Add These San Diego Restaurants to Your Culinary Bucket List

You can’t judge a bite by its cover because sometimes, it’s even better than you could have imagined. Bring your appetite but set aside any expectations: we’re taking you on a journey through 10 super unique San Diego dining experiences that surpass any preconceived notions. The city’s dining scene is constantly evolving to wow any food blogger or local in need of a little something different with exciting experiences popping up so often, it’s enough to give anyone whiplash (though a good kind). Fear not, for we know the latest and greatest—dig into a new kind of dish at one of these uniquely imagined hotspots! San Diego Dining Experiences

 

Coco Maya

Situated in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, Coco Maya highlights the flavors of the Caribbean and Latin America with a menu that will have you ditching your girl dinner snack board in a heartbeat.

Let’s take a trip to paradise, shall we? Situated in the heart of San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, Coco Maya highlights a fusion of flavors with its American Coastal Cuisine with a tropical flare and a menu that will have you ditching your girl dinner snack board in a heartbeat. This buzzy rooftop restaurant transports diners to a tropical destination with its vibrant, jungle-esque elements and lush greenery paired with accents like boho fringed umbrellas and rattan furnishings, ensuring both you and your phone will eat well at this rooftop oasis. Turning over a new leaf in light of spring, Coco Maya is turning up the dinner vibes with a fresh set of Josper charcoal oven specialties and imaginative craft cocktails.

Coco Maya’s new dinner menu is chock-full of delicious plates like the tomahawk pork chop, halibut risotto with black winter truffle, mouthwatering flatbreads and the classic coconut shrimp, served with a ginger honey sauce. Other standouts include the fried plantains with ground beef and poblano crema, smoked Jerk chicken with jerk sauce, and the loaded potato tostones, which all put a contemporary spin on the fusion-forward concept. Thirsty? Pair dinner with their mezcal-forward Peacock Ponche or a boozy Clarified Piña Colada with pineapple-infused rum and overproof rum. Grab a table on the patio for epic views of Little Italy and soak up the sunshine as you sip and savor—vacation starts now!

Location: Little Italy

San Diego Dining Experiences

Captain’s Quarters

All aboard, mateys! Prepare to sail the Seven Seas on a nautical-themed adventure at Pacific Beach swashbuckling speakeasy Captain’s Quarters. The sophisticated maritime interior of this watering hole replicates that of an old pirate ship. Soak in it’s salvaged light fixtures, vintage portraits and decorative shrouds. Docking on shore just blocks from the water’s edge, Captain’s Quarters fits perfectly in the coastal community of Pacific Beach. The 17th century-themed cocktail lounge delivers an adventurous yet approachable menu of chef-crafted bites and exceptional cocktails for sailors seeking creative maritime fare. Za’atar fried chicken nuggets, caviar service and a Fool’s Gold dessert are all ready to order from the galley.

Buccaneers with extra-large appetites will love the Captain’s Double Double—a secret off-menu specialty! Draft gin and tonics are available, along with a selection of seaworthy house cocktails, like the Ecto Cooler. Climb aboard and join the crew for specialty events hosted on deck, including their monthly Nautical Night events. And be sure to mark your calendars for Jan. 28 to toast the ship’s first anniversary!

Location: Pacific Beach 

 

The Marine Room

Waterfront dining gets a whole new meaning at The Marine Room in La Jolla Shores. If you love small bites, the newly unveiled Lounge at The Marine Room offers a casual cocktail and small-plates experience. Indulge in signature dishes like the lobster crêpe and Baja California swordfish, perfectly paired with the new Kelp Martini—a blend of locally sourced kelp, Grey Goose Vodka, Lillet Blanc and olive juice. The Lounge showcases whimsical small plates crafted with locally sourced ingredients. Try dishes such as Moroccan lamb lollipops, dry-aged bluefin tuna carpaccio and more. From June to August, this renowned oceanfront restaurant presents its famous High Tide Dinner Series. Here guests get a front-row seat to high tide waves crashing against floor-to-ceiling windows illuminated by a full moon. These High Tide Dinners will take place on select Mondays and Tuesdays in the summer.

Location: La Jolla

San Diego Dining Experiences

The Seventh House

This is the sign you’ve been waiting for. The Seventh House in North Park is a whimsical lounge offering a highly decorated, delicious dining experience. Brunch and dinner come with a side of divination, making every visit feel a little magical. Settle into a green velvet booth surrounded by oversized tarot card paintings, lush greenery, and sparkling glass chandeliers. The famous fountain champagne towers only add to the enchantment. But don’t leave everything up to fate—choosing from their extensive menu requires careful consideration. For brunch, go savory with the smoked salmon Benedict or sweet with the vanilla bean French toast. As if that weren’t enough, give your future self something to look forward to. Tarot card readings start every evening at 6 p.m., right at your table.

Location: North Park

5/16

San Diego Dining Experiences

Wormwood

San Diego’s first absinthe bar and bistronomic restaurant, Wormwood brings a taste of “La Vie Bohème” to San Diego. This hidden gem sits in the heart of University Heights and features a vintage Paris design with a whimsical courtyard and patio. The star of the show? One of the world’s most misunderstood spirits: absinthe. Sip and savor an array of premium absinthes from around the globe, whether in an herbaceous cocktail or straight up. And when it comes to pairings, the culinary team brings the wow factor with French classics and seasonality at the forefront (try the fruit de mer and Wagyu tartare—trust us).

The newest addition to this magical neighborhood nook is its “Le Jardin Secret’” (The Secret Garden). This al fresco speakeasy sits beyond the restaurant’s patio and serves up cocktails defined as “liquid cuisine” that reflect a complexity guided by the spirit of the Green Fairy. Sip at your leisure and take in the greenery that surrounds you—you’ll be here a while.

Location: University Heights

5/1

 

Mothership

Enter the mother of all speakeasy dining experiences at the aptly named Mothership. Immerse yourself in an other-worldly experience right in your own backyard at South Park’s intergalactic-themed tiki bar, where you’ll be seated underneath the stars and in-between craters of an ecosystem once untapped—until their top-notch crew came aboard. This space-themed restaurant and bar’s rum-based cocktails are inspired by our earthly tropical vacations and their creamy coconut mixes and floral garnishes. Pair them with a few tapas-style plates to make the most of your experience! Reservations are recommended, and every table is limited to a 90-minute stay on the AASC Mothership—this one isn’t your typical vacation, but it’s the furthest from an earthly one you’ll ever get.

Location: South Park

San Diego Dining Experiences

Market on 8th

Make room on your calendars for a little time at the market—but not just any market. Chula Vista’s Market on 8th brings a new-age twist to the traditional market space, bringing flavors from all over the globe. Catch live music every weekday as you sip on a beer from Barkada and peruse your options. Market on 8th houses everything from La Central Mexican Food and Smitty’s BBQ to Serbesa Filipino Kitchen and EWA88: Poke. If you like what you see, you may have found your next big gathering’s meeting point because they hold private events as well! Market on 8th is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m, but make sure to check the website—hours of operation for specific vendors vary.

Location: Chula Vista

 

The Britannia Tearooms

Sit down for a spot of tea and biscuits at The Britannia Tearooms, nestled in the heart of Point Loma’s Midway District. With a nod to British literature, such as Harry Potter and Sherlock Holmes, this adorable teahouse pays homage to characters from timeless English classics. Looking for the perfect in-store gift? Visit the Mary Poppins gift shop! Popping in for some tea and scones? Take a peek through the looking glass in the Mad Hatter’s Tearoom. Thrifted vintage-style decor, from retro lamps to flower garlands, creates a bright and cheery atmosphere. Sip your tea of choice—there are over 60 specialty house teas to explore!

Location: Point Loma

San Diego Dining Experiences

The Blank Table

Ever sat down at a blank table? You might want to consider it—one leaves room for limitless possibilities. The Blank Table is a secret pop-up dinner series designed around surprise. Guests buy tickets without knowing the location, menu, or drink pairings. Each experience is one-of-a-kind, making every dinner a true culinary adventure. Each guest gets a text message the day of the event with the location, and it’s never what you’d expect. The location is always in an unnamed, unassuming spot to keep the surprises rolling from arrival to the reveal of the fixed five-course menu and accompanying cocktails. Expect the unexpected, but come ready for incredible cuisine and a wonderful sense of community.

Location: TBD

 

Kinme

Chef’s choice is always the right choice. Kinme, named after the Japanese word for experience and care, offers an immersive omakase inspired by the multi-course kaiseki tradition. Guests enjoy a 10-course meal in an intimate setting, with dishes sourced straight from Tokyo’s Toyosu wholesale fish market. The seasonal menu features a mix of raw and cooked plates, including daily-changing sashimi, nigiri, and coveted Miyazaki A5 Wagyu beef. While the menu rotates monthly, the sake, wine, and whiskey selection remains, as does the traditional matcha service finale. With only 10 seating times per night, reservations are a must.

Location: Banker’s Hill

 

CUCINA urbana

At CUCINA urbana, the wine shop sets it apart—you can buy any bottle you enjoy during your meal to take home. This Bankers Hill favorite blends rustic Italian charm with fresh California style. Classic dishes get a modern twist, using seasonal, local ingredients. Short rib pappardelle is rich and tender, while squash blossom pizza feels both light and indulgent. The atmosphere is cozy yet chic, perfect for relaxed nights or special occasions. Dining here feels personal, playful, and full of flavor, with every detail crafted for food and wine lovers alike.

Location: Bankers Hill

Juniper & Ivy

Expect the unexpected at Juniper & Ivy, where culinary innovation and a vibrant atmosphere collide. Helmed by Top Chef Richard Blais, this Little Italy gem pulses with energy, from its open kitchen to the eclectic crowd it draws. The menu is full of surprises—charred octopus arrives smoky and tender, perfect for sharing, while the Yodel dessert is a whimsical, over-the-top finale that’s as entertaining as it is delicious. Dining here is more than just a meal—it’s a full-sensory experience where bold flavors and creative presentations take center stage.

Location: Little Italy

 

Bali Hai

There’s something timeless about sipping a mai tai while gazing at the bay, and Bali Hai on Shelter Island captures that old-school San Diego magic perfectly. The panoramic views are breathtaking, providing a stunning backdrop to a menu full of Polynesian-inspired dishes. Macadamia nut mahi mahi and kalua pork bring island flavors to life, while the legendary mai tais are as potent as they are delicious. Regulars know: one drink can easily turn into a few, and the view makes it all too easy to linger until sunset—or beyond.

Location: Shelter Island

 

Kindred

Bold, irreverent, and wildly inventive, Kindred in South Park takes vegan dining to a whole new level. Forget what you know about plant-based food—this place serves up seitan skewers that rival any meat dish and charred broccolini bursting with smoky goodness. The ambiance is just as daring, with gothic-meets-celestial décor and a soundtrack that leans heavy metal. Cocktails are crafted with the same creativity, offering flavors as bold as the surroundings. Whether you’re a devoted vegan or just in it for the vibes, Kindred promises a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Location: South Park

 

 

Nobu San Diego

An evening at Nobu in the Gaslamp Quarter is like stepping into a world of sleek sophistication and impeccable culinary craftsmanship. The dimly lit space exudes elegance, setting the tone for dishes that are as precise as they are beautiful. Black cod miso, buttery and rich, is a must-try, while sashimi selections are sliced to perfection. The yellowtail jalapeño, with its delicate heat and citrus punch, often steals the show. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply indulging in a night of luxury, Nobu delivers an experience that’s nothing short of iconic.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter