LOCAL WALLY’S GUIDE TO SAN DIEGO’S BEST RESTAURANTS
Good Eats! The San Diego Dining Cheat Sheet - Updated 2026
You've just showed up in town, you're hungry, but you don't know where to eat. You can pull out the glossy dining guide at the hotel but come on, they pay for those endorsements. And can you really trust a paid influencer, or worse, AI, to tell you what’s good?
That’s why you need Local Wally more than ever. I’m the original San Diego local guy, on the internet since 1996 with the goal of telling it like it is and helping people like you find the best places to eat. I don’t get paid to write good reviews, I don’t have advertisers to please. These are the restaurants I dine at, the ones I send my friends to when they come into town.
San Diego's BEST Fish Tacos
San Diego didn’t invent the fish taco but we put it on the map. Hugely debated who makes the best, here are the top contenders.
The Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
The classic Baja Fish Taco
Skip the restaurant and head straight to the bar for deep fried baja style fish tacos. Unlike less worthy contenders the coating on the fish is as crispy as a potato chip and the fish itself flaky and delicious and so big it doesn’t even fit inside the tortilla. Seven locations, including one next to the Star of India right on the bay at Portside Pier.
WALLY SAYS: Come on Taco Tuesdays where the fish tacos are just $4 each.
THE BRIGANTINE RESTAURANTS | Seven locations
South Beach Bar & Grill
A block from the beach, grilled fish tacos their specialty
For fresh grilled tacos with an ocean view you can’t beat South Beach Bar and Grille in Ocean Beach. Their fish tacos are filled with fresh wahoo, mahi albacore, all around $5. It's a dive joint beach vibe, bouncer in front (just in case fish taco fans get out of hand), and ocean views. Many locals will vehemently argue that these are the best fish tacos in town. 24 beers on tap and a half off appetizers at Happy Hour, Mon-Fri from 3 to 6.
WALLY SAYS: Get six oysters for $6 on Fridays. Check out all of their specials.
SOUTH BEACH BAR & GRILL | Ocean Beach location
Fish Guts
“Serious” fish tacos for foodies
Notable chef Pablo Becker, a guy with a serious restaurant pedigree, owns and runs Fish Guts, a new contender for best fish taco in town. With no freezers, the chef hand selects the fresh fish each morning, tortillas made daily. The Barrio Logan location is definitely not in the tourist zone but this tiny restaurant is trendy and cute as a button.
WALLY SAYS: What’s with the tiny little stools in front? I like them!
FISH GUTS | Barrio Logan near Coronado Bridge | Closed Mon-Tue, Open 12-9 other days
Mitch’s Seafood
Just down the docks from Pt. Loma Seafood
This small restaurant with views of the fishing boats is a local favorite, a seafood restaurant owned by fishermen and featuring only fish caught off the San Diego coast either by them or fishermen they know. They have the usual seafood suspects such as fish and chips but the real draw are the fresh fish tacos filled with whatever you desire.
WALLY SAYS: Great views outside but watch out if you see a seagull staring at your plate - they’re fast!
MITCH’S SEAFOOD | Pt. Loma | Open B, L and D until 9pm
Oscars Mexican Seafood
Times change and the original Oscars Mexican Seafood location closed, leaving just two locations behind. Gone is the slightly grubby taco shop vibe, replaced by a clean and polished interior that’s resembles any number of fast food joints. Sigh. Thankfully the tacos remain the same, glorious battered fish tacos for $3.75. Grilled tacos also available along with ceviche and tortas.
WALLY SAYS: Forget Rubio’s, this is the way you want to do fast food in San Diego.
OSCARS MEXICAN SEAFOOD | Pacific Beach and University Ave. locations
San Diego’s Best Ocean View Restaurants
No tourist traps! From high end to casual, the BEST ocean and bay view restaurants in San Diego.
George’s at the Cove
This is the view you’ve been looking for!
A rooftop restaurant with views of the Pacific, this is the al fresco ocean view dining experience you’ve been dreaming about. The Ocean Terrace was once an adjunct to their fine dining restaurant below. That space closed during the pandemic and George’s has embraced the rooftop dining as their only offering.
Food is modern California, elegant but nothing too fancy and prices that aren’t bad for a restaurant with a view like this.
WALLY SAYS: The tables with the best views now have a $60 surcharge which for locals seems absurd but if you’re only here once you should splurge.
GEORGE’S AT THE COVE | La Jolla
The Marine Room
So close to the ocean that the waves splash the windows!
This seems insane - a restaurant on the beach where the waves often literally crash on the windows? Located in La Jolla, The Marine Room is the ultimate special occasion restaurant, meaning top notch food at top notch prices. Opened in 1941, The Marine Room has consistently been one of San Diego's favorite restaurants, pleasing locals, celebrities and visitors alike. It's expensive but the bar makes a great sunset stop for those on a tighter budget.
WALLY SAYS: For full impact of the location make a reservation for their High Tide dinner where you get front row seats on specific dates.
THE MARINE ROOM | La Jolla
Poseidon Del Mar
Dine “on the beach” in Del Mar!
Literally right on the beach, the Poseidon Del Mar serves classic American standards with a ridiculously great view. How good is the view? Well, you step over the little cement wall on the patio and you are on the beach. I mean, literally on the beach so that view doesn’t get much better unless you grab a towel and sit in front of the wall.
Open for brunch and lunch where the menu offers seafood, sandwiches, tacos, the usual fare, everything around $30. For dinner it lean towards surf and turf with many entrees around $50. Hey, you’re right on the beach, that sunset isn’t free!
WALLY SAYS: One of my favorite lunch spots and a classic sunset dinner restaurant. Nothing else like it in San Diego.
POSEIDON DEL MAR | Del Mar
Duke’s La Jolla
No, it’s not a cheesy theme restaurant!
The view from their patio is actually better than George’s at the Cove - just keeping it real - and food that matches the ocean view. Owned by the same folks as Hula Grill on Maui (and Jake’s Del Mar), Duke’s transports you to the islands with their Hawaiian themed ambiance and menu. Hawaiian music, poke tacos, wait staff in Aloha shirts, this is vacation dining at its best. It’s exactly the vibe you’re looking for - nice but not fancy, delicious but not wallet busting expensive.
Live island style music and plenty of daily specials, decent prices and killer ocean view, what else could you ask for? It’s exactly the vibe you’re looking for - nice but not fancy with food that’s different from every other menu,
WALLY SAYS: Save room for the classic Hula Pie, a whopping slice of Macadamia nut ice cream with chocolate fudge and whipped cream - share it, it’s huge.
DUKE’S LA JOLLA | La Jolla
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
Hidden Gem brunch and lunch spot - cheap eats!
Here’s one that most tourists - and most locals - don’t know about. With breathtaking views of La Jolla, Caroline’s Seaside Cafe gives you one of the best ocean view dining experiences with prices you might pay in an Applebee’s. It’s pretty easy to get out for less than $20 for brunch or lunch - that’s amazing.
Just because the food isn’t overpriced or adjusted for the view doesn’t mean you’re getting corporate Sysco generic. No, no, it’s all prepared with intent and fresh, healthy ingredients, California style.
WALLY SAYS: Casual counter service so come at non-peak times if you want to grab a table with the best views.
CAROLINE’S SEASIDE CAFE | La Jolla | Open 8am - 3pm
Torrey Pines Glider Port
Take a break from the tourists and go where the locals go!
If you find yourself in La Jolla on a nice, sunny day with a bit of breeze I wouldn’t blame you if you skipped out on your expensive lunch reservation and headed over to the Torrey Pine Glider Port where people willingly jump off the cliffs with parasails on their backs to fly back and forth with the currents.
What used to be a generic snack bar has expanded their menu with worthy sandwiches and on weekends wood-fired pizzas, burgers and dogs. There’s also beer on tap, wine and cocktails, it’s an elevated snack shack with a million dollar view. You’ll be mesmerized watching the hang gliders and parasailers swoop back and forth. Cheap sunset dinner? Yes, yes!
WALLY SAYS: Live music on weekends during the summer, this is more than a quick snack stop.
TORREY PINES GLIDER PORT | La Jolla | Food until 5pm, last call for the bar is sunset.
San Diego’s Best Seafood Restaurants
From the local fishing boats to your plate, here’s where to get some of San Diego’s best seafood - there are so many choices but the ones below never disappoint!
Blue Water Seafood
FoodTV’s Guy Fieri likes it, but does Local Wally?
OK, I know I’m a skeptic when Guy blows into town and proclaims any restaurant to be “the bomb” or whatever, but this time he got it right. Blue Water Seafood is a simple, counter service restaurant that seems to always be packed. All fish are locally caught, sometimes by the same people who work there.
Sashimi, sandwiches, tacos, plates, everything here is thoughtfully prepared to showcase the catch of the day. And prices are very good - you can get a fresh, local rockfish sandwich or three mini-beer battered fish tacos for $12.50.
WALLY SAYS: Get the crab and shrimp cocktail for $17 and Cioppino for $32 and some bread - it’s enough to share.
BLUE WATER SEAFOOD | Two locations, India Street and Ocean Beach | Affordable to Moderate
The Fish Market
Fresh Seafood, incredible San Diego Bay view!
Located next to Seaport Village and the USS Midway, you might think that The Fish Market is a tourist trap, a “Eat at Joe’s” sort of place. But no, this is classic San Diego, so good that even the locals go here - well, not during tourist season, we’re not crazy!
The menu is simple, mainly grilled fresh seafood. Stick with the basics and avoid the fried options and you’ll be happy. Inside the restaurant is open with huge windows for the view but the outside tables where you can feel the breeze and watch the sailboats is the ticket. There’s also an outside patio for bar bites and cocktails, perfect if you just want to drop by and enjoy the ambiance.
WALLY SAYS: Parking can be very difficult so take an Uber or give yourself time if you’re dining at busy times.
THE FISH MARKET SAN DIEGO | San Diego Bay | Moderately Expensive
Ironside Fish & Oyster
Highly stylized restaurant with some of the best seafood in town!
Ironside Fish & Oyster caused quite a stir when it opened in Little Italy in 2014. Highly stylized, high energy, a feast for all of the senses. Now in 2026 they refreshed the interior, keeping that industrial nautical chic look but with a bit more polish and unlocking the creativity of the chefs with a new kitchen to expand the menu with adventurous new techniques and dishes.
But don’t worry, they know better than to replace the items that made them so loved by locals like the glorious lobster roll, the best on the west coast, served with best in class fries that show just how good a fry can be.
WALLY SAYS: Parking in Little Italy is tough so Uber in if you can.
IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER | Little Italy | Affordable to Expensive
Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognized!
This little trendy eatery is lively and fun, a neighborhood restaurant that’s gained the attention of the Michelin Guide. These are small plates of things like crudo and endive with snow crab and it does add up - a piece of bread is $9. But no denying that everything so so delicious that you don’t mind, especially if you have one of their famous gin + tonics in hand.
The pro tip is go with the Chef’s Menu for $85 pp, four courses selected by the chef. It seems like a lot, I know, but the portions seemed way bigger than what they served a la carte and in the end you’re probably going to spend that much anyway.
WALLY SAYS: On a budget? The whole fish to share is a good value. Add some oysters and wine and, well yeah, still expensive but so worth it.
MABEL’S GONE FISHING | North Park | Expensive
Point Loma Seafood
A San Diego institution loved by locals!
Ultra casual and super popular with locals, Point Loma Seafoods is the type of place where you stand in line to order and then you'd better know what you want because there are a billion people behind you wishing you would hurry up so they can get their order in and start eating. The standouts here are the sandwiches and the crab sandwich doesn't get much simpler, or much better, basically crab on sourdough bread and oh so delicious. Fries are pretty average so if you go with a fried fish platter don’t expect them to match the fish quality.
WALLY SAYS: No need to be polite, just walk up to the counter to order and bypass the people milling around trying to read the menu on the wall.
POINT LOMA SEAFOODS | San Diego Bay | Affordable
San Diego’s Best Mexican Restaurants
With Mexico so close it’s no wonder that San Diego is full of great Mexican restaurants and taco shops. Locals will argue over authenticity and value but for tourists these picks below will do the job.
El Indio Taco Shop
They invented the rolled taco - maybe!
A San Diego favorite, El Indio Taco Shop, a "stand in line and order" place, has been a San Diego institution since 1940. Every local remembers coming here with Mom and Dad as a kid and sitting on the "patio" that's strangely in the middle of an intersection.
El Indio claims to have invented the taquito, also known as the rolled taco, though that’s debatable since another shop in LA claims the same - and Mexico has also chimed in. But no matter, they do offer some of the best rolled tacos in San Diego and I’ve never been disappointed by anything I’ve ordered here - and I come here a lot. It’s location on India Street is a short detour when leaving the airport and often the first stop locals make when coming home from a trip and longing for Mexican food.
WALLY SAYS: There’s a parking lot across the street for patrons.
EL INDIO TACO SHOP | India Street | Counter Service
Las Cuatro Milpas
Where locals go for authentic Mexican food!
Opened in 1993, Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving the same menu - tacos, rolled tacos, burritos and tamales - in the same location. That is until 2026 when stories of tax issues, health code violations, and closure all came crashing down. And then like a rolled taco rising from the ashes, Las Cuatro Milpas reopened in a new location a few blocks away with the same menu, same staff, and a huge upgrade - they now accept credit cards.
The menu is simple - seriously, your options are a taco, rolled taco, burrito, tamal, rice and beans and tortillas. Prices are dirt cheap - $10 gets you a Tamal floating in a bowl of rice and beans and a side of homemade tortillas. If you’re looking for piñatas and a mariachi band, go to Old Town. If you’re looking for authentic Mexican food and an authentic experience, this is the place.
WALLY SAYS: Barrio Logan feels a bit sketchy if you’re here on vacation but that’s part of the experience. Just go - you’ll thank me later.
LAS CUATRO MILPAS | New location: 1985 National Avenue, Suite 1131
San Diego, CA | Open for breakfast, closes at 3pm | Counter Service
Old Town Mexican Cafe
Carnitas and homemade tortillas in an actual sit down restaurant!
When you want that classic San Diego Mexican restaurant, the type of place that has “combo plates” and margaritas, head to Old Town Mexican Cafe. Locals line up with tourists during high season for their carnitas, tender pork with crispy edges that many claim is the best in San Diego. Grab a homemade, thick tortilla and fill it up, top it with cilantro and fresh onions, douse it with spicy salsa, now we’re talking. Many locals shun the restaurants in Old Town but not this one.
WALLY TIP: If the salsa is too mild for you then ask for their spicier salsa which lives up to its description.
OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE | Old Town | Affordable | Sit down restaurant
Tacos El Gordo
Another Mexican dining adventure awaits!
You’re on vacation so be adventurous. Tacos El Gordo offers authentic Tijuana style street tacos with a location in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, far more convenient than their locations in South Bay. It’s a taco shop but with a confusing twist - instead of ordering at the counter you find the protein you want and queue up there. Carne asada? Over there. Pork carnitas? That line there. It’s confusing at first but you’ll be an expert by your second visit.
And don’t be looking for combo plates or enchiladas or, gasp, fajitas. Here it’s all about tacos and the different fillings, from standards to more unusual. Whatever you select know that this is no tourist spot, they cater to people who know and love Tijuana street food.
WALLY TIP: Be bold and try something different like a tripe or beef tongue taco - it’s only a taco so if you don’t like it just get back in line and try another with prices this low, most tacos around $5.
TACOS EL GORDO | Gaslamp District | Affordabl | Counter Service
Roberto’s Taco Shops
The taco shop that claims the California Burrito as their creation!
Next to the fish taco, San Diego is famous for the California Burrito, a giant carne asada burrito filled with french fries. Many claim to have come up with this delicious concoction first but no one is louder in proclaiming this than Roberto’s.
And to make things more confusing, there’s Roberto’s Taco Shop, Roberto’s Mexican Food, and tons of “berto’s” derivatives seemingly on every corner in San Diego. That’s a story in itself but short version is they are all started from the same or nearby family tree with some copycats along the way and they all offer really great Mexican food in varying degrees of dining comfort. And while everyone has a favorite, for visitors just know that they all have very similar menus and no matter which one you pick chances are it’s going to be delicious.
WALLY SAYS: Sorry if you’re on a diet but the Carne Asada Fries are a “must try” before you leave San Diego, a giant platter of fries, grilled steak, guacamole and salsa that’s addicting and irresistible.
ROBERTOS TACO SHOP | ROBERTO’S MEXICAN FOOD | 100’S of ‘berto Knock Offs, try them all!
San Diego’s Best Asian Restaurants
San Diego’s Asian food scene is rich and diverse and has grown and is now a thriving and essential part of the San Diego food scene. There are so many - here are a few noteworthy and vacation perfect options.
BEST RAMEN: Menya Ultra
Michelin Guide recommended
Takashi Endo, aka The Ramen Master, is legendary in Japan where he won Best Ramen four years in a row, a huge deal in a country where ramen is taken very seriously. After opening 9 restaurants in Japan he branched out to San Diego where he makes his noodles and broth in-house every day - no shortcuts, he’s brought the same exacting standards to San Diego.
He now has three locations here, the original in the Asian food Convoy District is lively with an authentic feel and worthy of the 10 minute drive from downtown.
WALLY TIP: Often with long lines, join their digital wait list to cut down on your wait time.
MENYA ULTRA | Convoy District, Mira Mesa, UTC Shopping Center (La Jolla)
BEST TRADITIONAL SUSHI: Sushi Ota
Not the least bit trendy, it’s all about the nigiri and sashimi
Located next to a 7/11, it’s easy to be scared off thinking this is going to be like every other average sushi joint in a strip mall. But Sushi Ota is different, a traditional sushi restaurant where sushi master Chef Ota is dedicated to serving flawless bites of the freshest sushi, prepared simply to let the ingredients shine. Like the sushi, the interior is welcoming but not flashy, a place that’s focused on the food and not the scene.
WALLY SAYS: Reasonable prices and incredible sushi makes this place number one. It’s been San Diego’s favorite sushi spot for years and for good reason.
SUSHI OTA | Pacific Beach
BEST OMAKASE SUSHI: Soichi Sushi
Michelin star sushi!
Come to Soichi Sushi for a mesmerizing two hour experience, watching the sushi chef prepare each bit in front of you and serving it at exactly the right temperature, each piece a piece of art. Omakase menu, your only decision is whether to go with the full, nigiri only, or petite menu and then you sit back and let the chef prepare the best for you. Intimate dining room and hospitality, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Japan.
WALLY SAYS: While they have table seating for omakase you want to sit at the bar so you can watch the show.
SOICHI SUSHI | University Heights near North Park area
BEST CHINESE AMERICAN: Fortunate Son
Classic “take out” Chinese food in a retro vibrant setting
Don’t be fooled - this might look like any other hole in the wall Chinese restaurant in any other town but it’s a highly stylized, over the top, damn near movie set of a restaurant that picks up every trope from the Chinese American restaurant you grew up with and does it one better. The food is your standard fare - Kung Pao Chicken, Fried Rice - and I would by lying to you if I told you this was the best Chinese food in San Diego. But as a fun dining experience with well executed dishes that everyone knows it can’t be beat.
WALLY SAYS: No reservations but nearby Polite Provisions and the Swan Bar offer places to wait with a cocktail for your name to be called.
FORTUNATE SON | North Park, Normal Heights area
BEST PREMIUM DUMPLINGS: Din Tai Fung
The restaurant that made Xiao Long Bau, aka soup dumplings, so famous that Trader Joe’s now carries their version is a sleek and modern restaurant located in the equally sleek and modern UTC shopping mall. Don’t let the “mall” designation fool you - this is an upscale mall that is a destination unto itself.
As for the food, think small plates and lots of them. There are plenty of dumplings as well as soups and noodles. Come hungry and look the other way when the bill arrives as it can add up - but worth every bite.
WALLY SAYS: Bite a small hole in the soup dumpling first to let the steam escape and pour the broth into your spoon unless you want to be fanning your tongue and saying “hot, hot hot!”.
DIN TAI FUNG | Inland La Jolla Area inside the UTC mall
San Diego’s Best Italian Restaurants
Pop into any Italian restaurant in Little Italy and you won’t be disappointed. And San Diego has great Italian food all over the city - here are a few of my favorites.
Bencotto Italian Kitchen
For the best house made pasta and happy hour
This modern and trendy feeling restaurant is all about the pasta. I know, a lot of Italian restaurants say that but at Bencotto they take their pasta seriously. You pick the pasta, pick the sauce, you get exactly what you want. Pasta made in a giant cheese wheel is a table side show that’s worth the price and the black ink squid pasta with shrimp, well come on, when’s the last time you saw that on a menu? Sister restaurant Monello is next door, similar but more casual with pizzas.
WALLY SAYS: The happy hour, M-F from 3-5:30, features four delicious appetizers and drinks at equally delicious prices, all ten bucks and under.
BENCOTTO ITALIAN KITCHEN | Little Italy
Bouna Forchetta
Authentic Neapolitan Pizzas
Small bustling eatery with authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, pastas, and daily specials for meats and seafood. Pizzas are best with knife and fork and pasta options let you choose your pasta shape and sauce. Cacio E Pepe? Yes! Wait staff with Italian accents is not for show, this place is legit. Winner of numerous best pizza awards.
WALLY SAYS: Get away from the tourist spots and dine in a neighborhood favorite.
BUENA FORCHETTA | Original South Park location, others in Coronado, Encinitas, San Marcos and Liberty Station (near the airport)
Civico 1845
Featuring Southern Italy cuisine, it’s vegetarian friendly!
Two brothers from Calabria bring the foods of their homeland to San Diego. Flavors are bold but focused without glitzy excesses, pastas are handmade, it’s authentic Southern Italian cuisine.
And while some restaurants offer vegan and gluten-free options as an afterthought, Civico 1845 leans heavily into this with a full plant based menu that isn’t a compromise. Now everyone is happy with your restaurant choice.
CIVICO 1845 | Little Italy
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
It’s not trendy, it’s the OG Italian restaurant in Little Italy
If Fillipi’s didn’t exist I bet some fancy restaurateur would come up with this concept - you walk through a cramped Italian market, past the dried cod and canned goods, then line up at the backroom that opens up into a glorious Italian restaurant of yesteryear.
With so many fresh and modern Italian restaurants in San Diego the idea of an old school Italian restaurant with wine bottles hanging from the ceiling and plastic red checked tablecloths might seem passé. But there’s something charming about a family run restaurant giving people exactly what they want since 1950, serving such non-trendy items as spaghetti and meatballs and pizzas with cheese so thick you can’t take a bite without a massive cheese pull.
WALLY SAYS: While they have multiple locations the Little Italy original has all the charm - and their own parking lot which is a huge bonus in an area desperately short on parking.
FILLIPI’S PIZZA GROTTO | Little Italy
Piatti La Jolla
Perfect vacation setting on the outside patio under the giant Laurel tree!
I have been in a love affair with Piatti since it opened in 1990. This elegant but casual eatery is better than it has a right to be on a street that’s frequented by tourists and the ocean a couple of blocks away. They could easily get away with subpar generic food and still be packed but that’s not Piatti which features handmade pastas and dishes that have delighted for decades. And if the menu seldom changes, wasn’t there a love song that said don’t go changing?
Make sure you get the Fritto Misto, light as air crispy fried calimari, rock shrimp and fennel, as good as you will find in Italy - better, actually.
WALLY SAYS: While Piatti has other locations I’ve found the food at other locations to bear little resemblance to the incredible food at the La Jolla location.
PIATTI LA JOLLA | La Jolla
Roman Wolves
All roads lead to Rome!
A relative new comer to the Little Italy food scene, Roman Wolves menu is like a trip to Rome, focusing on the Italian cuisine you would find in the Eternal City. Caccio E Pepe, Carbonara, Amatriciana, the three sauces Rome is famous for are front and center here, as well as an impressive Cheese Wheel Pasta where the chef tosses your pasta in a Parmesan wheel.
Roman columns accent the contemporary design, faux marble ceiling and Italian tiled accent walls, it feels both classy and classic without the kitsch.
WALLY SAYS: Happy Hour M-Thur, 4-6 - Grab a place at the bar and indulge.
ROMAN WOLVES | Little Italy
More of San Diego’s Fun Vacation Perfect Restaurants
For this last category I’ve listed some restaurants that are perfect for vacation dining. This means good food, of course, but also that special “only in San Diego” vibe and experience!
Crack Shack
San Diego’s “gourmet” fried chicken sandwiches
Using only the best and most ethical ingredients, this chef driven casual restaurant is an offshoot from the much fancier Juniper + Ivy. Cocktails and picnic tables, this is casual dining like only San Diego does with stellar ingredients and chill vibe. Family and hipster friendly in a fun and lively setting.
WALLY SAYS: Possibly the best fried chicken you will ever have. Don’t miss the self serve sauce bar for dipping options.
CRACK SHACK | Multiple locations
IN N OUT BURGER
A Southern California Icon
With so many new locations springing up outside of SoCal it’s perhaps not as special as it used to be. Still, if you’ve never been to In N Out then this must be on your good eats list. The Double Double is the classic and at around $6 an incredible value. And you can believe the hype about food quality - this isn’t some crummy fast food burger but possibly one of the best burgers you’ll ever have.
WALLY SAYS: You can get the fries extra crispy or even “animal style” with melted cheese, caramelized onions and sauce but I like the simplicity of a fresh potato simply prepared.
In N Out Burger | Multiple locations
Juniper + Ivy
Elegant dining experience, Michelin Bib Gourmand award
This is “fine dining”, San Diego style. An old warehouse transformed into a beautiful space with open beams and exhibition kitchen, lively bar to watch the action below, and elevated California cuisine using only the finest ingredients. Small plates and entrees, sharing is caring.
WALLY SAYS: There’s a secret burger not on the menu, their gourmet take on In N Out’s Double Double with fries, limited to just 30 per day.
JUNIPER + IVY | Kettner Blvd, not far from Little Italy
Leila
Stunning setting for Middle Eastern dining
What is this? Am I dreaming? Take one step into Leila and you’re no longer in an urban street in North Park but somehow transported to a glitzy Marrakesh night market where giant platters of Middle Eastern food arrive to be shared by your table. Of course none of this amounts to anything if the food isn’t as spectacular as the setting and Leila pulls it off with authentic Persian and Mediterranean foods.
WALLY SAYS: In 2026 this is the hot ticket in town with reservations opening 30 days in advance. Walk-in’s can sometimes nab a bar seat but have a back up plan as this place is ultra popular.
LEILA | North Park
Wolf in the Woods
A beautiful dining experience in a beautiful neighborhood
The cutest little restaurant in the cutest little neighborhood, an intimate restaurant that’s part wine bar, part bistro serving small plates inspired by the foods of Native Americans, European and Hispanic cultures. Think elegant and refined dining, romantic setting.
WALLY SAYS: Small plates can add up fast so order one larger dish like the Carne Adovada (braised pork shoulder in a red hatch chilli sauce) and build a few small plates around that.
WOLF IN THE WOODS | Mission Hills