Where The Plates are Pretty, The Vibes Are Strong and The Waitlists Are Totally Worth It

San Diego is having a serious glow-up, and we’re not just talking about real estate. The city’s dining scene has entered its cool-girl era, serving up bold flavors, buzzworthy design and menus that don’t play by anyone’s rules. Whether you’re in the mood for wood-fired pizza, sushi by the sea or a slice of something scandalously good, these best new restaurants in San Diego are making waves. Come hungry, leave texting your group chat: “We’re going back.”

 

Dora

La Jolla’s dining scene just gained an Italian goddess, and she’s already turning heads. Dora serves grilled octopus, handmade gnocchi stuffed with pork sausage and margherita pizza that feels sun-kissed and quietly luxurious. The flavors transport you to the Mediterranean coast without ever leaving San Diego. Guests linger over chilled wines, share oven roasted baby artichoke across the table and let the night stretch out. Dinner here feels like a little vacation you’ll want to repeat.

Location: La Jolla

 

Wine Girl

If sunshine had a favorite hangout, Wine Girl would be it. Rosé flows, champagne sparkles and every corner looks ready for its influencer era. The energy is playful, bright and flirty in that “let’s order one more flight” kind of way. Charcuterie boards keep the table buzzing, conversations stretch longer than planned and everyone leaves with a new group photo. It’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about new restaurants in San Diego for daytime sipping and good-energy gatherings. Consider this your new excuse to call it a girls’ afternoon.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Lucien

With seats for only 30 guests, Lucien makes dinner feel like an ultra-curated secret shared among people who adore great food. Chef Elijah Arizmendi’s culinary roots span Michelin kitchens, and his tasting menu reads like a love letter to California’s farms and fishermen. Each of the 10 courses arrives at the height of its season, transformed through modern technique and classic finesse. The room feels intimate, the pacing feels intentional and the meal unfolds like a story worth savoring. For diners who chase artistry on a plate, this is one of the best restaurants in San Diego to fall for, course by course.

Location: La Jolla

 

Cherry Fish

Sushi lovers, buckle up. Cherry Fish is a newcomer bringing color, freshness and serious swagger to the scene. Choose from instant favorites like the butterfly roll made with smoked eel and charred avocado or the oyster mushroom and gobo root stuffed shrooms roll. The chicken katsu and kimchi flatbread also shine, offering creative combos that are ready to convert the uninitiated. Pair your meal with a sake grenade and satsuma mandarin cocktail for an extra dose of fun. So, grab a seat, order a few rolls and call it a very good day.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Pepino

La Jolla’s new daytime crush has shown up with Peruvian flair and pastries that know exactly how to charm a crowd. From morning through mid-afternoon, Pepino serves sweet potato bowls, lomo saltado burritos and baked goods that seem engineered for obsession. The vibe invites lingering, which is why breakfast easily rolls into lunch and lunch turns into ordering a Pepe spritz or mimosa. It is quickly landing on every where to eat in San Diego list for its fresh take on daytime dining. Modern, sunny and full of personality, you’ll leave plotting your return.

Location: La Jolla

 

Carlo

In true Roman fashion, Carlo doesn’t just open its doors, it invites you into a myth. Tucked behind Cardellino in Mission Hills, this 32-seat speakeasy from Trust Restaurant Group is part opulent cocktail lounge, part ancient drama. With gold accents, moody lighting and a ceiling of sculptural florals, Carlo sets the stage for something seductive. The menu? A split between “The Fates” and “The Legends,” offering a mix of inventive signature drinks and elevated classics. It’s sensual, theatrical and the kind of experience that lingers in your memory long after the last sip.

Location: Mission Hills

 

The Henry

The Henry has officially landed in North County, and yes, it’s as good as your friend in Phoenix told you it’d be. Located in Carlsbad’s buzzy The Forum, this all-day restaurant brings its signature “neighborhood vibe” to life with killer cocktails like the spicy margarita. You’ll also find elevated comfort food and interiors you want to copy in your dining room. The short rib potstickers are essential, the Korean prime skirt steak are drool-worthy and the seasonal sangria flows like water. For San Diego dining that feels both familiar and fresh, The Henry delivers.

Location: Carlsbad

 

Roppongi

Long live the comeback queen. Roppongi, once a staple of La Jolla’s fine dining scene, has been reborn inside the Pier South Resort, and she’s thriving. The restaurant blends upscale Asian fusion with West Coast coastal flavors in a space that feels part Tulum, part Tokyo. Expect coconut curry noodles, Mongolian duck quesadillas, ube cheesecake and a bar that’s not afraid of a little drama. Plus, every dish comes with a side of gorgeous coastal views. This chapter cements Roppongi’s as one of the best new restaurants in San Diego.

Location: Imperial Beach

 

Nobu

Let’s be honest: the location alone is a flex. Nobu, located inside the Hotel Del Coronado, instantly redefined where to eat in San Diego for anyone chasing luxury. But the real win is the way this global icon feels effortlessly at home. The Japanese snapper sushi is flawless and the Lobster Tempura Truffle Amazu lives up to the hype. Not to mention, the whisky cappuccino and mochi ice cream will test your ability to order “just one.” Golden hour at Nobu isn’t just dinner; it’s a lifestyle with views of the Pacific. For San Diego fine dining with waves, this is your new holy grail.

Location: Hotel Del Coronado

 

Wildflour Delicatessen

If your love language is carbs and housemade everything, Wildflour Delicatessen is speaking straight to your soul. Located in Liberty Station, this new-age deli serves up omelettes, pork chops and tiramisu that deserve their own fanbase. But the menu also surprises: we’re talking tuna conserva toast with green apple, buckwheat pancakes with black sesame custard, and miso caramel lattes. Add this to your where to eat in San Diego list and thank us later.

Location: Liberty Station

 

Lilo

One Michelin star, infinite buzz. Lilo, tucked discreetly into Carlsbad, is a revelation. Chef Eric Bost’s tasting menu feels deeply personal, and every plate celebrates the soul of California coastal cuisine. Expect anything from brown butter scallops to beef ribeye that’s been aged for 40 days to blackened banana. You won’t find signage or flash here, just low lighting, thoughtful pairings and the kind of storytelling that reminds you why dining matters. It’s one of the most meaningful additions to the San Diego food scene this year.

Location: Carlsbad

 

Sonny’s Pizza

Sonny’s Pizza doesn’t want to be trendy. It just wants to be your new favorite neighborhood pizzeria. And it’s working. Located in University Heights, this fast-casual pizza spot has Brooklyn bones with San Diego soul. The naturally leavened crusts are pillowy and golden, and the toppings pull no punches: pink sauce, fresh basil and grated romano. The vibe is quick, cheeky and unapologetically pizza-obsessed. For a taste of New York without leaving San Diego, Sonny’s hits the spot.

Location: University Heights

 

Jan’s Health Bar

Clean eating doesn’t have to mean boring. Enter Jan’s Health Bar, the SoCal staple that just set up shop at One Paseo. Known for colorful salads, avocado-stacked sandwiches and smoothies that actually taste good, Jan’s is a favorite for the wellness crowd. There’s the meat-free vegetarian turkey sandwich and the Athena topped made with feta, pistachios and kalamata olives. But it’s the vibe that really wins: casual, sunny and never preachy. Think farmers market freshness with laid-back charm. This is your new go-to when you want something light, satisfying and actually craveable in the San Diego dining rotation.

Location: One Paseo

 

Piedra Santa

Craving Argentinian cuisine in the heart of Little Italy? Piedra Santa is the newest San Diego restaurant to take South American dining to poetic heights. Sure, it’s a steakhouse with an impressive 28-day aged Tomahawk, but the menu offers so much more. Indulge in parmesan creamed spinach, Jidori chicken, Argentinian chorizo and a wine menu that spans three pages. The space is moody and modern, balancing ritual and rebellion in every detail. If you’re chasing authenticity with a creative edge, Piedra Santa is your move.

Insider tip: Piedra Santa’s Happy Hour (Sunday-Thursday from 4-6 pm) includes $11 cocktails and a $15 empanada trio.

Location: Little Italy

 

Vulture

Forget what you thought you knew about vegan food. This sultry University Heights spot is rewriting the narrative. At Vulture, plant-based is an invitation to explore. The menu leans into global spices, artful plating and seasonal bounty without ever announcing itself as “health food.” Dishes like hearts of palm crab cakes and lion’s mane steak bring complexity and soul, while the moody lighting adds drama to every bite. With natural wines, thoughtful storytelling and zero clichés, Vulture is pushing the boundaries of the San Diego dining scene.

Location: University Heights

 

Starlite

The icon has returned. Starlite, San Diego’s beloved mid-century cocktail den, reopened after a major glow-up, and we’re glad she’s back. The menu keeps the original’s spirit while dialing up the flavor with wagyu meatballs, honey gochujang carrots and wagyu fat mashed potatoes. It still has that signature horseshoe bar and amber lighting that makes everyone feel 20% more attractive. A true OG reborn, Starlite’s comeback feels like a love letter to the city’s food and cocktail scene.

Location: Midtown

 

Sally’s Waterfront Dining

Sally’s has been a waterfront staple for years, but now she’s rocking a fresh new look and menu to match. Located along San Diego Bay, this sleek spot at the Manchester Grand Hyatt now features an updated seafood-forward menu. You’ll find delicacies like blackened swordfish, Baja clam chowder and grilled Spanish octopus that rival the views. The patio’s still the star, but the elevated plating and new chef-driven approach make it worth a second (or third) visit. Sally’s is back on the best waterfront dining in San Diego list in a major way.

Location: Marina District

 

Dive

​​There’s a thrill to discovering places like Dive: intimate, unassuming and quietly serving some of the city’s best views. This Coronado rooftop restaurant and bar inside The Bower Hotel redefines what “coastal dining” can be. With just a handful of seats, the experience is intimate and focused. The menu leads you through lemon dill crab rolls, crispy chicken brioche and sesame shrimp toast you’ll dream about. Every bite is pristine. Every detail matters. For those who take food seriously (but like their settings chill), Dive is a standout in San Diego.

Location: Coronado

 

Brisa

Tropical elegance meets coastal cool at Brisa, a vibrant newcomer to Little Italy where Latin flavors flirt with Japanese finesse. Chef James Montejano crafts a menu that surprises at every turn. Think fried calamari, steak skewers and bold dishes like passionfruit ceviche and chef scallops with truffle coconut cream. The space feels like a stylish escape, with lush greenery, ocean tones and an energy that says “stay awhile.” Whether you’re sipping something citrusy or diving into shareable plates, Brisa adds an unexpected edge to any night in San Diego.

Insider Tip: Enjoy 50% off all sushi rolls on Tuesdays from open to close!

Location: Little Italy

 

Bianchi Pizza & Pasta

More than a pasta destination, Bianchi is all about presence. This Mission Bay newcomer inside Bahia Resort pulls you into a transportive world of Italian soul food and sultry ambiance. Palermo-born Chef Ignazio Tagliavia brings Sicilian flair to the menu, which features wood-fired pies, seafood pasta and a dessert cart you’ll chase down the hallway. Warm lighting, velvet booths and a front-row view of the bay complete the experience. Bianchi is one of those San Diego restaurants that makes every dinner feel like a moment.

Location: Mission Bay

 

Odie’s Pizza Co. 

Pizza just got personal at Odie’s Pizza Co., Point Loma’s newest go-to for artisan sourdough pies with a creative twist. This small-but-mighty spot is all about high-quality ingredients, housemade dough, and a menu that’s both classic and unconventional. Whether you’re craving a perfectly charred Margherita or ready to dive into their inventive seasonal specials, Odie’s delivers the kind of crave-worthy slices that keep you coming back. Bonus: this new San Diego restaurant’s craft beer selection is just as impressive as the pizzas themselves.

Location: Oceanside

 

Breakers

Cool without trying and built on surf culture roots, Breakers brings a laid-back yet elevated vibe to Encinitas. Opened by pro surfer Benji Weatherley, this all-day café-meets-wine-bar prefers mornings that start slow and nights that stretch long. The Hawaiian-inspired menu has comfort classics like spam musubi, loco moco, and teriyaki chicken. Designed to feel like the ultimate neighborhood hang, Breakers blends Aussie café cool with SoCal ease. On any given day, you’ll run into surfers, creatives and locals getting a taste of the islands. It’s casual, confident and exactly what the North County dining scene needed.

Location: Encinitas

 

Leu Leu

Step into a world where food, wine and creativity collide. Leucadia’s Leu Leu is not just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Helmed by San Diego’s own Claudette Zepeda (of “Top Chef” and “Iron Chef” fame), this intimate new lounge serves up a globally inspired menu. Leu Leu’s offerings weave together influences from Mexican, Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. Expect duck confit tamales, masa koji roasted beet and masa ball soup, along with an expertly curated wine list spotlighting female winemakers. Tucked inside a 1930s bungalow, this new San Diego restaurant features an ambiance as captivating as the menu, lush patio seating and dreamy floral decor.

Location: Leucadia

 

Mastro’s Embarcadero

Big nights call for big energy, and this waterfront stunner delivers it with a wink. Think steakhouse decadence, glittering harbor views and martinis that feel like a personality trait. The herb roasted branzino alone could win Best Supporting Actress while ribeyes and lobster mashed potatoes seal the deal. Mastro’s vibe is luxe without trying too hard, which is why locals already consider it one of the best new restaurants in San Diego for celebrations worthy of sequins. This is the spot for anyone who prefers their surf and turf with a side of coastal drama.

Location: Embarcadero

 

The Victorian House 

Romantics, consider this your siren call. Inside a restored mansion, this dining room glows with old-world charm and modern appetite. Cocktails clink beneath vintage chandeliers while the menu plays the hits: seasonal plates, confident flavors and desserts that ask you to stay a little longer. Everything feels intimate, intentional and low-key cinematic. Bankers Hill has claimed some cool spots over the years, but this one arrives with serious main-character energy. Add it to your where to eat in San Diego list before someone else gets the reservation you wanted.

Location: Bankers Hill

 

ARLO

Mission Valley got a glow-up with this globally inspired, locally driven restaurant that refuses to play it safe. Wood-fired brussels sprouts, ARLO’s signature bolognese and the seafood tower keep the table excited from first bite to last. The hibiscus raspberry mule has personality, the patio has presence and the crowd always looks like they’re in on something good. ARLO is climbing the ranks of the best restaurants in San Diego because it nails that sweet spot between adventurous and comforting. Come with a crew or date, but show up hungry.

Insider Tip: Stop by on Wednesdays for 50% off select bottles of wine.

Location: Mission Valley

 

Lana 

Trends come and go, but this Solana stunner is setting the pace. Lana, brings bold flavor and timeless flair to San Diego’s dining scene. The menu leans into French and Mediterranean influences with California soul. The pork belly confit, wild mushroom tagliatelle and thoughtful wine pairings make each dish a moment. The space itself feels like a love story between a Parisian bistro and a SoCal garden party, with polished service and zero ego. It’s refined, yes, but it still knows how to have fun. So go ahead, add Lana to your San Diego food scene hit list.

Location: Solana Beach