1. Addison
Cuisine Type: Contemporary, French | 175 - 275 USD
Chef William Bradley's Standard Restaurant is very ambitious, and his team is crafting world-class ingredients with extraordinary craftsmanship that will leave you craving more. The tasting menu is marked by the flamboyant presentation and enhanced by the harmonious application of global flavors.
Addison's cuisine has continued to evolve while maintaining the chef's signature of incredible precision and elegance. The appetizers of the quintet displayed well-tuned flavors that were both assertive and never overbearing. Imagine sake-marinated kampachi with dashi meringue, Kumamoto oysters with pickled green strawberries, or hash browns with wagyu tartare. Other enticing entrees, such as Chawanmushi with Scallops and Caramelized Cod with Badakhumbu, exemplify his masterful control of technique, taste, and texture. Your meal may end with a selection of visually stunning biscuits, including petite peach cobblers with fluted peel "crusts" and milk pudding filling.
The rare demeanor of this set is perfect for cooking - with plush marble columns and inlaid floors. Service is at its peak, combining genuine hospitality with a gracious rhythm.
Information
Address: 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, 92130, United States
Telephone: +1 858-314-1900
Website: cesarinarestaurant.com
2. Cesarina
Cuisine Type: Italian | 37 - 60 USD
Step into this charming little restaurant and you'll immediately feel like a part of family. A glass-walled Pastificio provides a behind-the-scenes view of the production – from screwdrivers to tortellini, while a tableside tiramisu brings you the show.
There's a warm, boisterous atmosphere here, accentuated by the hand-painted, mismatched crockery on each table, and the lightness of Italian music will make a glass of Valpolicella all the more enticing. Most of the menu is a mix and match, with a variety of pasta shapes and sauces to match to your liking (though the friendly waiter might keep you away from bad combinations). Those looking for an indulgence should check out Truffle Gnocchi with Creamy Sauce in their own copper pot.
Information
Address: 4161 taire St., San Diego, 92107, United States
Telephone: +1 619-226-5222
Website: cesarinarestaurant.com
3. Ironside Fish & Oyster
Cuisine Type: Seafood | 25 - 50 USD
Few places are more dedicated to their theme than this seafood-centric restaurant, with its garage door open to the salty breeze. The building itself is a well-decorated warehouse with the motto "A rising tide lifts all boats." Inside, marine-themed decor showcases brass portholes, octopus-shaped sconces, and an anchor-shaped hook for a wallet.
The cooking is just as true to the ocean as to their fishermen, who name it especially on the menu. Diners might start with rockfish ceviche with citrus, coconut milk, turmeric, and a hint of habanero—it goes just right with homemade sweet potato chips. The thresher lunch plate was very mild, topped with a dollop of puttanesca relish and a creamy salad.
Information
Address: 1654 India St., San Diego, 92101, United States
Telephone: +1 619-269-3033
Website: ironsidefishandoyster.com
4. Morning Glory
Cuisine Type: American | 25 - 50 USD
Strictly speaking, it's just breakfast and brunch at this little Italian restaurant, but it's not just for those with bright eyes and bushy tails. The playful decor may look feminine, with lavish booths, pink and green marble floors, and champagne vending machines, but look closer and you'll spot some skulls and dark accents. Inside, it's always jumping and there's a wait, so plan ahead.
It's all about seemingly familiar favorites and the treats of the moment - hello, avocado toast, and shakshuka. The fluffy soufflé pancakes are worth waking up to, and the pork belly fried rice with two runny yolks is a great take on tradition. Dirty Scallop Slices are a thick rectangular baked potato that's fried until golden brown, then drizzled with rich sausage gravy for the next level.
Information
Address: 550 W. Date St., San Diego, 92101, United States
Telephone: +1 619-629-0302
Website: morningglorybreakfast.com