From Neighborhood Gastropubs to Pizza Parlors, These Newbies Are Worth Visiting

With its unique and ever-evolving culinary scene, San Diego is an epic foodie destination that has it all. Whether in the mood for farm-to-table freshness and inventive cocktails or Asian fusion and craft beer, you can find it in America’s Finest City. We’ve rounded up a list of nine new San Diego restaurants that have recently popped up, and don’t worry—we’ve checked them out ahead of time to make sure they’re worth the trip. From neighborhood gastropubs to pizza parlors and everything in between, these new restaurants in San Diego are sure to hit the spot.

 

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. The offerings weave together influences from Mexican, Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine.

Expect dishes like 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

 

Wildland

A love letter to California’s laid-back lifestyle, Wildland is an all-day eatery where mornings start with coffee and pastries, afternoons drift into leisurely lunches and evenings call for a bottle of wine and wood-fired pizza. Located in Carlsbad Village, this sun-soaked new restaurant in San Diego comes from the team behind Jeune et Jolie and Campfire, with Michelin-starred chef Eric Bost leading the kitchen. Guests can expect a relaxed yet refined menu paired with an effortlessly stylish setting—30-foot ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a welcoming front patio that invites you to linger.

Location: Carlsbad

 

Bock Bar (coming soon)

South Park’s newest neighborhood pub is almost ready to pour! Bock is setting up shop with more than 30 beers on tap, an impressive selection of Old World brews and hoppy California IPAs and a kitchen helmed by local food truck Biersal, serving up German-inspired street food. The space combines the charm of a classic beer hall with a modern, easygoing vibe. Think communal tables, shuffleboard and a cozy courtyard. Whether you’re here for a pint or a plate of housemade schnitzel, this new San Diego restaurant is bringing a fresh take on gastropub dining to the heart of South Park.

Location: South Park

 

Odie’s Pizza Co. (coming April 2025)

Pizza just got personal at Odie’s Pizza Co., which is soon to be 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 will deliver the kind of crave-worthy slices that keep you coming back. Bonus: this new San Diego restaurant’s craft beer selection will be just as impressive as the pizzas themselves.

Location: Oceanside

 

Tajima Ramen

San Diego’s ramen scene wouldn’t be what it is today without Tajima. A pioneer in Japanese noodle culture, founder Isamu “Sam” Morikizono first introduced Tajima Ramen to Kearny Mesa back in 2001. This was long before the city’s ramen renaissance. Now with seven San Diego locations and spots in Tijuana and Maui, this beloved ramen chain continues to expand. Its latest outpost has officially landed in Pacific Beach’s Crown Point neighborhood.

Located between local favorites Rocky’s Crown Pub and Bayside Landing, the new Tajima outpost occupies a refreshed 1,990-square-foot space. The menu stays true to the chain’s signature style. Enjoy rich and flavorful ramen bowls, savory Japanese appetizers and comforting rice dishes. Guests can also enjoy a selection of sake, beer and wine. This is an ideal spot for a casual lunch, cozy dinner or late-night slurp session.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Dive at The Bower Hotel (coming soon!)

Fresh, coastal and undeniably chic, Dive is set to make a splash as Coronado’s premier seafood-forward dining destination. Perched atop the soon-to-open Bower Hotel, this new San Diego rooftop restaurant will bring ocean-inspired flavors, modern aesthetics and relaxed beachfront vibes to the heart of the island. The menu is all about celebrating the bounty of the sea. Think delicate crudos, towering seafood platters, citrusy ceviches and perfectly grilled market fish. A crisp glass of wine or a craft cocktail pairs effortlessly with Dive’s signature lobster roll. Meanwhile panoramic views of the Pacific set the ultimate backdrop for a breezy afternoon or an elegant sunset dinner.

Location: Coronado

 

Breakers Restaurant (coming soon)

Bringing the spirit of Hawaii to Encinitas, Breakers is the California outpost of a beloved Oahu eatery founded by surfer Benji Weatherley. Known for its laid-back surf vibes and island-style cuisine, Breakers will serve Hawaiian staples. Enjoy dishes like Loco Moco, Kalua Pork Omelets and Mac Nut Pesto Benedict. The family-friendly space will feature live Hawaiian music, outdoor games and even an arcade area. It will be a go-to spot for both relaxed brunches and fun-filled evenings. Expect an easygoing, aloha-inspired atmosphere that captures the heart of surf culture.

Location: Encinitas

 

Pezzi Del Mio Cuore

Pasta lovers, rejoice! Translating to “Pieces of My Heart,” this heartfelt Italian trattoria is the passion project of Teodulo and Gaspar Mauricio. These brothers are veterans of San Diego’s Italian dining scene. After three decades of working in beloved Little Italy institutions, they’ve opened their own spot in Point Loma. Now they’re serving up comforting classics like lasagna alla bolognese, linguine ai frutti di mare, and housemade ravioli stuffed with lobster. The menu is a true homage to Italy, with handcrafted pastas, seafood-centric dishes and a well-curated selection of Italian wines. Warm, welcoming and rich in flavor—this is Italian soul food at its finest.

Location: Point Loma

 

Communion

Mission Hills’ newest rooftop gem, Communion, blends global flavors with a stylish open-air setting. The menu delivers refined small plates and bold flavors. Enjoy dishes from chaat masala potatoes with cilantro chutney to Spanish-style octopus over squid-ink risotto. Decadent offerings like a 45-ounce prime porterhouse steak and Kaluga caviar with buckwheat blini elevate the experience. Everything can be paired with craft cocktails, mocktails and a curated wine list.

This March, Communion launched Sunday brunch on March 2. Next is a five-course Tequila Ocho & Mezcal Vago pairing dinner on March 25. Drag Bingo Brunch brings lively entertainment on March 30. Whether for sunset drinks or an indulgent feast, Communion is quickly becoming Mission Hills’ go-to rooftop destination.

Location: Mission Hills