There is a lot to love about San Diego. We have a great laid back vibe, nice beaches, tons of outdoor activities, good mobility(awesome freeway network gets you nearly anywhere in the county in 20 - 30 mins,) and lots of good restaurants. Yes, I did say good not great, but that is in comparison to NY, SF, & Chicago. In reality, we have plenty of very good restaurants and some(less traveled) might even say great. Now I came across a Twitter feed the other day requesting restaurant advice for Diego, and here we are.
That said, this list is not intended to be comprehensive by any means. Merely off the cuff suggestions based upon my recent dining experiences, current favorites, and some old standards. An advanced apology to my co-packing clients as I will not be mentioning any of you out of fairness to you all, and eliminating conflicts of interest. So in no particular order here it is.
San Diego has a very nice Little Italy on India St. with some really good Italian restaurants, but I don't normally go there for Italian. No, I go to Little Italy for the Indigo Grill, which is in the Cohn Restaurant Group(a family restaurants that are partnered with local chefs, most of which are good.) I normally mix it up and order something different each time I visit, but my wife always gets the steamed mussels & clams appetizer, and is also partial to the Pappardelle. The Plank Salmon is a favorite with both of my daughters, but the truth is that there really are no bad choices here.
So, I guess that begs the question "Where do i go for Italian?" Though we like to try new restaurants often, we always seem to come back to Vigilucci's, and Piatti. Vigilucci's is a local success story, with the owner coming over to America from Milano with nothing. He started as a dish washer saved up and opened his first restaurant in 1994. He has been rapidly expanding ever since and shows no signs of slowing down. We prefer the Carlsbad Village location, but with eight others to choose from you shouldn't have to travel far. Though their Arrabbiata and Puttanesca sauces are not as good as mine(forgetaboutit - Nobody's is) they are still good and nearly everything on the menu is great. Piatti, located in La Jolla Shores is another favorite with la famiglia. Starting with the hot crusty bread(which I can no longer partake...damn gluten!) served up with delectable EVOO with fresh garlic, herbs and Balsamic Vinegar, through to the great dolcis you will not be disappointed.
It is my opinion that it is really hard to mess up Mexican Food(especially when the Margaritas and Cervezas are flowing,) but is equally difficult to make it exceptional. That said, here are a few standouts. If you need a quick taco fix, head on over to Mama Testa in Hillcrest or Mestizo Mexican Grill in Clairemont. Both are fresh, good, and delicious, with nice fresh salsa bars(especially Testa's,) and Testa's Cesar Gonzales even took on(and beat) Bobby Flay in a Fish Taco throw down. For the sit down experience try Fidel's Little Mexico in Solana Beach, and Casa de Bandini in Carlsbad(formerly in Old Town.)
If Classic Americana comfort food is what you're craving, try Urban Solace in North Park, Vagabond in South Park, Hob Nob Hill(Downtown,) or Hash House A-Gogo in Hillcrest. Honorable mention to the Crest Cafe also in Hillcrest.
Stay with me(I know this is long winded) I'll try to wrap this up.
Thai - Spices Thai Cafe, or Spice and Rice, Honorable mention to Taste of Thai
Vietnamese - Pho Bolsa
Chinese - Mandarin House
Seafood - Top of the Market
French - Chez Loma in Coronado
Breakfast - The Green Flash, Brockton Villa, or Bernini's
Okay, that's it for now(suddenly I'm very hungry, go figure,) I may add to this later and/or add some photos.
Take care, God bless, and for Pete's sake keep it Saucey!!
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