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Hidden gems: restaurants in San Diego
Map viewDiscover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in San Diego. Ratings are based from 3093 places in San Diego
The Fish Market - San Diego
750 N Harbor Dr 92101-5806
"AWESOME in all aspects!! Food fantastic! Ambience and so many food options ..all outstanding. Service impeccable! Owners receptive and welcoming!! Truly my NEW FAVORITE place...can't wait for out-of-s..."
Richard Walker's Pancake House
520 Front St 92101
"The Mediterranean omelette was delicious. We split the order with a side of pancakes between two of us. The breakfast was so good that we came back every morning that we were in town for a conference...."
The Broken Yolk Cafe
355 6th Ave Gaslamp District 92101-7005
"Really nice breakfast joint, eclectic menu and they do a proper coffee... Highly recommended but pricey (like all of San Diego)"
Point Loma Seafoods
2805 Emerson St 92106-2716
"Awesome place for some authentic seafood. Everything is made fresh on site. There can be a short wait but that's for a reason. It's absolutely worth it.The fish sandwich is fantastic. Enough to feed t..."
Buon Appetito
1609 India St 92101-2515
"If you’re looking for good home-style Italian food - you have to visit this place. Everything about our experience here was perfect! It was a busy Saturday night when we stopped in, and they were..."
Kono's Cafe
704 Garnet Ave 92109-2408
"Great breakfast at a reasonable price. Food came out quickly and the proportions were on point. The coffee is great too, with the views to match. Great local joint with good local vibe. Don't sweat th..."
Cafe 21 Gaslamp
802 5th Ave Gaslamp District 92101-6918
"This is my first time to San Diego and I googled best breakfast in San Diego and this was one that popped up, so I came in. The service is fantastic and the staff extremely friendly and helpful. Kim..."
C-Level Lounge
880 Harbor Island Dr 92101-1005
"Made reservations with Xavier who was extremely nice and helpful. He actually came by and checked on us so sweet! Enjoyed our dinner on their heated covered patio of a gorgeous view of San Diego on th..."
La Puerta
560 4th Ave 92101-6905
"This place was pretty awesome. There was a long wait (Saturday nigh, so no surprise there) but we wandered around Gas Lamp while we waited which worked out just fine. The food and service were excelle..."
Casa De Reyes Restaurant
2754 Calhoun St Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 92110-2706
"This review is strictly for the restaurant.We had an absolute blast while we were dining here. Overall, it felt like we were transported somewhere in Mexico and had a great lunch.I put us on the list..."
Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India St 92101-2516
"The foods and drinks were very good and excellent. I thanked this restaurant a lot, for they were perfect when looking for the best quality of food to eat. Even the waiters that get my order was very..."
Mitch's Seafood
1403 Scott St 92106-2728
"I've been twice. I'm from St Augustine Florida. The first time I was totally surprised at the wide menu and then the food. Oh the food! I returned to San Diego for a short trip a few months later and..."
Cafe 222
222 Island Ave 92101-6826
"A quirky little place on the corner that we almost missed! It’s very small inside, but luckily we came around 930am. I can’t quite remember our servers name (started with an S), but he was the bes..."
Hodad's Downtown
945 Broadway 92101-5513
"1st night in San Diego - went straight here. Burgers were amazing - huge, fresh and delicious. Make sure you try the onion rings as well, some of the best we've had! Servers were all lovely and the at..."
Brian's 24
828 6th Ave 92101-6307
"Being a 24 hour spot that serves delicious food with a kind attentive service is why everyone needs to try this place! I arrived in town at 6am and the staff was already delivering quality food. The B..."
Donut Bar
631 B St 92101-4306
"Holy donut! I had such an amazing experience at Donut Bar. I got there first thing in the morning to ensure I had a good selection and there were a ton to choose from. I had a hard time narrowing down..."
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
789 W Harbor Dr 92101-7710
"Honest to God one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life. And I'm 35 freaking years old. Second was one of the best fish, called the parmesan sole.... Also the iceberg lettuce salad with blue che..."
The Baked Bear
4516 Mission Blvd 92109-2792
"Super awesome! I went here in San Francisco and I was so excited to come back home and find out there was one in San Diego too! Definitely an ice cream joint to try. I always get the brownie bowl and..."
Davanti Enoteca
1655 India St 92101-2515
"My business partners and I lucked upon this place with the Captain at the door saving us when we were lost looking for some late night eats. They even accommodated our Vegetarian request by serving u..."
The Crack Shack - Little Italy
2266 Kettner Blvd 92101-1739
"Beautiful place! Been there twice and had the same treatment as before. They are consistently accommodating and helpful. They have excellent service, great food, and beautiful decor. This place was so..."