Downtown

Animae

Animae is the brainchild of famed San Diego restaurateur and Top Chef Brian Malarkey. Although it’s billed as a Wagyu steakhouse, Animae is better known as a tour de force of upscale Asian fusion cuisine. Executive chef Tara Monsod — a finalist for the 2024 James Beard Best Chef: California Award — has reimagined such classic Filipino dishes as lechon kawali and short rib kare kare. Other standouts include the pork tomahawk tocino, Wagyu or crab fried rice, and the carefully curated sake list. Located on the ground floor of the Pacific Gate by Bosa condos in the Marina District, the local hotspot features a beautifully detailed Art Deco design that is as Instagram-worthy as its menu.

Where: 969 Pacific Highway San Diego, CA 92101

Born & Raised

The American steakhouse tradition is embellished while the mold is broken at this two-story upscale eatery in Little Italy. Built and operated by the maverick hospitality experts at Consortium Holdings, Born & Raised stays relevant and authentic to dry-aged beef, but also goes above and beyond with wildly polished decor, black-and-white photos of old-school rap artists, and tableside carts where servers whip up such starters as the otoro tartare and custom-ordered cocktails on the spot.

Where: 1909 India St. San Diego, CA 92101

Callie

The name is Greek for “the most beautiful.” Located in downtown’s East Village, Callie is one of the most highly regarded eateries in town. Executive Chef Travis Swikard honed his chops under the tutelage of esteemed chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. At Callie, his first solo endeavor, Swikard mixes the diverse flavors of Mediterranean cuisines with the finest, freshest ingredients from San Diego, his hometown. Guests can order a la carte or indulge in an ever-changing five-course, family-style Mediterranean feast that includes everything from dips to dessert. Esquire and Robb Report have recognized Callie as one of the best new restaurants in America, and in 2021 the Michelin Guide team awarded it a Bib Gourmand distinction.

Where: 1195 Island Ave. San Diego, CA 92101

Ironside

A flagship property of San Diego’s powerhouse Consortium Holdings restaurant group, Ironside has been serving up top-tier seafood in Little Italy since 2014. Situated in a restored former auction house on India Street, the restaurant offers creative cocktails, a full raw bar and an impressive lineup of seafood specialties, from lobster rolls and painstakingly prepared local catch options to a massive platter (feeding four to eight people) that’s fittingly called “Holy Sh*t.”

Where: 1654 India St. San Diego, CA 92101

Mister A's

This rooftop restaurant in Bankers Hill has long been a San Diego staple for special-occasion meals. You can see forever from the balcony at Mister A's and watch as airplanes descend toward San Diego International Airport. In business since 1965 (when martinis were just $1), the iconic destination has now entered a new era that pays homage to its roots but has refreshed its interior and expanded the menu under veteran chef Stephane Voitzwinkler. Post up at the new 18-seat bar, which serves shareable dishes and the full dinner menu, alongside one of the best old fashioneds in town and Mister A’s storied 15-page wine list. Guests can also enjoy live music Sunday-Wednesday evenings and a live-jazz brunch on Saturdays.

Where: 2550 Fifth Ave. San Diego, CA 92103

Top of the Market

Come for the elegantly prepared seafood. Stay for the equally regal views of San Diego Bay, the historic USS Midway Museum and Coronado. A fine-dining find, Top of the Market is perched above its more casual sister restaurant, The Fish Market, along San Diego’s beautiful Embarcadero. Its menu is as gorgeous as its location, with prime seafood specialties, from local swordfish and Oregon Dungeness crab cioppino to Tsar Nicoulai American caviar.

Where: 750 N. Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101

La Jolla

George's at the Cove

Located in the heart of upscale La Jolla, George's at the Cove offers culinary delights and stunning ocean views that have wowed customers for over 40 years. It's definitely a must for romantic date-night dinners and a tried-and-true way to impress a business guest or group. Choose the premium seating option when making your reservation to ensure you get a front-row seat overlooking the water.

Where: 1250 Prospect St. La Jolla, CA 92037

Paradisea

Il Buco Vita glassware, Baccarat votives, letterpress menus, engraved steak knives, tiki drinks named after beautiful birds, tropical florals overnighted from the Big Island … Paradisea is quite simply paradise,and redefining what a luxury restaurant looks like. In 2023 the Bird Rock hotspot earned a Michelin nod as a “New Discovery,” cementing its place among San Diego’s elite restaurants. Menu standouts include the market oysters, dry-aged crudo, grass-fed beef tartare, heirloom chicken ballotine, roasted carrots, and other seasonal sides. But most guests opt for the five-course chef’s tasting menu. Enjoy live piano music every Wednesday and Sunday night — an ode to Paradisea’s past life as a piano showroom.

Where: 5680 La Jolla Blvd. La Jolla, CA 92037

The Marine Room

If your heart desires a breathtaking ocean view, there’s no better place than the Marine Room. This 83-year-old La Jolla mainstay is popular with locals and tourists alike. At high tide, the waves often splash against the windows, creating an unforgettable display of what San Diego does best. Diners can enjoy a four-course prix fixe menu, live music and a sunset toast, with an option to add on wine or cocktail pairings. In addition to High Tide Dinners, visitors can also try the traditional dinner menu, with fresh, seasonal dishes and chef specials, or sip and savor the view in the Marine Room’s 30-seat lounge.

Where: 1950 Spindrift Drive La Jolla, CA 92037

Hillcrest, North Park and South Park

Fort Oak

This Mission Hills restaurant, set in an Atomic Age car dealership, serves up bold, smoky, wood-fired flavors complemented by an acclaimed raw bar menu. Chef and owner Brad Wise is one of the city’s most celebrated restaurateurs, and has quickly built an empire across San Diego and beyond. At Fort Oak, stacks of American red oak are set ablaze to create signature dishes such as the lamb merguez kefta, hearth-roasted carrots, and heritage pork chop. Guests can reserve a spot at the chef’s table, where they can indulge in a multicourse tasting menu and witness the live-fire wizardry firsthand. Not to be overshadowed, Fort Oak’s impressive cocktail lineup includes three martini variations, reserve classics and more.

Where: 1011 Fort Stockton Drive San Diego, CA 92103

Soichi

This family-run spot in University Heights is one of two Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in San Diego. Named after chef and owner Soichi Kadoya, it serves authentic, artfully prepared Japanese delicacies. No California rolls here. Kadoya is a well-trained itamae who honed his sushi chops at Surfside Sushi and Sushi Tadokoro (the city’s other Michelin-starred sushi joint), before branching out on his own. There are two multicourse omakase options (chef’s choice) that mostly consist of nigiri sushi and include appetizers and dessert. A la carte menu items such as hand rolls, and deliciously simple nori maki-wrapped rolls, are available as well. Soichi is set in an intimate 1,100-square-foot space with limited seating. (Read: tiny.) Reservations are a must, especially if you want to dine at the 12-seat sushi bar and counter, which is usually booked months in advance.

Where: 2121 Adams Ave. San Diego, CA 92116

North County Coastal

Addison

Located at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison is the only three-star Michelin restaurant in Southern California and one of just 13 restaurants in the country to hold the esteemed rating. Its chef and director, William Bradley, is among a very small group (160 chefs on five continents) to hold the title of Relais & Châteaux Grand Chef. At Addison, Bradley showcases the culinary genius of California Gastronomy. The menu dives deep into Golden State ingredients and is imbued with international flavors. A mind-blowing, 10-course seasonal tasting menu is available for $375 per person.

Where: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way San Diego, CA 92130

Jeune et Jolie

Earning a coveted Michelin star in 2021, this beloved Carlsbad restaurant charms with rosy hues, channel-tufted booths, and beautifully presented dishes — all things one might expect from a nouvelle-French eatery. What is unexpected is the unrelenting and meticulous passion with which executive chef Eric Bost helms the kitchen, creating a unique and playful twist on French staples such as the croque madame topped with kaluga queen caviar. Guests can enjoy a four-course tasting menu with optional wine and spirit pairings or order a la carte at the bar.

Where: 2659 State Street, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Market Restaurant + Bar

Chef Carl Schroeder's fine-dining handiwork here has been recognized numerous times over by Zagat and Eater, who place Market among the best eateries in Southern California. On the menu: spring pea tortellini and artichoke fritters, bacon-wrapped pork loin and braised shoulder, and creamy porcini mushroom soup, to name a few favorites. Schroeder is a three-time nominee for James Beard's Best Chef award and has earned a nomination for perhaps the loftiest food honor in America (also from James Beard), Best Chef of the Pacific.

Where: 3702 Via De La Valle Del Mar, CA 92014