Eat
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: 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118
Callie
The name is Greek for “the most beautiful.” Located in downtown’s East Village, Callie is one of the most highly regarded new 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 awarded it a Bib Gourmand distinction.
Where: 1195 Island Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop
Contemporary American cuisine meets Western flair at this San Diego steakhouse, tucked into downtown’s East Village. A recurring readers’ and critic’s pick for San Diego Magazine’s Best Steakhouse, Cowboy Star’s menu focuses on American heirloom recipes that use the finest, local products and produce, cuts from the nation’s leading Certified Humane Angus herd, and sustainably sourced seafood. The restaurant’s elegant space won an Orchid Award in 2008, creating a fine-dining experience that locals and visitors continue to crave year after year.
Where: 640 Tenth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Juniper & Ivy
The stunning Juniper & Ivy sits in a 90-year-old converted warehouse. It's a true standout, with its mod artwork, oversized curvaceous booths, an exhibition kitchen, upscale counter dining, and a lively bar scene for craft cocktails. Originally opened by celebrated Top Chef Richard Blais and now guided by Chef Emeritus Jon Sloan, the restaurant boasts "a chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity."
Where: 2228 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Kettner Exchange
Kettner Exchange features progressive American cuisine from head chef Brian Redzikowski. The menu changes seasonally and is complemented by a cocktail menu and selection of 32 beers on tap. The open-air rooftop lounge overlooking Little Italy offers a unique variety of libations, including boutique wines, craft and classic cocktail decanters, and self-serve beer taps located right inside private cabanas.
Where: 2001 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Kingfisher
Chef Jonathan Bautista's Vietnamese-French restaurant has made a big impression—both among San Diego diners and in the wider culinary world. The renowned Michelin Guide California tapped Kingfisher as one of its top "New Discoveries," and Bautista was named a 2023 semifinalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards. Michelin's inspectors were wowed by Bautista's cooking as well as the restaurant’s gorgeous design. The Michelin guide observed that the restaurant "makes a splash in its stunning Golden Hill location, which offers no shortage of charm," and praised the "mouth-watering menu of inspired Vietnamese cooking."
Where: 2469 Broadway, Coronado, San Diego, CA 92102
Seneca Trattoria
Perched on the 19th floor of the InterContinental San Diego, Seneca Trattoria is one of the city’s newer restaurants from style-makers and powerhouse restaurant group CH Projects. Seneca offers unparalleled views of San Diego Bay, the Pacific and beyond. This romantic spot has the feel of a glamorous maritime vessel, with polished nautical motifs and orange lighting that glows throughout its interior, blending seamlessly with the city’s sunset hues outside. Seneca’s menu is focused on traditional Roman dishes, with additional inspiration from San Diego’s thriving seafood scene. Standouts include the wood-fired prawns, truffle arancini, handmade pasta dishes, and pizzas made from dough that has undergone a 72-hour fermentation.
Where: 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101
The Lion’s Share
The best spot in downtown for post-dinner drinks, The Lion’s Share has been consistently delivering artfully crafted cocktails and inventive fare since 2011. Its many accolades include Best Restaurant (San Diego Magazine), Best Bar Food in America (Food & Wine), and 40 Best Bars in America for Food Lovers (Food Network). Guests love its exotic menu, which is served until 1 a.m. and focused on fresh, high-quality ingredients and wild game.
Where: 629 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Mister A's
This rooftop restaurant in nearby 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., 2550 Fifth Ave.
