10 Of The Best Restaurants In The U.S. Are In San Diego

A vacation spent in San Diego is usually one of the best in the United States. The city offers a fantastic nightlife scene, beautiful museums, an incredible beach experience, an amusement park, sports, and a fascinating food scene. San Diego’s culinary scene is its major draw, and foodies will be thrilled at the selection of food, ranging from authentic Mexican dishes to Italian to Asian and American.

Plus, there are several breweries and wineries to explore. No matter what vacationers are looking for, the city's food eateries guarantee an epic dining experience. These restaurants in San Diego are some of the best in the U.S.

10 Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters

Located a few blocks away from La Jolla Shores, where tourists can snorkel and more, Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters in San Diego is one of the best in the U.S., and offers a wonderful dining experience, with numerous options, including indoor dining room, at their fresh oyster bar, or the patio by the fireplace.

The restaurant's menu is amazing and includes oysters, albacore Crudo, steamed mussels, grilled octopus, Cajun peel-n' eat shrimp, and more. The drink selection is incredible and includes thoughtfully crafted wines.

Opening hours: 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Wednesdays to Sundays for dinners, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Sundays for brunch, and 4:00 pm – 5:30 Wednesdays to Sundays, for happy hours.

9 Dija Mara

Dija Mara offers creatively cooked meals made by blending Southeast Asian favorites with Wester and Japanese cooking methods to offer their guests a unique dining experience.

If looking for something completely new and interesting, head to this Balinese-inspired California food eatery located right in the heart of Oside.

Vacationers will find grilled roti, ceviche, beef tartare, green papaya salad, Chinese yu Choy, charred eggplant, chicken thigh skewers, and more on the menu.

Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Sundays

8 Carnita’s Snack Shack

Founded in 2011, Carnitas’ Snack Shack is a pork house on the Embarcadero waterfront in San Diego. Everything in this restaurant is pork, but the menu is extensive, offering a variety of food items to choose from, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads.

If looking for something tasty, but simple, opt for pork tacos. Vacationers can also have some of the tastiest locally crafted drinks, including specialty cocktails, enjoy live music that’s always playing, and the spectacular waterfront view.

A dinner taken in Carnitas’ Snack Shack is going to be a memorable one.

Opening hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sundays through Thursdays, 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Fridays & Saturdays

7 Zama

Located in Gaslamp Quarter, Zama is the neighborhood's newest hotspot that comes with an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant serves a perfect blend of Asian and Latin American favorites.

Located in downtown San Diego, Zama's American dishes come with an addition of some Mexican favorites, including a Trio of Ceviche, Agua Chile, and Tartare.

There is also a Japanese-inspired sushi bar. This unique combination of cuisines is designed to give visitors a unique and fascinating dining experience.

Opening hours: 5:00 pm -11:30 pm

6 LAVO

Located in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, LAVO offers a beautiful dining experience to its guests in a laid-back atmosphere. The restaurant features an open kitchen, so vacationers can always see as their meals get prepared.

There is a good number of Italian-American favorites, including Chicken Parmigiana, Meatballs, and Penne Alla Vodka.

The eatery launched a brunch recently, and it comes with unique items on a whole different menu. Some of the weekend brunch offerings include eggs Benedict all Romana, lemon ricotta, waffles, and Nutella stuffed French toast.

Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm Sundays through Thursdays and 5:00 pm – 12:00 am Fridays & Saturdays for dinners, 12: pm – 4:00 pm Saturdays and Sundays for brunch

5 Jeune Et Jolie

Jeune et Jolie offers a four-course menu, giving vacationers an incredible chance of making their own selections. The dining experience at this restaurant is one of the best and comes with indoor and outdoor options.

The outdoor dining is set at the eatery’s garden patio where visitors can enjoy their food as they gaze at the twinkling stars. The restaurant is also available for guests planning to host special events.

Opening hours: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm

4 Nectarine Grove

Many people visiting San Diego end up eating lots of burgers and tacos because they’re almost everywhere and are an easy choice. But if travelers are looking for something green, healthy, tasty, and unique, some eats at Nectarine Grove, a completely gluten-free and organic restaurant, will fit the bill.

Located a few blocks away from Encinitas’ 1-5, this restaurant is a wonderful spot to eat salads, sandwiches, bowls, and other healthy meals, including seasoned sweet potatoes, goat cheese, zucchini, spinach, and more.

Opening hours: 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

3 The Original Sab-E-Lee

Established in 2008, The Original Sab-E-Lee is located in Linda Vista and offers a casual family-friendly dining experience with a focus on authentic Thai cuisine.

Some of the favorites to try here include Namtok, Morning Glory, and Tom Ka.

Vacationers can always request the right level of spice they are comfortable with, usually ranging from zero to ten, and when it's too much, there is room to ask for help. Plus, there are many other food options on the menu to choose from.

Opening hours: 11:00 am – 3:30 pm lunch, 4:30 pm – 9:00 pm dinners

2 Joya Organic Kitchen

Joya Organic Kitchen in San Diego is one of the best restaurants in the U.S., offering an unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant's menu is filled with organic farm-fresh food items, some of the tastiest salads, sandwiches, and daily specials. Vacationers can choose to have indoor or outdoor dining.

There are several spaces to choose from, which makes this restaurant a wonderful spot for hosting occasions, such as weddings, business meetings, and birthdays.

Opening hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Mondays through Fridays, 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesdays to Thursdays for Happy hours.

1 Farmer’s Bottega

Located in San Diego’s Mission Hills, Farmer’s Bottega serves organic food in a rustic atmosphere, thanks to the vintage décor. The restaurant specializes in Italian favorites created using locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the items on the menu include burrata, crab cake, artisan bread, house meatballs, hearts of artichoke, grilled Spanish octopus, seasonal melon, burnt carrots, and more. The restaurant also offers weekend brunch and happy hours.