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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 (3266)
$50 and over
Contemporary Asian
Downtown / Gaslamp
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
CherylVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Everything was exceptional here! Attentive service, great choices of food and drinks, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. We ordered way too much food because we wanted to try everything.
A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
4.7
4.7 (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
Bernard
Dined on Oct 9, 2024
We had a fantastic experience. The staff were spectacular, the food was amazing, the ambiance, incredible. It was an anniversary celebration for us and the service blew us away, from the personalized menu to the amazing attention to detail by all the staff. A very happy experience all around. We highly recommend
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
4.7
4.7 (6463)
$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
WillVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Fantastic spot! Outside dining was great even with the jet noise. Only minor gripe was we didn’t get seated until almost 30 minutes after the reservation time. I hate that. Otherwise, server was awesome, food exceptional and experience top notch!
A photo of Campfire restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5282)
$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
Teryl
Dined 2 days ago
The food is unique and truly amazing, I had been in a couple of months before and couldn't stop thinking about the Pork Porterhouse! Our server Kaden was fantastic and he added to the fun of the evening. He was so attentive and really heard what we like and had great food and wine suggestions. We were celebrating a special occasion and he made the celebration even more special! Jazzie at the bar made us delicious drinks and was so fun and engaging. We will come back just to sit at the bar and enjoy her company! Natalia was terrific, so welcoming and friendly. We really enjoyed our conversation with her! Overall, a delicious, fun and memorable evening. We will be back very soon! Teryl Jackson
A photo of Catania restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2081)
$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
Joe
Dined 4 days ago
The food, service, and drinks were exceptional. At the end, the chef came and introduced himself and brought us an extra dessert which was a real treat. I could not be happier with the experience and meal. Will definitely be sharing with my friends and family. Hope to be back again in the future.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
4.9 (5565)
$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
Anne
Dined 6 days ago
Great as usual. Excellent food and service. The ambience is charming. Highly recommend.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
4.6 (974)
$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
NicoleVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Exceeded expectations…Great food, service, music and decor!
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
4.6 (7615)
$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
EdVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Fabulous and Delicious!! Will go back definitely !! Views are unbelievable!!
A photo of Craft & Commerce restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1088)
$31 to $50
American
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Providing shelter from the storm since 2009.


Top review
Lena
Dined on Dec 30, 2024
Fun experience at Craft and Commerce last night. Food was excellent as well as my cocktail. Service was a bit lagging, but they were busy, so understandable
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.8
4.8 (7122)
$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
Quincy
Dined 1 day ago
Oh, what a delightful evening we had at Cucina Urbana last night! Picture this: a lively party of ten, including two spirited little ones, arriving with a sprinkle of hesitation about waiting for a table.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
4.8 (4414)
$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
Gwen
Dined 7 days ago
The Green Chilaquiles & Provence Hash are my two favorite dishes. You cannot go wrong with either.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.6
4.6 (6502)
$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
Giovanna
Dined 3 days ago
Incredible. The food and service was excellent. It was so vibey. Can’t wait to go back.
A photo of Himitsu restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1135)
$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
Travis
Dined 1 day ago
Don’t know that you can go wrong here. Had lot of small bites of negiri. Golden eye snapper was my favorite.
A photo of Jeune et Jolie restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4095)
$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
Augustine Reid
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely love coming here! Laid back SoCal fine dining with exceptional food, flavors, and service.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
4.6 (8075)
$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
Anne
Dined 2 days ago
Pork belly inihaw and oyster sisig were on point, wonder if they have a Filipino chef 🤩. Service was impeccable. Our dessert Yodel was one of the best if not THE best. Thank you for a wonderful experience!
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1466)
$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
CristinaVIP
Dined 6 days ago
Just love coming here. Of course, had my French dip and it was perfect. Wanted the onion soup but, was too much food for today. Thank you!!
A photo of Mille Fleurs restaurant
4.8
4.8 (2302)
$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
Douglas
Dined 1 day ago
We had a very nice dinner but we were surprised when we were seated in the bar area. We had made reservations for the indoor restaurant. We should have been advised before we arrived. We probably still would have come as we do enjoy the bar music but it would have been nice to inform us. The bar shaker and bar noise were a bit much for an elegant dining experience. Apparently, there was a large party in the main restaurant--strange for a Saturday night.
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2942)
$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
EricVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Upscale dining room, great service, expensive small salad, creative cuisine and preparations.
A photo of Puesto La Jolla restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2136)
$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
DorisVIP
Dined 6 days ago
I’ve bent o Puesto many times and they still have the best tacos. The service and the ambiance is alway good.
A photo of Seréa restaurant
4.6
4.6 (2281)
$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
Brandey
Dined 1 day ago
The food and service were wonderful! Definitely going back!
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1331)
$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
Taylor
Dined 2 days ago
Love love love! I wanted a special that I had seen online a few months but it wasn’t on the menu anymore. I told our server Ernie and he made it happen!! The best service, absolutely made my night and it was DELISH ERNIE you are awesome!!
A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant
4.7
4.7 (2453)
$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
ChrisVIP
Dined 2 days ago
The Chefs Counter was such an interesting experience! We loved watching the calm and well coordinated kitchen in action!! The five course menu was so delicious each dish very carefully made. There was no skimping on the quality or quantity of the food. For anyone who really likes a true culinary experience it is a unique table to watch the full kitchen work. We really loved it.
A photo of The Fishery restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3085)
$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
Virginia
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food and excellent service. I would strongly recommend this delightful restaurant. I had the macadamia nut crusted halibut and it was cooked to perfection. We enjoyed eating in the patio. The inside is small and a bit loud.
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