San Diego’s reputation for tacos and craft beer is well earned, but the city’s newer restaurants are proving it can do much more.
Chefs are leaning into local farms, the ocean, Baja influences, and global flavors, creating a scene that’s both relaxed and sophisticated.
These five newer spots show where the city is headed.
- Callie
In the East Village, Callie brings together Mediterranean flavors, California ingredients, and a sun-soaked, stylish space.
The room is open and energetic, with a big bar and a constant buzz.
The menu is built for sharing: vibrant spreads with fresh-baked bread, colorful vegetable dishes, wood-fired meats, and seafood that makes full use of San Diego’s coastal access.
Spices, herbs, and citrus play a big role, giving everything a bright, layered character.
2. Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Mabel’s Gone Fishing in North Park is a seafood- and gin-focused spot with a playful, neighborhood feel.
It borrows from both Spanish and Californian coastal cooking, leaning into conservas, crudos, and simple but clever seafood preparations.
Expect tinned fish done in creative ways, crisp salads, grilled and fried bites, and a cocktail list that highlights gin without feeling gimmicky.
It’s the kind of place that works as easily for a casual weeknight as it does for a date.
3. Jeune et Jolie (Carlsbad, worth the short drive)
A bit north in Carlsbad, Jeune et Jolie is one of the region’s most exciting modern French restaurants.
The pastel-toned room, thoughtful design, and open kitchen make it feel instantly special.
The food is tasting-menu focused, with seasonal, French-inspired dishes presented in a refined but not overly formal way.
Local seafood, produce from nearby farms, and precise technique all come together in a menu that feels both coastal and cosmopolitan.
4. Animae
Animae sits at the intersection of pan-Asian flavors, steakhouse indulgence, and dramatic interior design.
The dining room feels like a glamorous, slightly futuristic lounge, with bold lighting and plush seating.
On the plate, you’ll find a mix of steaks, seafood, and vegetable dishes inspired by various Asian cuisines but interpreted through a contemporary lens.
Think wagyu with inventive sauces, charcoal-grilled skewers, and richly flavored sides that go far beyond the usual steakhouse lineup.
5. Fort Oak
In Mission Hills, Fort Oak blends a neighborhood feel with a very serious wood-fired kitchen.
The space is modern and airy, with a central bar and an open view of the grill.
The menu focuses on live-fire cooking: blistered vegetables, smoky seafood, and deeply flavored meats, all supported by bright sauces and seasonal accompaniments.
A strong cocktail program and interesting wines make it an easy place to settle in for the evening.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
