Restaurants

Recommended Restaurants

All: Seaport Village
849 W. Harbor Dr
San Diego CA 92101

You can eat walk-up or fancy as there are 4 nice restaurants (ocean view and reservations recommended on weekends) and a number of walk-ups (pizza, burger, greek, fish, ice cream, etc.) This is basically an outdoor shopping and eating tourist attraction, but a lot of choices in close range to each other. Riding the carousel is recommended before eating for the weak of tummy. Great bookstore and coffeehouse (Upstart Crow) is an attraction for us librarians!

-Judith Downie

American: Corvette Diner
3946 Fifth Ave (Hillcrest)
San Diego, CA
(619) 542-1476

Retro-themed diner entertains with impromptu singing performances and old-fashioned, soda fountain-style fun at this Hillcrest classic.

- Angela Boyd

American: Harry's Coffee Shop
7545 Girard
La Jolla, CA  92037
(858) 454-7381

Harry's is a local favorite for belly-up-to-the-counter breakfast and lunch (closes at 3, so forget about dinner). Wide-ranging menu with the ubiquitous red leatherette booths for those who are counter-shy. Some outside seating, on a busy thoroughfare, so you can count the Mercedes, Hummers and other extravangant transportation modes as they go by. Parking in the back, while recommended for safe egress from your vehicle, provides an unforgettable adventure by negotiating past the wait staff and prep area.

- Judith Downie

American: George’s at the Cove
1250 Prospect St (La Jolla Cove)
La Jolla, CA
(858) 454-4244

- Angela Boyd

American: The Marine Room
2000 Spindrift Dr. (La Jolla Cove)
La Jolla, CA
(858) 459-7222

- Angela Boyd

American: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 North Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 453-4420

- Angela Boyd

Bar & Grill/Pub: Cass Street Bar & Grill
4612 Cass St.
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 270-1320

Excellent food and the overall Happy Beach Vibe keep both locals and savvy visitors flocking to this beloved watering hole.

- Angela Boyd

Bar & Grill/Pub: Shakespeare's Pub & Grill
3701 India Street (Hillcrest/Mission Hills)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-0230

Excellent selection of beer and pub food. Darts and football galore!

- Allie Carr

Breakfast: The Cottage
7202 Fay Ave,
La Jolla, CA
(858) 454-8409

Cozy restaurant, known for California-style breakfasts, also serves lunch in the heart of La Jolla's village.

- Angela Boyd

Breakfast: Olive Café
805 Santa Clara Pl (Mission Beach)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-1224

This little place is between the Catamaran and the Bahia.  The service is slow as molasses, but the berry pancakes are worth the wait.

- Amy Wallace

Breakfast: World Famous in the Surfer Hotel
711 Pacific Beach Dr. (Pacific Beach)
San Diego, CA
858-272-3100

Good food right on the beach.  Get a window seat to watch the waves, and then take a walk to work off all that good food.

- Emily Bergman

Deli: City Deli
535 University Avenue (corner of University and 6th) (Hillcrest)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 281-7500

- Carol M. Withers

Hawaiian: DaKine's
4120 Mission Blvd. #208 (Pacific Beach)
San Diego, CA 92109
(858)274-8494

Best plate lunch on the mainland. Enjoy generous portions of kalua pork, macaroni salad and steamed rice. It's a stones-throw from the Catamaran, and for those of you staying at the Bahia, definitely worth the trip.

- Allie Carr

Mexican: El Agave
2304 San Diego Avenue (Old Town)
Old Town, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 220-0692
www.elagave.com

I do not drink tequila, but if I did this is the place I would go.  I do however dream about diving into a pool of their mole sauces.

- Amy Wallace


Mexican: Gringos Cantina
4474 Mission Blvd. (Pacific Beach)
San Diego CA,

- Angela Boyd

Mexican: Jose's Courtroom
1037 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
858 454-7655

Favored by locals (therefore casual dress is expected--your idea of La Jolla is not what the city fathers push), this is a few steps from the beach, providing the opportunity to walk off all the calories from the food and margaritas. Seating isn't the most comfortable if you want a front table that actually affords a peek of the ocean, but hey, you can walk out the door and down a block, be at the beach and maybe crash a cliffside wedding.

- Judith Downie

Mexican: Miguel's Cocina
2912 Shelter Island Drive (Point Loma)
San Diego, CA
(619) 224-2401

Miguel's Cocina Point Loma opened in July 1984 on the site of the original Brigantine Seafood Restaurant. It features a heated dining deck and three cozy dining rooms. Champagne brunch is served in addition to the regular menu every Sunday until 3:00pm. Miguel's Point Loma can accommodate large parties of up to 35 guests.

- Angela Boyd

Mexican: Porkyland
1030 Torrey Pines Road (La Jolla Cove)
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-1708

Calling all you high fat high carb people.  I suggest getting the carnitas family pack. Sure it is enough food for four people, but hey you are on vacation.  Who says you can’t find an inexpensive place to eat in La Jolla.

- Amy Wallace

Mexican: Tio Leo's
5302 Napa St. (Linda Vista/Mission Bay)
San Diego CA , 92110

- Angela Boyd

Pacific Beach Eateries

For those who wish to explore and find their own places and a bit of beach life, make a right turn out of the parking lot.  Go a few blacks and make a right turn on Mission Boulevard.  When you get to Grand or Garnet, you are in the middle of Pacific Beach's restaurants and bars.   At the foot of Garnet, you can take a walk out onto the pier. Have fun!

- Carol M. Withers

Thai: Rama Restaurant
327 4th Ave. (Downtown)
San Diego, CA
(619) 501-8424

Nothing funny about this Thai food haven. Gorgeous interiors, killer food , and the bartender will even put two little umbrellas in your drink if you ask nicely. Walking distance from the convention center a plus. Bon Apetit! Online review.

- Caroline Bordinaro

Thai: Taste of Thai
527 University Avenue (Hillcrest)
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-7525

A little more down to earth than Rama, but the food is fabulous. The service is quick, the menu substantial, and prices a very reasonable. Stop at Crush for a glass of wine, and Mint for quick shoe shopping before dinner.

- Allie Carr