California, United States Food Guide: 10 American food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in San Diego

September 2, 2019 Enedina Augsburger

Reviews on American food in San Diego, California, United States. San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Things to do in San Diego

10. The 3rd Corner

2265 Bacon St, San Diego, CA 92107-1304 Wine Bar, American, Contemporary Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +1 619-223-2700 http://www.the3rdcorner.com/
Food
Service
Value
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 232 reviews

The 3rd Corner

We are a French inspired American Bistro with a retail wine shop inside. You can buy a bottle of wine for retail prices and enjoy it at your table for a $5 corkage fee.

Reviewed By MicheleColette

We are in California the winter, for the past 16 years. We enjoyed 3rd Corner last time so we joined their Wine Club. Each Sunday we would receive their menu special for that day. We have now been three times on a Sunday. Their special menu is excellent value with a choice of adding wine pairings. The three course dinner varies from Shrimp Pasta, short ribs and fish with. Ikerosine options. The only problem is parking so we have learnt to go early and park on Bacon Street and walk!

9. Richard Walker's Pancake House

520 Front St, San Diego, CA 92101-6701 American, Cafe Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 619-231-7777 http://www.richardwalkers.com/
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4 based on 1651 reviews

Richard Walker's Pancake House

Since 1948, the Walker family name has become synonymous with quality family dining. The family has since perfected its reputation for outstanding gourmet pancakes and breakfasts. We offer a large variety of gourmet breakfast and lunch items, including pa

Reviewed By kindtraveler2016

Now that’s a German Pancake! We beat the line and were able to get quickly in and quickly out. The Smoked Ham, Eggs and Crispy Hash Browns were all perfectly prepared and yummy! The German Pancake with powdered sugar and fresh strawberries was the perfect breakfast dessert. We would happily go back!!Hi there,I've sent you a private message to thank you for your review. I hope we see you in again the next time you're in the area!

8. Tender Greens

2400 Historic Decatur Rd Ste 104, San Diego, CA 92106-6158 American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol +1 619-226-6254 http://tendergreensfood.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 253 reviews

Tender Greens

Reviewed By Dale F

Sustainable, organic, farm to fork, local--you name it, every good and healthy thing is on this menu--seasoned creatively for amazing taste--yet the prices are right for families, singles, seniors. It's an informal dining experience that includes transparent preparation of the meals, consistent execution of regular menu items, unique and exciting specials, coupled with friendly wait staff, ample parking, and convenient location adjacent to a park. Takeaway is equally excellent. Vegan, vegetarian, paleo, gluten free, blatant meat eater and everything between--Tender Greens is the place for you.

7. The Cottage La Jolla

7702 Fay Ave, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037-4309 American, Cafe, Contemporary Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service [email protected] +1 858-454-8409 https://www.californianrestaurantlajolla.com
Food
Service
Value
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 1504 reviews

The Cottage La Jolla

The Cottage La Jolla has been serving delicious breakfast, brunch, and lunch to the citizens of La Jolla, CA for over twenty-five years. Our restaurant specializes in traditional American and Southern Californian cuisine, with a clean, Victorian-style int

Reviewed By Wheretogowhattodo

We had to wait for a table because this place is popular! It was well worth the wait. Breakfast was plentiful and delicious. Staff was attentive and quick. The only negative is that we wanted to sit on the patio instead we were seated upstairs next to the bathroom. Not exactly the view I would have liked to have had. At least there were plenty of windows to look out of.

6. NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

910 Prospect St., La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037 American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, [email protected] +1 858-964-5400 https://www.nine-ten.com
Food
Service
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4 based on 626 reviews

NINE-TEN Restaurant & Bar

At NINE-TEN, guests will enjoy the unique seasonal style of "Evolving California Cuisine" with menus dictated by the local harvest. The menu is created daily to take advantage of fresh products discovered during daily excursions to local artisan providers

Reviewed By JanG718

A friend and I had the pleasure of dining here for lunch the other day. What a wonderful experience: the service was excellent; the atmosphere was relaxed yet elegant; and the food was delicious. We started out with the Burrata Board: burrata cheese, pistachio nuts, pesto, carrot hummus, candied carrots - fantastic. For lunch, we ordered the Cobb Salad and the Ruben. I had read that the chef prepares his own pastrami so I wanted to give it a try. It was great - just the right amount of cheese, sauerkraut, dressing and a hint of horseradish. A very flavorful sandwich. The Cobb was great, served with smoked chicken.Would love to go back for dinner sometime. Dear JanG718: On behalf of Chef Jason Knibb and our entire team here at NINE-TEN, thank you very much for the wonderful feedback you provided about your recent lunch. We take great pride in providing first-class service that is gracious and unassuming and I'm happy to hear that is exactly what we delivered. I will be sure to share your comments with Chef about the burrata, cobb salad and ruben sandwich (one of my personal favorites). Meanwhile, we do hope you will try us for dinner soon. Truly an experience not to be missed. Sincerely, Terrence Underwood, General Manager

5. The Mission

1250 J St, San Diego, CA 92101-7541 Mexican, American Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Takeout +1 619-232-7662 http://www.themissionsd.com/
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4 based on 384 reviews

The Mission

Reviewed By rageisman

Great mexican breakfast food. Rancheros verde were as good as remebered from last trip and my husband was very happy with the breakfast burrito. Absolutely recommend if you are in the area.

4. The Lion's Share

629 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101-6718 American, Bar Dinner, Late Night, Drinks Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service [email protected] +1 619-564-6924 http://lionssharesd.com/
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4 based on 174 reviews

The Lion's Share

Reviewed By emgaila

My husband and I ate at a few "nicer" restaurants than this one, but frankly, The Lion's Share was the best food we tried. We ordered the rabbit sausage, camel tacos, antelope sliders, and numerous cocktails, and everything we ordered was spot on. I was so impressed with the crafted cocktails, we came back during Happy Hour the next day because you can't find cocktails in San Diego for $6 this amazing. I recommend drinks like The Federal Stamp and they make a wonderful Old Fashioned. Not to mention, the interior is sort of pagan/Gothic/modern, so the atmosphere, both at the bar and at the front tables, is warm and perfect for kicking back and enjoying your dining companion. Have fond memories of this place, and if we ever return to San Diego, I'd certainly visit the Lion's Share again! Highly recommend.

3. Truluck's Seafood, Steak and Crab House

8990 University Center Ln, San Diego, CA 92122-1085 American, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Valet Parking, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Jazz Bar [email protected] +1 858-453-2583 http://trulucks.com/locations/la-jolla-california/
Food
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4 based on 773 reviews

Truluck's Seafood, Steak and Crab House

We invite you to escape to Truluck's. A getaway for the senses. Come savor the freshest Crab, direct from our own fisheries. Delight in our fresh-catch seafood menu or select tender, juicy steaks prepared to perfection. Then complement it all with delicio

Reviewed By new_world_travellers

We had dinner at Truluck and it was outstanding. The food was superb starting with the home made bread. The service was excellent. A great experience overall. Highly recommended

2. Hodad's

5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107-3010 American, Bar Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service +1 619-224-4623 http://hodadies.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 2229 reviews

Hodad's

Reviewed By 97ted

The cheeseburger is one of the best around. Great fun atmosphere. But the french fries & onion rings are to thick for my taste. Wish they would switch to smaller french fries & thinner onion rings! Service needs to be faster to get people in & out so the wait is not as long!

10 Things to Do in San Diego That You Shouldn't Miss

1. Union Kitchen & Tap

333 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6909 American, Bar, Pub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music +1 619-795-9463 http://www.gaslampunion.com
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Overall Ratings

4 based on 633 reviews

Union Kitchen & Tap

Reviewed By Fdrl L

Great place to go for a night out with hubby. Great drinks and food was good. Outdoor seating on a cool night would be awesome, we sat inside and enjoyed people watching with wonderful burgers

Where to Eat in San Diego: The Best Restaurants and Bars

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