Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Wildland

5.0

5 (17)

$30 and under

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

WALK IN'S ONLY, NO RESERVATIONS!

Wildland is an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery inspired by the natural landscape and vibrant community of North County, celebrating the creative culture of California by bringing bold ideas to timeless traditions.

Night or day, this is a place for the every day.

Private Dining Room reservations are available for parties of 12-18 guests.

Top review

Ryan

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

The newest offering from the same team that brought us Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, Wildland is a breath of fresh air. Its an interesting combination of fast casual meets hospitality and "when you're here you're family" (but not in the fake Italian sort of way). The menu is concise and has something for every palette, which is helpful, and the drinks are very good (similar to Campfire). The ambiance is cozy but minimal as there is a LOT going on. The open kitchen, bar and bakery make for eye candy everywhere. My favorite bite was the Clams, followed closely by the Mafaldine pasta. The pizzas were above average but could use a little more generosity on the toppings. The Pistachio tiramisu is a must try. We look forward to trying breakfast... and lunch. Well done team

Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room

4.9

4.9 (143)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Pali Wine Co. is located in famous Little Italy, San Diego, steps from the main strip. The family-owned winery highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. From our Pali Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays, to our Tower 15 bold, nuanced wines, and Neighborhood zippy, natural cuvées, our three wine labels are sure to please any pallet.

Stop in for a tasting flight where you can sample wines from our portfolio, step up to the bar for a customized guided tasting or grab a bottle to-go. Our menu features small and sharable plates with locally sourced ingredients ideal for sharing and sipping, including our best-selling burger, charcuterie boards, and seasonal specials.

Join our wine club to enjoy complimentary tastings, receive 20% off all wine, & more exciting benefits!

Weekly events include Comedy Night on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, as well as live music Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, happy hour deals weekdays 4-6pm!

Top review

Kimberly

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

I love Pali! The wine is also so yummy and the flight is a great way to figure out what you want to drink or just try fun wines! The charcuterie board was really good too, a fun little appetizer. I’ve never had a bad experience here!

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Winter Wine Club Pick Up Party

Topsail at Portside Pier

4.9

4.9 (147)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Downtown

About the restaurant

San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!

Top review

JillVIP

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Popped in for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We sat outside with a great view and had the charcuterie board which did not disappoint.

Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion Valley

4.8

4.8 (561)

$30 and under

Mexican

Mission Valley

About the restaurant

Blanco is more than your typical Mexican restaurant, it‘s an escape from the ordinary, a happy hour hang out, a place to sit back, recharge and party. It’s a vacation in your neighborhood that helps you relax with your favorite people. For food, margaritas, and good times, Blanco is the perfect place to find your bliss.

Top review

Nicole

Dined on Jan 3, 2025

The staff was very attentive to our group of 11. We were pleased with the quality of food and the time it took to prepare.

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4.8

4.8 (241)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bonsall

About the restaurant

Harlow's Cocktail Lounge is a unique restaurant focused on traditional classics with modern reinvention. Through the use of specialized ingredients and techniques, international influence and attention to detail, Harlow's offers adventurous creations rooted in comforting familiarity. Our shareable menu and bar selections are crafted for our guests enjoy on any occasion or outing. Come enjoy the lounge, bar, restaurant and private dining areas with friends and family. Harlow's stage features weekly live music showcasing local talent. Call or visit harlowslounge.com for more details

Top review

Christina

Dined 3 days ago

A gem! Loved the ambiance and the transformation to a time when internet didn’t exist. Allowing for great conversation and experience. Genuinely kind customer service, great music from past, food intentionally cooked to taste the flavors of quality ingredients rather than covering it up in salt and sugars. Fantastic overall!

Public House 131

4.8

4.8 (41)

$30 and under

American

Scripps Ranch

About the restaurant

Welcome to Public House 131 our Chef Shahob Pourteymoor has designed a menu full of your pub favorites all made from scratch in house and sourced locally whenever possible or when seasons allow. We are located in beautiful Scripps Ranch and offer a wonderful outdoor dining experience. Our Craft cocktails are our specialty and our tap list includes close to 20 local San Diego beers.

Top review

Dined 5 days ago

We had originally requested indoor seating but discovered the college football playoff games were on so asked if we could sit outside instead due to the sound level inside. We were quickly accommodated and the young man who seated us quickly brought over a heater and placed it next to our table. The drink selections were excellent as were the food options. We were all pleased with our choices. I ordered the butternut squash and kale salad, as I always do, and it was delicious, as usual. Our server, Conner, was attentive yet not overbearing. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening and never felt rushed. We will be back!

Park 101

4.8

4.8 (50)

$31 to $50

American

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Park 101 is Carlsbad's unique answer to community dining, lounging and sipping in style in the heart of the Village. We've made sure that there's something for everyone at our 8000 sq. ft. multi-level, plaza-style complex. We are kid friendly and dog friendly, and are considered a significant focal point within one of the best communities that flank the Pacific.

We also cater and host private events at Park 101!

Top review

BrittanieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Not an ideal table for kids. Mentioned reservation was for 70th birthday but they didn’t do anything.

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4.8

4.8 (50)

$30 and under

Sushi

Poway / Rancho Bernardo

About the restaurant

Experience the taste of high quality sushi with a trendy Neo-Asian inspired décor. Harney stands as the top sushi bar and dining destination in San Diego. It's as fresh and innovative as you desire. Here, the spirit of experimentation mingles with joyful revelry, where top-notch dining expertise meets vibrant charm and flair. Our establishment features a private VIP area and an array of over 30 specialty rolls crafted and named by devoted fans. It's a symphony for your taste buds, nourishment for your soul. Since 2001, we take pride in presenting our award-winning, sustainable sushi cuisine rooted in Southern California.

Top review

MelissaVIP

Dined on Jan 4, 2025

Great little neighborhood sushi restaurant. Friendly service and outstanding sushi rolls. We will be back!

Dolce

4.7

4.7 (710)

$30 and under

Californian

Rancho Santa Fe

About the restaurant

Dolce is a high quality, inviting atmosphere and the perfect Ranch neighborhood hideaway. Intimate and lively, Dolce offers delicious local, rustic wine-country inspired cuisine, fine wine and occasions for joyful gatherings.

Top review

Christine

Dined 4 days ago

Very pleasant, friendly, and helpful service, excellent food/drinks! We were celebrating 2 birthdays (party of 7) and had a lovely time!

Camino Riviera

4.7

4.7 (34)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Join us for a full sensory journey through the Yucatán in our sultry dining room and open air lounge. SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has curated an eclectic menu that integrates his unique style with Mexican cuisine. The bar program is built on classic cocktails while celebrating the spirits and flavors from all over Latin America. We source rare expressions of mezcal and tequila from some of the most revered producers in Mexico.

We accept requests for both environments but cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all requests.

Top review

Amanda

Dined 5 days ago

The food was small portions but everything I had tasted amazing! Every time I took a bite of something different I was wowed. The Brussels sprouts were my top favorite!!

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Experience

Late Night Lounge

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