1. Panama 66
8.8
1460 El Prado, San Diego, CA
Gastropub · Balboa Park · 37 tips and reviews
Jo Packer: Really nice little place in the middle of Balboa park. Great alfresco dining. Good service. I had the fish tacos though and really didn't enjoy them.
Jason Smith: Great place to grab a drink while visiting Balboa Park. Plenty of craft beer on tap, and blankets provided to enjoy the grassy lawn while gazing upon the tower.
Deborah Craig: It's a great casual place to go. They have a full bar and some good craft cocktails. You can even take your food and drinks out to the grass and sit on a blanket.
3. Whole Foods Market
8.8
711 University Ave (at 7th Ave), San Diego, CA
Grocery Store · Hillcrest · 93 tips and reviews
Eddie Ramirez: Amazing street tacos, the pork is to die for mmmm
Caro: Produit francais!? I couldn't resist promoting this one. You can actually return the ceramic containers back to Whole Foods, and they go back to the factory. It's actually from Sonoma, CA....
Ryan Ross: This is where the most inconsiderate people on Earth buy their groceries.
5. Cafe 222
8.3
222 Island Ave (at 2nd Ave), San Diego, CA
Breakfast Spot · Marina · 124 tips and reviews
Mary Delafield: An awesome breakfast menu and very reasonable prices! Near the convention center. Dine Al Fresco on the terrace rather than the street side.
Peter Soeth: During the week you can get a sandwich. The three cheese with bacon and tomato is delicious.
yoruhana: Must try their peanut butter & banana stuffed french toast, made famous by Food Network "Best Thing I Ever Ate". Fresh juices & always check out specials. Read more.
6. Balboa Park
9.6
1549 El Prado (at Park Blvd), San Diego, CA
Park · Balboa Park · 334 tips and reviews
Jill: Every Tuesday there are certain museums that are free to San Diego County residents. For those non-San Diegans prices are reasonable.
The Most Interesting Man in the World: According to my good friend Nayang in Botswana, there’s a meerkat wandering this place that stole his nana’s wedding band. So if you see a meerkat with a ring, grab him and contact me immediately.
HISTORY: Placed in reserve in 1835, this is one of the oldest sites in the U.S. dedicated to public recreational usage. It is named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
10. Mister A's
9.0
2550 Fifth Ave (at Laurel St.), San Diego, CA
American Restaurant · Park West · 69 tips and reviews
Anatoly Konukhov: Great place and great view especially during the dawn. Loved scallops and risotto! Looks like duck is also pretty good.
Athena Rodriguez: Honestly, the best views of downtown! Swanky place with great hh prices. What more could you ask for...oh, perhaps just a San Diego sunset too?!
Serious Eats: The happy hour specials at this fine dining spot are surprisingly affordable, and come with the same great views.
12. Searsucker
611 5th Ave (at Market St), San Diego, CA
American Restaurant · Gaslamp · 249 tips and reviews
Kat Smith: Start with pickles and shishito peppers and ponzu. Gotta try the small plate of egg+bacon pork belly
TLC: Chef Brian Malarkey's new restaurant is in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Chef Malarkey is a host of TLC's Mega Bites, a Top Chef finalist, and "a cool dude" says a fan.
Marc Hodges: Check out Chef Brian Malarkey's (from Top Chef and Mega Bites) Searsucker. Guaranteed to please! Read more.
13. The Fishery
9.0
5040 Cass St (at Opal St), San Diego, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Pacific Beach · 43 tips and reviews
Willis Allen Real Estate: Affordable authentic seafood restaurant with fresh sustainable fish in a variety of preparations from Mexican and Japanese to fish 'n chips. Knowledgeable service and a fantabulous dining experience!
Eater: A local seafood distributor, market and restaurant in one. Chef Paul Arias does right by his product; his Tuesday tasting menu ($28 for 4 courses) is a good time to taste how. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Fer Solana: Albacore sliders, the best!
15. Tender Greens
8.9
2400 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA
Salad Restaurant · Naval Training Center · 69 tips and reviews
YoHan Wj Cho: Salad and steak hotplate is just fantastic! Best is san diego perhaps.
Eater: The first San Diego location for Tender Greens - affordable, fresh salads, soups, sandwiches and specials. This is also where P. Balistreri salumi got its start. [Eater 38 Member]
Holly Haines: the mashed potatoes are. amaze. balls.