San Diego Foodie Things To Do According To a Local

Looking for the best San Diego foodie things to do? You are in the right place!

As a longtime chef, foodie, and San Diego local, I am excited to share the best places for delicious food and drinks in America’s Finest City. Yes, that’s really SD’s nickname, and the city truly is a great place to live in or visit.

From local restaurants to bakeries to breweries, this San Diego Foodie Guide has everything you need to feast on the flavors of this Pacific Coast paradise!

One of my favorite San Diego foodie spots for happy hour, Ironside

San Diego Foodie Things To Do

Food lovers, this list offers options to eat well and still see some of San Diego’s most popular attractions. I hope you enjoy!

1. Take a San Diego Food Tour

Italian dish on a San Diego food tour — Artichoke dish on a San Diego food tour of Little Italy. *This Best San Diego Foodie article contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. For more information, see my* *Affiliate Policy*.

A food tour is always a great thing to do while traveling, especially if your visit is not a long one. Although I have to say, I live here and I still enjoy the tours!

San Diego food tours are the perfect way to learn about the city’s different neighborhoods and eat a lot of great food.

In addition to fabulous walking tours in the Gaslamp District, Little Italy, La Jolla, and Old Town, you can also take a tour of nearby Temecula Wine Country, or cross the border into Mexico.

2. Visit Little Italy

Pizza at Isola Pizza Bar — Foodies who love authentic Italian-style pizza will love Isola.

If you’re looking for the best restaurants in San Diego for Italian food, go to Little Italy. San Diego’s Little Italy is the largest in the U.S. (Yes, it’s true, and I learned that on a Little Italy food tour.)

This lively neighborhood is teeming with Italian markets, live music, and all kinds of authentic Italian cuisine. These are a few of my favorite stops in Little Italy: 

Bencotto: The perfect place for homemade pastas.
Isola: The best wood-fired pizzas.
Mona Lisa: A bustling market and delicious deli counter.
Salunto: The bakery has some of the best desserts and gelato.

3. Eat Fish Tacos

Tacos from The Taco Stand never disappoint.

In 1983, Ralph Rubio launched Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill to celebrate his love of Mexico’s Baja fish tacos. Since then, taco stands and eateries throughout California have been creating their versions of the Baja original.

Classic fish tacos are made in a corn tortilla with battered fried fish filets (cod, rockfish, and tilapia are popular options). The fish is topped with shredded cabbage and sometimes pico de gallo and/or a creamy chipotle sauce. Who has the best tacos? Try one of these:

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood: Go for the fish tacos and you’ll return for the tortas.
The Taco Stand: One thing I know for sure: There will always be a line at every Taco Stand location in San Diego—and that’s a serious testimonial.
Fish Guts: This is a hip seafood restaurant in Barrio Logan that has quickly gained a cult following. 
Pacific Beach Fish Shop: The tacos are superb, but don’t forget the onion rings! 

4. Breakfast at the Beach

Pancakes, eggs, and bacon at the beach — Pancakes, eggs, and bacon at Kono’s Cafe in Pacific Beach

When I have out-of-town guests, we always start at least one day with a beach vibe. The Strand in Pacific Beach is a great place to walk, and you’ll have lots of breakfast options there as well.  

Kono’s Cafe: My top pick in PB. The best views are on their hidden deck behind the souvenir shop across The Strand from the cafe.
Caroline’s Seaside Cafe: The best breakfast views in La Jolla. Try to get there when they open for the supreme tables closest to the water.
Tom Ham’s Light House: If you’re looking for a Sunday brunch spot, there’s no better place, especially if you love crab legs.  
Serea Coastal Cuisine: Need a good excuse to check out the Hotel Del Coronado? Breakfast is it.

5. Visit Old Town

Old Town San Diego is the birthplace of California and a state historic park with no admission fee. It’s a great place for the whole family. Meander through the museums and historical buildings and then enjoy some authentic Mexican food.

There are lots of eateries with good food in Old Town. Here are a few of the most popular restaurants for the classic dishes of Mexican cuisine:

El Agave: Home of the largest tequila museum in the United States.
Café Coyote: You can’t ignore an establishment that has won “Best Mexican Restaurant” 20 times!
Old Town Mexican Cafe y Cantina: It’s worth coming for the homemade corn tortillas, but this place is famous for its carnitas. 

6. Stroll the Farmers Markets

Squash blossoms at the farmers' market — Squash blossoms at a local farmers market, my favorite foodie find

San Diego County has over 5,000 farms! That’s one of the reasons I love the variety of seasonal produce we have available here. It’s what California cuisine is based on: farm-to-table produce.

In addition to all the fresh fruits and vegetables, many of the local farmers markets include area craft food makers, like bakers, cheese mongers, street food vendors, and other local food artisans. Farmers markets are a great way to taste the local flavors.

Here’s a full list of San Diego’s farmers markets and their hours.

7. Enjoy A La Jolla Sunset Dinner

You’re in a seaside city on the Pacific Ocean—a sunset dinner is definitely in order, and La Jolla is the go-to ‘hood. New restaurants come and go frequently in La Jolla, but when you have views like the following restaurants do, you become an institution. 

The Marine Room: During the highest tides, waves will be crashing into the windows.
The Shores: Ask for the window or a table on the grass (not on the patio).
Duke’s: Upstairs or downstairs, Hawaiian food overlooking the La Jolla Cove never gets old.
George’s at the Cove: This is where San Diegans go for a special date night or celebration.

8. Get Happy at Happy Hour

The view from Eddie V's happy hour is hard to beat—but so is the food.

Frugal foodies, this one’s for you! San Diego has no shortage of discounted drinks and snacks for happy hour.

Whether you just want a glass of wine, or want to share some small plates, you can pretty much find any kind of food or drink you have a hankering for. Here are my local favorites: 

Eddie V’s: For the best views, make a reservation for outdoors in the happy hour section upstairs.  
Ironside Fish & Oyster: You can’t beat $1 oysters for happy hour!  
Queenstown Village: Enjoy New Zealand fare with a fun vibe.
Baja Beach Cafe: The closest you can get to sitting on the sand with a margarita in your hand.

9. Visit Liberty Public Market

Located in a historical U.S. Naval building from the 1920s, Liberty Public Market is a vibrant covered market place. It’s a haven for foodies, offering a diverse selection of global cuisines, handcrafted goods from local artisans, and a brewery.

From lobster rolls to Filipino street food, you’ll have no problem finding something tasty. Bring a friend so you can graze and try as many things as possible. Then peruse the artisan shops like Pasta Design and Baker & Olive. I never leave here without truffle oil or peach vinegar!

10. Get Some Culture

Feel like you need to tell your non-foodie friends you went to a museum in San Diego? Here’s two great ways to do it.

First, visit Balboa Park. Famous for the incredible San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park is also home to 18 museums and 13 restaurants! Some of the restaurants are even inside the museums, like the award-winning Artifact at Mingei.

Second, head to the Museum of Contemporary Art in San Diego. Their restaurant, The Kitchen, serves an eclectic menu with some of the best views of the gorgeous La Jolla coast.

11. Explore the Convoy District

Piggy Bao at Steamy Piggy — Two generously filled Piggy Baos at Steamy Piggy

The city of San Diego officially designated the Convoy District of Kearny Mesa a pan-Asian cultural and business district. What does that mean to you? Amazing Asian markets and restaurants abound!

Come for Japanese food, Vietnamese food, Thai food, Chinese food, Taiwanese food, or whatever other Asian for any occasion! Here are some of the best places to try:

Steamy Piggy: I can never decide what my favorites are. Today, they’re the piggy bao and the bulgogi roll: YUM and YUM! 
Monsta Ramen Curry: You may not expect cajeta-stuffed churros at a ramen place, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t order them. 
Formoosa: If you’re craving Taiwanese street food, dig in here. 
Sot Korean BBQ: Expect top-quality meats to cook on your traditional iron grill. 

12. Hide out at a Hidden Gem

Starters at Sandpiper — The San Diego restaurant Sandpiper is one the city’s best hidden gems for foodies.

In a city that has millions of tourists visiting each year, I’m always surprised that we still have some hidden gems. I’m hesitant to give you their names because I’d still like to be able to get a seat when I arrive. But, hey, that’s my job . . .

Sandpiper: A few blocks from La Jolla Shores Beach, this unassuming restaurant somehow retains its locals-only vibe.
Bowlegged BBQ: A bit of a haul from most tourist attractions, but if you want to enjoy the famous foods of Texas, it’s worth the drive for the authenticity, hospitality, and deliciousness.
Blue Ocean/Harumama: Every time I look at the view over my steamy bowl of top-notch ramen, I think this is one of the best hidden gems in La Jolla.

13. Dine at a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant

Pork belly appetizer at Nine-Ten — Fine-dining enthusiasts will love Nine-Ten.

On the flip side of hidden, San Diego has a number of Michelin-recommended restaurants. Although Michelin stars are scarce and concentrated in North SD County (Addison: 3 stars; Jeune et Jolie: 1 star; and Valle: 1 star), San Diego proper does have 38 restaurants with Michelin distinction. Below are some standouts at different price points. 

Soichi Sushi: This Japanese restaurant in University Heights is the City of San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant.
Catania: This upscale restaurant serves outstanding Italian coastal cuisine while also dishing out views of the La Jolla coast.
Nine-Ten: Located in what I consider La Jolla’s best luxury boutique hotel for foodies in the center of the Village, this fine-dining restaurant offers globally inspired, locally sourced cuisine.
Trust: Offering the welcoming vibe of a neighborhood restaurant, Trust is one of those eateries where you’ll want to try everything on the menu. We’ve come close!

14. Taste The Local Craft Beer

Eppig Brewing at the Point Loma Harbor — On a sunny day, you’ll love Eppig Brewing at Point Loma Harbor.

Are you aware that San Diego is known as the “Capital of Craft”? With over 150 craft breweries, you must introduce your taste buds to at least one.

Beer lovers will recognize some of the most famous brewery names, like AleSmith Brewing, Modern Times Brewing, Stone Brewing, Ballast Point Brewing, and Karl Strauss Brewing.

If you want to take a deep dive into the local craft scene, take a beer-tasting tour in North Park. If you want to venture out on your own, I have a few lesser-known options for you: 

Eppig Brewing: Located at the Point Loma Marina, this waterfront biergarten is a great spot to sip on a sunny day. 
Blind Lady Ale House: One of the first nanobreweries to open in San Diego has become one of the most award-winning breweries in the city.
White Labs Brewing: This unique spot is headed by a team of biochemists who set out to produce the highest quality yeast. They’re not the closest brewery to me, but I love their Belgian beer selection. 

15. Indulge at the Bakeries & Pastry Shops

Bread and pastries at Wayfarer are always a good idea!

Each of the San Diego bakeries below has their area of exceptional expertise, so don’t be afraid to go to more than one.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry: You need to try both the bread and the pastries. If you’ve never had one, try the kouign amann (pronounced “queen ah-mahn”).
Arely’s French Bakery Cafe: Arely’s offers traditional French breakfast pastries and an awesome Quiche Lorraine. Quiche, BTW, is not a breakfast food in France.
The French Gourmet: We love their Napoleans and wedding cakes. Yup, this is where my husband Mike and I found our dream wedding cake. Magnifique!
Sugar and Scribe: Come for breakfast Benedicts on house-made English muffins, or stop for a decadent dessert. 
Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe: Their olive loaf is a meal in itself! But they also have tasty Italian paninis if you’re really hungry. 

16. Experience Local Seafood 

The Shrimp Louie salad at Mitch's Seafood — When in doubt, head to Mitch’s and then walk over to Eppig Brewing afterwards.

Although San Diego long ago lost its title as the “Tuna Capital of the World,” there is still an abundance of fresh seafood to be found here. Fresh fish caught off the coast include halibut, rockfish, sea bass, and yellowfin.

You’ll also find excellent clams, mussels, and oysters. And don’t miss the spiny lobster when in season. The San Diego restaurants below have a reputation for sourcing from local fishermen.

Mitch’s Seafood: Everything I’ve ever ordered here has been super fresh. The ambiance is extremely casual, and seating overlooks the Point Loma Harbor.
El Pescador Fish Market: The menu offers a long list of seafood that you can choose to have as a sandwich, salad, or plate.
The Fishery: Seafood tower lovers, you’ve found your place!
Mabel's Gone Fishing: This unique spot offers fresh seafood and Spanish-style snacks. It reminds me of the street foods in Barcelona and Madrid!
Point Loma Seafoods: This place features a varied menu of fresh seafood items—from fried seafood to tacos to sushi rolls.

San Diego Foodie Wrap-UP

It was really hard to narrow down this list! Seriously, I could go on and on about great places to eat and other fabulous foodie finds in San Diego! So look for more articles in the near future on other amazing aspects of San Diego’s fantastic foodie scene.

For more on San Diego and nearby, read:

San Diego Staycations
Carlsbad Happy Hours
Best Carlsbad Breakfasts