San Diego’s Top Dining Spots to Add to Your Bucket List
Let’s start with the best restaurants in San Diego. What determines these restaurants to be the best? Well, the aesthetics of the restaurant, the plating, service, quality of ingredients, creativity of the menu, and of course, the flavors in every bite.
Best Farm to Table Restaurant in San Diego: Atelier Manna
Starting this list strong, Atelier Manna up along the North County coastline is simply unmissable. Situated in the vibrant and eclectic neighborhood of Leucadia, known for its laid-back vibe and community-oriented spirit, Atelier Manna not only stands out for its unique offerings but also perfectly embodies the spirit of its surroundings, making it an integral part of the local tapestry.
Within Atelier Manna’s walls, you’ll find sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients and artists who produce the most stunningly plated meals. From the appetizers to the desserts, Atelier Manna seems to pledge an unforgettable journey through local flavors and beyond. You won’t find any alcohol on the menu, but instead vitality tonics and wellness shots. Which, I have to add, all pack a flavor so addicting you’ll need another one.
The staff at this establishment are very casual, friendly, and guide you through on how to eat every single meal the right way so you’re enjoying it to its fullest potential.
Best Seafood Restaurant in San Diego: Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Located in North Park, Mabel’s Gone Fishing is a Spanish restaurant that’s worth mentioning due to its cool California girl aesthetic, mouthwatering plates, and impressive wine list. Their menu changes seasonally to provide the best locally sourced ingredients, however it’s worth noting that no matter what you order, just be prepared for it to taste as if they caught that fish/shellfish earlier in the daytime. A spot that’s perfect for hanging out with the girls (don’t forget to take pics at the bar or their waiting area) or double dates.
The plating, though rather simple, is packed with a multitude of flavors. Flavors that make you open your eyes wide and nod and say “Wow, this is so good.” Less is truly more when it comes to Mabel’s Gone Fishing.
San Diego Bars You Can’t Miss Out On
San Diego has a pretty stunning array of bars that are worth going to. From exquisite bars like Polite Provisions (although their service is rather trash), to non-alcoholic taprooms like Preston’s Ginger Beer Brewery (an absolute must-visit or else), there’s a lot to choose from. Depending on what type of vibe and mood you’re going for, I am confident you’ll find the perfect San Diego bar to suit your senses.
Preston’s Ginger Beer Brewery
One of the best ginger beers you will ever have is (probably the best ginger beer, period) is going to be by Preston’s Ginger Beer. Providing a refreshing twist on traditional ginger beer, Harry curates a wide variety of ginger beers. Here, you’ll find complex ginger beer flavors such as ube, yerba mate, honey lavender, and prickly pear hibiscus. As a loyal patron who has been coming for years, I can’t help but want to continue to spread awareness for Preston’s Ginger Beer Brewery.
While this is a non-alcoholic beverage, Harry does create cocktails with his ginger beers, just ask. He’ll make a delicious Moscow Mule or an Ube Float with a Twist. Crafted from fresh, organic Peruvian ginger root and a blend of all-natural ingredients, Preston’s Ginger Beer stands out in a market saturated with sugary, carbonated alternatives.
I’ll end this off with: every other ginger beer you’ll find in the market is produced with so much sugar and preservatives, completely destroying the wellness factor that ginger beer is supposed to provide for us.
Lafayette Hotel Bars
While the rooms look like they’re straight out of a nightmare, Lafayette Hotel is a stunning property with different bars to choose from. From Lobby Bar, Quixote, The Gutter, and their Pool Bar, you’re in for a memorable night out. Bring the girls together and don’t forget your early 2000s digital camera, because this is the perfect place for cute pictures and dirty martinis.
Lost Cause Meadery
Lost Cause Meadery is the only meadery in San Diego and their mead is top notch. Located in a biergarten in Old Town, prepare to be impressed by their offerings. From intricate flavors of bone-dry to richly complex, each mead is made with so much attention to detail. The service is fantastic, all of the staff educate you on the history of mead and talk you through how they crafted the mead that you chose to drink. Perfect for hanging out with old friends, this medieval aged drink is definitely one worth celebrating.
Best San Diego Restaurants and Bars
That concludes the list of the best San Diego restaurants and bars worth checking out. Give them a try, and let me know how you like these places.
