Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Pacific Beach

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighbourhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkCoronadoDel MarDowntown / Gaslamp

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

128 restaurants available nearby

1. The Grass Skirt

4.7

Exceptional(738)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Polynesian • Pacific Beach

Booked 29 times today

From beverage director Eric Johnson love of tiki cocktails, to corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s mastery of southeast asian cuisine, the grass skirt combines the fun, lighthearted, escapist nature of tiki culture, with the creativity and unsurpassed food and beverage quality guests have come to expect from SDCM restaurants.

2. Bar Ella

new

5.0

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Pacific Beach

Booked 5 times today

Bar Ella, nestled in the vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood just a stone’s throw away from the sandy shores, represents the culmination of owner Krista Barrella’s passion for culinary excellence and hospitality. After a remarkable 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Krista envisioned an establishment that seamlessly merges her classic East Coast culinary heritage with the vibrant West Coast ambiance.

3. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1132)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 112 times today

Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.

4. Elvira

4.9

Exceptional(471)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 45 times today

Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!

5. El Sueño

4.1

Excellent(202)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 22 times today

Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.

6. Cannonball

4.6

Exceptional(1165)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Mission Bay

Booked 37 times today

Refreshing craft cocktails, seriously tasty sushi, and California cuisine are just the start of what you’ll savor at Cannonball. Whether you choose to get cozy within our intimate cocktail lounge or out on the rooftop terrace, you’ll be treated to truly spectacular Mission Beach views every bite and sip. Dive into culinary creativity at Cannonball—there’s nothing quite like it!For larger parties, please contact us directly at info@cannonballsd.com

7. Puesto La Jolla

4.7

Exceptional(2155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 77 times today

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.

8. Duke's La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(6635)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla

Booked 134 times today

We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.

A photo of Waterbar San Diego restaurant

9. Waterbar San Diego

4.4

Awesome(399)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Pacific Beach

Booked 9 times today

Located alongside the vibrant ocean-front boardwalk in Pacific Beach, Waterbar offers only the best in tantalizing menus, innovative libations, panoramic views, and lively entertainment. Our “social seafood” menu is inspired by East coast, West coast and Baja cuisines, and transforms the freshest flavors through our chef’s unique renditions of coastal classics. Flavor-forward craft cocktails, local micro-brews, national brand favorites, and a diverse wine list are offered across comfortable bar seating, community-table dining, and intimate ocean-side tables. Waterbar’s thriving, energetic environment captures the passion of San Diego’s iconic coastline for an unforgettably satisfying experience.

10. Scuderie Italia

4.6

Exceptional(360)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Pacific Beach

Booked 7 times today

Scuderie (scoo-de-ree-ye) is often referred to, in Italy, as a racing team garage. In the spirit of teamwork we welcome you to Scuderie Italia, our luxurious home providing you with impeccable service and simple, comforting Italian food and pizza. Our true Napoletana pizza is proudly made by our vibrant pizzaiolo, Gimmy Piperku, who also heads the kitchen serving handmade pasta and other popular Italian dishes. Enjoy your meal on either one of our our covered patios or dine inside surrounded by beautiful photos of Italian engines and bright racing yellows. Nothing brings people together like good food and we have that for you and your crew!Buon appetito~ Leonardo and Christine Landini

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JovelynVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We’ve dined at the Point Loma location several times, and this new spot in Coronado did not disappoint. We had a reservation and waited only about 5-10 minutes after our expected time, which was no big deal. The views were absolutely stunning, adding to the whole experience. It did take a little while to get our water, but once we placed our drink and food orders, everything came out fairly quickly. The food was delicious, and our waitress was excellent – attentive and friendly throughout the meal. Definitely a spot we’ll be coming back to!
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
N
NuiVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The jerk chicken wings are the best! Also love the island salad with its yummy chimichurri dressing. Coconut margarita is my favorite drink. All the servers are fantastic too!
More info
Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
•
4.8
M
Manuel y o Anavel
Baja California •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The first time the food was exquisite thise time something is a little bit less like I don’t know the meat something was different. I had to ask for salt
More info
Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
•
4.6

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