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Diners' Choice: Californian restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Californian cuisine in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

A photo of Lilo restaurant

5.0

5 (73)

$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

J

JohnVIP

Dined 1 day ago

This was our second dinner at Lilo. It was outstanding. We enjoyed each dish. Our favorite was the ice cream with caviar!! We will definitely come back again. Congratulations on getting the Michelin star in the first two months that they were opened!

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A photo of Chef's Counter of a restaurant

A photo of Chef's Table of a restaurant

A photo of Addison by William Bradley restaurant

Addison by William Bradley

4.8

4.8 (1874)

$50 and over

Californian

Del Mar

About the restaurant

Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.

Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.

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A photo of Addison by William Bradley x Core by Clare Smyth of a restaurant

Addison by William Bradley x Core by Clare Smyth

A photo of The Veranda Restaurant restaurant

The Veranda Restaurant

4.9

4.9 (1575)

$30 and under

Californian

Fallbrook

About the restaurant

While dining at the most atmospheric restaurant in Fallbrook, you can gaze at our sparkling lake and gorgeous grounds while enjoying a delicious meal prepared with seasonal produce from our on-site vegetable and fruit gardens. We offer patio heaters during the winter months and fans during the warmer months. Reservations are recommended. Enjoy a stroll through our many gardens before or after you dine at The Veranda.

Top review

J

Jennifer

Dined 6 days ago

The staff and food are always outstanding. The most beautiful view of a heart shape lake with a fountain going. It’s our favorite in all of San Diego.

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A photo of French Toast of a restaurant

A photo of Wellington Benedict of a restaurant

Wellington Benedict

A photo of Prime Rib Sandwich Dip of a restaurant

Prime Rib Sandwich Dip

A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant

4.7

4.7 (3028)

$31 to $50

Californian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters are available during cooler weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Monday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Monday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available nightly, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Top review

E

Eoin

Dined 1 day ago

Well worth a visit and deserving of Michelin recommendations

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A photo of Cacio e Pepe of a restaurant

A photo of Hamachi Sashimi of a restaurant

Hamachi Sashimi

A photo of Agnolotti of a restaurant

A photo of Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara restaurant

Ponto Lago - Park Hyatt Aviara

4.8

4.8 (1069)

$50 and over

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Immerse yourself into a refined modern setting featuring Baja-inspired cuisine and specialty cocktails composed of mezcal and tequila. Enjoy a show kitchen allowing you to get an inside look behind the scenes bringing Chef's creations to center stage. Locally sourced cuisine with a coastal flair is the cornerstone of this fine dining Baja-inspired experience.

Top review

R

RobertVIP

Dined on Jun 18, 2025

We had a fabulous anniversary dinner with excellent service on the beautiful patio. Thank you, Ponto Lago, for a memorable meal!

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A photo of Ceviche Tour of a restaurant

A photo of Seafood Paella of a restaurant

A photo of Ponto Lago: A Night of Fireworks & Flavor of a restaurant

Ponto Lago: A Night of Fireworks & Flavor

A photo of Paradisaea restaurant

4.8

4.8 (656)

$50 and over

Californian

La Jolla

About the restaurant

A celebration of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality. Housed in the historic Piano Building, in the heart of the vibrant community of Bird Rock, Paradisaea is a destination restaurant and bar, that San Diegans frequent for crave-able, accessible fare, executed at the highest level.

Top review

L

Liz

Dined 6 days ago

Excellent service! The staff is knowledgeable and fun.

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A photo of Hamachi crudo of a restaurant

A photo of Pan Seared Scallops of a restaurant

Pan Seared Scallops

A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Talia Kitchen restaurant

4.7

4.7 (177)

$31 to $50

Californian

Murrieta

About the restaurant

Welcome to Talia Kitchen, where culinary artistry meets wellness and community at Murrieta Hot Springs Resort. Executive Chef Matt Steffen and Director of Nutrition Sarah Goudie craft a menu celebrating Southern California’s bounty, from Murrieta’s hills to San Diego’s coast. We source the finest ingredients from local partners, creating dishes that are both nutritious and delicious. At Talia, we’re more than a restaurant; we’re a gathering place where vitality is served alongside community spirit. Join us for a dining experience that nourishes body and soul, caters to diverse dietary needs, and turns neighbors into friends.

Top review

B

Beatriz

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent experience, Jesus and Alex are amazing all the way around! ! All of the recommendations and service from them were great! My best friend and I absolutely loved everything from the service…, to the food and ambiance.

A photo of The Restaurant at Ponte restaurant

The Restaurant at Ponte

4.7

4.7 (3847)

$31 to $50

Californian

Temecula

About the restaurant

Recognized by OpenTable as one of the top 50 restaurants in the US for outdoor dining, The Restaurant prepares wine country cuisine in a casual outdoor atmosphere. We are leading the way toward a community of wineries and restaurants dedicated to promoting local, sustainable farmers and ranchers. Our dishes feature top quality seasonal and regional ingredients prepared in our kitchen and enhanced when paired with our wines. The Restaurant is open for lunch Wednesday - Sunday 11am to 4pm and dinner from 4pm to 7pm. The maximum party we book a reservation for is up to 8 guests. Walk ins are welcome and will be placed on a wait list based on availability. The Restaurant is open in inclement weather and when it rains. Heaters are available in the winter, and misters and fans are on in the summer. We allow trained service animals only, sorry no pets.

Top review

H

Hozue

Dined 5 days ago

Just like last time, it was a wonderful restaurant and I came back feeling very happy.

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A photo of Scallops of a restaurant

A photo of Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant

4.7

4.7 (6753)

$31 to $50

Californian

Little Italy

About the restaurant

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

Top review

O

Oscar

Dined 1 day ago

Denish was our server and he did an amazing job! Came to celebrate my GFs birthday and everything was great.

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A photo of Gnocchi of a restaurant

A photo of Pork Belly of a restaurant

A photo of Strawberry Soufflé of a restaurant

Strawberry Soufflé

A photo of Wildland restaurant

4.6

4.6 (176)

$30 and under

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

WALK-IN'S ONLY FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

WALK-IN'S AND RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER.

Wildland is an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery inspired by the natural landscape and vibrant community of North County, celebrating the creative culture of California by bringing bold ideas to timeless traditions.

Night or day, this is a place for the every day.

We open daily at 8am, with counter service up until 4:00pm, inviting you all to come in and join us on a first-come, first-serve basis for breakfast and lunch.

Reservations are available every evening, and walk in guests are always welcome.

Private Dining Room reservations are available for parties of 12-18 guests.

Top review

J

judithVIP

Dined 2 days ago

The food and service were excellent. The sound level inside was extremely loud. So we requested seating outside which was accommodated. We will definitely return.

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