Restaurants in San Diego

Bread & Cie

Address 350 University Ave, San Diego, CA Map, Tel 619-683-9322 Call, Hours M-F 7am-7pm; Sat 7am-6pm; Sun 8am-6pm, Bus 1, 3, 16, 25, or 908 Website

Bread & Cie is known as the best bread bakery in San Diego. It's a great spot to pick up sandwiches and salads for a picnic at the Zoo or Balboa Park. Try the Roasted Eggplant and Feta cheese sandwich served on black olive bread with roasted red peppers & red onion more

Broken Yolk

Address 1851 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel (858) 270-9655 Call, Hours 6am-3pm Website

A local favorite since 1979, this is a great place to get an omelet in the morning. The outdoor (rooftop) dining room is pleasant in warm weather. Not interested in omelets? There's also a large selection of other breakfast standards like pancakes, waffles, and French toast. more

El Zarape

Address 4642 Park Blvd., San Diego , CA 92116 Map, Tel 619-692-1652 Call, Hours Mon-Sun 10am-10pm

This casual and inexpensive Mexican restaurant serves dishes that are creative without being trendy. Try the excellent shrimp burritos and shrimp tacos. more

Gringo's

Address 4474 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA Map, Tel 858/490-2877 Call, Meals Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Brunch Website

The menu at this upscale mexican restaurant is divided between Cal-Mex favorites and traditional Mexican dishes. After a long day with the kids, you'll also appreciate the excellent Margaritas. There are lots of high chairs and outdoor seating. more

In-n-Out Burger

Address 3102 Sports Arena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110 Map, Hours 10:30 a.m.-1:00 a.m. Website

In-N-Out is a local chain of fast food hamburger restaurants. What makes it special is their focus on using fresh ingredients (potatoes are cut into French fries on site). If you're tempted to take the kids out for fast food, skip the big chains and find out what all the fuss is about at In-n-Out. more

Lanna Thai Cuisine

Address 4501 Mission Bay Dr # 1B, San Diego, CA 92109 Map, Tel (858) 274-8424 Call, Website

This beautifully designed and reasonably priced Thai restaurant serves some of the best Thai food in San Diego. Their menu includes Thai specialties not often found outside of Thailand. Delivery is available if you're in the mood to stay in your hotel room. more

Niederfrank's Ice Cream

Address 726 A Ave, National City, CA 91950 Map, Tel (619) 477-0828 Call, Locations Also available at different venues around town Website

Niederfrank's ice cream is made with 100% natural ingredients in old fashioned freezers which don't add compressed air. Need I say more? more

Phil's BBQ

Address 3750 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110 Map, Tel 619 226-6333 Call, Location Close to SeaWorld Website

There's always a huge line at Phil's (and reservations aren't accepted), but here's the secret - if you call your order in as you leave Sea World, you can pick it up on the way back to your hotel. Dishes are huge, so you'll also save money by sharing plates. more

The Mission - Mission Beach

Address 3795 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109, USA Map, Tel (858) 488-9060 Call, Hours 7am-3pm Website

The Mission restaurant, popular with locals, specializes in simple, healthy, Mexican inspired breakfasts and lunches. There are three locations, SOMA (downtown), Mission Beach, and University Ave. The mapped location is close to Pacific Beach. more

The Mission - University

Address 2801 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Map, Tel (619) 220-8992 Call, Hours 7am-3pm Website

Reader Favorites

Corvette Diner

Address 3946 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92103 Map, Tel (619) 542-1476 Call, Website

This restaurant is one of my favorites and my kids love it! The food is yummy and inexpensive. The atmosphere is set in the 50's with memorabilia throughout the entire restaurant. The servers are all dressed in 50's attire and there is a live DJ that plays music from that era. Very kid friendly! more

Daily Scoop ice cream shop

Address 3004 Juniper St, San Diego, CA Map, Tel (619) 624-0920? Call,

Ice cream, good locally-made ice cream, a hop, skip and a jump from Balboa Park. It's in the funky little neighborhood of South Park. They have small tables and chairs for the little ones and cupcakes for people who don't want ice cream--whoever they are. There is even ice cream for your dog. more