Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall 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!

Lilo

5.0

5 (70)

$50 and over

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A lively and immersive dining experience that welcomes you to celebrate life’s special moments, Lilo harnesses the untamed spirit of the California coast and the world's shorelines through a curated, multi-course tasting menu rooted in a thoughtful connection to nature, served around a 22-seat chef’s counter.

Top review

Margaux

Dined 6 days ago

Wow! Everything about this experience was wonderful. Whether it was the service, the food, or even the music, you can tell how every choice was considered and thoughtful. The attention to detail was fabulous and everything was strung together so nicely. The setting is very intimate which allows you to have a relationship with the chefs and staff. I highly recommend Lilo to anyone who wants not just amazing food but an incredible culinary experience!

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4.9

4.9 (352)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Noble Experiment is a small, intimate cocktail bar located behind a secret door inside of Neighborhood restaurant at 777 G St. San Diego, CA 92101. Reservations for 4 or less are accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@nobleexperimentsd.com. Walk-ins are welcome based upon availability.

Top review

Sara

Dined 6 days ago

Our bartender was exceptional. She made us fabulous drinks with a wonderful attitude.

Black and Blue Steakhouse and Lounge - Valley View Casino

4.9

4.9 (1902)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Valley Center

About the restaurant

Black&Blue is a contemporary American Steakhouse with Las Vegas flair, and a 21 and up dining experience. B&B was recently named San Diego’s “Most Romantic Steakhouse” by the San Diego Union Tribune, and most recently awarded as the Best Steak House Best Seafood by San Diego A-list! At B&B we offer the choicest meats, freshest seafood and most dazzling desserts to delight the mind and body that will transport our guests into a world of indulgence and taste. Unwind with conversation and creative cocktails in our Black&Blue Lounge. Then move into our main room where Chef Nicholas Burgess will impress you with his inventive dishes and innovative takes on classic favorites. Manager Elizabeth Marquez will ensure you receive the ultimate in guest service in an atmosphere that’s friendly and fun. To fully enjoy the B&B dining experience, please be prepared to spend an hour and a half with us. Visit us at B&B for a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Top review

Jason

Dined 3 days ago

As always, great food and service. The new general manager is attentive to customers and makes sure to check in with everyone. We had Star as our server and is by far the best server we have ever had and continues to be.

Vinarius

4.9

4.9 (442)

$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

Liam

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

Francesco and team were amazing! The food was spectacular.

Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina

4.9

4.9 (576)

$30 and under

Italian

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

San Diego, meet Pinsa Romana.
An ancient recipe comes back to life at Our Hillcrest Restaurant.
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria bringing a modern touch to family recipes and an ancient style of pizza called, Pinsa.

Tavola Nostra, which means “our table”, is owned and operated by Jeff Oliveri – a first time restaurateur from a family of longtime restaurant owners who hopes to honor his familial heritage and tradition with his Italian dining concept that creates one of the best Hillcrest restaurants.

Top review

Mark

Dined on Jun 20, 2025

It's the gem of San Diego always spot on food,service the whole atmosphere feels like family.

LIPS - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (153)

$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 3 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!!

La Bonne Table

4.9

4.9 (1471)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

PATRICIAVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Exquisite on all levels. The food, the service, the atmosphere--all just delightful. Our server (I believe it was Arturo) was kind, patient, and made us feel special on our anniversary. He served a glass of champagne to begin, then made us feel comfortable with the meal moving slowly and enjoyably.

Baci Restaurant - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (1958)

$31 to $50

Italian

Old Town

About the restaurant

Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.

Top review

AlfredoVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Beat Italian In Town!!! Try the cingialle and uni pasta.

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

4.9

4.9 (1538)

$31 to $50

French

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Named after La Jolla’s popular Open Aire Farmer’s Market, Bistro du Marché allows chef Diot to work closely with farmers to incorporate the finest local flavors into his dishes. Led by Cheffe Amélie Gadoum, Bistro du Marché incorporates quality ingredients and rigorous French technique. Signature dish includes Wild Mushroom Ravioli in Port wine Sauce. One of the specialties: Un Coq au Vin "Ivre de Bourgogne" Organic Chicken Braised in Red Wine Sauce, Yukon Gold Mashed Potato, Carrot, Mushrooms.

Bistro du Marché is based on the culinary concept of “bistronomie”, that emerged in Paris. Bistronomie, is a play on words on the concepts of “bistro” and “gastronomie”. It is a form of French cuisine that emphasizes the blending of haute gastronomic expertise, seasonality, and the traditional “cuisine de terroir” found in bistros across France. The youthfulness of the bistronomie movement has succeeded in reinvigorating French classic cuisine, and raised the bar of traditional French bistros.

Top review

JonVIP

Dined on Jun 11, 2025

Perfect! We were looking for an evening of French cuisine and they delivered. We tried seven dishes. Everything was outstanding! We were also very impressed with the waitstaff. They all exhibited a high level of professionalism. Their pastry chef deserves high recognition as well. The restaurant is very worthy of their recent “Best French” award.

Jive Lounge

5.0

5 (65)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Jamul

About the restaurant

Our electric live entertainment venue just steps away from the casino floor features some of Southern California’s hottest DJs and best local bands along with great food, craft beers, and signature handcrafted cocktails.
Make your reservation today! A deposit of $20 per person will be required at the time of check in for your table. This deposit of cash or a credit
Card hold for the amount will be lifted when your party has surpassed this amount of purchased food or

Top review

WilliamVIP

Dined on May 31, 2025

The staff is exceptional. They are always helpful and go beyond my expectations. The music is excellent and dance floor is amazing compared to other options in San Diego.

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