We’re sharing the best restaurants in San Diego—from waterfront dining and rooftop hotspots to must-visit local favorites. As locals and former residents, we break down where to eat, what to order, and which spots are perfect for date nights, happy hour, and special occasions. Plus, we cover how to maximize dining credits from cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and Amex Gold to save money while traveling or dining out. Whether you’re planning a trip or just looking for your next meal, this guide has you covered.

More resources to help our San Diego trip planning:

• Fun tours and things to do in San Diego via our curated Viator list
• 1 Day San Diego Itinerary
• 3 Day San Diego Itinerary 

Recommend San Diego hotels:

• The Westgate Hotel downtown for its amazing rooftop pool
• The Lafayette Swim Club & Bungalows in North Park for its beautiful decor, fun bar and restaurants, and amazing pool
• Pacific Terrace Hotel in Pacific Beach to be front and center on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach.

We have a ton of San Diego content including the best tacos in San Diego, best brunch in SD, cool hikes in San Diego, San Diego’s best beaches, and a great one on fun things to do in San Diego.

Get a great flight deal to San Diego with alerts from Thrifty Traveler Premium, use our promo code TSP to get $20 off your first year subscription.

San Diego Restaurants – Episode Transcript

0:35

And get ready to embark on a new adventure with us around the globe.

Hey Squatty’s Travel Squad podcast is back with just a tip.

Today we are highlighting some of the best places to eat in San Diego.

We wanted to dive into San Diego restaurants for a few different reasons.

0:50

San Diego is a big culinary hotspot.

It’s a great vacation spot, and there are several credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve Amex Platinum Amex School that offer dining credits at certain restaurants.

So by pairing dining credits with an upcoming trip to San Diego, or if you’re a local, you can actually save money while you’re on vacation or while you’re just trying to try a new place in town.

1:11

Additionally, San Diego is mine and Brittany’s home.

Kim, you used to live here for many, many years before you moved off to Texas, so you are very familiar with San Diego just as well.

So we get a lot of requests for San Diego information.

We do have two San Diego itineraries, A1 day and a three day, which are available for download, so check them out on our website, shoptravelsquad.com.

1:36

But we’re going to list several popular restaurants here in San Diego that are known for their good food as well as their vibes, views, and everything.

Of course, pairing it with what you had mentioned, Brittany, if you have these travel credit cards, utilizing them so that you can get credits because many but not all of these restaurants are part of the Chase Sapphire Reserve Dining Benefit, which give you $150.00 in dining credits every six months, making it an incredible perk for both travelers and locals.

2:05

This episode will specifically focus on restaurants.

Some of them are a little more fine dining, some of them are a little classier, which which is why some of them also are on the Chase Dining benefit.

We will do another episode of more fast casual eats.

2:22

We’ve done an episode in the past on the best tacos in San Diego, so you definitely have to go search that one more to come.

But these are amazing sit down restaurants.

A lot of them, like Jamal said, with amazing atmosphere, really good views.

And of course, what we’re going to talk about now is the food.

2:39

So the first restaurant we’re going to talk about is Kettner Exchange, and this is probably one of the most recent restaurants Jamal and I have been to actually using the Chase Dining Benefit.

It’s located in Little Italy.

It’s a lively, upscale vibe.

It’s multi level, and then it does have a very popular rooftop patio as well.

2:59

We did sit inside when we ate here, but to use the restroom, I did walk through the patio area and check that out a little bit and it is quite a nice vibe.

It’s perfect for grabbing a drink up there if you wanted to.

The food itself is like more modern California cuisine with some global influences and the plates are on the smaller side, but that’s meant for you to share it’s family style.

3:21

So I love that you can try out multiple dishes instead of getting like one or two big dishes.

And I enjoyed everything that we ate here.

Yeah.

And don’t think family style like Chinese family style, it’s more tapas family style.

So these are small plates, small bites, but not incredibly small, but definitely not large enough that this is your own portion either.

3:41

You do want to share.

And so when we were there, Brittany and I, we had a delicious duck meatball, a spicy tuna on crispy rice, roasted Chinese eggplant, and then some craft cocktails that were aesthetically pleasing to look at.

3:58

Because who doesn’t want a beautiful looking craft cocktail if you’re paying a premium for it?

And beyond that, they were just so delicious as well.

When I lived in San Diego, I have been here a few times.

I, I went on a little date and got drinks on the rooftop here.

4:14

So the rooftop at night turns into a little bit more like lounge.

Won’t say club vibes because it’s still casual, but people do dress nicer here.

It’s like a nicer looking crowd.

So that was really fun.

And then I’ve been here once with a big group where we ate inside at a big table.

4:29

I agree, all the food was good.

Even the kale salad was good.

We also got this big hot rock where you can cook your own slices of steak on it.

It’s like an interactive, fun experience and the steak was really good.

Yeah, I would definitely go back to Kettner Exchange.

4:45

I really enjoyed it.

And actually we just recommended this restaurant to one of our listeners, Virginia, and she went out with a group of girls out there and she messaged us back saying that she loved everything she had.

She had tried some different things than we had as well.

And she said all of the food was absolutely amazing.

5:03

Next up is Costera.

Costera is on Harbor Island.

It’s a waterfront restaurant with amazing views of downtown and the Coronado Bridge.

You can also see big boats and yachts out in the ocean here.

And the food that you will get at Costera is a modern Mexican inspired menu.

5:21

Tons of different plates and small bite dishes.

Some of them have a little bit of a coastal twist so you can get things like ceviche, tacos, of course, seafood, different shareable plates.

When I went, I went for happy hour and they have really good prices on the happy hour menu.

5:37

Costera is one of the restaurants that qualify under the Chase dining benefit, or at least it was in December of 2025.

They may change some things up.

And it was awesome to use that benefit for happy hour and I covered the bill for like 3 people.

We got mini TJ dogs chicken tinga tostadas, really great drinks and it was an amazing value for the dollar and it had amazing sunset views.

6:00

So Brittany and I have not eaten that Costera yet, but everyone tells us Costera, like if you’re a San Diego local, you hear people say all the time, Costera.

This was actually on our potential list to use our credit, but we opted to go to Kettner Exchange and use it there instead.

6:18

But what I will say and what I do know because the next restaurant we’re going to talk about is right next to Costera here.

You are right.

You come here for the vibe and the views.

This area on Harbor Island is known for really great, great views of downtown, the Coronado Bridge, the ships as you were talking about and boats, Kim.

6:38

So really Immaculate Southern California coastal vibes for a dining experience here at Costera.

But we have been to the restaurant next door, which it’s actually two different restaurant areas, one’s called Island Prime and one’s called Sea Level, but they’re in the same building together.

6:55

One’s more like loungy and one’s more like fine dining.

So also located on Harbor Island, you still get the amazing downtown views and of the Coronado Bridge as well.

And it’s actually a sister restaurant to Costera, so it is a really nice steakhouse.

7:12

We have mostly been to the Island prime section, not necessarily the sea level section and we actually used to go there quite often.

It’s great for birthdays, date nights, and they have really good steak and seafood, but they start you off with some fresh popovers straight out of the oven which are absolutely to die for.

7:33

You have to try them.

And for a side, the baked potato is so huge.

It can easily be split by 2-3 people and it’s always so amazing.

And then their steak is really good as well.

Yeah, so Island Prime again is more the fancy steakhouse sea level.

7:50

They have a nice bar area where you could have cocktails and more laid back bar eats, but still at an elevated level.

I would say if you’re going to island prime, like our favorite steak to order is the Snake River Farms Eye of the Rib eye American Wagyu.

8:05

So it’s just melt in your mouth and don’t sleep on those pop overs.

Again, you know, you don’t really want to fill up sometimes on the free bread and things that they give, but their pop overs are delicious and they have a nice little butter spread that goes with it.

And again, this also works with the Chase dining credit as well.

8:24

And Brittany’s dad and girlfriend redeemed their Chase Dining credit here at the end of 2025.

Another recent restaurant that Jamal and I recently went to was The Marine Room, which is an iconic restaurant in La Jolla.

I have always wanted to go to the Marine Room when I lived in San Diego.

8:42

I never made it and it’s so cool.

It is an oceanfront dining and experience.

And when I say oceanfront, you are literally like on the beach and waves actually do crash up onto the windows at high tide.

8:57

So if it’s a really crazy night, you can see the waves crashing in.

If it’s more calm and mellow and it’s more low tide, you see a little bit of sand, but you’re right on the water and waves do kind of come and creep up, but they don’t really splash up as much when you walk in.

9:14

It’s a two-story building, so you start in the lobby and they have these windows that you can immediately look out to the ocean.

And then when you go downstairs, that’s when you’re more at the sea level.

Not only do the waves crash on the windows during high tide, but during these times where you have these exceptionally high high tides, they do special events.

9:33

And so they’ll bring it out and you can make a reservation for like a special brunch or a special dinner and really get to enjoy.

Oh, also, certain times of year you’ll get the bioluminescent algae in the ocean, so it’s all like blue colorful when the waves crash, and they’ll do special events when that occurs too.

9:50

Yeah, I really like how this restaurant adapts with what it’s famous for, which is literally being right on the beach.

Now, when we say on the beach, do keep in mind this isn’t open to the sand.

It really is closed off all indoors.

It is just such at a low level on the sand and on the beach that they have these big glass windows and of course, the waves are crashing.

10:11

But Brittany and I very recently ate here because we went for brunch.

That brunch you went to was one of the exceptionally high tide special occasion brunches, and I know because I was looking at it when I was in San Diego in December and they only did it on two dates that were the exceptionally high high tides.

10:27

And of course I missed them.

But you guys got it.

I’m so jealous.

Yeah, it was the weekend after New Year’s.

I think we went on like January 3rd.

So we went for brunch.

It was called the King’s Tide Brunch, and you’re seated downstairs, so you’re seated at ocean level.

We unfortunately did not have a window seat.

10:46

And I do think that’s unfortunate that you can’t request that.

I mean, I know everyone’s going to request that, but like if you have your reservation in early, like you should be able to request that.

You can’t, but that’s okay.

But they have this pastry station, They have a charcuterie station with a whole bunch of cheeses and meats.

11:03

Then they have the breakfast buffet with the shrimp, oysters and a carving station.

And they have, of course, other breakfast staples like sausage, bacon, eggs.

Did they have eggs Benedict?

I don’t think they had eggs Benedict, but they did have like this French toast that was really good and some other breakfast.

11:20

Staples.

Yeah, their brunch was really good, but I was really going crazy on the shrimp and carving station.

I loved it.

You know, their pastries were good too, but for the price, I didn’t really want to fill up on the pastries, but everything that we had was delicious.

They also have a very reasonable price to add on bottomless mimosas as well to it, so that is also an option.

11:42

But beyond brunch, if you’re not necessarily a breakfast or lunch person, they have a completely different elegant menu for dinner.

So Marine Room is a San Diego staple that is highly recommended, but do just keep in mind that this is something of a more expensive experience.

11:59

And our brunch did have a dessert table as well with like macaroons and some other fancy desserts, which was really good.

And the table was like right up on the water where waves were rolling right in.

So it’s really cool to see that.

And I do have to mention though, one thing that did disappoint us was this is one of the restaurants on the Chase Dining credit, but when they ran our credit card through, it doesn’t show up as the marine room.

12:24

And we actually didn’t get the credit until we called them and requested it.

And it took like a month and 1/2 for it to show.

Up.

Oh, well, usually the credit that it shows up like the same day or the next day, right?

Did you call a month and a half later?

No, we called a few days later.

12:41

And.

They said that they would have to put in a request and then we followed back up and we didn’t see that credit until about a month and a half later.

That is disappointing.

They’re really making you work for that one.

They did.

The next restaurant that we want to mention is Herb and Wood.

12:56

This one is also in Little Italy, just like Kettner Exchange as we had mentioned, and it is a stylish space with a warm modern farmhouse feel.

And they do have a really great seasonal menu featuring pastas, wood, roasted meats and seafood.

13:14

But something that is very, very popular here at Herb and Wood is something for their happy hour and they call their happy hour an adult happy meal.

You get a half pound smash burger, 3 roasted oysters, fries and bubbles for $20.00.

13:31

So a lot of food to really fill you up, but again, their regular menu is equally just as good.

Very unique cuisine that they do have kind of from all over the world, but with very modern flares to them.

So I really do like Herb and wood and we’ve been here several times to get those Happy Meals.

13:51

I think I ever went there when I lived in San Diego.

I know the name though.

It is a very popular spot.

And there’s always a line for happy hour.

You know it’s good because people are lining up right beforehand and they only serve it at the bar.

So you have to get in right when it opens.

But worth it.

Good tips.

14:07

Next restaurant in San Diego is Layla.

It’s in North Park and it’s a little bit newer to San Diego.

It’s been open a couple of years now.

It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in San Diego.

After I ate here, I was like, it’s the most beautiful restaurant.

14:23

It’s the tastiest restaurant.

San Diego was really stepping it up and I still stand by that.

I do think it’s really beautiful inside.

It’s got a very dark inside, like they’ve covered all the windows.

It’s got wooden deck pathways leading to the bar and to the different tables.

14:40

They have these tall wooden handrail fencings that will help you walk along.

There’s candles and lanterns everywhere.

There’s fake trees inside that kind of make it look more jungly and more, I don’t even know, like more naturey inside.

They have twinkle lights all over the trees, so it’s dark in there, but everything’s being lit up by these candles and lanterns and twinkles and it’s so beautiful.

15:03

And what kind of food do they have?

So the vibe kind of matches their food style.

It’s a Moroccan Persian fusion.

So when you think about the aesthetic of Moroccans and Persians, that’s kind of what you will expect inside.

It’s really beautiful.

I highly suggest anybody just Google Layla San Diego to see the images because you tried to describe it as best you could, Kim, and you did it justice.

15:27

But you also can’t do it justice because it really does feel like when you’re in this restaurant, it transports you as if you’re there somewhere in the Middle East, in Morocco or anywhere else, dining on this food in an Arabian or Middle Eastern nights type situation in a very elegant and beautiful way.

15:44

I don’t think we just saw a bunch of it on social media because we live in San Diego.

This restaurant restaurant actually went nationwide viral just for the theming on the inside and all over the place.

So do yourself a favor and just Google Layla San Diego to see the interior.

And when it first opened, I remember talking to a friend who said that he went there one of these opening parties and the food wasn’t that good.

16:07

I did not let that stop me from going.

I always wanted to go here.

We ended up getting a last minute reservation at like 10:30 PM.

So if you’re going to go, make a reservation as much ahead of time as you can to get a better timing spot.

I don’t think that guy knew what he was talking about.

16:25

Or maybe at the beginning they were figuring some stuff out.

Because when we went, everything we ate was so good.

And I do love Middle Eastern food, but it was things like falafel, hummus, kebabs, rice, different types of rice.

Actually, we got two different rices, Pita, bread, fatuche, everything was just so good.

16:45

I actually tried to get reservations here with a few friends and we couldn’t get reservations for the date that we were looking at and I was looking a few weeks in advance.

So just make sure you’re watching when those reservations drop because they do drop on certain days and times.

And so if you really are looking to go here, just make sure to be on top of that.

17:02

Which is why it was so crazy when I went.

We got a 10:30 PM reservation the day of.

Now 10:30 PM is pretty late, but for a day of, I was shocked.

The service is also really great.

When you imagine eating in the Middle East, that really high level of hospitality, feel like family.

17:20

It’s a slower meal.

We got there at 10.

We probably didn’t leave until 12:30.

So I really like the service, service, food, vibe, atmosphere, everything. 10 out of 10.

The next restaurant we’re going to talk about is Ironside Fish and Oyster.

It’s also located in Little Italy.

17:36

And I know so many of these restaurants we’ve talked about have been located in Little Italy, and I just love dining in Little Italy.

There’s so many good restaurants.

But this is a nautical inspired seafood spot there and it’s a must if you love seafood and you’re visiting San Diego.

17:52

So this restaurant actually closed for a month earlier this year for renovations because they were installing new kitchen equipment and including a live fire, their cooking elements that they’re adding to their menu and they’re refreshing the front of house space as well.

So we actually haven’t been back since it’s opened back up, but we hope to go again really soon.

18:12

Yeah, and they’re famous for their fresh oysters and raw bar selections that they have.

They have several existing menu items which are expected to remain, including their lobster roll, grilled octopus and chowder and new offerings that will highlight live fire presentations.

18:28

Like you mentioned, Brittany grilled hold fish and smoked fish options.

So I’m really excited to go back their food and menu that they had before, it was delicious and they really do have a good happy hour that we’ve utilized as well.

Their oysters on happy hour are very good price here and.

18:44

They’re going to continue to do special programming, including guest chef dinners, the return of Chuck a Thon for a National Oyster Day, and they’re going to do a limited tasting menu concept, so I’m super excited to see what that entails.

Interesting.

Keeping it spicy.

Next one on our list is Illinois Fornaio.

19:03

This is in Coronado.

It’s right across the Coronado Bridge.

It has an amazing view of downtown San Diego across the Bay.

So really great waterfront restaurant here in a different part of the city.

Amazing Italian food.

They do have seafood.

The pastas here are so good.

19:19

I’ve actually been here a couple times.

Have you been here before?

No, it’s on my list to go to but we have not made it there yet.

But I recently saw that on my Amex X Platinum, they’re offering $20 back if you spend $100 and that’s good until April 21st.

19:35

And so this episode airs before then.

So if you have an Amex Platinum, check your benefits to see if you have that perk too.

If you’re interested in going I.

Love that this one, you can drive across the Coronado Bridge to get to or you can take the Coronado Ferry from downtown over to the Coronado Ferry Plaza for $9 one way and you can get right in front of this restaurant.

19:54

So that’s a great one.

And that was going to be our last restaurant, but I just want to honorable mention and one more that came to mind as we were talking about it, one that we cannot forget, and that is Meze, Greek Fusion in downtown San Diego, not Little Italy.

Meze has a delicious Mediterranean meze menu.

20:11

Everything here is so good.

The reason I really want to mention it, why it sticks in my brain as one of the best restaurants in San Diego, is some of the things they’ll bring out on fire, like a flaming cheese appetizer at your table side.

Really good.

20:26

It’s a great spot if you’re with a group or you’re going out on a date.

We haven’t been there either, but we’re going to have to add that to our list.

And there are a few restaurants that we wanted to add, but we haven’t been there.

We’ve heard really great things about Starlight.

It beautiful interior decor.

20:42

I’m dying to go there too.

And we were also going to add Juniper and Ivy, but it’s been a really long time since we’ve been here.

It’s been over 10 years and it’s still going strong.

The menu still looks great, but we haven’t been back there.

But it is part of the Chase training benefits, so I think we’ll go back here shortly.

20:59

And Juniper and Ivy is a restaurant by famous chef Richard Blaze.

So if you know Richard Blaze, this is one of his restaurants here, Juniper and Ivy.

Richard Blaze Well, squatty, stay tuned for a Part 2 of nice restaurants in San Diego.

We already have a couple that we’re going to be putting on that we’re going to come out with a fast casual.

21:18

In the meantime, make sure to check out our San Diego best Tacos episode.

And thank you so much for tuning in to Just the Tip.