The Best Places to Eat in San Diego

If there is one thing I did, more than ANYTHING, in San Diego: it’s eat. Y’all know that’s not my normal travel habit, but one of my friends gave me a huge list of amazing recommended restaurants and…. What can I say? I was moved, motivated, inspired… and hungry! So, here are The Best Places to Eat in San Diego.

**Just a heads up, this is going to be a working post. I plan to go back to San Diego. So, as time goes on, I’ll keep this up to date. 😉

Little Italy Chair // Alli // onthetripside

Morning Glory's Pancake Souffle's // Best Places to Eat in San Diego // On the Trip Side

Table of Contents

The Best Places to Eat in San Diego

San Diego is all about the the outdoor dining. It’s arguably one of my favorite parts of the city because, Seattle is lacking on that (for good reason ☔). You can tell that most of the restaurants were set up for success (pre-pandemic), while others got clever and added space in the streets.

Each of these places had a really fun and creative outdoor experience. Some filled with unique furniture, shiny chandeliers, paintings of Biggie Smalls or exclusive paperless wine lists! Honestly, I hope they keep the additional street space because it’s very European feeling and it’s probably a lot better for local businesses.

Okay, enough chit-chat! Let’s jump in. 🌮

Parakeet Cafe – La Jolla

For those of you who love a good hearty and healthy meal in the mornings, this spot is for you. The La Jolla location is seated in the shade, first thing in the morning, so make sure to bring a light layer to keep you warm. They have a few heaters but if you’re lucky, you can get placed in the street seating for some sunlight. This place is about a 3 minute drive to the beach so you can also get your food to go.

I got the Mushroom Avocado Toast on gluten-free bread. Followed up with a Peanut Butter Cookie (that was to die for). Highly recommend this place for it’s super cute upbeat persona and fun, instagram-able, wallpaper.

Check out their menu here.

Cloak & Petal – Little Italy

This is on my list due to it’s beautiful ascetics. Yes, the sushi is good… but I’m from Seattle. 😅 This restaurant has huge open windows that lead into a gorgeous bar area. It’s wrapped in white and pink cherry blossom from a center black tree and modern art with a touch of Picasso. All in all, a great place to dress to impress for a night out.

We shared three rolls while sitting outside next to a fire pit: Face it, You’re Basic (which was our favorite). The La Jolla and The Cesar Chavez.

Check out their menu here.

The Crack Shack // Senor Croque // On the Trip Side Blog

The Crack Shack – Little Italy

Admittedly, I was a bit nervous to go because it was was super overhyped by numerous friends and family. I’m trilled to report: It lived up to the hype!

I got the Señor Croque (minus cheese and the maple butter) but it was to die for. I honestly couldn’t eat the whole thing after one beer and their Schmaltz Fries. Yummmm.

This restaurant is completely outside without an indoor dining option. They have an outdoor bar with tons of TVs. It’s perfect for a game day event or just a casual hang out with your friends. I’m dying to go back and try out their fried chicken options. There are a few other locations in California (and one in Vegas). Totally worth trying to find parking for.

Check out their menu here.

Don Carlos Taco Shop – La Jolla

Controversial topic, obviously, but as of today… these are the best tacos I’ve had in California. I’m unprepared to argue with anyone because I’ve only been to two others taco shops… but these were authentic and my favorite.

I ordered three tacos: the Carne Asada Steak, the Pollo Asada and the Carnitas Roast Pork. I also got a side order of chips and guac which, was SO worth it the next day.

You can tell this place is a local favorite. They’re well know for their “Hangover Breakfast Burrito” which, yeah… Carne asada, bacon, eggs, salsa, potato and cheese sounds bombbbbb. I highly recommend ordering with a few beers, picking up and going to to beach to eat.

Check out their menu here.

Morning Glory – Little Italy

This place is all over TikTok and is wellllll known for their Soufflé Pancake. Which my travel buddy raved about being “…even better the next day”. Though I couldn’t have them, due to my dairy intolerance, this place makes the list because I got one of the best fresh squeeze orange juice I’ve ever had and our bartender/server was impeccable.

The atmosphere and attitude is wildly fun, especially when there’s a birthday, however… you will wait 2 hours to get in. No matter what time, or day of the week. There is always a wait.

I got the Morning Glory Fried Rice. It was good but next time, I’d love to get their Crispy Chicken Katsu Benedict.

Check out their menu here.

There are about 4 other neighborhoods that I can’t wait to explore the restaurants in. What are your favorite spots?

Til’ next time, San Diego!