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Established 1997 and Updated 2006
Let me tell you where I'm coming from....
When I go on vacation, I hate wasting a meal at a bad restaurant. But coming into a town and trying to figure out what the "essential" restaurants are is tough. You certainly can't trust those Visitors Guides - come on, they PAY for those endorsements. You also can't trust most tourbooks as they just give you too many selections without really telling you anything. It's frustrating, because if someone asked YOU where to eat in your own hometown, you would tell them exactly where to go and what to get, right? Well, Local Wally is your new best friend because I am going to show you the places I eat, the places I send my friends to, and the places you should not miss when you visit San Diego.
Oh sure, there are more complete dining guides. I've seen them all, and none of them - in my Wally opinion - do the job of narrowing down your choices to only the best. That's my job. And rest assurred, while Wally loves good food, I'm not a food snob. I love my Foie Gras as much as my Double Double Cheeseburgers, so I'll make sure you get a broad selection of good eats. I also know what tourists want when they come to San Diego. A great view means nothing if the food's no good, and great food served in a dump has limited fun value if your car gets stolen. So once again, trust Wally. If it's listed here, I eat there.
$ = Fast food cheap
$$ = $5 to $10 per person
$$$ = $10 to $20 per person
$$$$ = $20 to $30 per person
$$$$$ = Don't leave home without it!
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Ahhhh, vacation! You've made it to paradise, and now you want to live the good life - for a week, anyway! So it's time to splurge and live a little. Put aside your worries and indulge yourself with one of these ultimate San Diego dining experiences. These "best of the best" restaurants combine the best parts of San Diego dining into one fantastic package. You get creative food, of course, along with beautiful decor, impeccable service, and usually fantastic views. Wally always scopes out the best restaurants whenever I go on vacation and save the best for the last night out. Pick any of these from this list and you'll still be smiling on your flight home. |
1. George's at the Cove
Wally says "George's continues to delight the palate and the senses year after year"
You've read the reviews... Gourmet Magazine calls it one of the best in the US, Food and Wine Magazine names George's chef in the Top 10 in the US, and even the locals vote it their favorite fine dining restaurant in the varous local newspaper and magazine polls. Overlooking La Jolla Cove, the view from the sophisticated Ocean View dining room is enough to convince you that you made a good decision to dine here. Arrrive early enough to get a window seat, and before the sun sets. George's just went through an extensive remodel, making it more cosmopolitan feeling, sort of a mix between urban and elegant. Nice.
If the view and setting is stunning, wait until you taste the food. The greens are grown locally at Chino's, a well known local farmer who has a way with growing exquisite vegetables. Try the Dungennes Crab or perhaps the Warm Lobster salad. You'll find an extensive wine list so you can pair your food well with just the right vintage. Moving to the entree, you'll have a hard time deciding on the fresh seafood or the top quality meats. If you can't decide, consider the "tasting menu" where you get to try it all - it starts with the crab salad, soup, gives you tastes of both the seafood and meat entrees, then ends with a signature dessert - all served with wines to match the food. OK, yes, it's going to be expensive. But worth it? Yes.
For this dining experience, make sure you make reservations in the main dining room. Do not confuse the main part of George's with their casual Ocean Terrace Bistro upstairs if you are looking for ultimate dining.
But Wally, this just sounds too FANCY for me! Hey, I understand. If you want to experience George's but not spend the entire vacation fund, dine upstairs al fresco at the Ocean Terrace Bistro, or in the "bar" area (quite a fancy bar, by the way) instead. The menu is more casual, and to be honest, the views are actually better in either location since they are higher up the building. I like to go to both the Terrace and the Bar for lunch or late afternoon dining - and the sunsets are exactly the same as in the expensive downstairs restaurant. You can't lose either way.
2. The Marine Room
Local Wally says "Waves so close they sometimes crash on the windows!"
For over 60 years, The Marine Room has been one of those incredible restaurants that's guaranteed to delight your senses. Locals and tourists alike flock to this restaurant, especially during high tide and winter storms when the waves often splash against the windows. And yes, sometimes the waves have gotten so powerful that they've actually broken the glass and flooded the restaurant! But considering this has only happened twice in the past 60 years, chances are your dining experience will be a dry one. Go ahead, take off the life jacket and rubber parka - it's going to be fine.
One might think that with a view this good - and man, is it good - that the food must be overpriced and average. But one would be wrong. I ordered lobster the last time I dined there and put it right at the top of my list as "best tail I've ever had :-)" Seriously, it was fantastic. While it is a bit more expensive than other top notch restaurants, once you combine the view with the food it somehow seems very reasonable indeed. Considered by some to be one of the most romantic restaurants in town, The Marine Room has been the place to pop the proverbial question ("will you marry me", and "can I borrow a few bucks?"). Even if you don't dine here, stop in for a cocktail around sunset for an awe inspiring view.
3. Roy's
Local Wally says "If you loved Roy's in Hawaii, you'll love it in San Diego! It's my personal favorite restaurant!"
Roy's is "Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine", but don't let that scare you if you've never been to a Roy's. You won't find tiki torches and sweet and sour pork at Roy's, but rather Pacific Rim influenced sophisticated cooking that makes it the best in class for combining European sauces with Asian flair. Loosely translated, Roy's is all about fresh seafood prepared in a sort of upscale Asian way.
The one dish that I get EVERY time I go is their baby back rib appetizer. I love ribs, but these will be unlike anything you've ever had. Sweet, not sticky, smoky, but still Asian influenced, they are "fall off the bone" tender. Get them and you'll dream about them long after the vacation is over. Now this might sound weird, but when I go to Roy's, as much as I love their seafood, I usually gravitate towards their slow braised charbroiled shortribs. Very tender, very tasty. For dessert, there is only one option for me - the Melting Hot Chocolate Souffle, which is sort of like a warm dense cupcake that oozes warm chocolate fudge when you cut into it. It's their signature dessert, and one that you will regret for the rest of your life if you don't get it! Now here's a little tip - If you get the Prix Fixe menu, you can have an appetizer sampler (which includes a taste of the baby backs), the shortribs (or fish option) AND the killer dessert for a mere $35. That's a great deal! And if for some reason chocolate isn't your thing, you can opt to have the Caramel Macadamia Nut Almond Tart with Vanilla Bean ice cream instead... hey, it's pretty good too. There's no view at Roy's and don't be surprised when you find out it's located in a busy shopping center. It won't matter once you are inside on of Local Wally's favorite restaurants.
LOCAL WALLY RIBS TIP: Pssst - I really like ribs so the last time I went to Roy's I asked if they could do a double order of the appetizers and serve it like an entree, and to my delight they said they actually have a rib dinner that's not on the menu! A full rack of their tasty ribs piled high on the plate, some mashed potatoes and asparagus filled the rest of the plate. At $24, it's a deal. Get this and you won't be sorry. I mean it! Get this if you love ribs!
4. Bertrand at Mr. A's
Local Wally says "wave to the people in the airplanes as they fly by!"
Who is Bertrand and what has he done with Mr. A?
If you visited San Diego in the past, you might remember that there was only one high end restaurant in town - and a rather stuffy one at that - and it was Mr. A's. Located on the 12th floor near downtown, it featured stunning views of Balboa Park, Coronado, and was so close to the flight path that it seemed at times that the airplanes were level with the windows as they prepared to land at Lindberg Field. Well, like most everything else, times change, and for Mr. A's, that;s a good thing.
Bertrand is actually Mr. Bertrand Hug, and he's also the owner of Mille Fleurs, the top rated French restaurant located in ultra-rich Rancho Santa Fe. He turned old sourpuss Mr. A's into a contemporary and more San Diego dining experience. Gone is the "jacket required" rule (who brings a jacket on vacation?) and in it's place is a friendly, nicely upscale yet casual dining experience. And not everything is "foie gras" fancy - you'll find plenty on the menu that's familiar, and all of it prepared by one of the top chefs in the city.
5. Star of the Sea Room
Local Wally says "Wait a second - no fish and chips?"
The Star of the Sea room is the upscale Anthony's. As you might recall, Anthony's is famous for their killer fish and chips. But you won't find them at the Star of the Sea Room, located right next to their Fish Grotto. So you're thinking "can a restaurant famous for fried seafood do upper end elegant dining as well, or is this a big expensive tourist trap?" Hey, would Wally send you to a tourist trap restaurant? No way, and the the Star of Sea Room is everything a fancy and expensive restaurant should be. For starters, the contemporary decor fits well with the impressive view of the bay and the Star of India, the pirate looking sailing ship built in the 1800's. The food is, as expected, first class as well with selections as diverse as seared diver scallops nuzzling a lobster, or chanterelle risotto to a kobe beef filet with blue cheese and potato gratin. Fancy stuff served here, the Star of the Sea room continues to win praise from locals, tourists and food critics alike.
6. The Top of the Market
Wally says "It's the Fish Market's high end restaurant located upstairs!"
The Top of the Market is the fancy version of the Fish Market. In a way, the two restaurants are sort of like a Toyota Camry. The Camry is nice and reliable, like the Fish Market, and offers great performance and value. Take that same Camry and dress it up a bit, add a bigger engine, and now you have a Lexus! Basically the same car, but a major improvement on an already great foundation. That's exactly what they did with the Top of the Market. They started with high quality super fresh fish - the same fish that's served up grilled with fries at the Fish Market - but prepare it elegantly, perhaps with a bit more culinary skill and sauces. Add some nicer presentation and serve it in a white tablecloth environment and you have a winner. Dungeness Crab Louie Salad is awesome. Friendly waiters and waitresses won't make you feel like you're stuck at a fancy dinner at your bosses house. All in all, great packaging and great seafood make this a solid pick for Ultimate Dining.
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There's something about a huge, animitronic singing rat that bugs me. Just because you've got kids doesn't mean you have to walk away from good food served in a good setting when you are on vacation. Local Wally will send you to the top family friendly restaurants that serve good old "american" food - you know, burgers, chicken, pizzas! And look, even if you don't have kids, these top picks are all fine dining for less than $20! Such a deal, such a deal! |
1. Karl Strauss Brewery
Wally says "It's like you stumbled into a secret garden filled with koi ponds... and beer!"
Hidden in a high tech industrial area of San Diego called Sorrento Valley is a gem of a restaurant. You enter the Japanese influence landscaping, turn a corner and the whole thing just opens up like Shangra-La. You're staring at a giant koi pond with waterfalls surrounded by tropical plants and bamboo. You won't believe your eyes! How the heck did they manage to put this paradise in the middle of all these high tech glass buildings?
Welcome to Karl Strauss's Brewery Gardens. The outdoor patio area is perfect for your kids with Attention Deficit Disorder! They'll have fun watching the large koi fish, and you'll have fun tasting the many different microbrews that they make at the restaurant. That's right, this is a family friendly place with lots of high quality beer! Drink more beer and you'll forget that those kids screaming on the other side of the restaurant belong to you! What more can you ask for? Well how about really good food as well? Karl has excellent ribs, great pastas and sandwiches. The only thing I would avoid is, believe it or not, the burger. They use too lean a meat, making the burger a bit on the dry side. Not good eats. But all in all, when you look at your options for family dining, this one rocks. Karl has other locations throughout San Diego with equally good food, but the Brewery Gardens is the one to go to for the ambiance.
2. Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Wally says "Microbrews to keep Dad happy, a trendy cool setting, and great food"
Casual yet trendy, this microbrew restaurant is a beer lover's paradise. This is no beer dive - it's upscale, trendy, young, hip - you get the idea. The menu has everything from burgers to steaks, pizza, pasta and fish, and most entrees run around $15. That's a great deal for such a nice restaurant, and with the money you save you can get yourself a couple of beers. Nice patio, free valet parking. Located in Mission Valley.
3. Pizza Nova
Wally says "Gourmet pizzas in a nice yet casual setting - a real restaurant!"
Pizza Nova cracked the code many years ago as one of the first to create oddly creative woodfired pizzas. Non-traditional toppings such as artichokes and goat cheese on small handmade pizzas, cooked in a real woodfired stove, gave Pizza Nova a near gourmet status - all at reasonable costs. In addition to weird pizzas they have traditional ones for the kids, and incredible salads (try the Chinese Chicken Salad - nice and spicy, just perfect) or any of the pastas, all of them excellent. In fact, get a big salad, a pizza, and a pasta and eat family style. Very good quality, and a kid friendly restaurant. Various locations, with the Point Loma location as my favorite since it boasts views of the harbor.
LOCAL WALLY HOT PIZZA TIP: If you can't find a nearby Pizza Nova, Sammy's Woodfired Pizza or California Pizza Kitchen should do the trick. I would put Pizza Nova as #1 just because it's local, but the best food might be at gourmet pizza chain CPK (darn those large corporations!), especially their odd but tasty duck pizza with hoisin sauce, or their gorgonzola cheese topped chop salad. Try to support our local Pizza Nova, but when if you're hungry and can't wait, Sammy's or CPK will do the trick.
4. Phil's BBQ
Wally says "Possibly the best ribs in San Diego"
Tired of all that expensive gourmet foods where they give you tiny portions on a big plate? Then you need to head over to Phil's BBQ for some of the best BBQ this side of Kansas City. You'll find expertly prepared baby backs, BBQ'd chicken, and plenty of BBQ'd sandwiches. Phil's is a local's favorite and even has transplanted Kansas folks saying this is the BEST BBQ they have ever had - yes, it's that good. Huge baskets of fries and onion rings (call it the "vegetable dish" and no one gets hurt). For less than $19 you get a FULL rack of baby backs and two sides, and half a chicken dinner is less than $9. That's a great price for food this incredible! If you love ribs, you must try Phils. Note new location! No longer on Goldfinch, now on Sports Arena Blvd.
5. Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Wally says "Real pizza made by the same Italian family for years - a San Diego Tradition!"
After so many pizzas from places like Domino's, Pizza Hut, and Papa Johns, it's easy to forget why we all fell in love with pizza in the first place. Thankfully, there's still Filippi's, an authentic pizzaria that still makes pizzas the way they did in the '50's. Filippi's isn't one of those new gourmet Italian places - this is the real deal. Giant plates of spaghetti with meatballs or sausage, homemade lasagne, and Veal Parmigiana (Baked with Mushrooms & Cheese). But of course, you came for the pizza and the moment you sink your teeth into the the gooey mozarella, you'll remember what a real pizza tastes like. Multiple locations, but try to visit the original one on India Street for the full homestyle ambiance, complete with Italian market that you walk though to get to the restaurant in the back. Wonderful!
6. Corvette Diner
Wally says "Best Family Restaurant, perfect if you have screaming kids"
It's Back to the Future (part one, not the weird part 2 or the sappy part 3) when you dine at Corvette Diner, possibly the best '50's styled restaurant ever. You'll feel like you walked into the malt shop at Back to the Future ("McFly, I'm talking to you") - and the sassy waitresses who'll slide into your booth to take your order and toss straws and bubblegum at you make it a fun, family experience. You won't find any fusion food here, but you will find great burgers with all types of creative toppings, diner favorites like meatloaf or chicken fried steak, and of course, fries and shakes. Mom, don't worry, there's beer and wine as well to help you cope with all the noise and the kids! A San Diego favorite, winner of various "best family dining awards". No family? Don't worry. Corvette Diner is a decent place for anyone looking for a fun retro experience. And - the food is very good.
7. Buca di Beppo
Wally says "Noisy Itailian theme restaurant with good food at reasonable prices makes this a good family choice"
Dining a busy Buca di Beppo is a bit like dining at a noisy party where everyone is talking louder than the next person just to be heard. Oh yeah, it's noisy in there! This themed chain restaurant is decorated with lots of kitsch, from photos of big breasted Italian women to a dining table with a statue of the Pope's head. But busy themed restaurants are not unique, so why does this one end up on Local Wally's best list? Because sometimes you just need a reasonably cheap place to eat, and when you want giant salads and family style pasta in a fun, party atomosphere, Buca de Beppo delivers. The fried calamari appetizer is excellent, nice and spicy crunchy.
But let me make sure you understand - Buca's is not the best Italian food in town, but it is a great family destination, especially now that long time favorite Spaghetti Factory is gone. No worries if the kids are too loud or not on their best behavior - they'll fit right in at Buca de Beppo's! Crazy noisy, sort of like eating in a restaurant where everyone is hearing impaired so they yell louder and louder to be heard. But the food is good, portions huge, so ignore the bad raps on Buca on the internet. This is a great family stop.
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Not every meal in San Diego has to cost you an arm and a leg. Oh sure, we have plenty of expensive restaurants. But sometimes it's just fine to grab some fast food and head out to the nearest beach and to just kick back and relax. Thankfully, San Diego has lots of local fast food - food you probably won't find in your hometown, and food that just might be on your list of "best dining" when you get home. So come on, get in the car and let's go drive through and get some good cheap eats! Follow the Wally Rule: No McDonalds on Vacation no matter what! |
1. Roberto's Taco Shops
Local Wally says "Darn good authentic Mexican food - a lot of dinner for not a lot of dinero"
It seems like everywhere you go in San Diego you will see a Roberto's Taco Shop... or did you? Hey wait a second, that's not a Roberto's, that's a Royberto's. Or a Alberto's. Or a Hiliberto's. Loberto's? Wallyberto's? No, you're not going crazy. Roberto's popularity caught on so big that other's copied the formula, and even took part of the name just to keep things cozy.
LOCAL WALLY HOTBERTOS TIP: If you want to know more about 19 or so variations on the Robert's name, and who doesn't, then go to The San Diego Reader for the full story.
So what's good? I start my day with either a breakfast burrito filled with eggs, chorizo and salsa, or the best omlette deal in the city, a cheese omlette with rice and beans and chips and tortillas, all for around $5 bucks. For lunch, I always get the carne asada burrito (spicy beef), but my wife goes for the "lite" burrito (notice "lite" doesn't mean low-cal, it means rice and beans and guacamole, which is hardly my definition of "lite" but who's asking me? Whatever you choose, it's all going to be good. And if you can't find a Roberto's nearby, try that Humberto's or whatever is nearby - it's not the original, but typically surprisingly similar in taste.
2. Rubio's
Local Wally says "The original fish taco"
Don't be ridiculous. Of course you must try a fish taco if you visit San Diego. And, while the image of a fish taco might sound odd, they are actually quite good. Fish tacos are made with battered fried fish, wrapped in a soft tortilla and garnished with cabbage and a white yogurt sauce and salsa. Rubios is where the fish taco craze started. The story is that like many college kids, Ralph Rubio would make the trek to San Felipe during Spring Break to kick back and catch some rays. He discovered a taco shop selling, of all things, fish tacos. The cook showed him how to make them (if only he knew then what we know now), and the rest is history. Now it's your turn - don't leave San Diego without trying a fish taco. Even if you've had them before, you owe it to yourself to try the original.
3. The Brigantine Bar
Local Wally says "Sorry Rubio's but the Brig has the best fish tacos"
Of course, who has the best fish tacos in a town filled with them is a hot debate, but Local Wally loves the fish tacos at The Brigantine restaurant's bar. You can't get them in the regular restaurant for some reason, which is a shame because their regular food is just average. But in the bar, the fish taco's rule. They use oversided pieces of cod cooked with beer batter to crispy perfection. For $2.50 or so, it's a great deal. Get a couple and you have a meal, or add some great clam chowder to fill it out. The bar is family friendly with a cool old "retro" nautical theme, and their house beer (Brig's Brew) is quite tasty. Come during Happy Hour to knock a few bucks off the tab and you got great eats on a budget.
LOCAL WALLY APPETIZERS IN OLD TOWN TIP: If you're stuck in Old Town, the Brig's sister restaurant called Zocolo Grill has great appetizers and a fantastic patio. I heard they just added back the fish tacos to their more upscale bar menu - hurray!
4. In-N-Out Burger
Local Wally says "In-N-Out is what a hamburger's all about"
You cannot leave San Diego without driving through an In-n-Out Burger. In-n-Out created the first drive through restaurant in America in 1948 and the line hasn't let up since. Don't be discouraged if you see lines of cars outside and lines of people inside. The people there know that In-n-Out has perhaps the best burger in the world for a price that is downright cheap. It's definitely worth the wait to get a Double Double (double meat, double cheese), an order of fries that were actually real whole potatoes just minutes before, and a shake or lemondade. Grab a table if you see one or you could end up sitting on the hood of your car. And ask for a free bumper sticker, a sure attention getter back home. The t-shirts are also a great buy for less than $11.
LOCAL WALLY HOT TIP: PSSST! Here's a secret that some locals don't know. In-N-Out actually has a Top Secret Menu! If you want to impress your friends, order one of these:
5. Anthony's Fishette
Local Wally says "What's better than top quality fried seafood sitting in the sun on San Diego Bay?"
Some have said that this is actually their favorite dining experience in San Diego, and I can understand why. Oh sure, the lines to order are long and the food is served on plastic plates, but there's just something fantastic about dining outside on the bay without spending an arm and a leg. Wally's favorites are the fried shrimp and fish and chips (get both the red and the white dipping sauces), and I love the little tables that run alongside the edge of the restaurant like little schooldesks. Add a bottle of Anthony's house wine, served in tiny little bottles, and you're set to go! Man, this is some vacation! There are various Fishettes located in San Diego, but only one that I go to - the original on Harbor Drive.
6. El Indio Taco Shop
Wally says "Famous for their rolled tacos and tamales"
Sometimes I dream about El Indio's rolled tacos and tamales. I dream about how their rolled tacos actually have meat in them, unlike some shops that seem to miss that important part of taco-making. I dream of the tasty real guacamole, unlike that green sauce that mascarades as the real thing. I can almost taste the fresh ingredients in their tamales, and I wonder who put that olive in the middle. Now you might say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. You come to El Indio, and you'll know what I mean.
Located off Highway 5 near the freeway, El Indio is a notch or two above the other taco shops. The quality is higher, the dishes more authentic, yet the prices are still downhome cheap. Dining at one of the tables in what appears to be the middle of an intersection is all part of the charm, or you can eat inside if you can find a spot. Possibly the best Tamales in town, and they serve them up with a bit of chili beans on top (I know, I know, maybe that doesn't sound authentic but it's so damn tasty) and some chips on a bed of lettuce for less than $4 bucks. Love rolled tacos? None better than here. Period. If you love Mexican food, you must dine at El Indio.
7. Porkyland
Wally says "Dangerous neighborhood, fresh carnitas, a winner!"
What the heck is Porkyland? I'm not making this up - this is an "only in San Diego" dining experience and one you might want to consider if you are brave enough, tough enough, adventurous enough, or just hungry for super delicious carnitas. Located in a questionable part of town - sort of under the Coronado Bridge on the San Diego side - it's a tiny little fast food Mexican restaurant guaranteed to make your wife scream "what are we doing here, we're going to get killed!!" But sometimes you have to live dangerously, and in reality it's not that dangerous during the day. Heck, the fat will probably kill you first. And wow, when you walk in and see the kettles of oil cooking the pork, well, you know you've arrived at PORKYLAND! Ultra confusing menu, "authentic" ethnically-correct dining room (ie: dumpy), seating in hot sun outside, well, this isn't fine dining but it's darn good Mexican food. Hmmm, maybe leave the wife and kids in the car and get take out? Good idea. But don't miss Porkyland if you love pork! It's been a local favorite for decades.
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No, I'm not talking plankton. I'm talking seafood, shellfish, crabcakes! You've spent a lot of your vacation watching the fish swim at SeaWorld, the Birch aquarium, even the ocean. That works up quite an appetite watching the fish. What better way to thank them than to eat them? Nearly every restaurant in San Diego has a seafood section, and if they do the business, most will be very good. But the ESSENTIAL SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS focus primarily on seafood, and that means FRESH. |
1. The Fish Market
Wally says "Killer view and freshest fish prepared simply makes this the top pick!"
I know it's not a San Diego exclusive restaurant, but it's still one of the most popular seafood restaurants for locals and tourists alike. There are actually four places to dine at this Fish Market location: the outdoor patio ($$), great for a glass of wine and appetizers, the inside oyster bar ($$) with great sushi, the main "regular" restaurant called The Fish Market ($$$ - $$$$), and the fancy upstairs restaurant called The Top of the Market ($$$$ - $$$$$) already reviewed in the Ultimate Dining section. All of them have great food and an incredible view of the bay, making it Local Wally's Top Seafood Pick and a "must do" dining experience. This is the good life, sipping a chardonnay on the bay on a warm San Diego day.
If you're looking for a great snack or happy hour, the outdoor patio is an excellent place to get a cocktail and appetizers. There's shrimp and crab cocktails, and the fried calimari is enough for 2 or more to share. You'll find Wally sitting outside on a warm sunny afternoon, hanging with the tourists and having as much fun as they are watching the sailboats and seagulls (don't feed them unless you want hundreds of their friends flocking to you and want to meet lots of angry people around you!). And if the weather is too cool to sit outside, the oyster bar is the hangout for fresh sushi and lots of fresh seafood. If eating raw defensless sea creatures is your thing, then you'll be happy to know that the fresh oysters and sushi are excellent.
For a real dinner, I go "inside" to the main Fish Market restaurant. The menu is much more extensive with a large variety of fresh fish and standards like steamed clams and excellent fish and chips (damn good!). Fish is grilled over mesquite, a simple preparation that lets you actually taste the fish and its freshness. The restaurant is nice, but not too fancy. Expect paper placemats and a kid friendly setting. Prices of the various fish vary dramatically, so stick to the red snapper side of the menu if you're on a budget - even the least expensive fish will be excellent. If it's nice outside, try to get one of the tables on the patio. The glass walls will shield you from the wind, and the view of the bay (and most likely an aircraft carrier) is pretty cool. Fantastic sourdough bread, as good as anything in San Francisco. Love creme brulee? This is the place. And the crabcakes? Lots of dungeness crab make these a favorite!
LOCAL WALLY HOT PARKING TIP:
Parking is either valet or quarters in the meters. Bring a ton of quarters (or look for the official "change person" near the front of the restaurant) or be
prepared to take home a not so fun souvenier from San Diego in the form of a parking
ticket. They don't mess around - don't park without paying!
LOCAL WALLY HOT TIP 2:
It can get hot sitting in the sun outside, especially around sunset
time when the sun is right on your face. Check it out before you commit or you may be
drenched by the time your entree arrives.
2. Anthony's
Wally says "Best fish and chips in town at the Grotto and Fishette"
Don't laugh, I like Anthony's, and so do a lot of tourists. Sure, it's not upscale nouvelle cuisine and, OK, it's a few steps below The Fish Market in overall quality and presentation, but the view is good, the prices reasonable, and the fried seafood is excellent. Anthony's has been around so long that it's a San Diego institution, and you can't come here without at least dining at Anthony's once.
There are actually three restauants at the main Anthony's location on Harbor Drive. There's the main "sit down" restaurant, the fancy schmanzy Star of the Sea Room, and the outdoor Fishette. Believe it or not, I usually just go for the Fishette ($$) when I'm in the mood for great fried shrimp or fish and chips. Just get in that big long lime and contemplate the big decision of the day... Should you get all shrimp? All fish? Crabclaws? Oysters? Man, these are important vacation decisions. Thankfully, you can't go wrong with whatever you choose as it's all good. In fact, Anthony's might have the best fried fish and shrimp in the city. It's certainly the best I've had, and I love fish and chips.
The main restaurant, called the Fish Grotto, is like a time warp back to the days when Woolworths still served lunch - or should I say, back when there still was a Woolworths. The waitresses all seem to be at least 60 years old, and the restaurant is sort of cafeteria-like. It's all very charming in a strange way, and the view of the bay is first class. It's the same food as at the Fishette, with the addition of non-fried fresh fish options. Come during lobster season (December to February) and order one of the many local lobster specials and you'll leave very happy. If you're dining with "good restaurant manner challenged children", then this is your place. It's family friendly and loud enough so you won't have to worry about spoiling someone's romantic dinner next to you.
The Star of the Sea Room ($$$$$) is the upscale Anthony's. You won't find fish and chips here, but you will find items such as seared foie gras or squid ink risotto. If you like your food upscale and fancy, and done well, and you have the wallet to support it, this is your place. Critics and foodies love it, but "regular folk" often wish they stayed at the Grotto. Paying on the corporate card? Then go for it!
3. Cafe Pacifica
Wally says "Elegant and upscale, a locals favorite!"
Locals have known for a long time that Cafe Pacifica ($$$$) is the place to go for fresh seafood prepared in a creative way. Think of it this way - for fried seafood, go to Anthony's. For fresh fish tossed on a grill, go to The Fish Market's regular restaurant. But for creative seafood, go to Cafe Pacifica where dishes like Sole stuffed with dungennes crab and rock shrimp are done brilliantly. You won't get a view in their Old Town location, but you will get some of the best seafood in town.
4. Pacifica Del Mar
Wally says "worth the drive to Del Mar to get seafood- and a view - this good!"
Located in the Del Mar Plaza a couple of blocks from the ocean, this upscale restaurant ($$$$) features spectacular views combined with creative Pacific Rim seafood. Head for the patio on a warm evening to watch the sunset. Food is expertly prepared - and fresh. Pepper and Coriander Seared Ahi, Herb encrusted Whitefish... you get the idea. It's food prepared by a chef and plated with elegant presentation. After dinner, walk the shops in the plaza or head to the beach for an evening stroll. For breakfast or lighter meals, the Pacifica Breeze Cafe offers a great patio setting and cheaper prices. Do this restaurant if you are in Del Mar. You won't be disappointed.
5. Point Loma Seafoods
Wally says "You know it's good with lines this long!"
Did Local Wally just send you to a fish market to eat? Well, sort of. Point Loma Seafoods is a combination of fresh fish market, and fast food eatery. Expect a busy and chaotic experience as people push towards the counter like they're at a Who concert. Don't be too pushy, but don't be shy either or you'll never make it to the front. Menu's are on the wall (how convenient!) so be ready to order when you get to the front. The fish and chips are actually better at Anthony's, so go for something different - you can't beat the crab or calamai sandwiches. Grab a spot at a picnic table in back, or head outside for some of that famous San Diego sunshine to go with your fresh seafood. A great lunch spot, or grab some dinner to go (they close at 6:30) and head out to the beach for a sunset picnic.
6. Jakes Del Mar
Wally says "It's like dining in Hawaii, San Diego style"
Jakes is Dukes. Dukes is Kimo's. Kimo's is Hula Grill. Hula Grill is Keoki's Paradise. Hey, wait a second Wally, you've got me all confused! Well, let me explain. If you've been to Hawaii, you probably know some of the restuarants I mentioned above. They all look sort of the same, and all serve up great seafood and steaks. They typically are not best in class for food quality, but the combination of view and above average cuisine make them a winning package. Jakes Del Mar follows in that same template - they offer great food for around the $25 per person range, and is one of the few restaurants that sits right on the beach. A sunset dinner is just what the doctor ordered to relieve your stress, so head to Dukes - I mean Jakes - and kick back to a great dining experience.
7. Kings Fish House
Wally says "family friendly with lots of oyster choices, and killer mac and cheese"
All right, I know it's a chain! But Wally isn't sending you to no Joe's Crab Shack ("pa-leeeze") but rather a damn good choice if you're looking for a family friendly seafood restaurant. Kings is one of those themed restaurants that seem to sprout up like weeds in the suburbs. You know what I mean - it's the kind of place where they might nail up old license plates on the walls. Servers are typically college kid types versus professional waiters. But before you deselect Kings, know that the food is top notch tasty. If you like raw oysters, they have a full oyster menu with a dozen or so different choices. Until Kings, I never realized how different the various oysters could taste. Moving on to the entrees, you get lots of fresh fish choices and a few standout standards, such as the spicy New Orleans BBQ'd shrimp, served over rice, and my favorite, sanddabs breaded Italian style and lightly fried until golden brown and delicious. When it comes to choosing your side dishes, the mac and cheese is outstanding and not to be missed, no matter how goofy it sounds. Cheap eats in the bar, with selections such as shrimp po-boy sandwiches.
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With Mexico right down the street from San Diego, you can bet that we have great Mexican food. Don't waste your time at corporate giants like El Torito or On the Border - Local Wally wouldn't be caught dead on one of those places, and neither should you when you have so many other choices. What happened to Old Town? Good question. Once a great place for visitors to get their first taste of somewhat real Mexican food, our friendly government officials decided to SELL OUT Bazaar del Mundo and put in a new concessionaire who decided to change everything. Gone are some of your favorites like Casa de Bandini or Casa de Pico, replaced with new restaurants that appear to be a sad substitution for what once was. That's progress, I guess. But don't worry - Wally's been busy finding you new places to get your Mexican food fix. |
1. Old Town Mexican Cafe
Wally says "Voted by many locals and tourists as the best Mexican food in town"
What a crackup! I was watching the Food TV network the other night and they did a bit where they find this great local Mexican restaurant called Old Town Mexican Cafe - like it was some sort of secret. That's pretty insane because OTMC is about as famous as a Mexican restaurant can get in San Diego. Famous for their picture window where you can watch the Mexican women (real Mexican women, not "actors"!) making tortillas as well as their carnitas (shredded pork that you fill your homemade tortilla with), Old Town Mexican Cafe wins just about every "best of" poll and is a "must do" sort of restaurant. You'll find plenty on the menu, but carnitas is the specialty and the only thing I get when I dine there. Order a plate and they'll bring you rice and beans, a plate with cilantro, onions, limes and avocado, and a basket of their tortillas (corn or flour). Be a local and ask for their hotter salsa - it's free for the asking, as are the baskets of chips and salsa (really good chips, too). Great food, fair prices, convenient location. If you only dine at one Mexican restaurant, make it OTMC.
2. Ortega's
Wally says "Pssst - here's a hot one in Ocean Beach that tourists don't know about!"
You've been to Old Town and fought for a parking space, fought to put your name in for a table, and waited what seemed like forever just to get a taco. There has to be a better way, right? There is - go where the locals go, which means a little neighborhood Mexican restaurant in Ocean Beach called Ortega's. This family run business was started in 1995 with a good idea - to be different from all the other taco shops in town by preparing fresh Mexican food using only the best ingrediants. Gourmet Mexican? You be the judge. Chile Rellenos filled with calamari, lobster enchilas with a creamy chipoltle sauce with capers, fish prepared veracruz style... flavors almost jump off the plate. Of course, lots of traditional Mexican food as well. Like tamales? They make them right here - and they're darn good. Opens at 8 for breakfast and closes at 10PM.
3. Fidel's Little Mexico (Solana Beach)
Wally says "Worth a trip up the coast!"
In a town where people get downright religious about their Mexican food, a restaurant that's been going strong for over 40 years is a good sign that they know what they're doing. Hidden away in a Hispanic neighborhood by the coast is a converted house that makes unpretentious and authentic Mexican food. I can't resist their fluffy chile rellenos (egg dipped chile filled with cheese and then deep fried to perfection and topped with a red sauce) - I've tried them all over town and Fidel's wins hands down. Great carnitas as well. In fact, if you're hungry enough get the combo of a chile relleno and a carnitas taco, served with rice and beans, and I bet you'll become a Fidel's disciple like the rest of us locals. Crab enchiladas are also popular, but really, I've yet to have anything at Fidel's that wasn't top notch delicious. Worth the drive - busy as heck during weekend dine time, so come early and enjoy a couple of margaritas and some of their superb salsa to warm things up. Wally suggests you skip the "house" margarita and go for the "original" or better (see their margarita menu for the compete guide of options), and get them on the rocks, not frozen like a slurpee.
LOCAL WALLY HOT TACO TIP: If the lines are too long at Fidels, and sometimes they just are too damn long, then go next door to Tony's Jacal, a good second choice... but know that it IS second choice! If Tony's is too crowded, or if you just don't want to hassle any lines, go down the street further to Don Chuy's" (pronounced "chewie", like the Wookie). Don Chuy's is where Wally goes when he just wants to get good food with no wait. Ask Alice to make you a Perfect Margarita and get the Lupita's Plate of chicken or pork sauteed with nopales (tender cactus) - quite tasty and really, really cheap!
LOCAL WALLY HOT TACO TIP 2: Fidel's has a nicer restaurant in Carlsbad called Fidel's Norte. Partial ocean view from some tables, but the food is what it's all about. Killer patio dining for both lunch and dinner on a warm night. Walk to the beach after you dine. Nice plan, Wally. It's located at 3003 Carlsbad Boulevard, Carlsbad,
(760) 729 0903
4. Las Olas (Cardiff area)
Wally says "Go north to find Baja!"
Take a drive on historic Highway 101 along the coast to find Las Olas, an unassuming ocean view restaurant that has the look and feel of a Baja surfer's hangout. That's because Cardiff is one of the local surfers hotspots, so you'll find plenty of locals dining here after a day on the waves. Las Olas is most famous for their Puerto Nuevo Style Lobster, served during the winter months from around December until February. If you are lucky enough to be visiting during the holidays, a stop at Las Olas is mandatory just for the lobster. It's spiced up Mexican style and fried in the shell, then served with rice, beans, and tortillas. You gotta try it if you've never had it, and once you do you'll be hooked. Besides lobster, Las Olas has some excellent carnitas (shredded port) and fish tacos. A great lunch deal are their taco platters, which have rice, beans, your entree of fish or meats, and tortillas - it's suppose to be a big meal for one, but you can easily split it for a lighter meal - it's still plenty of food, especially if you just ate a basket of their free chips and salsa. As with most Mexican restaurants, avoid the "house" margarita and upgrade at least one notch. Always on the rocks. Always with salt. Try to get a table on the patio, which faces the ocean, if you arrive before the sun sets. Avoid the tables that are down the hallway on the side as those lead to the restrooms.
Las Olas also has a second location in Carlsbad that has equally good food and a nice sidewalk view setting. I prefer the original with the ocean view, of course.
LOCAL WALLY LOBSTER TIP: OK, if you really want lobster the best place is still Puerto Nuevo in Mexico, about an hours drive south of the border. Next in line is La Olas, but remember that they only have these during the winter season. If you really want to try this epicurean crustacean delight but don't want to travel, give Ortega's Bistro a shot. Located in Hillcrest area, it certainly is convenient. But Wally's recent visit gives it a mild thumbs up - not the best in town, but good enough. Lobsters are a bit small, salsa a bit watered down, margaritas could use another shot of tequila. But worth a try - just lower expectations a hair.
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To me, vacation means adventure, so get out of your comfort zone and let's go explore some of the great Asian restaurants in San Diego. If you're thinking of dumpy "Chop Suey" places with canned crunchy noodles, you're in for a big surprise. If you love authentic Chinese food like dim sum, if you love upscale sushi bars filled with a lively attitude, if you want funky hole in the wall "locals only" joints, you've come to the right place. Our large Asian population guarantees that the food is authentic, and Local Wally will point you to the right spots so you'll get a meal worthy of your chopsticks skill. Want to explore the various Asian restaurants on your own? Head over to the area where Balboa Ave. intersects with Convoy Street and you'll find blocks and blocks of authentic Asian dining. It's not fancy (expect car lots next to restaurants), but it's the real deal. |
1. Emerald Seafood (Chinese)
Wally says "Strangest brunch you'll have on your vacation!"
If you love dim sum like Local Wally loves dim sum, the place to go is Emerald Seafood. What's authentic dim sum? What's dim sum? OK, OK, a quick lesson for the uninitiated. Dim Sum is like little appetizers served for brunch or lunch. The most basic is an egg roll or potsticker. At a dim sum restaurant, you sit at a table and they roll around carts filled with food, sort of like a street vendor. The food is kept hot in these steaming carts and each cart will stop at your table and show you what they have. If you want it, they'll put a small plate of it on your table (usually with 3 pieces) and you hand them the card on your table. They'll stamp the card, which is how they will charge you in the end. Because you just want a taste of each one, have them cut each piece in half, which they will do with scissors. There will be soy sauce, hot mustard, and chile sauce to dip your bite in - be aware that the mustard and chile sauce are very spicy!
That's really all there is to it - lots of little bites until you get full. It's sort of like going to Costco and eating all the samples! Each plate is charged separately, and some are more than others, but forget about trying to figure out what costs what and just order whatever looks good - it rarely comes to over $15 per person, and that's only if you are starving hungry. If you've never done this, avoid the really weird stuff like chicken feet (it's OK, I avoid those too) and stick to the following:
What you might notice is that a lot of the various Dim Sum starts looking like the same ingredients in a different wrapper. That's when it gets fun as you get your nerve up and start trying the variations. If this is getting too adventurous, look for the cart with noodles (sort of like a chow mein noodle dish) or the garlic shrimp still in the shell that you peel and eat. Or - grab the regular menu and order a few dishes off of that and do a bit traditional, and a bit dim sum.
Local Wally likes Emerald because it's nice inside, the servers are very friendly even though their English is just so-so, the carts arrive fast and furious, and the quality is excellent. Don't be intimindated - it's really quite fun. Emeralds only serves dim sum for brunch or lunch - for dinner it's back to the traditional, and yes, the food at dinner is equally authentic and good. Don't be afraid when you pull into the lot and see what looks like a business building with Emerald on it! It's nice inside - really!
2. Jasmine Seafood Restaurant (Chinese)
Wally says "Did I get off the plane in Hong Kong?"
Considered by some to be the best Chinese food in town, going to Jasmine is like dining in a giant Hong Kong restaurant. Unless you're Chinese (and can speak it), you'll instantly feel out of place - but that's all part of the fun. Dim Sum for brunch is excellent (though the size of the restaurant makes it sometimes a long wait between carts), but the real attraction is the food during dinnertime - like table carved Peking Duck! You'll find plenty of well known dishes like Kung Pao Chicken, but get adventurous and try some less well known dishes, such as their Chow Fun noodles (fat rice noodles, very slippery) or braised albalone with black mushrooms. It's busy, it's chaotic, but it's very authentic and very tasty.
3. Panda Inn (Chinese)
Wally says "Great Chinese in an upscale restaurant at the Horton Plaza Mall!"
Forget the Panda Express, the fast food version of Panda Inn. OK, it's not that Express is bad, but it's not the same thing as dining at Panda Inn. Panda Inn is what started the whole thing going, and their reputation was built on serving up authentic Chinese food in a "fancy restaurant" sort of setting. So no hanging laterns, no plastic table cloths. But it's not fancy in a trendy chic way, but a nice way, making this a great family restaurant as well. Located at the Horton Plaza shopping mall, the outdoor seating is prime on a warm summer night. Sweet and Pungent Shrimp is my favorite dish there - lightly fried shrimp tossed on a spicy sweet sauce served along with vegetables. Very nice Hot and Sour soup. So Panda isn't as "authentic" as Jasmine, but it's also not as Americanized as PF Chang's, so it's a nice compromise and a good bet if you looking for a nice Chinese restaurant with authentic food.
4. PF Chang's China Bistro (Chinese, sort of)
Wally says "Americanized Chinese served in an ultra trendy setting!"
What a formula for success. Put a hot hostess in front to greet the people, add a modern sexy setting, and limit the menu to items that most people have heard of - and that's PF Chang's. But let me be honest for a moment. If you have a PF Chang's in your hometown, skip it. It's the McDonalds of Chinese food - come on, I'm telling the truth! PF Changs is more about setting than food, about experience than authenticity. That said, if you have NEVER been, then it's definitely worth a stop. Best items are the Lettuce Wrap appetizers (lettuce leaf stuffed with minced chicken and a spicy sauce), the Kung Pao Shrimp (a standout) and the Mongolian Beef. PF Chang's also has some truly terrible dishes - Coconut Curry Vegetables is a guaranteed disappointment, and their Singapore Noodles are a disaster (someone please buy the chef a cookbook!). But that's OK - it's still a great experience. Besides, the long waits prove that Local Wally doesn't know everything... :-) Arrive early during dine times. Lunch crowds are huge anytime after 11:45, and forget about it if it's already 6:30 and you are just thinking of showing up.
4. Sushi on the Rock (Japanese Sushi)
Wally says "It's sushi kicked up a couple of notches!"
You'll find plenty of decent sushi bars in San Diego due to the abundant availability of fresh seafood. It's not hard to find decent spicy tuna handrolls, or fresh Ama Ebi (poor shrimp didn't know what hit him). If you know of a small sushi house that someone told you is great, then go. But if you're looking for a sushi adventure, Sushi on the Rock might be your ticket. I have to admit, at first I was a bit put off by Sushi on the Rock because it looked a bit like a PF Chang's concoction, but the melding of cool setting with newly creative sushi works as well as a perfectly executed Caterpiller Roll. Look, don't freak out here! If you love sushi, then Sushi on the Rock in La Jolla is a great place to try some new sushi creations. Where else can you find sushi with names like Baby Conehead or Monkey Balls? (I'll let you figure out what those are). It's all extremely well done, and the creativeness is fun and inventive. So what if the Sushi chef speaks better Spanish than Japanese? It's all about the packaging, and Sushi on the Rock is a great experience with great food. Be prepared for a small, noisy, trendy restaurant. If you're in North County, there's a second location in Encinitas area. Try to get in at the Happy Hour and dine off their inexpensive appetizer menu, featuring the 911 Handroll (spicy tuna) for about as much as a good fish taco - what a deal!
5. Sushi Ota (Japanese Sushi)
Wally says "Sushi for Purists!"
At first you might think that Local Wally sent you to a car parts store when you pull up to Sushi Ota. It's unassming, unpretentious, and perhaps the exact opposite of trendy Sushi on the Rock. This is not the place to see and be seen, it is not the trendy singles pickup sushi bar, but it is the place to go for excellent sushi prepared traditionally. So forget fusion sushi, and let's get back to basics. Freshes seafood. Artistic presentation. This is Sushi Ota, worth seeking out if you love sushi. Remember - it's not going to be fancy, and your wife and kids will want you to turn around when you pull into the parking lot behind the 7/11, but if you are seeking top notch traditional sushi, you found it. Great for lunch - make reservations for dinner.
LOCAL WALLY HOT SUSHI TIP: If you love Sushi Ota and are looking for more top notch traditional sushi, try Sushi Bar Nippon (532 Fourth Ave., San Diego, 619-544-9779) in the Gaslamp area. A long time favorite, this tiny sushi bar restaurant has it's fair share of loyal fans who swear this is the best in town.
6. O-Nami Seafood Buffet and Todai Sushi and Seafood Buffet (Sushi)
Wally says "All you can eat sushi and seafood? This is sushi if Walmart was in charge!"
Let's get serious - sushi is expensive. But you won't worry about having to tap into your kid's college fund just to get another spicy tuna roll at either of these two "all you can eat" sushi restaurants. OK, its not "best of the best" sushi, but if you're looking for mass quantities of raw seafood plopped on a ball of rice, this is your place. And guess what? When you're craving sushi or Asian style food on a budget, then there's not one but two places you can go - O-Nami's or Todai, both in the Mission Valley area. You'll find a full Asian buffet with everything from sushi to tempura shrimp to udon noodles to Chinese food to desserts... you get the idea. Sushi quality is very good, perhaps not the "best you've ever had", but when it's "all you can eat" you drop your standard a notch, right? Besides, who can complain about all you can eat crab legs for dinner? Lots of cooked food for the less adventurous. High turnover eliminates fear of day old seafood (bad, bad). Fun cafeteria setting :-) So it's not going to be fancy, but it will be nice and neat and clean, and no one leaves hungry. Lunch is a good deal with the lower prices, but no crab until dinner. Dinner is a bit higher than the $20 spot, but you don't have to tip (not much, anyway) since it's a buffet, so it perhaps all comes out in the wash?
So which is better? Todai or O-Nami? To tell you the truth, they are both so similar that even Local Wally gets them mixed up! I'll give Todai a nod as it's a bit bigger, but they are so similar that either is fine. O-Nami is located in the less than exciting Mission Valley Shopping Mall, and Todai is down the street in a stand-alone restaurant.
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It happens. You're on vacation dining on some of the best foods of your life. Every night is a new experience, and every meal is a delight. And then you hit the wall. You want something familiar, something satisfying, something comforting No, I'm not talking about a Spider Roll or a bowl of Menudo, I'm talking Italian, and if you want Itailian, you're in luck. It's almost as if the Italian restauranters are competing with Starbucks for how many new locations they can open, and that's good for visitors looking for some pasta. One of the best ways to get your pasta fix is to walk the Gaslamp District or Little Italy Area and use your nose to find your dinner. Just walk around and sniff the air (try to be discreet) until you find the aroma of roasting garlic, and follow it until you find your destination. There's plenty to choose from, and bad restaurants don't last long in busy Gaslamp or authentic Little Italy. Of course, if you want a sure thing, just follow Wally to his favorite Italian restaurants. |
1. Piatti La Jolla
Wally says "Dine outside under a giant ficus tree in a romantic courtyard!"
Wally loves Piatti's. It's a neighborhood sort of place - nice, casual, and as comfortable as an old pair of jeans. You'll feel instantly at home in this casually trendy restaurant, welcomed by the smell of the woodfired stove and the sounds of happy diners. For years Piatti's has been my top pick for great Italian food in a nice setting. And don't be worried that the La Jolla address means heavy traffic and fancy prices. Piatt's is located away from the crowds in a real La Jolla neighborhood, so parking is easier and prices are reasonable.
There's so much good food on the menu, but the standout starter is the Frito Misto, which is lightly battered and fried calamari, rock shrimp and vegetables. Make sure you grab one of those tasty shrimps before they're all gone. The pescatore linguine with fresh clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari and fish is another standout, and the rotisseried lemon herb chicken, served with mashed potatoes, is one of my favorite entrees. (Don't let the waiter talk you into the chicken breast cooked under a brick - it's not as good). Whenever possible, try to sit in one of the outside tables under the ficus tree. Heat lamps keep it nice and warm outside, making it a perfectly romantic setting.
2. Trattoria I Trulli
Wally says "Up the coast in Encinitas is a slice of authentic Italy!"
Like a European cafe, it's going to be noisy and the tables are going to be close, but that doesn't stop the locals from packing Trattoria I Trulli night after night. Located 20 miles up the coast in the beach town of Encinitas, I Trulli is the real deal serving up big plates of authentic Italian entrees in a lively, festive setting. The house salad has a wonderful dressing - I'm no expert, but is that a hint of raspberry in that vinegarette? Entrees are big enough to split. My favorites range from the basic Capellini alla Checca (Fresh tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella tossed with angel hair pasta) to the more complex Farfalle alla Vodka con Salmone (Bowtie pasta tossed with fresh salmon sauted in vodka and a creamy tomato sauce). Listen to the daily specials as they are often the best on the menu.
Very busy at dine time, so make a reservation or call ahead to get your name on the list. Outside tables for 2 on the tiny patio make for great sidewalk dining (though be ready for the street noise as you are on the old Highway 101). Fabulous for lunch on a warm day when they open up the front windows. I know, I've read some less than perfect reviews on I Trulli on the internet, but you have to trust me on this - it's one of San Diego's best. Remember - noisy and crowded!
LOCAL WALLY HOT SISTER SISTER RESTAURANT TIP: If the drive to Encinitas is too much to ask, then head over to their sister restarant in Little Italy (close to Old Town) called Buon Appetito or their wine and appetizer restaurant called Sogno DiVino, a fun alternative dining option and great for wine lovers.
3. Arrivederci
Wally says "Packed and crowded, an authentic and cozy Italian restaurant!"
Like Trattoria I Trulli, Arrivederci is a busy and jam packed little neighborhood eatery that features some of the best Italian food this side of Italy - or at least this side of Encinitas. The similarities between the two restaruants is amazing, from the ultra close tables to the ultra delicious food to the, yes, same owner. But don't think "chain" restaurant a la Macaroni Grill - this is a unique and authentic restaurant serving up honest food. Italian speaking waiters can sometimes feel pretentious, but in Arrivederci it just seems fitting and friendly. Excellent woodfired pizzas with gourmet toppings and even a children's menu. Long waits, so make reservations.
4. Jack & Guilio's
Wally says "A longtime favorite Itailan restaurant in, yes, Old Town!"
When most people think of Old Town, they think of Mexican food. But right in the heart of the land of tacos is a nice Italian restaurant called Jack & Guilio's. Their Scampi is their signature dish, but at $25 it's a bit pricey for me. I lean towards the more basic (and cheaper) pasta dishes, like the $10 plate of Spaghetti with Bolognese sauce, made with their homemade pasta. 40 years in business and still going strong, Jack & Guilio's is the place for a centrally located, high quality and nice Italian dinner.
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Believe it or not, when Wally first moved to San Diego, there were actually cows in Mission Valley. That's right, the same Mission Valley that's pretty much cemented over ("we've sealed in the freshness") was once a huge cow pasture. In fact, there used to be cows right down the street from my house along the coast until 5 years ago. Perhaps it's progress, or perhaps we discovered how tasty they are! I don't know about you, but when I go on vacation I have to dine at least once at a good steakhouse, and luckily for you San Diego has plenty. Now remember, just about every good restauant has steaks, and any top end restaurant will have top end steaks. But for this section, let's kick it up a notch and go to the places that specialize in cooking steaks and other cuts. |
1. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
Wally says "Like Ruth's Chris, only better!"
Everyone loves Ruth's Chris when you're on a business trip, and yes, San Diego has a couple of RC's if you're in the mood. But when Wally's paying the bill, I'm partial to Fleming's, which serves up the same Ruth's Chris quality in a friendlier atmosphere for a couple of bucks less. Oh sure, it's not cheap dining at Fleming's, but once you get a taste of the ribeye you'll know you made the right choice. The dining room is "dress nice casual", with a good talkative noise level that sounds like people having a great time dining on great food. Get your wine by the glass - they have over 100 different selections so you're sure to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds. And the shoestring potatoes - man, I love those things!
Two Fleming's locations, one in Gaslamp and the other in the La Jolla Aventine complex off Highway 5. Both are equally nice, with the advantage of Gaslamp being you can walk around and see the sights after dining.
When you get to this caliber of steakhouse, you take it for granted that it's going to be an awesome cut of meat, flavorful and melt in your mouth tenderness. What sets Donovan's apart is the precision execution and attention to detail. The dining room is everything you expect in a high end steakhouse - it's rich feeling opulent, yet not stiff and stuffy. The prime rib is one of the star atractions, served only on Fridays and until they run out, which is often early in the night. Expect thick juicy steaks and a large wine selection. Prices are as high as you might expect (around $30 per steak), but Donovan's bucks the trend of pure a la carte dining and actually provides you with a vegetable and, yes, a potato option with each steak, saving you at least 5 bucks per person. Whoo hoo!
3. Rainwater's on Kettners
Wally says "A local steakhouse serving up top steaks for over 20 years!"
Today, steakhouses serving up expensive cuts are all the rage, but it wasn't long ago that Rainwaters stood alone as the only high end steakhouse in San Diego. They perservered through all the various food trends (Southwest dining, anyone?) for one reason, and one reason only - they have great steaks. It's in the same caliber as the other top end steakhouses and features not only top quality steaks, but excellent seafood as well - try the bacon wrapped scallops stuffed with crabmeat. Oh yeah, it's way expensive. How about a $50 T-bone? But the cuts are so generous that it's easy to split a steak between two hungry eaters and still feel like you got plenty. Elegant setting, superb wine list, considered one of the top steakhouses in the country by Gourmet Magazine - and Local Wally.
4. Rei Do Gado
Wally says "Here's a weird one - all you can eat Brazillian BBQ!"
First off, this is not a high end steakhouse a la Ruth's Chris or Flemings. It's an "all you can eat" Brazillian BBQ place where servers bring out skewers of just rotisseried meats to your table and slice pieces for you right on your plate. Here's how it works - once seated, you make your way to the killer salad bar which not only has salads but lots of fruits, cheeses, olives, soups, and other deluxe items. Personally, my strategy is to go very lightly on the salad bar ("I'll get some later, honey") and save my appetite for the meats, but I will admit the salad bar is first class with tons of options, from fruit to soup and everything in between. Use restraint! Once you sit back down, you'll notice a "chip" with a red side and a green side. Red means "No more Meat", and green means "More, more, more!". You'll want the green side. For sure, green.
Like magic, servers will start arriving at your table with huge skewers of meats like bacon wrapped beef filets, baby back ribs, pork loin, beef ribs, tri-tip, lamb, chicken, and juicy beef roasts. You want some, they cut you some. You want more, you get more. But quantity means nothing if the quality is no good, and the quality at Rei Do Gado will not disappoint. The meats have just the right seasonings to make the flavors pop, and the rotisserie retains the juciness of the high quality cuts. Simply put, the food is outstanding.
Rei Do Gado is a nice restaurant with tablecloths, so it's no cafeteria dive. A bit pricey for dinner (around $35 per person), but lunch (with a limited menu) is around $14 per person and well worth it. Located across the street from Horton Plaza, so park at the mall and save yourself the headache of trying to find a place to park on the street.
LOCAL WALLY HOT RUTH'S CHRIS TIP: I didn't put Ruth's Chris on this guide because it just seems too obvious, but that doesn't mean I don't recommend it. I mean, come on, everyone KNOWS that RC's has a consistatly great steak, and no one does that steak sizzle better than RC when the red hot steak hits the scorching hot plate drizzled with butter. (TIP: When they say "hot plate", don't do what Wally does and touch it just to make sure!) There are two RC's in SD, but the one by the harbor across the street from the Star of India ship is my favorite. If you've dined at Ruth's on business, you should skip it here and do something different. But hey, if you've never had a Ruth's Chris steak, you can't go wrong. Del Mar location as well, but more of a businessman's setting than a romantic one.
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One of Wally's favorite things to do is to dine at one of our open air restaurants that have an ocean view. There's just something so San Diego about outdoor dining with an ocean breeze that you have to make sure you take the time to experience this. In fact, most visitors make the mistake of trying to dine ocean view at dinner time, which is a mistake because 1) dinner is more expensive, 2) dinner is more crowded so you most likely won't get a good seat anyway, and 3) once the sun goes down, so does the view. So take it from Wally - do lunch and do it outside at one of my favorites and I will guarantee that you'll have a great experience. |
1. Poseidon Del Mar
Wally says "Right on the beach makes this the #1 pick"
Poseidon Del Mar wins the BEST OCEAN VIEW LUNCH category with it's "right on the beach" location and breezy casual style. The indoor dining room is nice and trendy, but the real action happens when you go outside on their covered patio that sits right on the beach. You jump over the short wall and you're in sand, but stay in the restaurant to dine on some of the best lunch food in town. My favorite? The Calamari sandwich is killer and best in town, and the appetizer menu with Dungeness Crab Cakes and Steamer Clams when combined with great sourdough bread make great entrees as well. Fish and Chips are so-so (remember, I am the expert on F&C), so go fish tacos if you want fried fish. Very nice crab and shrimp salad makes a great light lunch, and steak torta is way better than a burger! Come on a sunny day, and don't forget to look for dolphins or whales in the surf. Take a walk on the beach after lunch for the ultimate San Diego experience.
2. George's at the Cove's Ocean Terrace Bistro
Wally says "Overlooks La Jolla Cove for a stunning memorable view"
A longtime Local Wally favorite, George's Ocean Terrace Bistro, located at the top level of their high end restaurant, continues to delight tourists and locals alike with the picture postcard perfect view of La Jolla Cove. It is the quintessential San Diego dining experience, so put this one on your MUST DO list. Getting a table on the edge of the glass wall is the ultimate, allowing you to watch the snorkelers and kayakers below - and look, is that a whale off in the distance? Maybe, maybe... Plenty of great food to choose from - the smoked chicken and black bean soup is their signature, and the ever popular fish tacos are grilled, not fried. Burgers are a bit of a disappointment (too lean, too dry), so avoid the obvious and go for something different like the Penne Pasta with braised lamb shoulder, artichokes, roasted tomatoes, olives and minted ricotta cheese - it's a knockout! Beautiful people, beautiful setting, Georges Ocean Terrace is a "can't miss" lunch experience and a good choice for a moderately priced upscale dinner as well.
3. Sheerwater, Hotel Del Coronado
Wally says "Will make you feel like you're rich and famous!"
The view is not as drop dead gorgeous as George's, nor is it "on the beach" fantastic like Poseidon, but there's just something about having lunch at Sheerwater's at the Hotel Del Coronado that makes you feel, well, extravagant. Sheerwater faces the Pacific, overlooking the expansive grassy grounds of the Del and the white sandy beach. Food is pricey - I don't know about you, but $24 for grilled salmon for lunch is a bit out of my range - but you can drop down a notch and get a great Reuben sandwich or pizza in the $16 to $17 range, which is quite reasonable when you factor in the setting. Great place for watching the world and your fellow tourists go by (wave to them). After lunch, a walk around the historic hotel is a lot of fun, and an ice cream or whacky martini (your choice, they're both good!) on the sundeck just makes sense, doesn't it?
4. The Beach House (Cardiff)
Wally says "Waves so close they sometimes overspray the patio!"
Talk about truth in advertising. The Beach House is actually located on the beach with waves at high tide sometimes crashing on the boulders put along the patio's edge. Located about 20 miles up the coast on historic Highway 101, if The Beach House got any closer to the ocean it would be in the water. Make sure you eat outside on the patio - the inside dining room is a bit outdated, but the outside is ocean view perfect. Lots of good choices for lunch - try the inexpensive clam chowder served in a hollowed out bowl made of sourdough bread ($6) as a filling entree, and for less than $15 you can get a plate of fresh, grilled fish. Sandwiches and burgers and salads as well. The burgers are so-so, so only go that direction if you must. Personally, I stick to the fresh fish and have had consistantly good results. Nice Coconut Shrimp (fried shrimp batterred with tempura and coconut with a spicy sweet Asian sauce) is a standout appetizer. You'll have to ask for it as it is not on the menu (they offer it upstairs on the patio, or with tempura scallops, but not separately). Skip the desserts - not their strong point.
You can also go upstairs to the patio for a birds eye view of the surf. The upstairs patio has a different menu and features two of my favorite appetizers, a crab stuffed artichoke and the already mentioned coconut shrimp tempura, both done quite well, as well as the same clam chowder served in the same sourdough bowl for a buck or so less than downstairs. Unfortuately for non-smokers, The Beach House allows smoking on the upstairs patio (using a bit of a loophole in California's tough No Smoking in restaurants law) - big bummer as the smoke can get trapped and one cigarette can ruin it for everyone. Look around before you take a seat if smoking bothers you. If you miss lunch, come upstairs for dinner and enjoy live music Thursday through Sunday.
5. C Level
Wally says "Want to start that vacation asap? Get off the plane and head staight to C Level"
Located literally a few minutes from the airport parking lot, you might think this place is either a tourist trap with a lousy view and diesel fumes in the air. Wrong! C Level joins Wally's list of "BEST VIEW" lunch dining and is highly recommended due to its location, food, ambiance, and overall experience. Located on the San Diego Bay, it faces Coronado and features a view of sailboats and sunshine. The setting is upscale, yet casual enough for jeans. Lots of WOW factor, lots of ambiance, you won't be disappointed with the setting. Now the food.... Mmmm, this is good stuff. It's owned by the Cohn Restaurant Group, and to be honest, Local Wally thinks that sometimes the chefs at Cohn focus too much on presentation and not enough on taste. But this is not the case at C Level - the food both looks good, and tastes good, and the quantities are "Midwest Adequate" (none of that big plate syndrome where you get a huge plate with one bite in the middle and lots of BAM!) Great pastas, but the Kobe Beef Burger, while expensive at nearly $20, is so darn good that you'll tell your friends about it. Split it and share that and an appetizer to keep costs down, and there will still be plenty of food. Great view, great food, great location, go to C Level if you can. It's really, really good!
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It's not hard to find breakfast - just look downstairs in your resort or down the street from your hotel and I bet you'll find decent bacon and eggs somewhere. But brunch, now that's a different matter. If finding that perfect breakfast takes you nearly until lunchtime, let's call it Brunch and let's do it right! Scope out your hotel first, and if that doesn't suit you then follow me to my favorite Brunch Spots! |
1. Brockton Villa (La Jolla)
Wally says "Wake up and smell the ocean!"
Brockton Villa is a true destination restaurant. Located right on La Jolla Cove, the views are every bit as awesome as at the Five Star dinner joints up the street, perhaps even better because you're closer to the water. Built in an old beach cottage, this place screams "charm", from the inside living room converted into a dining room to the outside patio with the best views. And leave it to Brockton to do things a bit differently. The "Steamer eggs" are actually cooked with steam with an espresso machine - it'll make you feel like you're dining healthy. Me, I go for the Coast Toast, which is sort of like a souffle, sort of like French Toast. There's traditional omlettes as well to keep everyone happy.
2. Hotel Del Coronado Sunday Brunch
Wally says "Unlike anything you've ever done!"
On Sunday, the place for brunch is the Hotel Del Coronado Crown Room. This giant hall of a room will make you feel like royalty (hey, the chandaliers are giant crowns!), and yes, the food matches the opulence. I'm not going to kid you - this is going to be an expensive meal (figure $55 per person for adults and $22 for kids), but when was the last time you had "all you can eat" crab legs, oysters, and bloody mary's? There's even a Dim Sum table (remember my din sum lesson in the Asian dining section?), as well as sushi, tamales, prime rib, and yes, eggs and made to order omlettes. This is dining fit for a king, a once in a lifetime sort of experience that you'll be talking about for a long time when you get home. Even if you don't dine there, you have to at least stop in and take a picture!
LOCAL WALLY HOT MONEY SAVING AT THE DEL TIP: If the Crown Room is too steep for you, Wally loves traditional (and traditionally priced) breakfast outside on the patio at Sheerwaters.
LOCAL WALLY HOT HOTEL DEL MYTHBUSTING TIP: I fell for this as well, so don't feel bad if you believed that the Crown Room's chandeliers were designed by Frank Baum, author of the Wizard of Oz. True that he lived down the street. Not true that he designed the chandelier. Oh - and one more if you can take it.... the hotel isn't haunted! That was invented by their marketing folks to drum up more business and it just stuck. Who told me this? Let's just say it was a Hotel Del "insider".
3. Hash House a Go Go
Wally says "Wow, those are some big platters you've got!"
If you like a big breakfast in a downhome setting, you'll love Hash House a Go Go. Portions are big enough to end hunger in any number of third world countries, and quality is comfort food delicious. If you're tired of pretentious restaurants who serve tiny portions on big plates ("BAM!"), if you're looking for a meal where you walk out knowing you got more than your money's worth, then this is your place. Funky ambiance with actual farming tools hanging on the walls - you get the idea. Lunch and dinner also served, and with the same big portions. If last nights sushi left you wanting more basic food, and lots of it, then start your day at Hash House a Go Go.
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