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Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in San Diego

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OpenTable
Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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 Baja Betty's restaurant
4.8
4.8 (333)
$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!

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
4.7 (1311)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.


A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
4.6 (932)
$31 to $50
Sushi
Little Italy
About the restaurant
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!
Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionship
Our concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.
Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.

Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.



A photo of Coco Maya restaurant
4.6
4.6 (371)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Little Italy
About the restaurant
Nestled in the heart of Little Italy and overlooking the Piazza della Famiglia, Coco Maya offers a contemporary twist on classic American dishes. Our diverse menu ranges from light coastal cuisine to robust, flavorful proteins cooked in a traditional Spanish-style coal-fired Josper oven. Additionally, we pay homage to our neighborhood's roots with several Italian-inspired entrees, featuring unique takes on flatbreads and pastas.

As part of the Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group, Coco Maya is an evolution of our original concept, Miss B’s Coconut Club in Mission Beach. Since our inception, we've continued to explore new flavors and culinary techniques while broadening our scope and enriching our cocktail program. Coco Maya boasts a diverse mezcal and tequila selection, alongside the delicious tropical and rum-based cocktails that have become synonymous with Miss B’s.

Open daily for brunch and dinner, with a weekday Happy Hour from 2-5 pm.

A photo of Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge restaurant
4.5
4.5 (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.
A photo of King & Queen Cantina - San Diego restaurant
4.5
4.5 (1165)
$30 and under
Mexican
Little Italy
About the restaurant
*WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME*

King and Queen Cantina brings Latin flavor to San Diego from creative founder and owner MR.TEMPO.
Come for the atmosphere, but stay for the food. You will find all of your favorite Latin dishes infused with Asian flavors. Join us Happy Hour everyday, Weekend Brunch or Taco Tuesday for a dining experience like you’ve never experienced before!
#MASCHINGON

A photo of Kalaveras - Chula Vista restaurant
4.5
4.5 (102)
$30 and under
Mexican
Chula Vista / Bonita
About the restaurant
We're creating a new concept of modern rustic dining with a fusion of traditional and vanguard Mexican ingredients. Our food is chef-driven, using classic cooking techniques with fresher and healthier options. We're elevating bold, authentic flavors and presenting a new way of eating. In the bar you'll find over 90 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits.
A photo of Roma Norte restaurant
4.5
4.5 (13)
$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!

A photo of Brigantine - Imperial Beach restaurant
4.4
4.4 (14)
$30 and under
Seafood
Imperial Beach
About the restaurant
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received numerous accolades during our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.

Located across the street from the Imperial Beach Pier, this Brigantine features a casual yet intimate open-air concept with indoor and outdoor seats. Catch the sunset from almost any seat.



Seafood and Steak. Great Happy Hour Sunday thru Friday 3-6pm.

A photo of Fisher's restaurant
4.0
4 (132)
$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.

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