Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

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!

Camino Riviera

4.7

4.7 (51)

$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

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Tasty tapas style plates. Little pricey. Service started off good as we went early in the evening but as we neared the end of our meal, took some time to find out server for the bill. Seemed like there may have been a large party outside so not a big deal, just seemed a little understaffed as there were barely any tables inside. Would go back for drinks!

Books + Records

4.7

4.7 (488)

$31 to $50

American

Banker's Hill

About the restaurant

Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.

Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

Top review

Casey

Dined 6 days ago

Came here for my boyfriends birthday, and it was such a lovely spot! Great food, and our server Bri was amazing!

Pacific Beach Hideaway

4.7

4.7 (29)

$30 and under

American

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

Hideaway is a beach-town casual kitchen and bar located in Pacific Beach, California. The concept honors the local community, incorporating vintage artifacts, furnishings and artwork that reflect its laidback surf, music and beach culture and history.

Top review

Basti

Dined 2 days ago

Delicious and great service. Location is very convenient near the beach :)

Sessions by the Bay

4.6

4.6 (181)

$30 and under

American

National City

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sessions By The Bay — San Diego’s first and only 21+ cannabis consumption lounge and dispensary, located right on the waterfront in National City.

More than just a weed dispensary, we offer a one-of-a-kind space where premium cannabis, dining, live music, and cutting-edge immersive art spaces come together to create an unforgettable experience.
Lounge reservations are highly encouraged; walk-ins welcome based on availability.

Lounge Access Details:
• Monday – Thursday: FREE lounge entry for all San Diego county locals with valid ID.
• Lounge Entry Fee: $10 for non-locals or non-qualifying visitors.
*Lounge fee is also waived with a $75 subtotal purchase in the dispensary for anyone. Must show same day receipt.

We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to complete your dispensary purchase for lounge use.

Guests may bring approved electronic devices for a $10 corkage fee. Standard vape batteries are exempt. Cancel 24+ hours for refund. For help, please call us (619) 935-7374

Top review

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Dined 3 days ago

Came here for an early birthday present for myself, it was truly excellent and exactly as I pictured! Had a amazing time.

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Experience

Cronic Con ft. Farmers Cup

Cocina 35 - Downtown

4.5

4.5 (74)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Breakfast? you got to try the Best Chilaquiles in San Diego!

Top review

Paul

Dined today

First time here , service was great ! Food delicious ! Everything was point on . I didn’t have to wait even tho there were very long lines . Reservation was respected .

Garbatella

4.5

4.5 (313)

$31 to $50

Italian

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

Come Try Our Brunch Saturdays & Sundays 9:00AM - 12:30PM

We are proud to share our journey which is Garbatella Osteria Bar. As the first US-based concept from husband-wife duo Saul Plata and his wife Carelma Rodriguez, as well as his partner Antonio and Diana, Garbatella Osteria in Otay Ranch, is the coming together of cultures, of travels, and of a lifetime of experiences. The Italian menu is crafted to reflect the authentic Italian flavors of Antonio’s childhood with recipes he has loved and cooked for decades.

We are thrilled to call Chula Vista home and root ourselves here. Again, benvenuti, welcome, to Garbatella Osteria Italian restaurant.

Top review

Bryant

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Food and service was amazing! Drinks were also top quality. Enjoyed it very much!

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4.5

4.5 (25)

$30 and under

Breakfast

Normal Heights

About the restaurant

Welcome to The Vibe, your daily escape where culinary delight meets a relaxed atmosphere! Open every day from 8 AM to 3 PM, we invite you to enjoy our open-air dining experience, perfect for soaking in the sunshine while savoring delicious meals. Join us for our Happy Hour from 8 to 10 AM, Monday to Thursday, where you can sip on refreshing drinks at unbeatable prices. With a full bar and a menu crafted to create memorable moments, The Vibe is not just a restaurant—it’s a destination. Come share a meal, make new friends, and experience the vibrant energy we bring to every day!

Top review

ImanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Loves this place for Brunch. Food was very good and large portions. Price range was great and service very good as well!!

Tako

4.3

4.3 (116)

$31 to $50

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere.
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21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!

Top review

Joseph

Dined 3 days ago

Such a great vibe and our waitress was great! The food was amazing but wished the rolls were a big bigger for some of the prices but it seems like a great date spot.

Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music

4.2

4.2 (1682)

$31 to $50

American

Point Loma

About the restaurant

Humphreys has been the go to spot in San Diego for decades, offering the perfect blend of SoCal dining and music.

Humphreys Buffet Brunch is back for Easter, Mother's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas! Executive Chef Percy Oani and his masterful culinary team have used their divergent skills and artistry to create an exquisite new brunch buffet. Easter Brunch seating from 10am to 3:00pm. Join us at Humphreys for a holiday buffet and a memorable occasion on the Marina.

Top review

Karen

Dined today

Our waitress, Tutu, was so nice and attentive. Great with my young daughter as well. Beautiful restaurant and great ambiance. Lobster risotto was delicious!

Dave & Buster's - San Diego

4.0

4 (113)

$30 and under

American

Mission Valley

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Too many broken games. Had one game that launches a ball blow up in our hand. Would have injured a kid. Screws and spring shot out.

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Experience

Monday SIP Night

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