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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in San Diego

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OpenTable
Updated November 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of LIPS - San Diego restaurant
5.0
5 (31)
$31 to $50
American
North Park
About the restaurant
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.

DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional)

All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

Top review
Louise
Dined 7 days ago
Such a fun experience. Food was great. Service was superb! The draq queens were so beautifully dressed and damn can they perform! Great entertainment!
A photo of Baci Restaurant - San Diego restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1878)
$31 to $50
Italian
Old Town
About the restaurant
Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.
Top review
Ruben
Dined on Oct 30, 2024
Great experience Thank you Benjamin for the service Thank you Tony for the kindness I loved the crème brûlée
A photo of NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego restaurant
5.0
5 (321)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Mission Valley
About the restaurant
THE NM CAFE located in Neiman Marcus SAN DIEGO has been recently remodeled and is now open 7 days a week, 11 am- 4pm.

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® SAN DIEGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review
Tony
Dined 5 days ago
Josiah is the absolute best. As is the entire staff
A photo of The WineSellar & Brasserie restaurant
4.9
4.9 (990)
$31 to $50
French
Sorrento Mesa
About the restaurant
Established in 1988, The WineSellar & Brasserie is San Diego's premiere destination for fine wine and exquisitely crafted locally sourced, organic fare.

Consistently ranked among OpenTable's Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie has been honored with either Wine Spectator's "Grand Award" and "Best Of Award Of Excellence" every year since our inception.

With your meal, enjoy a bottle from the adjoining WineSellar boutique wine shop or choose a wine from our award-winning list. Either way, you’ll find an outstanding selection of unique small-production wines not found anywhere else. Not in the mood for wine? Choose from our rotating list of craft beers or seasonally available craft cocktails.

Top review
Adrian
Dined 6 days ago
Cool spot located upstairs from a wine store. Food and service were 5 star.
A photo of Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room restaurant
4.8
4.8 (138)
$30 and under
Wine Bar
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Pali Wine Co. is located in famous Little Italy, San Diego, steps from the main strip. The family-owned winery highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. From our Pali Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays, to our Tower 15 bold, nuanced wines, and Neighborhood zippy, natural cuvées, our three wine labels are sure to please any pallet.

Stop in for a tasting flight where you can sample wines from our portfolio, step up to the bar for a customized guided tasting or grab a bottle to-go. Our menu features small and sharable plates with locally sourced ingredients ideal for sharing and sipping, including our best-selling burger, charcuterie boards, and seasonal specials.

Join our wine club to enjoy complimentary tastings, receive 20% off all wine, & more exciting benefits!

Weekly events include Comedy Night on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, as well as live music Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, happy hour deals weekdays 4-6pm!

Top review
Hannah
Dined on Oct 11, 2024
Fabulous food and wine, and a fun pub quiz - the garden is nice
A photo of Vinarius restaurant
4.9
4.9 (364)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown
About the restaurant
Vinarius is an Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Little Italy San Diego. We offer an extensive wine list with wines coming from different regions of the world; the best meat and cheese board with Italian cured meats and different cheeses to pair with our wines. Our chef Alex makes homemade pasta enriched with our homemade sauces, entrees, pizza, different appetizers to choose from, and desserts that pair well with our port wines and after-dinner drinks. You definitely have to try our daily specials!
Our cozy full bar is also the perfect place to enjoy your drink and food while watching some sports!

Top review
Muhammad
Dined 5 days ago
Very nice staff and very good food & service. Celebrated my anniversary very happily :)
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1602)
$31 to $50
Californian
Downtown
About the restaurant
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
Top review
Rusty
Dined on Oct 28, 2024
A great place to go for a wonderful breakfast. You will not be disappointed!
A photo of La Bonne Table restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1396)
$30 and under
French
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. ​Bon Appetit!
Top review
Mark
Dined 4 days ago
La Bonne Table continues to be one of favorite places - especially when we have out of town guests.a real jewel.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
4.9 (4701)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built.

Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.

The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.

Top review
Rickvip
Dined 2 days ago
We went for an outstanding meal knowing the price. Pretty close to meeting expectations. Whiskey sour was unique and tasty.. The Parker house rolls and butter was melt in the mouth good.. The duck needed a bolder sauce. Maybe some blackberry in it. It did not quite hit the mark. The Ribeye was great. Potatoes on both were very nice. The onion soup was awesome as was the banana pudding dessert. The presentation of the dessert was a surprise yet perfect. We enjoyed the night.
A photo of Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina restaurant
4.9
4.9 (536)
$30 and under
Italian
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
San Diego, meet Pinsa.
An ancient recipe comes back to life at Our Hillcrest Restaurant.
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria bringing a modern touch to family recipes and an ancient style of pizza called, Pinsa.

Tavola Nostra, which means “our table”, is owned and operated by Jeff Oliveri – a first time restaurateur from a family of longtime restaurant owners who hopes to honor his familial heritage and tradition with his Italian dining concept that creates one of the best Hillcrest restaurants.

Top review
Rodolfo
Dined 4 days ago
Tavola is our go-to spot for delicious comfort italian food. Great chill ambiance and also good to take our daughter as she loves the food there as well!
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