Need Some Places to Eat in San Diego? Let's Go!

Looking for some places to eat in San Diego?

I don’t know about you, but I’m more than ready to get back into public dining.

As a recent transplant to SoCal, I’ve been on the hunt for the best places to eat in San Diego. Nothing here disappoints. There’s so much culture, so much life, and so much food here that I hardly even know where to start. I thought Monterey had some good choices, but out here, every turn is a surprise.

I plan to share my experiences with the places to eat in San Diego as I continue my exploration. As of now, here's a small list of places I've had the fortune of taste testing so far.

Connecting with my New Zealand Roots

A look around my posts — especially the first ones — will showcase all my love for New Zealand. I spent one of the best years of my life out there, and I couldn’t have been more fortunate for the time I had.

That’s why when I found out there are multiple New Zealand-inspired restaurants, I had to investigate.

My first stop landed me at the Queenstown Public House. Listen, I’ve been craving a Fergburger since the last time I had one five years ago. You market something as the “New Zealand burger,” I’m there. Beats and an egg on a burger? Please, take me back to the good old days!

After the burger, though, I needed to get my fix on some steak and cheese pies. This landed me at Dunedin New Zealand Eats, which is owned by the same people. Now I’ve just got to get to Ragland Public House and The Queenstown Bistro, and my New Zealand visit is set.

Another spot I enjoyed was Kairoa Brewing Company. This rooftop bar has all of the vibes I miss about New Zealand. I’m so grateful there’s a little niche section in the places to eat in San Diego that includes this wonderful gem.

Oceanside Sushi is Where It’s At For Places to Eat in San Diego

I have to admit something: I’m not a big sushi fan.

Look, I know I'm in the minority, but my tastebuds are my tastebuds.

When I had an invite to Harumama, however, I couldn’t pass it up. We ended up heading out to the La Jolla destination, but there are also locations in Carlsbad and Little Italy.

These restaurants are hailed as some of the most Instagrammable places to eat in San Diego, and for good reason. The aesthetics of the restaurants themselves cause wonder. The food is impeccable, and the presentation is top-notch. That, and, at least in the La Jolla restaurant, the views are pretty unbeatable.

And besides, there’s never a bad time to have sake.

Especially when it’s white peach, oh my goodness.

I Need Some Italian Places to Eat in San Diego

You and me both.

Of course, a stroll around Little Italy is always a good place to start for that.

However, if you venture out the slightest into the gayborhood in Hillcrest, you should definitely drop by Parma Cucina.

Here’s the thing.

I’m a huge sucker for a good lasagna. Back in Monterey, Rosine’s was one of my favorite restaurants. Their lasagna was so good it even made it onto an episode of Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.

The lasagna at Parma Cucina?

My GOD.

Everything is made in-house, and those noodles just melt in your mouth with every bite. The portion sizes aren’t shy, either, and I’m pretty sure my waitress was the slightest bit impressed at how much I ate.

Look, I’m 6’5, and when I come to eat, I come to eat.

And I will definitely rank Parma Cucina as one of my top places to eat in San Diego henceforth.

What If I Need More Than One Meal?

Oh, so, you’re hungry like me, then?

Don’t even worry, I got you.

Tuesday nights, stop into Urban Mo’s for Showtunes night. With that, they’ve compiled various tunes from musicals throughout the years that they play on screen.

And you can enjoy some all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatballs while you’re at it.

I’m not going to lie to you, one plate here is pretty filling. I came in hungry talking about “they better be ready to feed me.”

My second helping went straight into the box for me to eat later.

Urban Mo’s is one of the more well-known bars in Hillcrest, and I cannot wait to see it return to the heights of its former glory.

Although, let's be real: The same can be said for everything these days.

Got Any Burritos for Your Places to Eat in San Diego?

Well, duh.

Except, truth be told, I haven’t had that much time to get out into the Mexican restaurants yet.

Yet.

I’m always here for a good wet burrito, but if I go to every Mexican restaurant that sounds appealing, I’m going to need bigger pants. Quarantine was actually good for me, and I already need new pants because my old ones fit too loose -- I’d like to keep it that way, thank you very much.

However.

If you’re down at Mission Beach, particularly right next to Belmont Park, try out Mr. Ruriberto’s. It’s a cute little taco stand that also serves some incredibly great burritos.

If you ever venture out into Logan Heights, try out Antojitos Mexicanos del Tepeyac. As of this writing, I’m staying out in Logan Heights, and this one’s down the street from me.

Any More Places to Eat in San Diego By the Ocean?

With 40 miles of beaches out here, you better believe there’s plenty of oceanside restaurants.

There are also plenty of Oceanside restaurants, but we’ll get there.

If you’re down in the Ocean Beach area, try out The Holding Company. If you manage to make it to the rooftop, you can get a pretty sweet view of the ocean and the pier. Catch that at the sunset and you’re bound to have an experience you’ll never forget.

Another restaurant to check out if you’re near Belmont Park is Cannonball. This is another with rooftop seating that provides stellar views of the ocean. This one also sits right on the beach, so the water is super close.

Just be sure to bring some sunscreen to this one if you’re visiting on a hot day and don’t get a seat in the shade.

Have you been to any of these places to eat in San Diego? Where are some of your favorites? Any I missed that I just have to check out? Let me know down in those comments!