Another list of things I’d recommend to others (with a few extras from Amy that I haven’t been to myself). This one is overdue: I lived in San Diego from February to June this year and am only getting around to writing about it now.
Musashi’s (UTC) (shout out to Jackson, who made every meal feel like visiting family): changed our lives for five months. So so thankful this spot exists. An extension of Musashi’s Seattle with generous portions of delicious fish for very reasonable prices.
El Pescador (La Jolla): delicious fishes served by people who look like they’d rather be surfing.
Suhsi Ota: very traditional atmosphere and food, well done.
Himitsu: non-traditional! Interesting preparations and a nice foil to Ota. Pricey. No tamago ☹️
Bird Rock (La Jolla) (and downtown): A fantastic coffee roaster. Great place to sit and slow down.
Philz (UTC): full of students studying. A Mint Mojito in the afternoon is a good thing. No espresso here.
Copa Vida (Wesley what up!): quieter than Philz, but still mostly students studying.
Caffe Calabria (North Park): Amy went here all the time with Avi for coffee. Pizza good too!
Cafe Bassam (Balboa Park): old world feel
Stone: the Disneyland of beer. Seminal location for the craft beer industry.
Ballast Point: home of Sculpin, one of my favorite IPAs (as well as some notably delicious stouts).
Border X Brewing (Barrio Logan): nice brews but come for the fantastic tacos in the back. Enjoyed this on an art night when the street was crowded.
Modern Times: bustling brewery on weekends with solid beer.
Tiger Tiger! (North Park): Slightly grungy. Home of the famous Man Hour. Get a beer and a brat (and Raj’s phone number).
False Idol (this is Amy’s suggestion. I never got to go! 😤): because any tiki bar with any relation to Martin Cate is a must-do in my book.
Panama 66 (Balboa Park): Outdoor seating, beer and cocktails. There was live jazz just within earshot. Perfect.
Prohibition: speakeasy style bar. Because it’s in the bar/club district, the clientele can be uncivilized (only speakeasy I’ve been to where I overheard someone try to order an appletini), but can be worth a visit.
Taco Stand (several locations): amazing quality given that it’s a local chain. Loved by locals.
Karina’s ceviche: I was so sad we discovered this late in the game…only got to go once. Gelato around the corner!
Koon Thai: Amy went with Tess for noodle soups. I got to come along once…
Boiling Passion: Hot pot, on a stick! We got “regular” and I am ashamed to say, it was in fact too spicy.
Little Sheep hot pot: Simple chain restaurant but good.
Raki Raki Ramen: Ok but not as memorable as you might think from the reviews. Oxtail soup was good.
Cauldron Ice cream: Fun, gimmicky ice cream (liquid nitrogen).
Shan Xi Magic Kitchen: Noods and dumps!
Manna Korean BBQ: If you’re coming with Turkish people, be ready: it’s a competitive sport and they play to win.
Regent’s Pizza (UTC): Excellent beer selection, delicious pizza, often busy.
International Market (UTC): the most charming old man works the grill. Kebabs, salads, and Persian groceries.
Red Sea Ethiopian: Hole in the wall with slow service and inconsistent food. But charming and delicious! Amy, Avi, and Rie’s regular spot when I was out of town. Recommend sticking to the vegetarian items.
Phil’s BBQ: Brett (our resident BBQ professor) insists this is the best thing ever. Delicious ribs, family friendly.