Must-Try Restaurants in the San Diego Area
While you’re visiting Coronado, taking advantage of San Diego’s incredible food scene is an absolute must. The city is a complete melting pot of cultures and cuisines, so whether you want something cheap and casual or upscale and luxurious, you’ll have plenty of good options in nearly every neighborhood you visit. To get over the San Diego Bay and into the city, you have plenty of transportation options. If you rent a car, you can drive over the Coronado Bridge. Otherwise, you can take a ferry or the 901 bus, or even opt for a short taxi ride. Here are the restaurants that you should put on your list for your vacation.
Hodad’s
This casual burger spot is well-known and loved by San Diegans - so much so that you may have to wait in line. However, once you make it in, you’ll understand exactly why. The burgers are huge, classic, and customizeable, and are completely affordable to boot. The atmosphere is appealingly grungy - a great place to kick back and watch a game after a long day of surfing. They have convenient locations in downtown San Diego and in Ocean Beach.
Liberty Public Market
Can’t decide exactly what you want to eat? Head over to Point Loma and check out the recently-opened Liberty Public Market, which is not only home to a great restaurant, but also a bar and many upscale food vendors to check out. You’ll likely leave with a full bag of treats as well as a full stomach. If you have time to explore, the Liberty Station district is worth a look as well - once a Navy facility, it’s now being slowly transformed into a hub for food and culture.
Underbelly
This trendy hangout spot, which has locations in the Little Italy and North Park neighborhoods of San Diego, is inspired by Japanese ramen and brings together a one-of-a-kind combination of flavors that will wow you. They are also known for their great beer and cocktail list. It’s the perfect place to hang out and relax with a drink and small plate on your last day of vacation.
Cucina Urbana
Located in Banker’s Hill, this restaurant is one of the many outstanding Italian spots in San Diego. The menu combines Italian tradition with a light, contemporary twist, with plenty of delectable options to choose from. The atmosphere is rustic but stylish, with chic wood paneling and flattering lighting. If you’ve just spent the day exploring Balboa Park and want to treat yourself to a nice dinner, this is a great choice. This restaurant is owned by Urban Kitchen Group, which also owns the Cucina Sorella restaurant in the Kensington neighborhood, as well as several restaurants in Orange County.
Craft & Commerce
The perfect spot for a classy but relaxed night out, Craft & Commerce is located just north of downtown, on the border of Little Italy. The menu provides plenty of comfort food to try, and they offer both full meals and small plates. They also have a variety of beers on tap, as well as creative cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages. The restaurant has recently been renovated, and it has a hip and welcoming vibe, making it a great place for groups.
Islander
For some stunning seafood right on Coronado, head to Islander. Conveniently located right on Orange Avenue, this restaurant shows off the amazing fresh fish that San Diego has to offer. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and it is a great choice for either lunch or dinner. They also offer a happy hour, where you can enjoy some seriously delicious and affordable fish tacos.
These are just a few of the many amazing food spots in San Diego worth checking out. If you have the time, try just exploring and see what you find - wherever you go, it’s sure to be delicious, and you might uncover a hidden gem.