diego’s stylish and trendy Gaslamp Quarter, Rama blends in perfectly with its fashionable and bustling surroundings. The modern Thai restaurant is the sister restaurant of Hillcrest’s Celadon, and brings owner’s Alex Thao’s stylish, flavorful Thai cuisine to downtown patrons. The dramatic setting offers soft lighting and an earthy minimalist style, with romantic tables separated by floor-to-ceiling sheer panels. The menu is fresh, spicy, and ultimately authentic, with a variety of stir fries and curries that can be prepared with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, or tofu, as well as indulgent house specialties such as Rama … Learn More »

Dining and dancing in downtown San Diego isn’t hard to find. Deco's, located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, is a fine dining restaurant and night club with class and elegance. Their interior is a take on 1930’s art deco décor, with modern plush touches, brilliant chandeliers, and deep red tones accentuating the fine dining style of Deco's. Featuring an eclectic menu, Decos is a great place for a meal, a place to dance, or just a drink. Learn More »

Nestled on cozy India Street in picturesque Little Italy, Indigo Grill has been a gem of San Diego’s culinary scene for years. While many diners may be familiar with one of the Cohn Family’s finest restaurants, they haven’t seen anything like the recent transformation that has elevated the grill to the next plateau of dining experiences. Head Chef Deborah Scott, one of the finest chefs in all of San Diego, finally has a spectacular venue in which to showcase her phenomenal dishes that combine old world charm with modern culinary flare. Close to the Gaslamp, Convention Center, Seaport Village, and … Learn More »

Located on the edge of Harbor Island, just out of earshot of the airport, Island Prime’s stilt-supported structure extends out over the bay, giving diners the sense that they are floating along on a dinner cruise. Chef Deborah Scott's retro, yet sophisticated menu features metro steaks, seafood, and other diversely decadent dishes that will make your jaw drop. Between the nostalgic cuisine and the breath-taking view, Island Prime will keep you coming back for more. Learn More »

For years, diners have been heading to Seaport Village for a day of fresh air, shopping, and amazing dining. Many have already discovered the delectable cuisine at Sally's Seafood on the Water, while others haven't yet experienced the unique cuisine of Chef Sarah Linkenheil. While Sally's is renowned for its seafood, shellfish, and sushi, it also serves excellent soups, salads, and meat dishes that have mouths watering as soon as the menu is opened. Weekly specials and happy hours make the restaurant an ideal location for a quick bite after work, and there is a large selection at the bar … Learn More »

Veg N Out offers juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and gourmet sandwiches, all created vegetarian. This unique North Park establishment was opened by Rachael Fogg, who yearned to show meat-eaters that vegetarian doesn’t have to mean salads and tasteless garden burgers. Among menu choices are the popular Western Burger, Island Girl pineapple and teriyaki burger, and the I Love Rach’y cucumber, cream cheese, and "bologna" sandwich, which was created by Rachael at age eleven. So if you want to go out for something fresh, give Veg-N-Out a try and experience a truly satisfying vegetarian meal. Learn More »

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 »

If you’re looking for a place with live music and great food, don’t bother hitting up your average bar. Instead, try The Shout! House, a large piano bar with live music and a menu full of bar food like burgers, pizza, and appetizers. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, The Shout! House serves as a live venue and a restaurant all in one, and is recommended as a great place to bring your friends to have a good time. This popular San Diego hotspot usually gets busy on the weekends, so make sure you get there early to enjoy a … Learn More »

Café Chloe, located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego, offers a chic-elegant yet informal atmosphere. The menu is inspired by classic French cuisine with a modern touch, with dishes made of the finest local farm ingredients and fine meats. The restaurant offers a delicious brunch of French cuisine and original mimosas, happy hour half-priced drinks, and urban tea service featuring home-made champagne gravlax. The dinner menu includes a continental assortment of dinner plates like the signature Steak & Frites. Inspiration doesn’t stop at the menu but spills into the carefully selected domestic and international wines and imported champagnes … Learn More »