Discover San Diego's Foodie Neighborhoods
You can’t put San Diego’s culinary style inside one box. The city and county are diverse—and made up of very distinct neighborhoods. And of course, each neighborhood serves up different tastes and bites.
It would be a fun adventure to travel the Greater San Diego area and sample the best of each neighborhood. However, you could save time (and gas) by heading downtown to the Grand Tasting (November 16) during the 16th Annual San Diego Bay Wine + Food Festival.
Along with more than 200 wineries, breweries and spirits companies, upwards of 50 local San Diego restaurants will be on hand to offer samples. Here’s a taste of the ’hoods that will be represented:
BANKERS HILL
Where’s Bankers Hill? Geographically, it’s located between downtown and Hillcrest. In terms of status, thanks to smart urban growth Bankers Hill is on the rise. One example is Il Dandy, which recently infilled on the ground floor of a high-rise famous for the restaurant at the top (Mr. A’s). Il Dandy’s modern Italian menu fuses Calabrian and Southern Cal cuisines.
CORONADO
Connected to downtown San Diego by a soaring bridge, Coronado is a family-oriented neighborhood home to a naval base. Bayside views at restaurants are de rigueur, like when you dine alfresco on the patio at ALBACA at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa. The menu is American Baja, with an abundance of farm-to-table ingredients.
HARBOR ISLAND
Consisting of two miles of land just south of the San Diego airport, Harbor Island eateries offer stunning views of the downtown skyline. One of the largest restaurants in all of San Diego is Coasterra. The 28,000-square-foot, Modern Mexican eatery includes a restaurant, lounge and a floating event center.
KENSINGTON
Kensington is as residential as a dining destination can be, exuding a quaint, small-town vibe. The place here to sip, savor and enjoy a bottle of wine—from among more than 100 premium and unique offerings—is Village Vino. It’s cozy and comfortable inside, with warm and weathered wood tables and lots of natural light.
LA JOLLA
Of all the beach communities, La Jolla is the most upscale and luxurious. The city’s Prospect Street is sometimes called the Rodeo Drive of San Diego. The elegant Marine Room is a popular dining choice for both surf (sesame-crusted ahi) and turf (Angus filet mignon). Located right on the beach, on some days high tide causes waves to crash right into the (highly fortified) restaurant windows.
LITTLE ITALY
San Diego’s Little Italy is just north of the downtown core. It’s long been a quaint and quiet spot for great food—but these days it’s gotten a little louder and livelier. Great new eateries have expanded the radius of deliciousness, including Morning Glory. Extravagantly designed with eye-popping color and flair, breakfast and brunch are the focus, with a menu that includes souffle pancakes, vegan frittatas and a cinnamon waffle French toast.
MARINA DISTRICT
Marina Kitchen is conveniently located inside the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, adjacent to the San Diego Convention Center. The restaurant offers modern comfort food, a creative cocktail menu and a California-centric wine list. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the San Diego Bay, as well as the bustling hotel pool.
SOLANA BEACH
This coastal town in North County San Diego exudes a laid-back vibe. It wouldn’t hurt to learn a little surfer lingo before a visit. One unpretentious breakfast and lunch spot that’s a short distance from the Del Mar beach is Ranch 45. Meats from Brandt Beef, butchered onsite, are the draw. Check out the burgers, tri-tip sandwiches and carne asada burritos (a surfer’s fave).
