We all are painfully aware of the strange and difficult times before us while the world unites to face COVID-19. While we’re currently in a sort of survival mode, we can also say with certainty that we miss the common luxuries we used to take for granted!
And in light of the huge impact that local restaurants have faced we wanted to do a shout out to our favorite spots in San Diego’s food scene. Until this is all over we can dream about the places we want to visit and support!
If you’re not in San Diego but have been thinking about going off on a foodie vacation, this one is also for you! There are few better places to visit than San Diego. The city has a rich culinary history and is the starting point for many dishes that have gone on to become firm favorites throughout the States.
San Diego also has the advantage of not being prohibitively expensive, so even if you’re trying to travel on a budget, you can still take in the city and its delicious food without breaking the bank.
Luckily for you, San Diego has eateries to suit every price point, from five-star diners that rival the best that the rest of the world has to offer to cheap food trucks and little family-owned eateries. You’re sure to be able to find something that works for you. Here are just a few of the options.
San Diego’s Food Scene
1. Windmill Food Hall
This huge food hall is home to fourteen different restaurants, so there really is a little something for everyone. It’s a great place to go on your first day in the city while you’re still getting your bearings, and there’s such a huge amount of choice there, you might even find yourself visiting the hall multiple times.
2. Go vegan
Looking for vegan food? No problem! San Diego has a ton of vegan restaurants and a thriving little scene, but our favorite has to be The Yasai, a vegan Japanese restaurant that also does a great job of catering to those on a gluten-free diet. They have some of the best vegan sushi in the state, and according to the rumor mill they’re planning on expanding in the years to come.
3. Get a taste of Naples
Pay a visit to Siamo Napoli in North Park for a true taste of Italian food that’s imported all the way from Naples. Based on 30th Street, Siamo Napoli is the best spot in town for pasta and pizza, and it also has a pretty respectable seafood menu, too. You can even get your hands on an ice-cold cocktail.
4. Get serious about seafood
Sure, Siamo Napoli has some delicious seafood for you to wrap your taste buds around, but it’s not the only spot in town. There’s also Serea, the restaurant at the Hotel del Coronado, which literally looks out onto the waters. Their menu varies from day-to-day depending upon what the catch is, but that means that you’re guaranteed that the food will be fresh and delicious.
5. Go to Morning Glory
It’s also worth paying a visit to Morning Glory, which is something like a cross between a cocktail bar and an international restaurant. Their drinks are fantastic, but it’s their menu that really makes them stand out. They offer a variety of different dishes from a range of international cuisines, from French and Mexican to Japanese.
6. Take a food cruise
Another great way to sample the local cuisine is to go on a San Diego cruise. Not all of these cruises take you internationally, and so you can always take a day cruise and eat on the water and take in the beautiful coastline from a different view. Shop around different cruise providers and find yourself someone that specializes in food tourism. You won’t be disappointed.
7. George’s at The Cove
This restaurant is most notable because of its stunning ocean view and its wide variety when it comes to dining. One of our favorite spots in the city is their rooftop terrace, which is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail and some unusual cuisine while watching the sun go down.
8. Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
This is the bakery of all bakeries and the best spot in the city to grab a bite to it, whether you like it sweet or savory. It’s a great place to go for breakfast, but it’s also worth stopping by for dessert. Sure, it’s not going to fill you up as much as a full meal, but that’s not what this place is all about.
Conclusion
Now that you know just a few of the highlights of the San Diego food scene, it’s over to you to start planning. The good news is that you’ve got plenty of time to plan ahead and to book things well in advance, and you can save a whole bunch of money by doing just that.
If you’re facing a long flight to San Diego, be sure to pack the essentials for your flight so that you don’t end up wishing you had access to your luggage. Other than that, you’re all set for your perfect foodie vacation. Happy travel planning!
