Dig in at San Diego’s Hottest New Restaurants for 2023
With its unique and ever-evolving culinary scene, San Diego is an epic foodie destination that has it all. Whether in the mood for fresh fish tacos and craft beer or inventive cocktails and tapas, you can find it in America’s Finest City. We’ve rounded up a list of 9 new restaurants that have recently popped up in San Diego, and don’t worry—we’ve checked them out ahead of time to make sure they’re worth the trip (trust us, they are). From fresh seafood and boujee burgers to mimosa brunches and everything in between, San Diego’s got you covered with these tasty new spots.
Malibu Farm San Diego
San Diego locals just gained a new farm-to-table oasis! Born from a passion for delighting in good food in the company of friends, Malibu Farm brings a taste of the country to city life. This farm-fresh restaurant holds nothing back in aesthetics or flavor, allowing the simplicity of its local ingredients to shine. The eatery prides itself on sustainable sourcing, including farm-fresh eggs straight from the hen house and papaya from their on-site plant. Their new San Diego outpost at Seaport Village features a two-level modern farmhouse design, staying on brand with the original Malibu location. Coastal decor, a heated patio and waterfront views round out the ambiance, setting the scene for a picture-perfect seaside meal. And underneath all the magic is a newly designed pizza parlor, cafe and gelato shop! Indulge in food you can feel good about, such as their vegan couscous paella, Korean short ribs or cauliflower crust pizza—the perfect middle ground between comfort and nutrient-dense fare. Even their cocktails are crafted with your health in mind, using invigorating blends of organic sweeteners and fresh juices. Complement brunch, lunch or dinner with their papaya cocktail—a house favorite!
Location: Seaport Village
Gaslamplighter (opening Dec. 2023)
This sophisticated speakeasy and karaoke bar will steal your heart (and the show!) with live performances, petite bites and luxe cocktails. Gaslamplighter’s art deco style speaks to its French origins, while a vintage flair takes guests back in time to circa the 1950s. This upscale night lounge doesn’t shy away from theatrics, throwing in some glitz and glamour wherever possible. Thursday through Saturday, take the stage during their karaoke nights or sit back and sip a sauvignon blanc and enjoy the show. With an opening date coming in December, you can soon stop in and sample their indulgent small bites, including homemade potato chips and caviar.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Elvira
Fans of Point Loma’s upscale Italian eatery Cesarina will fall head over heels with this new trattoria opening in the Ocean Beach community. Elvira models a home kitchen centered around family dining with large tables and an open concept, while vintage family portraits add a personalized touch. Technology may as well be a thing of the past at Elvira, with the restaurant swapping online ordering for a hand-scrawled menu on a chalkboard. Pizza and pasta are a given at this Italian newcomer, accompanied by an assortment of traditional dishes, including lamb, fish and cured meats.
Location: Ocean Beach
Crafted Culture
Crafted Culture has gone coastal! With one location in Sabre Springs and another that just opened inside The Monsaraz in Point Loma, this community-centric restaurant is already making a splash! Foodies can dine seaside at their newest location and snap pictures of their buzzy libations and picture-perfect table spreads. Crafted Culture’s menu features land- and sea-sourced options and shareable bites made entirely from scratch. Feast on chicken katsu, fish tacos and the spicy fennel sausage flatbread—just a few of their featured lunch specials that will cure your cravings for farm-to-table freshness. Stop in for brunch for espresso-based drinks and dishes like the crab cake Benedict or mocha French toast. If an evening rendezvous is more your style, snag a table at sunset and share some braised chicken empanadas and crab and shrimp cakes with friends.
Location: Point Loma
Dockside 1953
Bahia Resort Hotel has been around since the 1950s and has been enjoyed by both locals and visitors ever since. It’s most loved for its picturesque location right on Mission Bay, lush tropical gardens, Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, sightseeing cruises on the Bahia Belle sternwheeler and water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. But just when we thought this resort couldn’t get any better, they’ve taken it up a notch with a new waterfront restaurant! Enter Dockside 1953—Bahia’s stunning, nautical-inspired eatery with bay views, ‘50s-inspired classic cocktails and the freshest seafood in town. Enjoy a Bahia Mai Tai or Cucumber-Rosemary Collins out on the patio that boasts fire pits, palm trees and sailboat views. If you’re there on a Thursday, stay for the live music that starts at 5 p.m. This is a great date-night spot as well, so reserve your table for two ahead of time because this place gets packed on weekend evenings.
Location: Mission Bay
Wildflour Delicatessen
Wildflour Delicatessen is about to become your new neighborhood hotspot for modern California cuisine (aka everything!). As its moniker suggests, this restaurant delivers a little bit of everything. A seafood-inspired menu means dishes like Pickled Butterflied Mackerel are staples, while an attached bakery serves bites on the sweeter side. The modern delicatessen boasts an impressive 4,000-square-foot space, including two outdoor patios adorned with warm furnishings and textiles. Adjacent to the main dining space, guests can peruse their collection of artisan breads and homemade jams, spreads and granola. Wildflour Delicatessen plans to open in Liberty Station’s vibrant Arts District.
Location: Liberty Station
Finca (coming soon)
Tapas and delicacies coalesce in Finca’s beautiful urban dining space. The new North Park eatery highlights Spanish-inspired cuisine infused with local California ingredients. Guests can expect shareable plates, including charred eggplant, pasta bravas and surf-and-turf toast. The breezy studio features bar seating and communal dining, cultivating community alongside culinary delights. With a nod to its Spanish roots, its wine bar and retail space delivers labels from Spain along with a selection of cocktails, including sangria and vermouth. Spreading an appreciation for fine wine, Finca also plans to host wine education classes—a toast to Spain’s flourishing viticulture scene!
Location: North Park
The Vibe
Brunch vibes are high at this trendy, charismatic eatery. Nestled in Normal Heights, The Vibe is a pioneering breakfast emporium with a whimsical montage of pastels and brunch bites. For a soulful breakfast experience that nourishes the mind and body, order their Bacon Baby Benedict or A.M. Asada (with an espresso martini, perhaps?). This vibrant outpost is on point with all the vibes, from aesthetic culinary presentations to its cheerful dining space. Not an early riser? Thankfully, breakfast doesn’t end until The Vibe says so, thanks to their 24 Carat Classics that extend breakfast hours to 3 p.m.
Location: Normal Heights
El Sueño
Drawing from Mexico’s creative tapestry and rainwashed jungles, El Sueño is a charismatic cantina and restaurant in Old Town. A jade granite bar, velvet and bamboo textiles and trailing vines bring this cocktail lounge to life with an artistic, playful style. Known for its exotic margaritas crafted from creative blends, you can try chai-infused or spicy carrot tequila, among other concoctions. Sip a margarita tropical-style straight from a coconut while sampling their salsa flight, which is on the house! For your main course, you can go with crudo, tacos or their house-specialty fuertes before closing out the evening with cinnamon-dusted churros.
Location: Old Town
