Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies 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!

MOTHERSHIP

4.8

4.8 (264)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

North Park

About the restaurant

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine.

Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy!

WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 3 days ago

Tasty drinks for a good price and a good ambiance

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Experience

MOTHERSHIP - HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Boujiemana

4.8

4.8 (89)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Serra Mesa

About the restaurant

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy.

With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons.

Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.

Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

Top review

Inigovip

Dined on Oct 2, 2024

Very good experience . Excellent ambience and very well served exquisite mediterranean food . I will definitely go back

Cellar Hand

4.8

4.8 (90)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.

Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined 6 days ago

The Bluefin Tuna “HAM” was amazing. I also really enjoyed the Yellowtail with their version of the “RITZ” cracker; highly recommend. I had the Rockfish and my wife had the Berkshire Pork with Spice Apple Butter. They were both great but I was especially impressed with the Pork. The Pound Cake with the Ricotta Cheese Ice Cream was dangerously delicious… Johnny was a great server and we will definitely be back for more!

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Experience

Brunch at Cellar Hand

ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.7

4.7 (827)

$31 to $50

International

Downtown

About the restaurant

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.

Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project.
ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs Park
Follow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

Top review

Shyamavip

Dined 2 days ago

The Pierogi are glorious comfort food. I’ve ordered them three times! The Vietnamese pork meatballs are exquisite - layers upon layers of delicate flavor & texture. The Avocado salad was to die for. I don’t usually like grains in my salad but the chewy texture was great and the chickpeas were a nice add. I’ve been here three times and have never been disappointed. Highly recommend

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Experience

Filipino Dinner with Guest Chef Phillip Esteban

Camino Riviera

4.7

4.7 (23)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Join us for a full sensory journey through the Yucatán in our sultry dining room and open air lounge. SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has curated an eclectic menu that integrates his unique style with Mexican cuisine. The bar program is built on classic cocktails while celebrating the spirits and flavors from all over Latin America. We source rare expressions of mezcal and tequila from some of the most revered producers in Mexico.

We accept requests for both environments but cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all requests.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

We really enjoyed the ambience of Camino Riviera and the food was spectacular. I just wish the portions were a tad bit larger, but all in all it was realistically some of the best service I’ve had and I used to work in the service industry as a fine dining server. The busing staff was there every second to grab the plates and she was super attentive along the way I really wish I remembered her name so I could commend her ! Definitely would recommend, especially for like a cocktail hour, and some tapas

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Experience

Late Night Lounge

Botanica

4.5

4.5 (17)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

North Park

About the restaurant

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

Top review

Joellevip

Dined 6 days ago

We had such a lovely time at Botanica and can't wait to go back and try more cocktails and snacks. The atmosphere is lively, but not overpowering. The snug space feels intimate and I love the art. Their team went above and beyond by providing us a toasting glass of bubbles to celebrate our "meet-iversary" (10 years). Very cute, definitely will be back!

Roma Norte

4.5

4.5 (11)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Roma Norte is the newest venture from the expert beverage team behind Puesto and Marisi, set to redefine the cocktail scene in downtown San Diego. Inspired by the vibrant cocktail culture of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, Roma Norte promises a technique-driven cocktail experience paired with light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites.

Please note that we have limited availability on Opentable. We recommend you check for reservations on our website, https://www.romanorte.bar!

Top review

Miguelvip

Dined on Sep 15, 2024

Drinks are awesome, food is delicious, decoration is super nice

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Experience

Roma Norte x Vibe Tribe Collective

Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge

4.4

4.4 (193)

$30 and under

American

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

FIREHOUSE restaurant, at the forefront of upscale-beach dining, sits in the heart of Pacific Beach. Wedged between local Fire Station 21 and Ocean Walk, FIREHOUSE offers an eclectic compilation of classic American dishes and beach side, craft cocktails. FIREHOUSE maintains its iconic patio with the signature fire pit and 4 private seating cabanas. A retractable awning provides shade on hot days and warmth in the winter for all our ocean-view dining tables.

Top review

Rob

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

The food was amazing, and the service was great. Visited Firehouse 21 next door to get a few T-shirts as well. Great location. We will be back during our next trip to San Diego

Fisher's

4.1

4.1 (131)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

With only four tables back in 1989 "Don Simon" and his family; Jazmin his wife, and their three children; Charles, Simon and Gabriel opened the first Fisher's in Mexico City. With only 12 items on its menu, Fisher's became a destination in the northern area of Mexico City.

Since its founding in 1989, Grupo Fisher's has developed seven brands in more than 30 locations, one of them in Madrid Spain. Al of them family style restaurants with the freshest and most innovative way to prepare sea food products. Grupo Fisher's has become the most successful sea food restaurant chain in Mexico with more than 2500 associates and capable of hosting more than 200,000 guests per month.

We are pleased to welcome you to the second international location of Grupo Fisher's right here in San Diego's Little Italy.

Top review

Michellevip

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Food was so fresh and delicious!! Lots a wonderful options!! The service was top notch too!! Extremely attentive and helpful. She gave us great recommendations. The atmosphere is nice too! We enjoyed our evening at Fisher's and highly recommend trying it!!

Rumorosa

3.9

3.9 (21)

$31 to $50

Regional Mexican (Baja Med)

Harbor Island

About the restaurant

Located inside the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, Rumorosa is a brand-new concept by Executive Sous Chef Cesar Oceguera. Fusing the vibrant and bold flavors of Baja, Mexico, with a relaxed, yet playful San Diego vibe, the restaurant has floor to ceiling waterfront views.

Born and raised on both sides of the border, Chef Oceguera infuses his aptitude for bold, Baja-inspired flavors into Rumorosa’s breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring reimagined all-day classics served alongside inventive and authentic Cali-Baja dishes.

Join us for a Baja-inspired Happy Hour at Rumorosa from 4 - 7 PM Monday - Friday, where vibrant flavors and our coastal atmosphere blend seamlessly. Indulge in unique Cali-Baja fusion dishes, paired perfectly with refreshing cocktails and Mexican wines.

Also enjoy live music Thursday - Sunday, our signature Baja Breakfast Buffet during the week, and incredible Sunday Brunch.

Top review

Tracey

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Nice spot for lunch. Walked off some Calories afterwards. Parking busy due to a conference.

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