Diners' Choice: Best Value restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best value 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!

Arrivederci

4.9

4.9 (110)

$31 to $50

Italian

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

Arrivederci Ristorante is an authentic Italian restaurant. Arrivederci means hello. The restaurant's name refers to Italian hospitality offered here. It has a decent semi-formal ambiance. The walls are decorated with paintings gathered from different parts of Europe. Antique lamps are hung from the ceilings to add a rustic appeal. Arrivederci specializes in preparing all dishes with authentic Italian recipes and ingredients. Grigliata vegetariana is prepared with a variety of assorted grilled vegetables. Rigatoni amatriciana is prepared with tabular pasta soaked in rich sauce, prepared with tomatoes and romano cheese. Italian bacon topping enhances the flavor. Pollo al funghi is the traditional chicken meal. The boneless breast of chicken is topped with mushrooms. The ingredients are cooked in wine sauce. Arrivederci serves Italian wines and beers.

Top review

MarkVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Always great good and great prices. Never disappoints.

LIPS - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (154)

$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

Tori

Dined 7 days ago

It was AMAZING! This was my second time, but my friends have never been before and we all had such an amazing time, 10/10 recommend!!

Vinarius

4.9

4.9 (444)

$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

Shannon

Dined 3 days ago

The food was amazing and the service was perfect.

Parma Cucina Italiana

4.9

4.9 (148)

$30 and under

Italian

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest.

Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms.

We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.

Top review

Michael

Dined 3 days ago

The menu offerings all looked wonderful. We settled on the Vongole and the ravioli both of which were very tasty. Even with a full restaurant the two waiters kept pace and everything was well prepared and delivered timely. Nice affordable wine options as well. Highly recommend!

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4.9

4.9 (550)

$30 and under

French

Downtown

About the restaurant

Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.

We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & family
but also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !

Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !

Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients !

Discover why our place isso highly rated !

Cheers!

Top review

TanyaVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great place to grab a meal before a show at the Civic Theater. Great food, great beers and great friendly service!

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Popular dish

French Burger

Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano

4.9

4.9 (74)

$30 and under

Italian

Point Loma

About the restaurant

Pomodoro features a rustic yet refined atmosphere, exquisite food presentations and a knowledgeable and friendly staff. Blending classic and contemporary Italian cuisine, Italian music and a colorful "Tomato Inspired" décor. Along the wall, a large wine rack houses many bottles and vintages, our wine list is designed to perfectly compliment your meal. Guests will indulge in the flavor of a true Italian experience the minute they step foot in Pomodoro, located in the heart of Point Loma, San Diego.

Top review

Marie

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food and great service. Our group enjoyed the calamari, mushroom ravioli, linguine di mare, and pork ossobuco. Added bonus, the restaurant celebrated our birthday guest with a complimentary slice of tiramisu. Best we’ve ever had!

Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1184)

$30 and under

Italian

Old Town

About the restaurant

Jack and Giulio's Italian restaurant has remained a favorite of San Diegans for many years. This popular restaurant, formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, has proudly served the "Best Scampi" since 1961. In addition to this popular dish, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers many homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef, and seafood specialties.

Top review

margieVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Great food! Right there’s live music on Wednesdays! Wonderful setting! Enjoy!

Baja Betty's

4.9

4.9 (370)

$30 and under

Mexican

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

If you are in the mood for creative, Tex-Mex inspired dishes, the fun and atmosphere of Baja Betty's in San Diego, CA is for you. This popular eatery provides diners with a colorful and entertaining setting in which to savor a full array of dishes made from the freshest and most authentic ingredients.

The menu at Baja Betty's features many expected options, such as a comprehensive quesadilla menu and array of satisfying combination platters. However, diners can also enjoy a build your own burrito or bowl, an array of house specialties and tacos and some stunning signature margaritas to wash it all down. The menu at Baja Betty's also offers a long list of tequilas and mezcals, a full range of appetizers, nachos, soups, salads and the best Taco Tuesday in town!

Top review

Virginia

Dined 3 days ago

Great service yosh was charismatic and very helpful food was great drinks were strong

Ciccia Osteria

4.8

4.8 (313)

$31 to $50

Italian

Barrio Logan

About the restaurant

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024

Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.

Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

Top review

Joseph

Dined 1 day ago

Always the best food and the best experience when it come to food.

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4.9

4.9 (25)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Downtown

About the restaurant

Welcome to Roma Norte, San Diego's premier cocktail bar inspired by Mexico City's iconic neighborhood. Created by the team behind Puesto and Marisi, Roma Norte offers technique-driven, slow and low cocktails crafted by expert bartenders Beau du Bois and Derek Cram. Experience a unique blend of craft, culture, and hospitality with timeless classics and innovative drinks.

Top review

RossVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We always have a great experience at RN! The servers are attentive and pleasant. Food is consistently very good and the drinks are excellent. Don’t hesitate to make a reservation and try it…you won’t be disappointed.

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Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: RYY

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: Blue Jade

Experience

Roma Norte Sessions: Absintheminded

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