$0 - $25 Restaurants

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 »

Chicken lovers rejoice because Chick-A-Delli is here! Located just minutes from the I-15 and 163 Freeways on Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Chick-A-Delli has come up with almost every way to prepare chicken and put it on the menu. With dishes ranging from Chicken Parmesan, to Chicken Tenders, to a whole Roasted Chicken, this little eatery is bound to have something for every chicken lover. Chick-A-Delli uses quality, fresh chicken; never frozen. Not only is the chicken fresh, but so are all the accouterments, including sauces, bread crumbs, French fries, and lettuce. The owner, Joe, is as friendly as the food is … Learn More »

No shirt, no shoes, no problem! Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots. Located right off the beach near the infamous Ocean Beach Pier, Hodad’s is a fast food paradise within … 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 »

After the hustle and bustle of a busy week, The Fish Bucket offers reprieve from a stressful day. Tucked away in a Tierrasanta shopping area, The Fish Bucket is a quiet little eatery where locals come into relax and have some great food. With a nautical and vintage décor, customers are taken back to an older era of ocean blue and sailor-white elements reminiscent of sandy days out on the beach. Also a part of the oldies-but-goodies theme, 50’s music can be heard in the background as guests converse with friends and colleagues over some great American seafood. Outdoor seating … Learn More »

Edamami Japanese fusion sushi offers fresh sushi that is beautifully presented and delightful to eat. The sushi chefs at Eda-Mami make their sushi rolls from an inspired and creative perspective adding unique ingredients and offering innovative specialty rolls. Their Ninja Roll combines spicy tuna, crab, cheese, avocado, and jalapeño whose outside is then deep fried to provide a flavorful surprise with every bite. The buttery texture and clean flavor of the fish adds tastiness to any sushi roll. Love sushi but want to mix it up? Try a range of classic Japanese entrees including a chicken teriyaki bento box or … Learn More »

A bustling lunch crowd advertises the popularity of Niban Japanese Restaurant in Kearny Mesa and an outdoor patio makes it an enticing opportunity to get outside for a lunch break. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door , and the friendly and attentive staff consistently delivers food quickly to the table, no matter the size of the crowd. Menu items are reasonably priced and along with weekly changing specialty rolls like the Spicy Scallop Roll, which are available for $5. All food is freshly prepared and curries, noodle dishes, bento boxes, as well as teriyaki bowls, round … Learn More »

Tucked away in the back corner of one of Convoy’s many Korean restaurant filled plazas, is Nozomi, a quaint Japanese sushi, noodles, and teriyaki eatery. Nozomi’s menu showcases an almost overwhelming variety of fresh sushi, specialty rolls, bento boxes, combo plates, and hot pots. Their specials change daily and they even offer an “all you can eat” deal. Nozomi rolls arrive in style on huge plates in a flower like or animal shaped presentations that come decorated with various sauces and an orchid. Dishes are colorful and fresh and portion sizes are generous and can easily be shared. The décor … Learn More »

Discreetly situated in the business sector of Kearny Mesa is Bud’s Louisiana Café, a tried and tested destination for authentic Southern cuisine. This neighborhood eatery is bustling throughout the day with businesspeople and other local loyalists who make a point to savor Bud’s many Creole offerings. The Bud’s façade is almost indistinguishable from adjacent businesses; once inside, diners are welcomed by genuine Louisiana congeniality. The dining room is intimate, but not crowded, and well lit with natural sunlight streaming in from a wall’s length of large windows. Classic Creole specialties include dishes like the Cajun Jambalaya, the Pulled Pork Po … 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 »

With a seemingly endless abundance of ethnic foods fairly represented throughout the county, Greek cuisine does not seem to draw a huge number of restaurateurs to San Diego. It just takes a little looking, though. Unassuming inside and out, the food at Olympic Café speaks for itself, as shown by the “Best Greek Restaurant in San Diego” award City Beat gave the café in 2004, and the number of repeat customers that regularly dine here. With the laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of an old diner and friendly staff, customers are made to feel right at home. The family-owned café was established … Learn More »

In search of a healthy eatery and marketplace that has it all and caters? Check out To the Point for breakfast, brunch, lunch or happy hour and enjoy. To the Point’s philosophy is rooted in healthy choices, and their food certainly demonstrates this ideal. The café provides taste bud tantalizing fresh sandwiches, specialty salads, homemade breads and pastries, coffee, and more that you can eat in house or have delivered. To the Point makes it a point to provide fresh, healthy, and delicious food to their customers and serves such variety even the pickiest of palates will find something they’re … 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 »

Ikiru Japanese Restaurant is tucked into the historic Liberty Station in Point Loma, offering quality sushi and Japanese fare in a casual and quiet setting. Just beyond the sometimes chaotic scene of San Diego’s beach communities, Ikiru is a choice destination for both creative and more traditional sushi rolls, along with authentic seafood and meat dishes. Ikiru’s enticing lunch specials are always reason enough to stop in, and their full bar featuring a palate-warming variety of sake Japanese beers can turn a meal into an experience. Learn More »

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 »

Sushi Yaro, literally translating to, “Let’s do sushi,” is an appropriate name for this local gem tucked away in the backstreets of Kearny Mesa. Chef and owner Sam Cha discovered his culinary passion for sushi while stationed in Japan. In a traditional style sushi bar, Sushi Yaro boasts the expected large sushi bar where patrons can sit back and marvel at Chef Cha’s distinctive style and see his personality come alive through his edible artwork. Accents of Japanese culture subtlety show themselves through artwork and details along the bar. This menu is home to conventional Japanese cuisine of fresh hand … Learn More »

Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, In beautiful Rancho Santa Fe has earned the reputation for being the place to visit for fresh and flavorful cuisine. This Leucadia Pizzeria has been open for over 20 years and is quietly nestled in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe, happily catering to a loyal local clientele with a menu packed full of family-friendly dishes and casual dining options. Our friendly staff ensures that guests enjoy a consistently satisfying experience, where an impressive selection of pizzas attracts many, and the Build Your Own Pizza combinations are vast and creative. More traditional Italian entrees like … Learn More »

Just minutes from Moonlight Beach (off of S. Coast Highway) is Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant, a North County local destination for classic Italian food in a relaxed setting. Bottomless baskets of freshly baked garlic bread are served complimentary to further satisfy your Italian cravings of gourmet pizzas, pastas, and submarine sandwiches. As the original location for this pizzeria establishment in Encinitas, Leucadia has been serving delectable Italian entrees for 25 years. Chef A.J. Mortazavi’s culinary talent is showcased weekly as he offers test menu items which are sold throughout the week. Don’t forget dessert—especially when Pastry Chef Nikki Schaeffer … Learn More »

Having won the hearts of two other North County neighborhoods, Leucadia Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant is spreading its roots south to La Jolla. Conveniently located in the UTC district of La Jolla, Leucadia Pizzeria’s expansive outdoor patio attracts those interested in pairing their pizza, pasta, and sub with a healthy sprinkling of parmesan and sunshine. The menu caters to parties of all sizes (feed up to seven with the 16” Sub Tray) and specializes in personalizing your meal to fit your taste. The Build Your Own Pizza combinations are seemingly limitless, and the entrée options satisfy that nostalgic Italian cuisine … Learn More »

It’s often said that good things come in small packages. Usually reserved for diamond rings and Mini Coopers, in this case it refers to Supannee House of Thai. Cozy and cheerful, this restaurant fills up fast with people, laughter, and of course, delicious food. Located in the quiet area of the Shelter Island Village, Supannee House of Thai cheerfully serves up traditional fare at a reasonable price. Founded by husband and wife Alec and Supannee House (get it?), this local favorite is dishing out large portions to the hungry masses that pour through their doors every day. Being a smaller … Learn More »