Your Guide to Cool Restaurants in San Diego 🍝🍞🍨

San Diego is a beautiful city on the West Coast of California, and there are many reasons why you might want to visit the city. The San Diego area provides a number of attractions including: golf courses, recreation centers, parks, and many other leisure activities to enjoy during your visit. 

There is something special about eating out at a restaurant that brings a feeling of excitement to most people. Whether it is a work luncheon with some of your co-workers, a family dinner to celebrate a milestone, or a date night with that special person in your life, going out for food is a special occasion. With this in mind, there are many things that make the dining experience one that is fun and pleasant. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and something felt like the atmosphere of the establishment felt somber or depressing? This can turn an otherwise positive dining experience into a negative one. The bottom line is that discovering an enjoyable dining experience is about far more than the quality of the food. It’s also about the vibe and mood that the restaurant provides for you 

Speaking of good experiences, take a moment to treat someone to a GiftYa gift card. There are many ways  that you can send a GiftYa gift card. Easy delivery options are available by using text or email, which makes the gift-giving experience quick and easy. Another option that GiftYa provides is the ability to attach the gift card to your VISA or MasterCard, which allows it to be used as eGift. GiftYa offers gift cards to local and national brands. Some top-notch companies that you can choose from include: Lowe’s, Home Depot, Amazon, Target, Taco Bell, KFC, and many others. 

While we are on the subject of food, what  you really want to know is where you can find cool restaurants in San Diego. Whether you are a resident of the city, vacationing with the family, or traveling for work, there are many cool restaurants in San Diego that will lift your spirits, provide great service, and make your taste buds leap for joy! Let’s talk about it. 

1. Beginner’s Diner

Visiting San Diego? There is no better place to Begin!

 📍 2223 el Cajon Boulevard | Florida Gardens | beginnersdiner.com‍

Visiting San Diego and don’t know where to begin? Stop for a bite to eat at Beginner’s Diner, one of the many cool restaurants in San Diego. This cozy diner has been tailored to mimic a style from the 1940s. Their neon sign out front welcomes you to explore what this beautiful restaurant has to offer you. It’s also worth mentioning that the restaurant is nestled inside a hotel in case you have long trip home and need a place to lay your head for the nightNow let’s get to the food! Beginner’s Diner provides a wide variety of menu options that are suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can choose from menu options such as: Spicy Tuna Tostada, Beet Salad, Crisp Chicken Tacos, Whole Grilled Fish, and much more. 

“From the decor, to the excellent service, to the great food…what a place. This is my new early morning breakfast spot!” - Yelp Review‍

2. One Door North

You’re too far south. Go north and see what you discover!

📍 3422 North Street | North Park | | onedoornorthsd.com‍

In the world of weather, heading south usually offers warmer weather. In San Diego, going one door north just might lead you to some delicious food! One Door North is a family owned and operated restaurant in the North Park area. Come in for a meal and get started with some spinach artichoke dip or calamari. For your meal, their menu is stocked with delicious dinners such as: cast iron half chicken, prime flat iron steak, or the creekstone cheeseburger. The restaurant also has gift cards that are available for purchase.While we are on the topic of gift cards, have you heard about GiftYa’s new offer? The GiftYa Select option gives the recipient the ability to redeem their card and choose from thousands of local and national brands. . 

“This is my husband’s favorite place for steak. Everything on their menu is fantastic. The ambiance and service is always excellent” - Yelp Review‍

3. Flarma Llama

Not all llamas can be found at the zoo. Come check the one on Convoy Street! Enjoy some beautiful decor, while you enjoy your food.

📍 4433 Convoy Street | Kearny Mesa | Reader.com‍

Flarma Llama is a Peruvian restaurant nestled in the district area surrounded by Vietnamese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants. Not in the mood for sushi or ramen? Stop by Flarma Llama and see their wide range of Peruvian delights. The restaurant doesn’t get its name for no reason. There is a llama with a small flame burning from its head like a candle wick. Pretty cool, right?This is a beautifully-decorated restaurant on Convoy Street with great food. This establishment offers Latin American, Peruvian, and Asian Fusion options on their diverse menu. Delightful dishes such as saltado, mojo pork, garlic noodles, arroz chaufa, fried yucca, pork tacos, and many other delicious choices.

“The food was delicious. If you are a foodie, you will love it.! The service is always very good! The natural setting of this place gives off a home vibe!” - Yelp Review 

4. Carbon

Spending the day on 30th Street? Stop by Carbon for a break to calm that growling tummy!

📍 2318 30th Street | Buringgane | angelas.kitchen.com‍

Spending the day near 30th Street in San Diego? Come in and grab some food at Carbon Angela’s Kitchen. This restaurant offers a variety of Italian-style menu options to fill that hollow leg of yours. You shouldn’t lift weights before you workout so why would you eat a meal without appetizers? Try a Spanish potato tortilla, arancino, or steak tartare to get your meal off to a great start. For the main course, try the grilled salmon, braised short ribs, spaghetti, or any of the other excellent food items on the menu. If I am not convincing enough for you, take it from Angela herself!

“It has always been a dream of mine to create a place where food and connection come together. I’m excited and proud to share that with you at Carbon Angela’s Kitchen. We’re a cozy, family restaurant where time slows down and food takes center stage.Every dish on the menu is made with love (not with haste). I’d  be honored if you stopped in to experience it with me.Let’s make some beautiful memories together. ” - Angela

“Wow. The food and customer service is amazing here. We had the filet minion and the eggplant croquets. The customer service was on point. They also provided fresh, out-of-the-oven bread, which was delicious.” - Yelp Review 

5. Tanuki 

Tanuki rhymes with sushi.There’s a good reason.

📍 4191 Adams Avenue | Kensington | tanukikebar.com‍

If your day leads you to Adams Avenue, take a break from your busy day and swing by Tanuki to enjoy some excellent food. The restaurant offers sushi, Izakaya, and small plate options. This restaurant is for all you sushi lovers out there! You can choose from lots of different fish options including: salmon scallop, and tuna. Not in the mood for sushi? Do not despair! You can choose from a wide array of menu options such as: salmon carpaccio, crispy rice, or vegetable ginger soup. Tanuki offers dine-in and takeout menu options (for all you introverts out there!). You can check out their full online menu and see all the delicious meal options that await. Not interested in dining at the restaurant, Tanuki also offers lots of takeout options as well. Take a break from whatever you’re doing and stop by Tanuki. Your tastebuds will be leaping for joy!

“Stopped by with my coworkers for lunch and it was just perfect. The service was great, the fish was fresh and the sale selection is delicious.” - Yelp Review 

6. The Remy 

If you love a good burger or steak, this is the right place for you!

📍 2445 Hotel Circle Place | Morena |theremysd.com‍

Calling all meat lovers! The Remy is waiting to fill your ravenous appetite with high-quality meat. This restaurant serves one-hundred percent grass-fed American Wagyu beef that is raised on family owned and operated farms in northwestern Montana that share the restaurant’s values.  The Remy has menu options including the Wagyu Burger, NY Strip, ribeye, and porterhouse steaks. prime rib sandwich, and Katsu chicken sandwich. Not a fan of meat? There are also several good options for all the vegans out there. The Remy serves wedge and caesar salads as well. Planning a business luncheon, wedding reception, or corporate presentation? The Remy also provides restaurant takeovers for between 50-120 guests. Their committed team will be there to make sure that your event is a success. Get started planning your memorable occasion and make a reservation today!

“Stellar dining experience with my son who is a freshman college football player. He was looking for quantity, I was interested in quality. We were both very happy by the end of the night.” - Yelp Review 

7. IL Posto 

Come by for a true Italian dining experience!

📍 2145 Fern Street | South Park | ilpostosd.com 

If you are in the mood for some Italian cuisine, IL Posto Italian Restaurant is a great choice! Your visit to this restaurant will not be just another place to get some food. It will also take you on a journey that will allow you to experience the Italian spirit and the southern California culture at the same time. Their lunch menu features inviting meals such as: Arancini, Crocche, Fior di Zucca, or Eggplant Parmiggiana. Want to eat dinner instead? They’ve got you covered there too! IL Their delicious  dinner menu options include: Lasagna, Spaghetti, and Linguini dishes.Are you in a time crunch? IL Posto  also provides restaurant reservations so you can be sure to have an open table. Whether you are ordering takeout, delivery, or dining at their beautiful restaurant location in the South Park neighborhood, IL Posto is the place where San Diego and Italy meet!“I went last night and ordered a special “ risotto langostino”. 

"It was delicious. Happy of my choice. The service was excellent, and our waiter, Alessandro, is always on top of everything! I had a great time - perfect ambiance, excellent service, and delicious food!” - Yelp Review  ‍

That wraps up our delicious discussion about cool restaurants in San Diego!No matter the reason for your visit to San Diego, you can  be confident that your dining experience will be a great one! Feel free to leave us a comment and let us know all about your San Diego experience.