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San Diego's Award-winning Restaurants

A photo of Red logo
by OpenTable
Updated April 18, 2023
James Beard Award winners. MICHELIN-recognized restaurants. Perennial best-of picks. Book an award-winning spot in San Diego and find out for yourself why these restaurants are beloved by critics and diners alike.
A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1884)
$50 and over
Californian
Del Mar
About the restaurant
Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.

Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.

Top review
LouiseE
Dined on Apr 1, 2023
worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!
A photo of Animae restaurant
4.8
4.8 (3238)
$50 and over
Contemporary Asian
Downtown
About the restaurant
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
Top review
Michelle
Dined 1 day ago
Highly recommended. We have the best experience ever! Dina was our server and she was excellent! Overall, the restaurant has given us a superb customer service from the entrance to our table. The food was delicious! Especially the Taiwanese chicken and Miyazaki wagyu tenderloin! This place was worth it. Will be back again.
A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2507)
$50 and over
Farm-to-table
La Jolla
About the restaurant
A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state.

A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.

PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Oct 9, 2024
Great staff, even better food, the location was outstanding.
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6415)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Little Italy
About the restaurant
The American steakhouse is an iconic restaurant institution. We’d wanted to tell that story for years, but waited until we had the skill, talent and ability to execute it properly, and the right space to be our canvas, an important corner in Little Italy, a neighborhood where we have deep roots. We brought an almost academic appreciation for steakhouse history and tradition to Born & Raised, while trying to stay relevant and authentic to ourselves and our city. Our dry-aged beef pays tribute to earlier, earthier, pre-government grading practices and is the centerpiece of a meal best savored at a slow pace. A timeless celebration of everything that makes restaurants so special. - Consortium Holdings. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

Top review
Dave
Dined 1 day ago
Food and drinks were amazing. The service and timing of the food was great. We ordered the table side salad and Steak Diana, which was super fun. The bread and Potato Purée was delicious and my NY was cooked perfectly. I suggest getting reservations early and try to get a table upstairs, great views!
A photo of Campfire restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5251)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Carlsbad
About the restaurant
A New American restaurant and cocktail bar with a focus on market driven live-fire cooking, Campfire is a return to the origins of cooking and hospitality, and celebrates the spirit of the name by creating an environment in which we gather around a fire, create honest food, and share it with friends.
Top review
NathanVIP
Dined 6 days ago
We loved the prefix meal experience! Servers were a joy, the food and cocktails were an experience to write home about. We can’t wait to return and try more items off the menu!
A photo of Catania restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2068)
$31 to $50
Italian
La Jolla
About the restaurant
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)
Top review
Max
Dined 1 day ago
Val was AMAZING !!!! Her service, knowledge of food and wine was outstanding. Absolutely amazing experience and I will 100% be back !!!
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
4.9 (5512)
$30 and under
Italian
Ocean Beach
About the restaurant
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

Top review
Betsy
Dined today
This was our first time at Cesarina, and it won’t be our last! The pastas were absolutely outstanding—I especially loved my Arrabiatissima with malfalde and guanciale—and the table-side-made tiramisu was the best we’ve ever had. We loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Everything was splendid and the staff worked tirelessly and successfully to create a festive environment. Can’t wait to return!
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
4.6 (964)
$31 to $50
Sushi
Little Italy
About the restaurant
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!
Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionship
Our concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.
Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.

Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.



Top review
Alyssa
Dined on Dec 17, 2024
Great server very friendly & helpful ! Food was delicious and overall ambience was 10/10
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
4.6 (7567)
$30 and under
Mexican
Harbor Island
About the restaurant
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
Top review
Mikayla
Dined 1 day ago
My husband and I dined here to celebrate his birthday and it was a wonderful experience. Amazing food, views and ambiance! Will be back!
A photo of Craft & Commerce restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1086)
$31 to $50
American
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Providing shelter from the storm since 2009.


Top review
Sarah
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing holiday dinner with my girlfriends! Highly recommend. The Mac & Cheese is so good.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
4.7 (7104)
$30 and under
Italian
Banker's Hill
About the restaurant
We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009.

The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.

CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.

Top review
pierVIP
Dined 1 day ago
great food and wine at great prices, table was a bit cramped but great overall
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4386)
$30 and under
American
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!
Top review
Olga
Dined 2 days ago
Very friendly staff and tasty food. Would definitely recommend and come back myself :)
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6469)
$31 to $50
Californian
Little Italy
About the restaurant
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

Top review
Kathleen
Dined today
Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
A photo of Himitsu restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1124)
$31 to $50
Sushi
La Jolla
About the restaurant
A sushi bar and Japanese bistro. Inspired by the sushi bars in Tokyo. Himitsu introduces Japanese culture, design, and hospitality to San Diego.

Our 8 person sushi bar and 20 person patio is located in a discrete corner of La Jolla, a setting well suited to our name, which translate to "Secret" in Japanese.

Chef Mitsu Aihara presents a menu of traditional sushi and nigiri, along with Japanese style tapas using the high quality products and ingredients.

Top review
StephVIP
Dined 4 days ago
If you get the chance to sit at the sushi bar and enjoy the beautiful show of Mitsu and his crew, I highly recommend it! The chalkboard is full of delicious sushi all elegantly presented and requiring no soy sauce. The sake cup selection is a lovely touch and the atmosphere is always cozy and welcoming. A La Jolla favorite spot for lunch or dinner.
A photo of Jeune et Jolie restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4063)
$50 and over
Contemporary French
Carlsbad
About the restaurant
A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest.

For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.







Top review
Tom
Dined today
Excellent Christmas Eve 5 course. Food and wine (pairing) was delicious. Staff are super cool. Love the vibe here, this was our first time. Sat outside on the patio. Heat lamps are great. Will be coming back ASAP.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
4.6 (8041)
$31 to $50
Unspecified
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
Top review
KristiVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great restaurant, if very noisy. Our waiter was awesome, food was delicious. Would definitely go back.
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1437)
$30 and under
French
Coronado
About the restaurant
Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.
Top review
Barbara
Dined 2 days ago
Whenever we are in Coronado we make sure to have Brunch @ Little Frenchie. The menu provides diverse options. The food is delicious. Be sure to make a reservation. I am ready for the next visit. You won’t be disappointed. Yum.
A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2288)
$50 and over
French American
Rancho Santa Fe
About the restaurant
**Please note: Patio requests must call the restaurant to confirm availability for patio dining, as availability is very limited due to table spacing.*

Nestled in the heart of the historic and charming village of Rancho Santa Fe, just four miles inland from Del Mar, Mille Fleurs offers magnificent California food presentation with extraordinary French flair. The exquisite yet comfortable French country décor with inviting outside patio provides an atmosphere that is gracious, warm and welcoming. Mille Fleurs has received numerous accolades including: "Top 25 in America" from Food & Wine Magazine "Far and away the best restaurant sampled in greater San Diego" quoted in The New York Times as well as "Best French" and "Best of the Best" in San Diego Magazine. Our award winning wine cellar offers over seven hundred choices spanning the globe and varying greatly in price. A mile down the road is the Chino's Family Farm where our chef heads every day to get fresh ingredients.

Top review
JaniceVIP
Dined today
Came here for Christmas Eve dinner. Top-notch food, service & ambience.
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2933)
$31 to $50
Californian
La Jolla
About the restaurant
Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Top review
KathyVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent service. We ate on the terrace with nice ocean view. Waiter and bus were friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. Burger and fries were superior. Highly recommend.
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2124)
$30 and under
Mexican
La Jolla
About the restaurant
Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas.

In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere.

We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.

Top review
Lynn
Dined 2 days ago
Great cocktails and the guacamole and chips is fantastic. Tacos are very good although some are much better than others. Shrimp tamarind is a star for our table.
A photo of Seréa restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2259)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
Coronado
About the restaurant
Serẽa is proud to bring an exquisite sea-to-table dining experience to San Diego in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.
Located just steps from the beach in the legendary Hotel del Coronado, the restaurant's key focus is the bounty of the sea. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood, with a coastal cuisine menu that spotlights the best of the region's oceans, farms and fields, ranging from the California Coast down to the Baja Peninsula.
Creative cuisine with a global flair is prepared by San Diego's own Chef Jojo Ruiz, who creates elegant, fresh dishes with just a hint of Mediterranean flair.

*Serea & The Hotel Del Coronado are currently undergoing a once in a century transformation, after 100 years, we felt a facelift was in order!
We wish you to be aware there will be evolving changes to the way we are able to serve you during this period as Serea and The Hotel Del Coronado are reimagined for generations to come.*

Top review
Ericka
Dined 6 days ago
The entire team was extremely attentive. They definitely make you feel welcomed. Great food options for everyone’s needs. The restaurant is beautiful.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1318)
$30 and under
Italian
North Park
About the restaurant
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.
Top review
JacquelineVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Ambiance is just on point. Perfect place to enjoy dinner. The foods were so good and the prices were reasonable. Definitely will revisit!
A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2439)
$30 and under
Italian
Point Loma
About the restaurant
Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.
Top review
joZef
Dined 3 days ago
Food was well prepared especially the pasta dishes which were excellent. Our waiter was just okay and uninspired, putting in minimal effort and seemed unhappy about being there or pleasing us beyond basic service…maybe he was having a bad day or too many tables? We had booked the chefs table but we were disappointed in that it was in the middle of a busy and cluttered hallway that leads to the bathrooms and the chef was nowhere to be seen - felt odd, and not particularly special, so we asked to sit in main dining which was the better choice. Food was the star.
A photo of The Fishery restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3061)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Pacific Beach
About the restaurant
BEHIND EVERY GREAT SEAFOOD RESTAURANT IS A WAREHOUSE STOCKED WITH FRESH SEAFOOD.
The Fishery Restaurant & Market is located just a few blocks from the ocean in North Pacific Beach.
The restaurant menu reflects ‘coastal cuisine’ with a simple yet serious focus on the best our coastal fisheries and local farms have to offer. The passion that drives Chef Mike Reidy is evidenced by flavors that can only be achieved using ingredients at their peak of seasonality and freshness.
The Fishery was awarded the prestigious Award of Excellence for its Wine List from Wine Spectator in 2018- Present. Our wine list is inspired by the great wines of Europe and their American counterparts and we strive to showcase real, natural, food friendly-wines with a sense of place.

The Fishery Market showcases fresh fish, prepared seafood, salads, sauces and marinades.

Top review
Richard
Dined 2 days ago
Enjoyable Sunday evening. Good food, however a bit slow which was surprising given it wasn’t too jammed. Regardless, had a great time.
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