Best Restaurants for Afternoon Coffee in San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Bay ParkCardiff By The SeaCarmel ValleyDel MarGrantvilleHillcrest

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

78 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of California English restaurant

1. California English

4.7

Exceptional(591)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 12 times today

Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.

A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant

2. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(96)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Carmel Valley

Booked 48 times today

At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

3. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2805)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 29 times today

Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.

A photo of Gravity Heights Sorrento Valley restaurant

4. Gravity Heights Sorrento Valley

4.8

Exceptional(1240)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 33 times today

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Tucked away in Sorrento mesa, our 12,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an event space, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

5. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.6

Exceptional(2476)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Jolla

Booked 51 times today

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.

A photo of The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel restaurant

6. The Shores Restaurant - La Jolla Shores Hotel

4.2

Awesome(2490)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • La Jolla

Booked 25 times today

Welcome to beach dining – La Jolla style. Walk straight from the sand into The Shores Restaurant, where you’ll enjoy fantastic ocean views, our open-air patio, a casual ambiance with warm hospitality, and a family-friendly menu meant to please any kind of taste. A big part of the California lifestyle is beach-style dining. The Shores Restaurant is a perfect example with dishes designed by Executive Chef Michael Vaughn. Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and beachside cocktails, the delicious fare is complimented by unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean just outside the floor-to-ceiling windows.

A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

7. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.7

Exceptional(2527)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Farm-to-table • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state. A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations

A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant

8. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo

4.5

Awesome(1654)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 51 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

A photo of Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar restaurant

9. Ruth's Chris Steak House - Del Mar

4.7

Exceptional(3719)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Del Mar

Booked 33 times today

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.Ruth's Chris Steak House in San Diego (Del Mar), CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

10. Barbarella

4.5

Awesome(891)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • La Jolla

Booked 1 time today

Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Afternoon coffee

San Diego

Santee
Bay Park
Hillcrest
Downtown
San Diego
Coronado
Sorrento Mesa
Kearny Mesa
Mission Valley
Vista
National City
Harbor Island
Little Italy
Cardiff By The Sea
La Jolla
Rancho San Diego
Rancho Santa Fe
Solana Beach
Sorrento Valley
Chula Vista / Bonita