San Diego Eats

The sunny skies, perfect weather all year long, the best Mexican food and laid back people always is a great vibe. I lived in San Diego for over three years and every time I go back to visit I always find a new place to eat, secret spots on the beaches and not to mention the lively downtown scene.

There’s no bad time to visit San Diego, unless you really strive for warm/hot weather. The months of Jan – March can be a little cooler, but nothing compared to the weather up north. San Diego will always be a little chilly at night because its right by the water, but a sweater, cardigan or even a light jacket will do the trick.

Since its night near the water, you have so many benefits of discovering new or old beaches! Of course my favorite is La Jolla beach. It’s surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla’s natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as “the jewel” of San Diego.

Aside from the beautiful beaches there’s so many amazing places to eat and over the years I’ve made a list of places I LOVE to eat in San Diego.

DIN TAI FUNG (Asian)

Everything on their menu is amazing, my favorite is the spicy chili noodles, veggie dumplings and the cucumber salad, and let’s not forget the chocolate buns for dessert. The drinks are strong BUT good, and yes just to get a reservation to this place can take weeks but IT’S WORTH IT! I highly recommend going because everything is made fresh, when you walk in you’ll see the dumplings get made and if that’s not enough to make your mouth water, then wait until you sit down and see the long menu!

DUKES JOLLA & GEORGE’S AT THE COVE (Drinks with a view)

Both of these places are amazing in my opinion, not only for the drinks and food but 1000% for the view. Here’s a tip, call the morning or night before they close to make a reservation and tell them you want waterfront views, we’ve made reservations like this for years and always get the best seat in the house. We usually go for the view and drinks, but always end up ordering small plates to munch on, the service is great and they never make you feel rushed. Wolfies carousel bar is in town down and is such a beautiful place to check out for drinks, Instagram pictures haha and don’t forget they have brunch as well.

BARBUSA & MONZU FRESH PASTA (Italian food)

If you love FRESH Italian food, and no I’m not talking about Olive Garden! Barbusa is a modern Sicilian food, they have vegetarian options and of course you can make changes to a dish that fits your dietary needs. The squash blossoms are so good and different, it was my first time having it and I LOVED THEM! The pizza is melt in your mouth and they have so many different toppings you can pick from. My favorite was the pesto pasta, ahh its was finger licking good!! If you love fresh pasta, pizza and salads, Monzu is great! I personally loved the arancini, homemade focaccia and the tartuifo pasta, its a truffle pasta with a bit of sweetness in a rich creamy sauce.

HILDA’S MEXICAN BAKERY & THE BAKED BEAR (Dessert)

Hilda’s Mexican bakery is a hidden gem, its literally a whole in the wall but once you step in, you’ll be taken to Mexican Dessert heaven! Everything from Concha’s to Pan Dulce, this place is seriously heaven for me. The Baked Bear, is so nostalgic for me, we go here often because its near the beach (multiple locations). They have a assortment of different types of cookies and ice cream, once you find you dream match of cookies + ice cream they will assemble this massive ice cream cookie sandwich. The ice cream is so creamy and rich, and the cookies are baked fresh every day, literally melts in your mouth!

THE MISSION & THE COTTAGE (Brunch)

We’ve been going to the Mission with my family for years now, we even spotted celebrities while we were there. The soy chorizo egg scramble is delicious and is my order every single time, I also get the baked banana caramel French toast and it never disappoints! The Cottage is great as well, the lines are ridiculous and always 1hr long so if you have time definitely go because everything there is so fresh and the Chilaquiles are definitely worth the wait!

LOLITAS MEXICAN FOOD + JAVIER’S (Mexican Food)

When I lived in San Diego, I would sneak out of school during lunch to go to Lolita’s and even after all these years the food still taste exactly the same, portions are still the same size (massive) and so is the interior. This place is so good and probably one of the most authentic Mexican food that still lives! Javier’s is a fancy Mexican restaurant that serves a modern day Mexican menu, amazing drinks, apps and of course the entree’s! They do have multiple locations, but I’ve only been to the La Jolla one and it did not disappoint. My favorite dish from there is the Pollo Josefina!

SALUD & OLD TOWN CASE GUADALAJARA (Mexican Food)

If you want a cool fusion place for tacos, Salud is the place to go! Everything from street style Mexican corn, to Chile Relleno Tacos, this place has it all. Everything you crave and maybe might not even know if, is all located here including some bomb churros! Casa Guadalajara in Old Town San Diego is closer from the airport, its the best place ever! This is where my dad use to take me all the time when we lived in San Diego! Old town is like walking in the whole different country and a time era, everything from small shops to amazing food this place is worth checking out.

Whether you’re coming for one week or a girls’ getaway, there are so many fun places to discover & eat!