Fast casual:

• The Taco Stand and City Tacos for great tacos (both with multiple locations around the city)

• Poki One N Half: many locations, my go-to poke place

• The Crack Shack: Located in Little Italy, a great place for fried chicken

• Azucar: a Cuban bakery in Ocean Beach with killer sandwiches and desserts

Breakfast/brunch:

• The Cottage: my favorite brunch spot in La Jolla. Their scones are great. Go early (by 9:30) to avoid a wait.

• Brockton Villa: another great brunch spot in La Jolla

• Madi and Hanna's Gourmet for decadent pancakes and brunch in Normal Heights

• Communal Coffee is my favorite cute coffee shop in San Diego. It also has the best avocado toast.

Dining:

~ These are our favorite restaurants in San Diego. Make reservations weeks to months in advance if you plan to go. ~

• Herb & Wood: California-style mediterranean in Little Italy

• Born & Raised: aesthetic steakhouse in Little Italy with great cocktails

• Mabel's Gone Fishing: Iberian restaurant in North park

• Callie: Mediterranean in the the Gaslamp

• Animae: Asian-fusion in the Gaslamp

• Trust: New American in Hillcrest

• Buona Forchetta: for traditional Neapolitan pizza (or pasta)

Bars:

• The Rose: our favorite neighborhood wine bar with some cocktails and great tapas selection.

• Mothership: also in our neighborhood. A very cool space-themed Tiki bar (rum only)

• The Lafayette Hotel: newly-renovated hotel with a selection of themed bars (mezcal bar, bar with a bowling alley, pool-side bar, diner)

Photos