San Diego Restaurant Reviews & TreasuresLet's focus on only the good restaurants, treasures that make San Diego better and better.
American
The Lodge at Torrey PinesAll around, the Best Restaurant in San Diego. Actually there are 2 restaurants here: A.R. Valentien (fine dining) and The Grill & Bar (casual). Either way, count on the freshest ingredients and homemade everything. Expert hard rolls, charcuterie, choicest meats & vegetables. Changing menu - you can trust everything to be superb. www.lodgetorreypines.com
Nine-TenFood becomes art without arrogance. Pricy, exquisite. www.nine-ten.com
Studio DinerThis place rocks!!!!! Oh my God!!! Finally a proprietor with quality control. What more can you ask for? A 24-hour classic 1940s chrome diner on a real movie lot. Not an impersonation of a diner, but the real deal. Every nuance of the deco design is attended to—embossed ceiling panels, hardwood trim, classic blenders, chrome throughout. The Fried Clams are as good as the best in Boston. The only breakfast joint in town to make Eggs Benedict with real hollandaise. Can't wait to try more. www.studiodiner.com
Lei LoungeDefinitely about the colorful, trendy, vaguely Hawaiian but surely San Diegan ambience. The outdoor seating feels like it's indoors, and is especially pleasant at sunset. Good food to boot, a menu of only appetizers. Cute waiters. Enjoy your martini in style. Try the Kobe Beef Mini Burgers. And I ordered some kind of Fish with Risotto that was stellar. The Lemon Basil Martini is a hit. 4622 Park Blvd.
French
Cafe ChloeClosest you can get to a French Bistro in San Diego. Wonderful milwork. Wonderful menu changes daily. But the Olives are most memorable, being more delicate and creamy than is possible. www.cafechloe.com
ÔperaTruly Parisian pastry café. Must try the Almond Croissant, and get a whole one for yourself because even though it looks huge and heavy, it is in fact pure flaky decadence and will only last 10 seconds after your first bite. The Croque Monsieur is not the leaden grilled cheese sandwich that we know, but a dreamy treat to be eaten with knife and fork. Downtown on 5th at Ash.
Asian
The Asian Bistro (Golden Dragon)Perhaps the best Thai food in town. And it's open til 3am! Best Tom Kha Gai. Best Pad Thai. Best Green & Red Curries. Open 6am - 3am
Sushi OtaBest sushi hands down. Delicate slicing skill. Those in the know can ask for real fresh wasabi, and don't let them "forget". This place offers Salmon Belly and Yellowtail Belly, which are more smooth in texture, and presented with a tad more fanfare than their ordinary counterparts. Always a line-up. Call ahead to make a reservation, or you will have to wait 40 minutes. 4529 Mission Bay Dr.
Nozomi85% as good as Sushi Ota, but 50% the price. Pleasant interior. Sushi Rolls are the specialty, with perhaps 100 to choose from including a "Bill Gates" roll. The Bento Boxes are a great meal for 10 bucks. Mmm Tempura. 4637 Convoy St # 104
China Max Seafood RestaurantBest Dim Sum in town. Order from the menu, not from carts. Clean well lit interior. www.chinamaxsandiego.com
Imperial MandarinSomewhat sleazy interior, BUT, those in the know can order the 2-course Whole Peking Duck with steamed buns, not on the menu. Feeds two for $18. 3904 Convoy St # 102
Mexican
Birrieria La NorteñitaPerhaps the best Mexican food in town, that is if you are seeking authenticity. Ghetto hole in the wall. This may look like a restaurant, but it is in fact Mexican home cooking. Freshness abounds. No English spoken. The handmade corn tortillas are, as the menu asserts, deliciosas! Must try the Birria de Chivo, Barbacao de Borrego, Huevos Rancheros, Pollo con Crema, Camarones al Ajillo, Guacamole, in fact everything on the menu has been a hit. The only Mexican rice I like, fluffy, creamy, but not greasy. Beware the low prices—the portions outsize the prices. Imperial Ave. between 24th & 25th.
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