San Diego's Best Restaurants (Top 10 Dining Spots)

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

What are your favourite restaurants in San Diego that we need to check out? Who did we leave off our list?

[@jasshernandez2041]

Everything...

[@savoriteapp]

Next time you're in San Diego, you can find amazing restaurant deals (up to 50% off your entire bill) when you book through the Savorite app! It's a great way to save some money while eating out.

[@timstephenson140]

About half the spots listed in this video are also on my wife and I's (mine?) list that we give to anyone we know visiting San Diego. I'm on my second tour in San Diego, with the Navy, so I've lived here 6 and a half years, so far...I don't think there's a place I've eaten at yet! All spectacular! We recommend Point Loma Seafoods for fresh caught seafood, George's on the Cove in La Jolla for upscale lunch/dinner, Pappalecco in Little Italy for gelato, Bronx Pizza for pizza (but yes, Pizza Port is good too).

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I think that everyone who lives in San Diego for a period of time becomes a foodie - it really is one of our favourite things to do out there!! Great tips, Tim! We've heard lots of good things about George's at the Cove...we'll have to have a fancy dinner there, next time. Love the other recommendations too. We'll check them out!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha!!

[@zarquondam]

The secret to getting into OB Hodad's without a line is to go at an off hour -- in the afternoon, after the lunch crowd and before the dinner crowd. Admittedly this may not coincide with your stomach's schedule; but if you grab a light snack at lunchtime, that could tide you over till a mid-afternoon visit to Hodad's.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great tip!!!! Thanks!! Now, I’ll just need tips on how to demolish the burger!! 😀🍔

[@josefwang]

Check out the pho in little Saigon, check out the tacos in national city and the fabulous Chinese and k bbq on convoy. Checkout the Laos, Vietnamese, Ethiopian and Cambodian food in city heights. Check out the Mexican food in Chula Vista. Also fine dining in La Jolla. The best part of the experience with the food in SD is DIVERSITY.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the ideas Joseph, we’ll try to check them out on our next video as we love all of those foods. Obviously, we couldn’t include every cuisine in our video otherwise it would be an hour long (one reason I included the neighbourhood section!!) We made this one for people on their first trip. We might have to try making a “local’s guide” in a future video. Cheers!

[@ralan5527]

I live in SD for 40+. You nailed it, all great restaurants.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Wahoo!! The natives are the views I care most about. I know you're all foodies, too!!! Thanks for taking the time to message. 😎👍

[@TravelAgentCale]

I have spent a ton of time in San Diego and these tips are spot on! Great advice & safe travels!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Glad you agree - thanks for the endorsement. Can’t wait to get travelling again!!

[@lisamariee3546]

El Cuervo Hillcrest (Anything with their unique style of Carne asada), K-Sandwiches Linda Vista (BBQ pork or chicken Banh mi, Boba tea and Vietnamese eggrolls, pork loaf), Rocky's frozen yogurt Linda Vista (half Vanilla/half Strawberry swirl), Pho Hoa- Huong restaurant Linda Vista (Fresh Pho your protein of choice), Super Sergios Drive through Kearney Mesa (Carne asada fries, Carne asada burritos, hard shell chicken taco, cheese enchiladas, rice and beans, Chile relleno bean and cheese burrito etc...) These are some of my favorite local places. Simple nothing fancy but you can taste the authenticity and quality. I miss San Diego so much. Native now living in in Asheville NC

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great tips, Marie Lisa, thank you!! I only tried Carne Asada Fries on my last trip - I thought it wasn’t authentic but it’s a taste sensation, especially after a few drinks!

[@lisamariee3546]

@@LifeOfReillyTV :) Thank you! you guys are awesome! Lol and yes, Carne asada fries aren't really an authentic mexican food but they're delicious!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Marie Lisa! Can't wait to get my hands on some Carne Asada fries in a few months' time!

[@alexwallace6120]

Good video and great to see a family enjoying dining out.I used to live in San Diego many years ago.I have fond memories of Old Town,Hillcest,NorthPark,Banker's Hill and Mission Hills!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the message, Alex. Glad you can tell that we always enjoy our Cali cuisines!! You definitely know where good food could be found in SD!! Do you have a favourite? We’re going next month!

[@jourdanwells2814]

When I visit San Diego I'm definitely going to check Phil's BBQ. Ribs are my favorite food. Thank you for such a great video

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

You’re welcome Jourdan! Let us know what you think of Phil’s when you go. Can’t wait to hear your review!! 😎👍

[@shriekeefx]

Definitely check it out. I live in San Diego and it's one of my favorite places to eat, we go at least once every 2-3 months. Also check out D.Z. Akins, you won't regret it.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I've just looked at the website for DZ Akins and we HAVE been there before!!! We went for breakfast and it was AMAZING!! Thanks!!

[@thatonefamilyMN]

Amazing video!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yay, so glad you enjoyed it!!! 😊

[@life02ab]

Have lived in San Diego since 1966 and am a total Foodie; you missed a couple of great "normal priced" spots: Casa De Pico in La Mesa Grossmont Center. Absolutely fantastic Mexican food. Local company with Pico and also Casa De La Guadalajara in Old Town and Casa di Bandini in Carlsbad; Also another Absolute tradition is Fillipi's Italian in Little Italy on India Street near Down town. The Pizza is absolutely fantastic. Another Favorite place is Hob NOb Hill IN Banker's Hill, towards Down town from Hillcrest.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Absolutely love these suggestions. We’ve been to Casa de la Guadalajara but not the others. I read about Hob Nob Hill only yesterday, so I’m excited by that. Thanks for taking the time to comment. 😀👍

[@life02ab]

@@LifeOfReillyTV No worries! REally enjoy your vids!!! Have been up here in British Columbia at my little Blueberry Farm in Fauquier BC on the Arrow Lakes since COVID started. My husband and family are in San Diego and do I ever Miss all the great spots to be there. Also wanted to mention the Japanese Tea Garden in Balboa Park right in front of the Organ Pavilion! Good Food again with reasonable prices and a perfect spot on Sunday Afternoons to hear the free Organ Concert !!!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Living on a Blueberry Farm next to a lake sounds idyllic but I bet you miss everyone - and everything - in California now. So glad you're enjoying our videos. Thanks for the Japanese Tea Garden idea. We've walked past it many times but never thought to stop. I hope you get to see your family again soon.

[@life02ab]

@@LifeOfReillyTV It's truly a blessing to be up here in BC at this time, given the Covid issue. Yes I miss my hubby and family and friends. Meanwhile, yes, the Tea Garden is great - quick food, traditional Japanese - and great seats for the Concert. My dearest friend since 6th grade is one of the Organists for the City on the Spreckels Organ. Gabriel Arregui; also on staff at St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral on 6th AVe just towards Hillcrest from the Laurel Street Entrance to the Park. Cheers and safe travels.

[@shaheed5103]

You reccomend any breakfast & lunch spots?

[@victorialadybug1]

I'm planning a trip back to San Diego in a few months. Thanks for the dining tips!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yay, glad to help, Victoria!! Have a great time!!

[@trafficjamSD]

Buona Forchetta for the best Neapolitan pizza

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the tip!

[@SSDB454]

Charley's Best Bread in PB, Buona Forchetta in South Park, and Dirty Birds in Pb. Thank me forever 😉😎🤘

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. Love it. We’re heading back next summer so will try to check these out! Cheers Drew! 😎👍

[@emmawarrington8824]

Currently in San Diego ending a wonderful roadtrip from San Francisco, your videos have been so helpful and a joy to watch! I wanted to share some feedback on Slaters 50/50 though ☹️ they didn’t have the option to create your own burger at Liberty station (old barracks) and the food wasn’t great unfortunately. I can’t help but think it must have massively gone down in quality since your last visit. Don’t get my wrong my burger was still nice, I went for the BBB bacon from the menu and swapped out the egg for onion rings but service and food just wasn’t anything spectacular which is a shame as I had such high hopes…. Now Phil’s bbq on the other hand! Thank you for the recommendation WOW!!! That place can take all my money! Our trip is coming to an end now and I’m so not ready to leave the wonderful San Diego yet!! I get why you love it so much. Thanks again for all the amazing videos which have really helped us plan our 3 week long trip!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Emma, thanks for taking the time to message!! I’m so glad you’re enjoying San Diego!!! It’s got something for everyone and loads in between. We’re still not bored of it!! Ha ha. I’m gutted that Slater’s 50/50 wasn’t great!! We’ve only had good food/service there. The fact you can’t do the “invent your own burger” isn’t a good sign! ☹️ I’m glad you love Phil’s though!!! We get excited every time we go and it’s always AMAZING!! Make sure you buy some rub and sauce so you can have a go at making some when you get home!! Enjoy the last few days/hours in Cali!! 😎👍

[@Skater21Loverboyz]

Hodad's is pretty good! But personally I find their milkshakes the best on the menu! I ordered the strawberry milkshake and it was massive! It was topped even higher than the cup itself and had a cup on the side for what couldn't fit on top. My dad, my brother, and I barely finished it. Super delicious.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I can't WAIT to try one!! I love how you only need one milkshake for the whole family! Thanks for the tip!

[@melissasilva7181]

I’m visiting San Diego in 2 wks- can’t wait to give a try . Looks delicious

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Let us know what you think, Melissa!! Have a fun!!

[@sandiegoscott1402]

The cost of living here is so high you’ll never see locals out at those restaurants. If I went out to all those places I’d be living in a tent at the beach 😅

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. Let’s just say, we didn’t film all of these in one trip!! It’s a great tourist city but the locals do seem to have great taste when it comes to the restaurant scene. 👏😋

[@glo8617]

Casa Guadalajara is our must go to for our family In Old Town. Also Phil's BBQ is our favorite must stop.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great to have such likeminded people on here!! 😎👍

[@theroadrunnerjarhead4109]

If you like Asian food, go to convoy street in Claremont mesa. There are Asian restaraunts everywhere.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

YES!! You're right, we will have to go back and make a video which includes Convoy Street!!!

[@elgenpatterson-caesar4367]

You guys need to try the salt and pepper chicken wings from Royal Mandarin in National City. I swear you will fall in love with this dish. I also recommend Cucina Urbana in Bankers Hill if you love Italian food 😊

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great tips, Elgin - thanks!!! We'd not heard about the Royal Mandarin before...we've heard great things about Cucina Urbana though!!

[@michaelfischer3161]

Sometimes the best is just an old stable. San Diego Union Tribune put out an article a few years ago called. The legends: SD's oldest restaurants. All the restaurants are over 50 years old, multigenerational family businesses.. Slater's 50/50 is now a small chain.. has locations outside of San Diego. And Phil's will probably do the same shortly

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great point!! Quality food and service can last generations. I wonder which will be around in another 50 years! Exciting times!

[@reggienovenario2864]

Phil's is ok.. but for me.. its Rei de gado in downtown. All you can eat Brazilian bbq. Go to place for any special occasion.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the recommendation, Reggie!! We'll try to check it out this summer!! Cheers!

[@camkind4377]

You should check out the little place on the OB pier. Mexican food and delicious seafood! Its also just such A fun spot

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Cam, that sounds great!! I think we’ll have to do a “locals” version of this video!! 😋

[@hazelbrit]

my friend is an area VP for Phils BBQ, THATS why its still so amazing :)

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. That is a very special friend, Hazel!! Hold onto them and never let them go!! 😆

[@Jmmoffa]

The best Mexican food are the little hole in wall restaurants all over San Diego and the literal hole in wall in Coronado.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Very true, Joe. 😎👍

[@DavidSanchez-vg6qx]

Las Cuatro Milpas in Logan. Rudford’s Restaurant in North Park. Cali Comfort BBQ in Spring Valley. Hash House in Hillcrest.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Yes, David!! These are the kinds of recommendations we’re after. Will try to check them out this summer.

[@xxiozz]

I was lucky enough to taste those delicious Hodad’s burgers at the Ocean side location 🤩

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I’m so jealous!!! Worth the wait?

[@facelesscirclegaming1948]

Ocean side is not san diego😂😂😂

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

San Diego County 😉

[@facelesscirclegaming1948]

@@LifeOfReillyTV its a joke😂

[@xxiozz]

@@LifeOfReillyTV very much so :)

[@ShelleyAR4487]

Aw I could have used that the weekend before last when I went to visit my friend there. Oh well I will keep it for next time!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Oh no! At least you know where to find the video now, Shelley...and you’ll hopefully be able to go back inside when you next visit.

[@paulomartinez6202]

You have to try tacos el gordo down in Chula Vista. Best ones you will ever try

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks Paulo - we will!!! 🌮🌮🌮

[@chrisbacling3551]

@@LifeOfReillyTV he ain't BSing you. Tacos El Gordo is a must when you come to San Diego. If you want better tacos then you have to go to Mexico.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. Love it, Chris!!!!!!!! Ok, I'm in. I've tasted Mexican tacos so ready to compare!! 🌮

[@misscherbear6748]

I'd suggest Coop's BBQ or Cali Comfort - both a lil out of the way but well worth it I think.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great tips, thank you!! We’ll try to check them out next summer when we’re back.

[@quazax1]

Agreed both are way better than Phil's

[@natalianico]

6:47 nothing just leaving where I left off :)

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Ha ha. Looking forward to welcoming you back!! 😎👍

[@epicwolf]

Any of these restaurant open to dine in during covid?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I think they've all gone to takeout only again. The rules change in relation to the cases etc so they could be open again soon.

[@rickyvillegas3456]

Coops BBQ in lemon grove you should go an give it a try you well love it

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Great shout, Ricky. Thanks!! Checked out their website, they look great!

[@Moondoggy1941]

You missed the old dinner along the road off the 15 freeway and Pala, Nessy Burger.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Funny you mentioned that one, Jim. We were parked nearby waiting for someone but had just eaten so didn’t get anything to eat!! What a mistake! Hopefully we’ll get to try it out on our next visit. Thanks for the tip!

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@LifeOfReillyTV It is a block west or north depending on your view of the mobile station, I miss the original location right on the corner. Looked like a dinner fell off a truck, looks good.

[@claudiasommerey9729]

Phils bbq & hodads are always reasons for SD ..... greetz from cologne Germany

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

We are on the same page, Claudia!!! 🍖🍔 Great to hear from Cologne - I've only heard great things about the city!

[@jakepalechek3525]

It’s a bIt out of the way. But grand ole BBQ in Flynn springs makes Phil’s look like it’s amateur hour.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

That’s fighting talk!! 😂 It’s a but far out to make the list but if we’re out East, I’m gonna test it out to see if it’s as good as you say!! Cheers Jake!

[@elgenpatterson-caesar4367]

Phil's is good but their sides are fairly mediocre.

[@starry_stelle]

Don't forget Convoy Street for amazing Asian food!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

We have only heard great things about Convoy Street. We’ll check it out this summer!

[@phattran3870]

nice

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks!! Let us know which one is your fav when you go! 😎👍

[@MrVonSweatbox]

Hodads is amazing 👏

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

I promise you that I'll be eating one this summer, when we're back!!! 🍔👍🍔👍

[@richardhutchins8519]

Menya Ultra is the best for authentic Ramen!

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the tip, Richard! 🍜🥢

[@onewizzard]

dang the video editing and quality is 👌...I'm guessing your day job is in that department

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for noticing!!!! 😊Not many people have said anything! Yeah, I've worked in TV News for years so I know how to edit but I get to be much more creative in these videos, which I love!! Thanks for the message! 😎👍

[@malena777]

Greetings from Belarus.

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Hi Elena!! Hope to visit Belarus one day!!

[@trafficjamSD]

Buona Forchetta

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for the tip. We’ll check it out!!

[@ericgregorious7047]

Is closed now yea

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

What’s closed Eric?

[@ericgregorious7047]

@@LifeOfReillyTV the restaurants mate due to Covid? Or is it still open?

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

They're all still open, I think. You just need to eat outside or get takeaway etc. 👍

[@ajcosta9395]

@@LifeOfReillyTV oceanside rubys - permanently closed

[@LifeOfReillyTV]

Thanks for letting us know. Sad times. We’ve added a note to the video so people know. I read that they’ve already found another restaurant to take the lease.