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Where I actually eat in San Diego

13 items

Ashley Brooks

I’ve lived in San Diego for almost 4 years now and have tried A LOT of different food spots. There are still so many places I have yet to try but for now here are the ones that have me going back for more!!

Sections

Chic Date Nights & Elevated Dining

Casual Neighborhood Gems

Holy Grail Takeout & Quick Service Spots

Aesthetic Cafes & Morning Walk Fuel

From Chic Lounges to Neighborhood Dives

Chic Date Nights & Elevated Dining

When you want incredible food paired with a gorgeous atmosphere. These are my absolute favorite spots in San Diego for a romantic date night, girls' night out, or celebrating a special occasion with fabulous cocktails.

Some of the best Italian in San Diego! Located in beautiful La Jolla enjoy delicious spicy rigatoni and the best focaccia bread while sipping on fabulous cocktails. Aesthetics are also a 10/10 🍝

Marisi

One of my absolute go-to spots in the city—I have gone here multiple times and everything I have tried is completely amazing! The interior vibes are dark, moody, and very chic, making it the perfect setting for a night out. Their menu is incredibly u...

Herb & Wood

Casual Neighborhood Gems

The local comfort-food spots I rely on for casual weeknights and great cravings. Coming from the East Coast, my bar for a neighborhood joint is incredibly high, and these spots genuinely deliver that authentic soul.

This spot is walking distance from my place, and I'm so glad it is. As someone from the East Coast, I take pizza seriously — it took years to find a place in San Diego that comes close to what I grew up on, and this one really does. Delicious classic...

Sonny’s Pizza – Brooklyn Flavor, San Diego Soul

This is hands-down the best spot in the neighborhood if you want to grab a great glass of wine or craft beer while sitting out on a beautiful rooftop patio. Beyond the incredible drinks and Kiwi-inspired pub atmosphere, they serve some fantastic, ele...

Kairoa Brewing Company

This local spot serves the best chicken Caesar wrap I have ever had. It is massive—honestly large enough that you can easily split it into two full meals. On top of that, they make my favorite smoothies in the city, which are just as big and incredib...

Better Blendz

Holy Grail Takeout & Quick Service Spots

My go-to local spots for when I want top-tier food without the sit-down commitment. Whether it is a cozy night in on the couch or grabbing a quick bite on the go, these places never disappoint.

Hands down the best Thai food in San Diego—I genuinely go here at least once a week! The best part is their massive menu where absolutely everything is great, making it so easy to switch up your order. My personal holy-grail favorites are the Thai fr...

Bahn Thai

Think of this as a much more elevated Sweetgreen. Mendocino Farms has hands-down my favorite salads on the West Coast! Their menu features such fun, unique flavor combinations and massive portions that make them genuinely worth it. From their crunchy...

Mendocino Farms

My favorite Mediterranean and Greek takeout in the city! I actually tried this for the first time at their San Diego Airport location and was so blown away by how good it was. Once I realized they had a regular location close to my place, it instantl...

Luna Grill

Aesthetic Cafes & Morning Walk Fuel

San Diego has an incredible coffee scene, and these are the local cafes I live for. Perfect for grabbing a dewy iced latte before a morning walk, catching up on a great book, or grabbing a quick breakfast pastry.

Right down the street from me, this is my absolute favorite local coffee spot in the city! I love coming here to work remotely because it offers such a warm, cozy atmosphere that a lot of other San Diego cafes completely miss since most of them opt f...

Good Omen Coffee Co

This spot shares a space with Kairoa Brewing Co. on Park Boulevard, making it a staple for morning walk fuel. They specialize in single-origin Colombian beans roasted right here in San Diego. The espresso is incredibly smooth, and their menu features...

Yipao Coffee Roaster

One of the first spots I found after moving to San Diego, and it's in North Park. The espresso has a unique flavor you don't find just anywhere. I don't live as close as I used to, but I still make a point of getting back there every once in a while.

James Coffee Co.

From Chic Lounges to Neighborhood Dives

San Diego has a fantastic nightlife scene, and these are my top recommendations for a great drink. This section covers it all, from moody, hidden speakeasies with inventive mixology to casual, no-frills neighborhood hole-in-the-walls where you can gr...

This neighborhood spot on Adams Avenue completely nails the balance between a cool cocktail lounge and a relaxed, unpretentious bar. They have one of the best happy hours in the city, featuring incredible draft cocktails like their famous espresso ma...

Swan Bar

This Golden Hill spot is a classic neighborhood hole-in-the-wall that serves some of the best, most affordable cocktails in the city, including fantastic martinis. A highly unique feature is that you can actually cook your own food—they provide raw s...

Turf Supper Club