Local Wally's Guide to San Diego
The original locals guide to San Diego...since 1996
Serious Good Eats at More Reasonable Prices
Let's face it, you can't eat at those expensive restaurants every night on your vacation without going broke. But that doesn't mean you have to drop your standards. Keep on driving past those chain restaurants and move on to some of San Diego's best dining options, all at a more moderate price.
And don't worry - just because you're dropping down a level doesn't mean you're slumming. I'm talking full ocean view, the freshest ingredients, and real chefs preparing your food. No conveyor belt cooking here! No sir, you'll still get to taste what San Diego dining is all about and that means regional cooking with a local flair.
Who knows, one of these restaurants might end up on your list of most favorite meals ever. I wouldn't blame you, I love these restaurants.
Live large without regrets later. That's Local Wally style!
1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 / 858 454-4244
I often get asked "What's the best restaurant in San Diego?". That's a tough question because we have so many good restaurants. But one restaurant is always in the running and that's George's at the Cove. Georges is really two restaurants, the downstairs "fancy" California Modern and the more casual upstairs Ocean Terrace. With it's stunning views of La Jolla Cove and the al fresco setting, you'll be hard pressed to find a better setting - anywhere! But while a lot of restaurants have good views, George's Ocean Terrace matches the view with a lively California casual menu that's priced more moderately than its downstairs kitchen. Delectable mussels come flying out of the kitchen on a plate so hot it's sizzling, a signature smoked chicken, brocolli and black bean soup that's so good you'll want this recipe, and other fresh entrees simply prepared and simply delicious. This is no cookie cutter eatery, this is the ultimate San Diego dining experience that should be on everyone's "must do" list.
THE LOWDOWN: Casual open air dining on the rooftop of George's featuring one of the best ocean views anywhere!
LOCATION: La Jolla on the rooftop overlooking the Cove.
LOCAL TIP: If you're on a tight budget come here for lunch where the entrees are around $12. If you're coming for dinner, plan it out to get a sunset and ask for a table along the glass wall when you make reservations. And yes, make reservations!
WALLY SAYS: You cannot leave San Diego without dining here! Read my story on my latest dining experience there.
CROCE'S RESTAURANT AND JAZZ BAR
802 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 / 619 233-4355
You've heard that name before but it can't be... Croce, as in Jim "Bad Bad Leroy Brown" Croce, the popular singer/songwriter from the 70's whose career echo'd Buddy Holly, soaring up the charts only to end quickly in a devastating plane crash? Yes, it's that Croce. Jim and his wife Ingrid had moved to San Diego in 1973. Jim was riding the top of the charts with songs like I Got a Name and Time in a Bottle when they talked about opening a restaurant and music bar. Years later Ingrid made that dream come true, opening one of the first fine dining restaurants in the Gaslamp District, turning a run down and desolate part of town into one of San Diego's trendiest neighborhoods.
The main restaurant serves upscale American standards with a bistro twist, from bordeaux braised short ribs to grilled duck breast with crispy skin duck confit, as well as seafood and pasta dishes. The food and service is first class earning Croce's its place as a local favorite as well as the perfect tourist destination.
The bustling jazz bar next door is the place to be for live music and a good bottle of wine.
THE LOWDOWN: Upscale restaurant with modern food in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Great jazz next door for after dinner entertainment.
LOCATION: Gaslamp, between E and F Street
LOCAL TIP: Those too "old" for loud hip hop and underground clubs in Gaslamp should head to the jazz bar for a more sophisticated end to your day.
WALLY SAYS: Too many restaurants in Gaslamp? Not to worry, just go to Croce's for upscale casual dining and superb food.
750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 / 619 232-3474
OK, I know it's a chain but there's something so uniquely San Diego about The Fish Market that's made it a favorite with both locals and tourists for years. On a sunny day there's nothing better than appetizers and cocktails on their outdoor patio, watching the sailboats and seagulls gliding by. A plate of fried calimari, some crabcakes, a crab louie salad, man, this place does it right. Inside the setting is casual - paper placemats and crayons for the kids- and the seafood simply prepared, usually grilled over mesquite with your choice of sides. Locals know to grab a stool at the oyster bar if it's busy or to head over to the side sushi bar for ultra fresh seafood. Upstairs is the fancier Top of the Market featuring the same fresh fish but served up with sauces and tablecloths.
THE LOWDOWN: Casual seafood dining based on what's fresh that day. Family friendly downstairs, romantic upstairs.
LOCATION: The Embarcadero, next to the USS Midway and close to Seaport Village and Gaslamp.
LOCAL TIP: If you find yourself at Seaport Village or the USS Midway, don't waste a meal on the tourist trap restaurants there. Instead, head over to the Fish Market and scope out a place on the open seating patio for some great appetizers and a cocktail. Aint nothing better.
WALLY SAYS: Fancy enough to keep the parents happy, but casual enough for your less than perfectly mannered kids!
880 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 / 619 298-6802
So let me come clean - Cohn Restaurant Group owns a ton of restaurants in town and in the past I've accused them of "BPS", otherwise known as Big Plate Syndrome - a giant plate with lots of presentation but not enough food. So I was poised to not like C-Level, especially with the vacation buzz-killer name that brought me right back to the boardroom, a place I like to forget about when not at work. But then I stepped out onto the patio overlooking the bay on a beautiful San Diego day and started eyeballing the food on the tables - what's that, a Kobe beef burger with caramelized onions and crisp bacon? Is that lobster in your mac-n-cheese? Holy cow, I was drooling before I sat down, which I know is very bad manners! Once seated I dove into the menu like I was reading Letters to Penthouse and ordered up a plethora of items to sample, and all of it was fantastically delicious. I've since come back again and again and have always left satisfied, making C-Level one of my top picks for outdoor dining. And the view? Oh yeah, what a view!
THE LOWDOWN: Casual restaurant with glorious bay views and exceptional food!
LOCATION: Harbor Island, right on the bay.
LOCAL TIP: Make this your first stop after a long flight for an appetizer and cocktail to kick the vacation off to a good start.
WALLY SAYS: Perfect lunch spot away from the hoards of tourists, get a bunch of items and split them up family style!
2182 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, Ca 92037 / 858 454-1589
THE LOWDOWN: Yes, it's a chain, but a cozy one with a neighborhood feel and scrumptious Italian food. One of my favorite Italian places for a nice casual meal.
LOCATION: La Jolla, near La Jolla Shores
LOCAL TIP: The beautiful fig tree patio is the place to be on a warm Summer night!
WALLY SAYS: Frito Misto is awesome, best in town. Believe it or not, their oven roasted lemon herb chicken might be one of your favorite meals on your vacation and the penne pasta with braised lamb is outstanding. No bad meals here!
1670 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 / 858 755-9345
THE LOWDOWN: Want a restaurant right on the beach? A short wall separates diners from the sand making this the ultimate beach restaurant. Come for lunch to watch the beautiful suntanned people or dinner for a killer sunset!
LOCATION: Del Mar
LOCAL TIP: Valet and meter parking fills up fast so get there early just in case.
WALLY SAYS: The food is quite good but it's all about the view here. You can't get any closer to the sand without being on it.
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA /619 557-9441
THE LOWDOWN: Surprise! A fantastic restaurant right in the heart of Balboa Park by the same people behind C-Level, among other popular restaurants in town. Say NO to hot dogs and relax to an elegant yet casual dining experience.
LOCATION: Balboa Park, the main drag walkway (aka The Prado, get it?) in the House of Hospitality
LOCAL TIP: Feet tired from all that walking? Grab a seat in the bar or one of the outside patio tables for great appetizers and cocktails.
WALLY SAYS: Don't think this is a tourist trap just because it's in the center of Balboa Park. The Prado serves up creative cuisine in a beautiful setting. Locals love it so you know it has to be good.
1660 Coast Blvd , Del Mar, CA 92014 / 858 755-2002
THE LOWDOWN: Best known for their restaurants in Hawaii, Jake's is located right on the sand and has some spectacular foods to match the spectacular view.
LOCATION: Del Mar, right on the sand, no outdoor patio but a cool ocean breeze when the windows are open.
LOCAL TIP: Happy Hour M-F 4 to 6 and Sat 230 to 430, get a $6 burger at the bar as well as other items at 40% off.
WALLY SAYS: A terrific vacation restaurant with very consistently good food, the view of the bikini girls and surfer guys walking by on the sand makes for great people watching.
CRAB CATCHER RESTAURANT AND SEASIDE GRILL
1298 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037 / 858 454-9587
THE LOWDOWN: Known for their fresh seafood and a view of La Jolla that will knock your socks off - wear shoes to be safe! Go for the patio if it's a warm night, otherwise reserve a window seat inside.
LOCATION: La Jolla, on the main drag Prospect Street, overlooking the ocean.
LOCAL TIP: Walking around La Jolla and want a snack? Crab Catcher Happy Hour runs 3 to 9pm with $3 margaritas, beer and champagne, half priced appetizers (fish tacos, crab nachos!) and $1.50 oyster shooters. Sushi deals Thursday and Fridays and dial back the 12 steps with $5 martinis on Thursdays.
WALLY SAYS: The light and airy dining room and breezy ocean air patio might seem out of step with the cold contemporary decor of many of the current restaurants, but it's vacation perfect for me. No stress dining, just sit back and enjoy!
Go ahead, bring the kids to these next restaurants!
Family dining doesn't have to feature a giant singing rat playing a banjo! These family friendly places are so good you'll want to know about them even if you don't have kids.
TOP OF THE LINE || MODERATELY PRICED || FAMILY DINING
LOCAL'S FAVORITES || CHEAP EATS
BEST MEXICAN || BEST ASIAN || BEST STEAKS
DINING CHEAT SHEET || BACK TO HOME
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