Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
Best brunch in town, but expect very long wait times (no reservations). Must try their Red Velvet pancakes!
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3940 Fifth AveBest brunch in town, but expect very long wait times (no reservations). Must try their Red Velvet pancakes!
All-around best Italian food with the most variety. Not to be confused with La Pizzeria Arrivederci.
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Arrivederci
3845 Fourth AveAll-around best Italian food with the most variety. Not to be confused with La Pizzeria Arrivederci.
Features mostly tacos on their menu, but they are some of the best in town.
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Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StFeatures mostly tacos on their menu, but they are some of the best in town.
Rolled Up
3884 Fourth AveNew concept restaurant w/ delicious sushi burritos.
A local favorite and long-standing, iconic Hillcrest restaurant featuring Asian fusion food with the friendliest staff in town and outstanding dishes. Open late!
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The Asian Bistro
414 University AveA local favorite and long-standing, iconic Hillcrest restaurant featuring Asian fusion food with the friendliest staff in town and outstanding dishes. Open late!
A local favorite. Very popular on weekends with long waits (no reservations). Massive portions!
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Hash House A Go Go
3628 Fifth AveA local favorite. Very popular on weekends with long waits (no reservations). Massive portions!
Parkhouse Eatery
4574 Park BlvdGreat farm-to-table options and huge portions.
Cafe on Park
3831 Park BlvdHearty traditional breakfast dishes.
Great Maple
1451 Washington StSome of the most unique, eclectic breakfast dishes in town.
Mystic Mocha
2105 Mission AveA great hole-in-the-wall stop for delicious, fresh breakfast.
Create your own Pizza (think Chipotle, but with pizzas).
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Pieology Pizzeria, Hillcrest
3888 Fourth AvenueCreate your own Pizza (think Chipotle, but with pizzas).
Phenomenal fast food featuring very decadent pork and other meaty dishes. Expect long lines during peak hours.
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Carnitas' Snack Shack - North Park
2632 University AvenuePhenomenal fast food featuring very decadent pork and other meaty dishes. Expect long lines during peak hours.
Healthiest burgers in town, featuring only organic, grass-fed, free-range ingredients.
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Burger Lounge
4116 Adams AveHealthiest burgers in town, featuring only organic, grass-fed, free-range ingredients.
Luna Grill
350 University AveQuality Mediterranean dishes at reasonable prices.
Offers the best variety and most unique burger creations. Definitely a local favorite.
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Crazee Burger
3993 30th StOffers the best variety and most unique burger creations. Definitely a local favorite.
Huapangos
3693 Fifth AveA favorite spot for Mexican breakfast.
Very large menu with a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes. Open late. Try a California burrito!
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El Zarape Restaurant
4642 Park BlvdVery large menu with a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes. Open late. Try a California burrito!
City Tacos
3028 University AveMost unique taco creations this side of the border.
Tacos El Gordo
556 BroadwayBit of a drive, but well worth it.
Great for fancier, more creative sushi rolls and appetizers.
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Ebisu Sushi & Bar
3765 Sixth AveGreat for fancier, more creative sushi rolls and appetizers.
Delicious Thai food, great for a quick lunch or a full sit-down dinner.
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Amarin Thai Cuisine
3843 Richmond StDelicious Thai food, great for a quick lunch or a full sit-down dinner.
Unique concept featuring mostly creative takes on meatballs (including vegan), plus amazing home made sodas and pies for dessert
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Soda & Swine
2943 Adams AveUnique concept featuring mostly creative takes on meatballs (including vegan), plus amazing home made sodas and pies for dessert
Hane Sushi
2760 Fifth AveModern ambiance, but very
traditional sushi. Make a reservation.
DAO Fu
3332 Adams AveFusion Vietnamese at its finest.
All ramen served here is fantastic, but the spicy creamy vegan is the highlight of the menu!
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Jinya Ramen Bar
825 Garnet AvenueAll ramen served here is fantastic, but the spicy creamy vegan is the highlight of the menu!
One of the best restaurants in the area that happens to also be thai/vegetarian.
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Plumeria Vegetarian Restaurant
4661 Park BlvdOne of the best restaurants in the area that happens to also be thai/vegetarian.
Uptown Tavern
1236 University AveLively atmosphere with a bar and full-menu restaurant.
Very authentic Nashvillian-style chicken & waffles (the best of any kind in town!) and the most creative donuts you’ll ever see. The Milk bar next door is also to die for.
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StreetCar Merchants Chicken Bar
4002 30th StVery authentic Nashvillian-style chicken & waffles (the best of any kind in town!) and the most creative donuts you’ll ever see. The Milk bar next door is also to die for.
This 50’s-themed restaurant with an arcade next door, balloon artists, and dancing servers will be a guaranteed hit with your kids.
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Corvette Diner
2965 Historic Decatur RdThis 50’s-themed restaurant with an arcade next door, balloon artists, and dancing servers will be a guaranteed hit with your kids.
Parma Cucina Italiana
3850 Fifth AveMost authentic and delicious plates.
Yet another truly authentic Italian restaurant that won’t disappoint.
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Charisma Cucina Italiana
142 University AvenueYet another truly authentic Italian restaurant that won’t disappoint.
Caffè Calabria
3933 30th StBest Neapolitan-style pizza in town
Authentic pizzeria and wine bar with some modern twists on the traditional Neapolitan pizza.
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Isola Pizza Bar
1526 India StAuthentic pizzeria and wine bar with some modern twists on the traditional Neapolitan pizza.
Serves the kind of traditional Italian pizzas that can only be made with a stone oven.
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Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano
4207 Park BlvdServes the kind of traditional Italian pizzas that can only be made with a stone oven.
Close to the beach with a cozy atmosphere, fantastic service, and incredible food.
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BO-beau kitchen + bar
4996 W Point Loma BlvdClose to the beach with a cozy atmosphere, fantastic service, and incredible food.
Jaynes Gastropub
4677 30th StEnjoy wonderful craft cocktails,
Located in beautiful Balboa Park with a charming ambiance and menu.
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The Prado at Balboa Park
1549 El PradoLocated in beautiful Balboa Park with a charming ambiance and menu.
Steak & seafood that infuses Latin and Asian flavors. With the backdrop of the San Diego downtown skyline over the water, it’s the best view in town for dinner.
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Island Prime
880 Harbor Island DrSteak & seafood that infuses Latin and Asian flavors. With the backdrop of the San Diego downtown skyline over the water, it’s the best view in town for dinner.
A more casual sister restaurant to Island Prime featuring modern asian-influenced cuisine.
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C Level Lounge
880 Harbor Island DrA more casual sister restaurant to Island Prime featuring modern asian-influenced cuisine.
Modern new American fare w/ amazing drinks. Reservations recommended.
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Juniper & Ivy
2228 Kettner BlvdModern new American fare w/ amazing drinks. Reservations recommended.
Trendy ambiance with an ambitious drink and food menu that doesn’t disappoint.
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Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner BlvdTrendy ambiance with an ambitious drink and food menu that doesn’t disappoint.
Located in at the top floor of a high-rise, it’s the perfect location for a nice dinner with a grand view of the city.
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Mister A's
2550 Fifth AveLocated in at the top floor of a high-rise, it’s the perfect location for a nice dinner with a grand view of the city.
Hands down the best restaurant in San Diego, which is why it is on the pricier side, but worth every penny. Food, ambiance, and service are all perfect. Reservations are a must.
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MARKET Restaurant + Bar
3702 Via De La ValleHands down the best restaurant in San Diego, which is why it is on the pricier side, but worth every penny. Food, ambiance, and service are all perfect. Reservations are a must.
As fancy as it gets, this is a restaurant to sit down and enjoy a long, tasty dinner with great ambiance and service.
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Addison Restaurant
5200 Grand Del Mar WayAs fancy as it gets, this is a restaurant to sit down and enjoy a long, tasty dinner with great ambiance and service.
Loving Hut
1905 El Cajon BlvdSoutheast-Asian influenced vegetarian cuisine.
Evolution
2965 Fifth AveFast casual vegetarian.
Native Foods
3369 Rosecrans StWide variety of choices, mostly modern American cuisine.
Cafe Gratitude San Diego
1980 Kettner BlvdUpscale vegetarian at its finest.
Creative breakfast dishes with craft beer and cocktails to boot. Enjoy a sunny morning on the patio here.
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Breakfast Republic
2730 University AveCreative breakfast dishes with craft beer and cocktails to boot. Enjoy a sunny morning on the patio here.
A sit-down dessert restaurant featuring spectacularly creative desserts.
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Extraordinary Desserts
2870 Fourth AveA sit-down dessert restaurant featuring spectacularly creative desserts.
Crepes, gelato, and tons of other decadent desserts, right under the Hillcrest sign.
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Chocolat Cremerie
509 Fifth AveCrepes, gelato, and tons of other decadent desserts, right under the Hillcrest sign.
Babycakes San Diego
2315 Reo DrBest cupcakes in town, plus a lot more!
Amazing take-out cookies (not really a place to sit and enjoy though).
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Uncle Biffs California Killer Cookies
650 University AveAmazing take-out cookies (not really a place to sit and enjoy though).
Amazing Mexican food made from family recipes in a fun, casual setting.
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La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS
3827 Fifth AveAmazing Mexican food made from family recipes in a fun, casual setting.
Ike's Place
1010 University AveAwesome creative sandwiches with a ton of variety.
Tokyo Deli
1080 University AveSuper authentic and fresh poke bowls and sushi.
Modern Mexican cuisine on the bay with a fantastic view of downtown. Perfect for casual and special occasions.
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Coasterra
880 Harbor Island DrModern Mexican cuisine on the bay with a fantastic view of downtown. Perfect for casual and special occasions.
Whistling Duck Tavern
1040 University AveAsian fusion at its finest, with a creative and eclectic menu.
One of our personal all-around favorites in town. And they have amazing cocktails. Reservations recommended!
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Trust
3752 Park BlvdOne of our personal all-around favorites in town. And they have amazing cocktails. Reservations recommended!
Drinks & Nightlife
Great beer and whiskey selection and some delicious craft cocktails to boot with a nice patio area too.
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Craft & Commerce
675 W Beech StGreat beer and whiskey selection and some delicious craft cocktails to boot with a nice patio area too.
Offers craft cocktails, craft beers on tap in a old parlor style atmosphere.
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Polite Provisions
4696 30th StOffers craft cocktails, craft beers on tap in a old parlor style atmosphere.
Great selection of cocktails to peruse while you enjoy their player piano.
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Sycamore Den
3391 Adams AveGreat selection of cocktails to peruse while you enjoy their player piano.
One of SD’s largest Whiskey selections. Fantastic traditional cocktails.
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Seven Grand San Diego
3054 University AveOne of SD’s largest Whiskey selections. Fantastic traditional cocktails.
Small lounge hidden in the back of a restaurant behind a makeshift wall of kegs. One of SD’s most notable bars.
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Noble Experiment
777 G StSmall lounge hidden in the back of a restaurant behind a makeshift wall of kegs. One of SD’s most notable bars.
Amazing seafood restaurant paired with delicious cocktails.
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Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India StAmazing seafood restaurant paired with delicious cocktails.
Hillcrest’s first and only brewery is very close and centrally located.
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South Park Brewing Company
1517 30th StHillcrest’s first and only brewery is very close and centrally located.
This casual dive-bar-esque joint with great selection of local beers and Whiskey.
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Grinds & Vine Coffee Bar
2419 El Cajon BlvdThis casual dive-bar-esque joint with great selection of local beers and Whiskey.
A Hillcrest Neighborhood Craft Beer Bar with great bar food.
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Project Bar & Grill
3683 Fifth AveA Hillcrest Neighborhood Craft Beer Bar with great bar food.
Wine Steals
1243 University AvePerfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while people-watching.
This more traditional wine bar has a nice romantic setting for enjoying some delicious vino.
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The Wine Lover
3968 Fifth AveThis more traditional wine bar has a nice romantic setting for enjoying some delicious vino.
Amazing Tiki bar with beautiful patio overlooking the ballpark.
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Fairweather Rooftop Bar
793 J StAmazing Tiki bar with beautiful patio overlooking the ballpark.
Fun Tiki bar hidden behind the walk in refrigerator in Craft and Commerce.
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False Idol
675 W Beech StFun Tiki bar hidden behind the walk in refrigerator in Craft and Commerce.
The Grass Skirt
910 Grand AveAnother delicious Tiki bar with a hidden entrance!
Spitz - Hillcrest
3515 Fifth Aveunique combination of Mediterranean street food and local beers.
Amazing beer, food, and ambiance for an all-around fantastic experience, featuring an picturesque outdoor space.
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Stone Brewing
1999 Citracado ParkwyAmazing beer, food, and ambiance for an all-around fantastic experience, featuring an picturesque outdoor space.
A really unique self-service (by-the-ounce) experience with a ton of variety.
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Barrel Republic Pacific Beach
1261 Garnet AveA really unique self-service (by-the-ounce) experience with a ton of variety.
Mission Hills Wine Cellar
1630 W Lewis StGreat ambiance paired with great wines!
Fantastic selection of wines and don't miss out on their Sangria.
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Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
1927 Fourth AveFantastic selection of wines and don't miss out on their Sangria.
Négociant Winery
1263 University AvenueFeaturing a unique selection of their own wines.
Village Vino
4095 Adams AveA local favorite with lots of fun wine tasting events.
Parks & Nature
A beautiful and historic landmark of San Diego featuring not only breathtaking greenery, but also plenty of attractions, including
Museum of Man
Natural History Museum
Museum of Art
Air & Space Museum
Automotive Museum
Model Railroad Museum
Timken Museum of Art
Ruben H. Fleet Science Center
Old Globe Theater
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I-Balboa Park
A beautiful and historic landmark of San Diego featuring not only breathtaking greenery, but also plenty of attractions, including
Museum of Man
Natural History Museum
Museum of Art
Air & Space Museum
Automotive Museum
Model Railroad Museum
Timken Museum of Art
Ruben H. Fleet Science Center
Old Globe Theater
Great for families, picnics on the grass, volleyball, water sports.
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Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardGreat for families, picnics on the grass, volleyball, water sports.
Great for families, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding.
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La Jolla Shores Hotel
8110 Camino Del OroGreat for families, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding.
Shopping
Amazing shopping destination with tons of major brands, great sales, and dining options.
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Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdAmazing shopping destination with tons of major brands, great sales, and dining options.
Nordstrom Rack Mission Valley
1640 Camino Del Rio NGreat deals year-round that can't be beat.
The perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and artwork made by local San Diego artists.
Creative Crossroads
502 University AveThe perfect place to find one-of-a-kind gifts and artwork made by local San Diego artists.
Entertainment & Activities
June - July only. Lots of fun food vendors, shows, concerts, and of course, rides! Plan accordingly as there is typically traffic going in and out of the fair that backs up onto the freeways.
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San Diego County Fair
2260 Jimmy Durante BlvdJune - July only. Lots of fun food vendors, shows, concerts, and of course, rides! Plan accordingly as there is typically traffic going in and out of the fair that backs up onto the freeways.
An interactive climate, earth, and ocean science museum showcased by the UCSD Institute of Oceanography.
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Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayAn interactive climate, earth, and ocean science museum showcased by the UCSD Institute of Oceanography.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdSmall amusement park on the beach.
A 30-minute drive but lots of fun for the whole family.
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LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrA 30-minute drive but lots of fun for the whole family.
For a good laughs and drinks and an overall great night out.
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The Comedy Store - La Jolla
916 Pearl StFor a good laughs and drinks and an overall great night out.
The most difficult escape room in town! Lots of fun for a small group. Not recommended if it's your first time doing an escape room, but perfect for those who have done these rooms before.
The Puzzalarium
3864 Fifth AveThe most difficult escape room in town! Lots of fun for a small group. Not recommended if it's your first time doing an escape room, but perfect for those who have done these rooms before.
Just the right balance of difficulty, fun, and engagement of any escape room in town. Great production value and lots of very unique twists.
Enigma HQ Escape Room Little Italy
1446 Front StJust the right balance of difficulty, fun, and engagement of any escape room in town. Great production value and lots of very unique twists.
They pack A LOT of puzzles in this room, with varying degrees of difficulty, but all very original and lots of fun. Difficult only because of the amount of puzzles that must be solved in one hour.
The Entrapment
7990 Dagget StThey pack A LOT of puzzles in this room, with varying degrees of difficulty, but all very original and lots of fun. Difficult only because of the amount of puzzles that must be solved in one hour.
Izoo yaseSan Diego
2920 Zoo DrSightseeing
Take in the gorgeous San Diego Bay while checking out local shops & casual restaurants. Be sure to visit the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum.
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Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrTake in the gorgeous San Diego Bay while checking out local shops & casual restaurants. Be sure to visit the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that has been turned into a museum.
Mission San Diego de Alcala
10818 San Diego Mission RoadThe first mission built in California.
Inkanyezi yaseIndia
1492 N Harbor DrThe world’s oldest active sailing ship.
Essentials
Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveRalphs
101 G StWhole Foods Market
711 University AveTarget
3030 Grape StreetCVS
3151 University Ave