All About San Diego
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San Diego is striving to become the culinary capital of California, with its wide assortment of restaurants and bars offering an array of cuisine to suit any taste. Known for fresh Mexican dishes and exceptional seafood, San Diego has some of the best dining in all of Southern California. Boasting an average temperature of 70 degrees, the city offers outdoor patio dining and breathtaking ocean views year round.
Downtown
Featuring over 16 square blocks of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, the historical Gaslamp Quarter is affectionately known as the entertainment hub of San Diego. Catch a glimpse of local street entertainers, watch the crowds or simply hang out with friends in this popular downtown district, which is frequently compared to the French Quarter of New Orleans.
Numerous dining choices exist within the Gaslamp Quarter. For delicious seafood, try Blue Point Coastal Cuisine, an elegantly appointed restaurant. Meanwhile, Irish delicacies are offered at The Field, while desserts such as chocolates, ice cream floats and shakes are found at the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop.
Popular bars also hold a prominent spot in the Gaslamp District. Visit The Bitter End, home of the Black Martini, and enjoy the upscale ambience of this tri-level club. If it is Sangria you crave, Ole Madrid is the place for you. This Spanish-style restaurant/nightclub is very popular among locals. Dick's Last Resort is one of the most memorable downtown nighttime venues. Crushed beer bottles and trash cover the floor at this spot so be sure to watch your step, but don't worry about spilling your drink.
For those who desire a dining experience without all the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter, visit the outlying sections of downtown. Harbor Drive is home to Anthony's Star of the Sea, a traditional seafood restaurant appealing to a mature clientele.
Old Town
Old Town is where San Diego began. Romance and charm fill the air and dozens of historical buildings, transformed into shops and restaurants, line the streets. Enter the Bazaar del Mundo and dine at one of the festive eateries. Stroll down San Diego Avenue and experience the wonder of a real fiesta at the Old Town Mexican Cafe, where servers are dressed in traditional garb and tortillas are made fresh, right before your eyes. Meanwhile, Cafe Coyote Bar and Grill boasts an incredible selection of tequila.
Beach Cities
San Diego's beach towns feature an abundance of bars and restaurants catering to a young crowd. In downtown Pacific Beach, Garnet Avenue hosts the Pacific Beach Bar and Grill, an American restaurant known for scrumptious burgers and sandwiches. Also located in the beach cities, Moondoggie's and Moose McGillycuddy's are both traditional American sport bars, jammed with locals on weekend nights.
University Heights
A few miles shy of East San Diego lies one of the city's oldest and most charming communities, University Heights. There's never a shortage of places to satisfy the palate here. If it's coffee and live music you crave, Twiggs Tea and Coffee on Park Boulevard is always a good bet. With their decadent desserts and relaxing atmosphere, you'll never want to leave. If you prefer beer to tea, the world-famous Toronado boasts dozens and dozens of draft offerings, and even more in the bottle. Tried-and-true dive bar more your speed? Then head over to the Live Wire, a popular spot locals love raving about. Walk a block down and satisfy those hunger pangs at Harar Ethiopian Restaurant, a great place to munch on savory East African dishes without burning a hole in your pocket.
Mission and Fashion Valley
Beyond downtown San Diego, popular eateries are also splashed throughout an area of town known to locals as "The Valley." Seau's Restaurant, owned by San Diego Charger Junior Seau, is frequented by celebrities and athletes. Prego's Ristorante is perfect for upscale gatherings with good friends, while Pat & Oscar's is a casual restaurant famous for its breadsticks, assorted pizzas and salads.
Coronado Island
Across San Diego Bay and just minutes from downtown is Coronado Island, a conservative community with dozens of fine dining choices. Take the ferry from Harbor Drive and disembark right in front of Peohe's, a tropical paradise famous for its Crunchy Coconut Shrimp platter. Just next door to Peohe's, Bay Beach Cafe is an ideal spot for a traditional dinner. Travel further to the interior of the island and dine in royal elegance at The Crown Room, located in the historic Hotel del Coronado.
La Jolla
Just north of San Diego, the city of La Jolla is affectionately known as "the jewel" of the Pacific shoreline. In this city, tourists find world-class restaurants with memorable ocean views. Magnificent, yet traditional, California style culinary creations are served at George's At The Cove. This renowned seaside restaurant has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, French restaurants are common in this city of love and fantasy, including The Marine Room and Top of the Cove.
Located in downtown La Jolla, Roppongi has earned a reputation as a favorite among locals. This popular venue combines cuisine from countries such as Thailand, China and Korea into an innovative fare known as "Asian Fusion."
North County
Just north of La Jolla, the seaside community of Del Mar continually draws locals and tourists with its upscale dining venues. Epazote features Southwestern style food that is deliciously creative, while Il Fornaio (meaning "The Baker") serves delectable Italian feasts. Pacifica Del Mar accents the "foods of the sea" with innovative seasonings and spices.
In the city of Encinitas, locals rave about When In Rome, a stylish family-owned eatery that excels in the creation of traditional Italian cuisine. The city of Carlsbad features Neimans, a Victorian mansion offering dual restaurants for casual and fine dining.
Regardless of the restaurant you choose there are many palate-pleasing treasures to be found in San Diego, so bring an appetite and explore the culinary creations of this seaside city.
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