Over the years, I have frequented many restaurants around the city of San Diego and in SD County. Here is a compilation of my favorite eateries:
Downtown
Full Moon
A great place for Sushi lovers with unique Rolls, Sushi, and Sashimi, along with a full hot-dish menu and bar.
I tried the Full Moon and New Moon rolls. Both were very tasty and filling. I also enjoyed a Sake flight with a good variety of flavors and textures.
Full Moon is on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Royal India
The first thing that grabbed my attention was the fanciful decorations and authentic statues and pottery. But I soon forgot about the ambiance as I browsed through the mouth-watering buffet choices.
I usually avoid buffets, but in this case, it was a nice way to sample different dishes. Everything I tried was very flavorful and fresh, but my favorite was the Chicken Tikka Masala and Samosa. The kheer (rice pudding) was a great way to end the meal.
Royal India is on Market Street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Meze Greek Fusion
on Sixth Street. This restaurant offers authentic Greek cuisine with a California flair. Meze means small plates, but the menu offers full meals for every appetite. For starters, you must try the Lentil Soup, Baba Ghanosh, Dolma, or Fiery Fetta Dip. For the main meal, try the Lamb Chops or traditional Greek favorites like Falafel or Gyro plates. And finally, don’t skip the Baklava for dessert.
Meze is on 6th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Tapas and Beer
This little place specializes in small plates - Spanish style and a large selection of beers. The menu also includes full-sized dishes.
During our visit, we tried the Buffalo Chicken Wings, Tacos (Shrimp and Chicken), Garlic Shrimp, and Crostinis.
For drinks, we tried several IPAs and an Apple Cider. The food, drinks, and service were excellent.
Taka Sushi
Taka is more than a Sushi restaurant. They have a full menu of authentic Japanese cuisine. Although other items on the menu were very tempting, we went for the Sushi. We ordered Salamon Sashimi, Shrimp Tempora handrolls, Rainbow rolls, and Spicy Tuna rolls.
We loved all the rolls, but we were pleasantly surprised with the two desserts we ordered. Green Tee Creme Brule and Black Seasame Creme Brule.
Ramaki
This little hole-in-the-wall restaurant is understated but a great place for Japanese cuisine lovers. Stop here to get some great Raman, Poke, and Sushi.
Located on the edge of the Gaslamp Quarter on 6th street.
Breakfast at the Hyatt
I love breakfast, so I am always on the lookout for great breakfast restaurants. I found this gem inside the Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego. The Hyatt is right on the edge of Seaport Village.
The Seaview restaurant offers a daily breakfast Buffet with a large selection of favorite dishes and an omelet station. The omelets are cooked to order with a wide selection of fillings.
The Buffet tables are full of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, pastries, and fruits. To end the meal, you can enjoy fluffy pancakes.
The price is a little high, but it is expected at a place like this.
Le Parfait Paris
This French bakery offers a large selection of pastries and desserts. It was hard to choose our treat, but we ended up with two flavors of macaroons - the best macaroons ever.
We liked this place so much that we went back the next day for breakfast. They actually offer much more than dessert. You can order Crepes, Quiche and Panini.
You can find this Gem on G street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Ghirardelli
For a dessert or a snack, you must try Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop. Their ice-cream flavors on waffle cones are to die for.
Once you are done with your dessert, you can shop for a collection of chocolates for your family and friends – or indulge yourself.
Ghirardelli is on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter
El Chingon
This San Diego Gaslamp Quarter has multiple personalities. You can sit outside and enjoy your meal while gawking at people walking by, or sit inside with the noisy sports bar as your background music. We went for the third option, a quiet second floor overlooking the bar below.
While sitting in our secluded balcony, we were served homemade chips and salsa. They bring a tray with several flavors of house salsa in bottles.
We tried their “Al Pastor”, the slow-cooked pork taco, along with the chips and salsa. It was very rich, tasty, and full of meat. Our only disappointment was when we ordered the house margaritas. We had to wait a very long time for our orders, and they weren't anything special.
You can visit El Chingon on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Davanti Enoteca
This restaurant serves traditional Italian dishes with a few American standards. I especially like their tasty focaccia with cow cheese and topped with honey – a sweet and sour delight.
Greystone
You can’t go wrong with any of the meats. Try the New York Steak or Filet Mignon. If you are hungry, try the short ribs tacos for starters. The place is a little pricey, but if you go during happy hour, you can try different cuts at reduced prices.
You can find this place on 5th street in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Outside of Downtown
Embargo Grill
A small place in a strip mall next to SeaWorld that offers great Caribbean dishes. Try the "Key West" - a grilled marinated chicken with curry and Rum Cranberries. You can also make your own dish by picking your meat, sides, and sauces.
On West Point Loma Blvd in Diego.
The Donut Bar
Yes, it is a donut place, but their creations are huge and delicious. The menu changes daily depending on available fresh ingredients.
Mendocino Farm
A unique place for gourmet sandwiches. All ingredients are sourced from local farms. I had their farm club sandwich. It was filled with layers of turkey, bacon and veggies. Other choices are tuna melt, the hot Italian, and Enlightened Falafel Wrap.
Two Locations in La Jolla Village and Del Mar.
Sea Salt Bistro
This restaurant has a large patio that overlooks the Peñasquitos Marsh next to Torrey Pines State Reserve. It is a nice stop after a day of hiking.
During my last visit, I enjoyed their Salmon Burger with fries. It was delicious and filling. You can also order Crab Cakes, Coconut Shrimp, Fish Tacos, or Pasta.
The view from the patio makes the meal feel like a campout.
Located on Carmel Valley Rd in the city of Del Mar.
Dini’s Bistro
This oceanfront restaurant is perfect for watching the sunset while sipping drinks and enjoying dinner.
Its location on Carlsbad’s busy waterfront makes it a great place to start or end the day while visiting the Flower Fields or Lego Land.
During a recent visit, we tried the Reuben Sandwich, Salmon Sandwich, and Avocado Toast. All three selections were delicious and filling.
Located on Carlsbad Blvd in the City of Carlsbad.
Chart Hour at Cardiff by the Sea
Enjoy a great meal right at the beach - the only thing separating you from the sand and surf is a thin screen window. Feel the breeze as you sip your drinks or partake in the unique menu items.
Along with the delicious taste, feast your eyes on the presentation, too.
During our last visit, we tried the Coconut Crunch Shrimp, French Dip, Fish Tacos, and Fish and Chips - and we completed our lunch with the Key Lime Pie.
Chart House is part of Landry's Select group. Get a Landry's membership before you go for good dining rewards.
2588 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007