Calling all foodies to the west coast! Come to San Diego for elevated and signature classics of food inspired from all over the world and stellar drinks. We’ve put together a list of 5 establishments that if you are a foodie, you will want to put these on your bucket list! So, grab your sunscreen, shorts and shades and come down to the coastal city of San Diego for these impeccable spots every foodie needs to visit.
Lolita’s Mexican food
They are not just another taco shop. Lolita’s is first rate fresh Mexican food, serving classic and generations-old recipes. Everything is made from scratch; they hand chop their locally sourced veggies, cook their own beans, tender met, and aromatic rice. Lolita’s is famous for its carne asada that is made with a secret special blend of spices that most its employees don’t know. Try it in a burrito or get carne asada fries, a local favorite delicacy of thinly sliced carne asada steak, shredded cheddar cheese, cotija, crema, guacamole, and thin-cut fries topped with green and red salsa. If you would like a vegetarian option, try the chile relleno or a hefty vegetarian burrito. Lolita’s also serves tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, chimichangas, fries smothered in assorted toppings and combo plates served with rice and beans.
The Oxford Social Club
A sophisticated palette is not limited to just food, it also includes drinks. The Oxford Social Club is on this list for its excellent bar. The Oxford has exceptional and imaginative mixologist serving infused drinks, of-the-moment cocktails, seasonal cocktails and beloved classics. If you are into a more private setting, bottle service is available. Filled with glam and mystique from its parlor-esque vibe and the dance floor that allows patrons to cut loose to local and national DJs. The swanky boutique San Diego Nightclub located in the Pendry Hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter also hosts art shows and activations, cocktail demonstrations and music performances. The Oxford Social Club is a must do for locals, visitors, and hotel guests. Come down, dance a lot and grab a drink. Sheers to a good time!
Café 21
Café 21 is special blend of farm to table ingredients mixed with influences of Central Asia, Persia, Turkey and Europe for deliciously healthy dining option for brunch and dinner. The restaurant features expertly handcrafted and locally sourced foods as well as zymology. Zymology is the science of fermentation and infusing common and bizarre items to produce drinks like the Jalapeño Pear Marg, a jalapeño-infused tequila mixed with pear, lime and agave.
Café 21’s unique brunch, dinner and drink menu is quite unique. It has some of the best pancakes in San Diego. Their cocoa-infused tiramisu pancakes topped with mascarpone and cocoa whipped cream and plated with espresso syrup and homemade chocolate drizzle. The dinner menu boasts a lamb shank braised for hours in apricot, roasted squash, tomato, and onion sauce served with lentils and sautéed spinach. Café 21 is definitely a must try for any foodie.
Atypical Waffle
Atypical Waffle, previously known as Wow Wow Waffle, takes waffles to a new level that’s simply magical. I don’t think there is anything they can not make out of a waffle. Menu items range from sweet to not as sweet to savory. Atypical Waffle specializes in Liege Belgian Waffles which is sweeter than the traditional Belgian Waffle because of its signature sugar pearls. The establishment prides itself with the authenticity of their Belgian ingredients and over 300-year-old recipe that takes over two days to make a waffle batch. Its definitely fair to say that it’s a true art and science to the Liege Belgian Waffle. A local favorite is The Number Seven. A sweet, salty, savory, and tangy Liege Belgian waffle with bacon baked in brown sugar, smashed avocado, and goat cheese is a bite so good they could only name it The Number Seven. I mean what’s not to love? It has bacon and everything is better with bacon!
Betty’s Pie Whole Saloon
Who doesn’t love pie? Everybody loves pie! At Betty’s Pie Whole Saloon there is a pie for every reason and season and were not talking just dessert. For breakfast chow on Boyd’s Break-The-Fast Pie to get your morning fix of eggs, turkey bacon, potato, and more. If you are on the go and need some lunch grub, the Field Hand is another solid choice. It is made of cheddar cheese, broccoli, and chicken wrapped in a handheld pocket. Seasonal pie menus include traditional seasonal pies, holiday pies, and Super Bowl pies that boasts sweet and savory pies such as mac n cheese pies and foot long sasquatch pies like the Italian Stallion made with Italian smoked sausage, marinara, roasted chicken breast and mozzarella cheese.
Betty’s Pie Whole Saloon’s spin on pies takes them to the next level. The classic chicken pot pie is known as Grandma Lucy’s Chicken Pie. Made with free-range chicken, baby carrots, and peas folded inside the most delicious crust! The crust is made of parmesan herb pastry that is baked to a golden-brown masterpiece. For dessert, I love an apple pie. Increase your indulgence with sweet pie accompaniments of whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, slice of cheddar cheese or butterscotch. As a foodie you’ll definitely want more pie. Luckily, take home options are available so you can have it anytime.
What are your favorite restaurants in San Diego? Leave a comment and share your best suggestions in the section below.
