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$$ | Balboa Park |
Innovative restauranteur Tracy Borkum raised the bar of in-park dining with the unveiling of Artifact, located in the Mingei commons and courtyard. Taking culinary inspirations from around the globe, flavors and spices from Morocco to Peru are on display in lunch and dinner menus billed as "craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals." Several vegan and gluten-free options are available. Breakfast and quick-serve options are available daily at the adjacent Craft Cafe.
1439 El Prado, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Sophisticated menu
- Weekend happy hour
- Gluten-free and vegan offerings
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Tues. and Wed.
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$ | Liberty Station |
The city's former Naval Training Center is home to more than 30 vendors so even the pickiest of diners will be pleased. Options include tacos and quesadillas at Cecilia's Taqueria; fried rice, pad Thai, and curries at Mama Made Thai; lavender lattes from Westbean Coffee Roasters; fried chicken and fries from Fluster Cluck; sweet and savory crepes from Olala; more than a dozen Argentinean empanadas at Paraná; and croissants, éclairs, and macarons at Le Parfait Paris. There are a few communal tables indoors, but the best seating is the kid- and dog-friendly outdoor patio, outfitted with Adirondack chairs and market lights. Not all vendors are open for breakfast.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
Known For
- Cuisines from around the world
- Lively kid- and dog-friendly patio
- The best regional foods under one roof
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$ | Point Loma | Eclectic
This bustling market and food hall is just one of the latest additions to an ever-expanding Liberty Station, the historic mixed-use redevelopment of San Diego's former Naval Training Center. Vendors offer everything from lobster rolls to empanadas, gumbo, or tostadas, making it an excellent place to pop in for a quick but high-quality meal.
2820 Historic Decatur Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
Known For
- Popular food stalls
- Fast, good food
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$ | La Jolla |
The desserts are magnificent at this small, charming shop in operation for nearly 50 years, where dessertier Michele Coulon confects wonders, using organic produce and imported chocolate. Snack on cookies, cupcakes, brownies, chocolate-dipped strawberries, and mini-desserts. But this is not just a place for dessert: lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday (the store is open 9 am to 3 pm), and the simple menu includes quiche and salads. Other irresistible treats found here are a chocolate-lovers’ Torte Lion Belge, pear-frangipane tart, and Marjolaine Torte with layers of meringue, chocolate ganache, and buttercream.
7556 Fay Ave., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
Known For
- Instagram-worthy presentation
- The buttercream- and berry-filled Gateau Aileen
- Gluten-free items usually are available
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No dinner, Reservations not accepted
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$ | |
Next to his successful fine-dining restaurant, Juniper and Ivy, celebrity chef Richard Blais has opened this more casual eatery complete with a walk-up counter, picnic-style tables, a bocce court, and a giant rooster—a nod to the egg- and chicken-theme menu. Ingredients are sourced from high-quality vendors and used for sandwiches, of which the fried chicken varieties shine, as well as salads and sides like fluffy minibiscuits with a miso-maple butter and a Mexican spin on poutine. The all-outdoor space feels like a cool playground for foodies, and there's even a slick bar that doles out craft cocktails.
2266 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Señor Croque fried chicken sandwich with smoked pork belly
- Biscuits with miso-maple butter
- All-outdoor seating with bocce court
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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The line that inevitably wraps around the building is indicative of the quality of the tacos and the large selection of local craft beers on tap. Indeed, these are some of the best tacos in all of San Diego, ranging from the classic carne asada and Baja fish tacos to fried-shell beef tacos and Califas, which features French fries inside the tortilla.
2196 Logan Ave., San Diego, California, 92113, USA
Known For
- Baja-style street tacos
- Pruno de Piña (beer and fermented pineapple)
- Churros and ice cream
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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$ | Ocean Beach |
For a taste of Cuba in San Diego, head to this Ocean Beach bakery where owner Vivian Hernandez Jackson combines her Cuban heritage, Miami childhood, and London culinary training in breakfast and lunch offerings. Morning specialties like raspberry scones with passion fruit icing, a traditional guava-and-cheese puff pastry, and ham-and-Manchego quiche can be savored with café con leche, a sweet Cuban espresso with hot milk. For lunch, try the Cubano slow-roasted pork sandwich with plantain chips, followed by a classic flan or the mango cheesecake. The salsa music and photos of Cuban street life will transport you to the colorful country.
4820 Newport Ave., San Diego, California, 92107, USA
Known For
- Tangy, citrus-centric desserts
- Traditional Cuban pastries
- A quick bite before shopping or hitting the beach
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | Mission Beach | Asian
The Asian poke bowls and fluffy steamed bao "tacos" offer a unique alternative to the typical beach boardwalk fare. With limited seating, this street food shop is best for a quick bite or take-out.
3735 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
Known For
- Filled bao buns or "Asian tacos"
- Bulgogi street fries
- Limited seating
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$ | La Jolla |
With locations across San Diego County, this happening hot spot is ready to get you buzzed with honey lattes, “Killer Bee” triple espressos, pour overs, and nitro cold brews. The sandwiches, smoothies, pastries, and acai bowls are ideal grab-and-gos for those who would rather munch at the beach.
909 Prospect St., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
Known For
- Americano with creamy vanilla
- Breakfast sandwiches
- Rosewater latte
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$ | La Jolla |
For coffee with a view, the La Jolla branch of Bird Rock is the best spot to kickstart your day with fresh brewed artisan coffees and summer specials like the dirty Horchata iced coffee. Grab a table on the patio with the beach in the distance and take your pick from a comprehensive selection of morning brews and pastries. With locations around San Diego and North County, you're sure to find a spot to grab a cup of this delicious, San Diego--roasted coffee. There's no better place to recharge after a hike at nearby Torrey Pines.
5627 La Jolla Blvd., San Diego, California, 92037, USA
Known For
- Great ambience with friendly staff
- Pull-apart cinnamon rolls
- Ethically sourced coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | University Heights |
Employing the motto "If your grandmother wouldn't bake with it, we won't either," Blackmarket Bakery emphasizes that all its creations are made from scratch, and the proof is in the tasting. Its pastry case is full of buttercream-frosted cakes, drop cookies, and other fresh-baked goodies, in addition to breakfast sandwiches and vegan pastries.
4686 30th St., San Diego, California, 92116, USA
Known For
- Vegan cookies
- Cookie Monster bread pudding
- Handmade marshmallows
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$ | Balboa Park |
Located in the Casa del Balboa building near the San Diego History Center, this café is a convenient stop for a quick breakfast or lunch, or a midday coffee break. The café offers a good selection of pastries, panini, soups, and salads, and a few indoor tables in case you find yourself there on the odd rainy day.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Convenient location along the park's main drag
- All-day menu
- Specialty coffees
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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$ | North Park |
This long-standing North Park coffee roaster and café expands its evening offerings to include local beer, wine, and Italian-style cocktails.
3933 30th St., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Neapolitan pizzas
- House-roasted espresso
- Campari cocktails
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. evening
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$ | |
Carnitas Snack Shack got a start further inland in North Park, but eventually brought their signature pork tacos westward to provide a side of bay-front views with their modern Mexican cuisine. Indulge in some carnitas tacos, a BLT, or the "Triple Threat" pork sandwich at the Embarcadero outpost of this popular swine-heavy dining spot.
1004 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- The "Triple Threat" pork sandwich
- Amazing tacos
- Crispy golden French fries
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$ | North Park |
This small space in North Park elevates the traditional taco shop experience with superior ingredients and unique toppings. Several vegan and paleo tacos are offered alongside their seafood and meat selections.
3028 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Unique toppings on traditional tacos
- Specialty aioli and salsa bar
- Vegan and paleo tacos
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A classic diner with bar seating in a circle, Clayton's is a great lunch or breakfast spot with a menu that ranges from classic American fare to Mexican-inspired dishes like the popular breakfast burrito. Just don't forget dessert!
979 Orange Ave., San Diego, California, 92118, USA
Known For
- Bottomless coffee
- Breakfast burrito
- Gooey cinnamon roll sundae
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$ | North Park |
The exterior of Communal Coffee reads "Coffee + Flowers," and though that's not the name of the café, it's also not inaccurate—you actually can pick up a bouquet while you're there. But while there's plenty to keep patrons occupied—including a curated selection of housewares, books, and chocolates—the main attraction is still the fresh-brewed coffee and flaky, buttery pastries.
2335 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- French press coffee
- Buttery chocolate croissants
- Fresh-cut flowers
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$ | Liberty Station |
The scent of fresh-baked bread whets the appetite of customers at this Liberty Station bakery and café seeking rustic scones or raisin brioche cinnamon rolls for breakfast, or one of the hearty lunch sandwiches like almost-grilled cheese with melted Brie and Gorgonzola on warm rosemary--olive oil bread. All can be enjoyed inside or on the sunny patio with hot or cold drinks including the house-made lemonade. The bakery turns out 21 different loaves; among them are the popular Pt. Loma sourdough, Gruyère and chive, and the Pane Cioccolata with Belgium and Swiss chocolate (only available weekends). Box lunches with a sandwich, chips, and cookie, perfect for picnics or other outings, are $14 to $19 each.
2750 Dewey Rd., San Diego, California, 92106, USA
Known For
- Fluffy raisin brioche cinnamon rolls
- Sandwiches served in half portions
- Box lunches to go
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. and Wed.
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$ | Balboa Park |
Enjoy views of the Bea Evenson Fountain from the patio of this quick lunch option outside the Fleet Science Center. The menu offers everything from flatbreads, sandwiches, and soups to smoothies, specialty coffees, and soft-serve ice cream.
1875 El Prado, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
Known For
- Fountain views
- Smoothies and specialty coffees
- Color-changing ice-cream spoons
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$ | South Park |
There are six spots across San Diego including this one on the corner of Juniper and Fern in the heart of South Park. Open daily, this is the place to come for coffee, hot or iced, and a special treat---a scoop of one of the innovative flavors from Mutual Friend Ice Cream like lemon almond cake with a raspberry swirl or haupia haole pie.
3004 Juniper St., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
Known For
- Full coffee service until 5:30 pm daily
- Mutual Friend Ice Cream
- Vegan mini-doughnuts
