A Foodie's Guide to San Diego, California

Breakfast:

• Cafe 222: Situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, Cafe 222 is known for its delicious pumpkin waffles and other inventive breakfast items. It's a cozy spot with a welcoming vibe.

• Sugar and Scribe: Female owned and run by Chef Owner and Food Network Champion Maeve Rochford. This bakery specializes in scratch made savory and sweet pastries with a heck of a breakfast menu. They are famous for their Full Irish Breakfast, but you cannot go wrong with anything you order here. They don't take reservations, so if you plan to go on the weekend, get there early or be ready for a bit of a wait.

• Park House Eatery: Located in University Heights, Parkhouse Eatery is a staple in San Diego for brunch.  Their menu has everything and one dish is more delicious than the next.  Put it this way, I've never had anything I didn't love.  For a local neighborhood vibe where you can sit outside and enjoy the San Diego weather to its fullest, this is your spot.

• Encontro NorthPark: Boozy brunch anyone?  With the option of getting our morning mimosa by the pitcher, Encontro in the North Park neighborhood is a fan favorite on the weekends.  Some of their signature menu items include the famous Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip.  There are only a select few restaurants in San Diego County that have Cardiff Crack Tri-Tip (local specialty of marinated tri-tip) on their menu and it's a MUST TRY while you're in San Diego.  Take a day trip up to Cardiff By the Sea to get it from the source, or try the Cardiff Crack Hash here and see what the hype is about!

Lunch:

• Hodad's: For a classic Southern California experience, head to Ocean Beach and grab a burger at Hodad's. The beachy atmosphere and deliciously messy burgers make it a beloved spot.

• George's at the Cove: If you're looking for a more upscale lunch experience with breathtaking ocean views, George's at the Cove in La Jolla is a fantastic choice. The California Modern menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

• It's Raw Poke: For an authentic Hawaiian poke experience, you have to check out It's Raw Poke.  Located down in the Ocean Beach neighborhood, soak in the classic San Diego atmosphere and try their amazing poke (might just be the best in San Diego, just saying).

• Bronx Pizza: If you find yourself near the Hillcrest neighborhood, make sure to stop in and grab a traditional New York style slice at this no frills counter service pizza joint.  Make sure to bring cash with you as the establishment is cash only.

• El Pescador La Jolla  One of the best seafood counters in San Diego.  This place has everything you can imagine!  Their selection changes daily and is always fresh.  A great spot to come to for seafood/fish tacos, seafood burritos, sandwiches, oysters and more!

Great places to get tacos:

• Tacos El Gordo: With locations all over San Diego, including a new location downtown. This Tijuana-style taco shop is regarded by many as the best tacos in San Diego. Their adobada tacos (marinated pork) are one of their best sellers.

Dinner:

• Juniper & Ivy: Located in Little Italy, this upscale restaurant serves what it calls 'west-coast fine dining.' A tribute to fresh, local and seasonal ingredients for a true California dining experience. Their menu is constantly rotating to stay in line with the freshest ingredients available, so you cannot go wrong with anything on their menu.

• Born and Raised Restaurant: With a stylish 1920s theme, Born and Raised is an experience.  If you're looking for a night out on the town, or a great place for date night, Born and Raised has you covered.  Swing through for amazing cocktails, an extensive wine list and some of the best steaks in San Diego.

• Vinarius Wine Bar: For the most authentic and best Italian food in Little Italy, look no further.  This hole in the wall Italian restaurant, run by Italians, offers amazing hospitality, a diverse menu and great wine list!  If you see the owner Guiseppe, let him know I sent you.

• Kingfisher: Presenting authentic Vietnamese French influenced food, Kingfisher is truly a standout both in atmosphere and cuisine. Be sure to make reservations ahead of time for this gem located in the Golden Hill neighborhood and plan not to drive yourself. Both so you can enjoy their cocktails and because there is limited street parking available near the restaurant.

• Soichi Sushi: If you are lucky enough to get a table at this highly exclusive sushi spot, don't miss it!  Adorned with a highly coveted Michelin Star, Soichi (owner and sushi chef) is a masterclass.  Savor his traditional omakase and if you can, grab a late seating.  Thank me later!  Reservations are a must but may be hard to come by, if that's the case, let me know!

Places to find great drinks:

• Noble Experiment: Tucked behind a secret door inside Neighborhood, Noble Experiment in East Village is a hidden gem. The intimate speakeasy vibe and expertly crafted cocktails make it a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts. *Insider's Tip: There is actually another speakeasy located inside the neighborhood that many people don't even know is there! It's called Youngblood and it is absolutely worth it.

• Polite Provisions: Located in North Park, Polite Provisions is a hipster haven known for its craft cocktails and retro ambiance. The skilled mixologists behind the bar create unique and inventive drinks. The vintage pharmacy theme adds an extra touch of charm.

• Raised by Wolves: Rated #19 of the top 50 bars in all of North America by 50 Best in 2022.  Raised by Wolves is really something special.  The hidden, revolving door entrance to the speakeasy is like something out of a bond movie!  It's all about the details with this speakeasy, both the drinks and the decor will leave you fully satisfied without a doubt!  It is a perfect place to take your partner for a romantic pre/post dinner drink or to get together with friends.  Make sure to get a reservation!

• False Idol: You can find this speakeasy located in the Craft and Commerce Restaurant in San Diego's Little Italy neighborhood.  Walk into Craft and Commerce main entrance off Beech Street and let the hostess know you are there for False Idol.  They will take you back through a hidden passage next to the refrigerators and next thing you know, you're in this pirate tiki themed gem of a bar!  I would highly recommend making a reservation as it's not a big place and is quite popular!

Breweries

San Diego is also known as the craft beer capital of the US! A trip to San Diego wouldn't be complete without trying a pint from one (or all) of these breweries:

• Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens: Stone Brewing is an iconic name in the San Diego craft beer scene. Check out their tucked away beer garden next to the Santa Fe Depot on Kettner Blvd for a fantastic selection of rotating taps, typically including some of their experimental recipes only available on location.

• Ballast Point Brewing Company: With multiple locations across San Diego, Ballast Point is known for its innovative and diverse range of craft beers. The Sculpin IPA is a fan favorite, and their tasting rooms often feature unique and experimental brews.

• Modern Times Beer: Modern Times has gained a dedicated following for its bold and imaginative beers. With locations in Point Loma, North Park, and Encinitas, their tasting rooms offer a cool and artsy atmosphere to enjoy a variety of craft brews.

• AleSmith Brewing Company: Alesmith is celebrated for its quality and consistency. The brewery in Miramar offers a spacious tasting room where you can sample a wide array of their craft beers. Their .394 Pale Ale also just happens to be one of my favorite beers and is a must try! The recipe gets its namesake from the late Tony Gwynn, a San Diego Padres Baseball Hall of Fame legend!

• Green Flash Brewing Company: Green Flash, located in Mira Mesa, is known for its hop-forward beers and creative brews. The brewery's tasting room provides a relaxed environment to enjoy their diverse lineup, from classic IPAs to experimental releases.

Best place for a California Burrito

Humberto's Taco Shop: Looking for a California Burrito, look no further.  Located in the Golden Hill neighborhood, Humberto's has my favorite California Burrito in town.  This is a no frills, hole in the wall local spot, so seating is almost non-existent.  My recommendation would be to take your Cali Burrito to Balboa Park, which is about a 5 minute drive up the road!  Balboa Park is a must visit while you're in San Diego and it is also near the San Diego Zoo!