Food & Drink MAY 19, 2014

Best Restaurant Winners by Neighborhood

Find the winner nearest you!

By San Diego Magazine

North

Oceanside

Best Sushi Runner-up AND Best Atmosphere/Design Runner-up: Harney Sushi; 301 Mission Ave., Oceanside

Carlsbad

Best Place to Watch the Game: Critic’s Pick: Diversions Lounge (Omni La Costa Resort & Spa); 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd., Carlsbad

Best Patio: Readers’ Pick: Coyote Grill; 300 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad

Best Brewpub Runner-up: Karl Strauss; 5801 Armada Dr., Carlsbad

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Readers’ Pick: Board & Brew; 201 Oak Ave., Carlsbad & 2675 Gateway Rd., Carlsbad

Best Pizza Readers’ Pick: Pizza Port; 571 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad

Vista

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 425 S. Melrose Dr., Vista

San Marcos

Best Barbeque Readers’ Pick: Phil’s BBQ; 579 Grand Ave., San Marcos

Escondido

Best French Critic’s Pick: Bellamy’s; 417 W. Grand Ave., Escondido

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 421 West Felicita Ave., Escondido

Best Brewpub Readers’ Pick AND Best Brewpub Critic’s Pick: Stone World Bistro & Gardens; 1999 Citracado Pkwy., Escondido

Rancho Bernardo, Poway

Best Makeover Critic’s Pick: Avant; 17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr., Rancho Bernardo

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 11980 Bernardo Plaza Dr., Rancho Bernardo

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 13445 Poway Rd., Poway

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 10155 Rancho Carmel Dr., Carmel Mountain Ranch

Encinitas, Cardiff

Best Donut Runner-up: V.G. Donut & Bakery; 106 Aberdeen Dr., Encinitas

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 127 N. El Camino Real #127-E, Encinitas

Best Late-Night Menu Runner-up: The Third Corner; 897 S. Coast Highway, Ste. F-104, Encinitas

Best Wine Bar Runner-up: Wine Steals; 1953 San Elijo Ave., Cardiff

Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Solana Beach

Best of the Best (Fancy) Critic’s Pick: AND Best Wine List Critic’s Pick AND Best Special Occasion Critic’s Pick: Addison; 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Carmel Valley

Best Service Critic’s Pick: Market; 3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar

Best New Restaurant Runner-up AND Best Small Plates Menu Critic’s Pick AND Best Wine List Runner-up: Cucina Enoteca; 2730 Via de la Valle, Del Mar

Best Makeover Readers’ Pick: Searsucker Del Mar; 12995 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley

Best Chinese Readers’ Pick AND Best Asian Fusion Runner-up: Del Mar Rendezvous; 555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar

Best Japanese Runner-up: Shimbashi Izakaya; 1555 Camino del Mar, Del Mar

Best Vietnamese Readers’ Pick: Le Bambou Restaurant; 2634 Del Mar Heights Rd., Torrey Pines/Del Mar

Best Indian Readers’ Pick AND Best Vegetarian Selection Readers’ Pick: Royal India; 3860 Valley Center Dr., Carmel Valley

Best Breakfast Readers’ Pick AND Best Brunch Runner-up: Snooze; 3435 Del Mar Heights Rd., Carmel Valley

Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Critic’s Pick: Prepkitchen; 1201 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Best Small Plates Menu Runner-up AND Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Readers’ Pick: Searsucker; 12995 El Camino Real, Carmel Valley

Best Steakhouse Readers’ Pick: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse; 11582 El Camino Real, Del Mar

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 3263 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 12840 Carmel Country Rd., Del Mar

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Readers’ Pick: Board & Brew; 1212 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Best Pizza Readers’ Pick: Pizza Port; 135 N. Hwy. 101, Solana Beach

Central

Kearny Mesa, Miramar, Sorrento Valley

Best Korean Readers’ Pick: Manna Korean BBQ; 4428 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Best Korean Runner-up: Tofu House; 4646 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa

Best Korean Critic’s Pick: Do Re Mi House; 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Kearny Mesa

Best Barbeque Critic’s Pick: Yakitori Yakyudori; 4898 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa

Best Chinese Critic’s Pick: Spicy City; 4690 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa

Best Japanese Critic’s Pick: Wa Dining Okan; 3860 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa

Best Thai Runner-up: Koon Thai Kitchen; 3860 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 9450 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa

Best Indian Critic’s Pick: Surati Farsan Mart; 9494 Black Mountain Rd, Miramar

Best Asian Fusion Critic’s Pick AND Best Vegetarian Selection Runner-up: Sipz; 5501 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Clairemont

Best Brewpub Runner-up: Karl Strauss; 9675 Scranton Rd., Sorrento Valley

La Jolla, UTC

Best of the Best (Fancy) Readers’ Pick AND Best Service Readers’ Pick: George’s at the Cove; 1250 Prospect St., La Jolla

Best Chef Critic’s Pick: Jason Knibb (Nine-Ten); 910 Prospect St., La Jolla

Best Hotel Restaurant Critic’s Pick: A.R. Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines; 11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla

Best View Readers’ Pick AND Best Special Occasion Readers’ Pick: The Marine Room; 2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla

Best View Critic’s Pick: Cusp La Jolla; 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla

Best Middle Eastern Readers’ Pick: Kebab Grill; 4545 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla

Best French Runner-up: Tapenade; 7612 Fay Ave., La Jolla

Best Chinese Runner-up: Mandarin House; 6765 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla

Best Asian Fusion Readers’ Pick: Roppongi; 875 Prospect St., La Jolla

Best Vegetarian Selection Critic’s Pick: Punjabi Tandoor; 9235 Activity Rd., UTC Area

Best Indian Readers’ Pick AND Best Vegetarian Selection Readers’ Pick: Royal India; 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., UTC Area

Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Critic’s Pick: Prepkitchen; 7556 Fay Ave., La Jolla

Best Brewpub Runner-up: Karl Strauss; 1044 Wall St., La Jolla

Best Salad Readers’ Pick AND Best Salad Critic’s Pick AND Best Cheap Eats Runner-up: Tender Greens; 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., UTC

Best Chips and Salsa Runner-up: Puesto; 1026 Wall St., La Jolla

Best Service Runner-up: Donovan’s Steak & Chop House; 4340 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla

Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach

Best Hotel Restaurant Runner-up: The Atoll at The Catamaran Hotel; 3999 Mission Blvd., Pacific Beach

Best Patio Runner-up: The Patio; 4445 Lamont St., Pacific Beach

Best Japanese Readers’ Pick AND Best Sushi Readers’ Pick: Sushi Ota; 4529 Mission Bay Dr., Pacific Beach

Best Seafood Readers’ Pick: Pacific Beach Fish Shop; 1775 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach

Best Greek Readers’ Pick AND Best Greek Critic’s Pick: Café Athena; 1846 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach

Best Breakfast Runner-up: Fig Tree Café; 5119 Cass St., Pacific Beach

Best Mexican Readers’ Pick: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood; 703 Turquoise St., Pacific Beach

Best Mexican Readers’ Pick: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood; 746 Emerald St., Pacific Beach

Best Coffee Runner-up: Better Buzz; 1909 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach

Best Coffee Readers’ Pick: Swell Café; 3833 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach

Best Coffee Runner-up: Better Buzz; 3745 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach

Best Sandwich Readers’ Pick: Rubicon Deli; 3819 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach

Best Burger Critic’s Pick: Hodad’s; 5010 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach

Best Late-Night Menu Runner-up: The Third Corner; 2265 Bacon St., Ocean Beach

Best Pizza Readers’ Pick: Pizza Port; 1956 Bacon St., Ocean Beach

Point Loma

Best Patio Critic’s Pick: C-Level Lounge; 880 Harbor Island Dr., Point Loma

Best Chef Readers’ Pick: Accursio Lota (Solare Ristorante Italiano); 2820 Roosevelt Rd. Liberty Station, Point Loma

Best Seafood Critic’s Pick: Mitch’s Seafood; 1403 Scott St., Point Loma

Best Beer Selection Readers’ Pick AND Best Place to Watch the Game Runner-up: Slater’s 50/50; 2750 Dewey Rd., Point Loma

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Runner-up: Corvette Diner; 2965 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station, Point Loma

Best Italian Readers’ Pick: Solare Ristorante Italiano; 2820 Roosevelt Rd., Liberty Station, Point Loma

Best Wine Bar Runner-up: Wine Steals; 2970 Truxton Rd., Point Loma

Best Breakfast Runner-up: Fig Tree Café; 2400 Historic Decatur Rd. Ste. 103, Liberty Station, Point Loma

Best Salad Readers’ Pick AND Best Salad Critic’s Pick AND Best Cheap Eats Runner-up: Tender Greens; 2400 Historic Decatur Rd., Point Loma

Best Barbeque Readers’ Pick: Phil’s BBQ; 3750 Sports Arena Blvd., Point Loma

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 2725 Shelter Island Dr., Point Loma

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 2562 Laning Rd., Point Loma

Best Brewpub Readers’ Pick AND Best Brewpub Critic’s Pick: Stone World Bistro & Gardens; 2816 Historic Decatur Rd., Liberty Station, Point Loma

Coronado

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 1333 Orange Ave., Coronado

Old Town, Mission Hills

Best Chips and Salsa Readers’ Pick: Miguel’s; 2444 San Diego Ave., Old Town

Best Cocktails Readers’ Pick: Old Town Saloon and Cocktails; 2495 San Diego Ave., Old Town

PARTNER CONTENT

Summer Nights at SeaWorld San Diego

Vi at La Jolla Village Brings Good Living to Life

Best Barbeque Runner-up: Hot Licks; 2754 Calhoun St., Old Town

Best Sushi Runner-up AND Best Atmosphere/Design Runner-up: Harney Sushi; 3964 Harney St., Old Town

Best Special Occasion Runner-up: The Wellington Steak & Martini Lounge; 729 W. Washington St., Mission Hills

Best Chips and Salsa Critic’s Pick AND Best Burrito Runner-up: Lucha Libre; 1810 W. Washington St., Mission Hills

Best Sandwich Readers’ Pick: Rubicon Deli; 3715 India St., Mission Hills

Bankers Hill, Little Italy

Best of the Best (Fancy) Runner-up AND Best Happy Hour Critic’s Pick AND Best View Runner-up: Bertrand at Mister A’s; 2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill

Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Runner-up: Cucina Urbana; 505 Laurel St., Bankers Hill

Best Desserts Readers’ Pick: Extraordinary Desserts; 2929 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill

Best Sushi Critic’s Pick: Azuki; 2321 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill

Best New Restaurant Readers’ Pick AND Best New Restaurant Critic’s Pick: Juniper & Ivy; 2228 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy

Best Happy Hour Readers’ Pick AND Best Brunch Readers’ Pick: Monello; 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy

Best Late-Night Menu Critic’s Pick: Starlite; 3175 India St., Little Italy

Best Sandwich Critic’s Pick: Mona Lisa; 2061 India St., Little Italy

Best Italian Runner-up AND Best Italian Critic’s Pick: Bencotto; 750 W. Fir St., Little Italy

Best Cocktails Critic’s Pick: Craft & Commerce; 675 W. Beech St., Little Italy

Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Critic’s Pick: Prepkitchen; 1660 India St., Little Italy

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 303 West Beech St., Little Italy

Hillcrest

Best Happy Hour Runner-up: Baja Betty’s; 1421 University Ave., Hillcrest

Best Cheap Eats Readers’ Pick: Bread & Cie; 350 University Ave., Hillcrest

Best Atmosphere/Design Readers’ Pick: Café Bleu; 807 Washington St., Hillcrest

Best Greek Runner-up: Mediterranean Café; 112 W. Washington St., Hillcrest

Best Indian Runner-up: Bombay; 3960 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

Best Thai Readers’ Pick AND Best Thai Critic’s Pick: Amarin Thai; 3843 Richmond St., Hillcrest

Best Vietnamese Critic’s Pick: Saigon on Fifth; 3900 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

Best Breakfast Critic’s Pick: Tractor Room; 3687 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

Best Wine Bar Runner-up: Wine Steals; 1243 University Ave., Hillcrest

Best Breakfast Readers’ Pick AND Best Brunch Runner-up: Snooze; 3940 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest

Best Breakfast Runner-up: Fig Tree Café; 416 University Ave., Hillcrest

Best Mexican Readers’ Pick: Oscar’s Mexican Seafood; 646 University Ave., Hillcrest

Kensington, Normal Heights, City Heights

Best Wine List Readers’ Pick AND Best Wine Bar Readers’ Pick AND Best Wine Bar Critic’s Pick: Village Vino; 4095 Adams Ave., Kensington

Best French Readers’ Pick: Bleu Boheme; 4090 Adams Ave., Kensington

Best Makeover Runner-up AND Best Neighborhood Restaurant Runner-up: Fish Public; 4055 Adams Ave., Kensington

Best Vietnamese Runner-up: Pho Hoa; 4717 El Cajon Blvd., City Heights

Best Burrito Readers’ Pick AND Best Mexican Runner-up: El Zarape; 4642 Park Blvd., Normal Heights

and 3201 Adams Ave., Kensington

North Park, South Park

Best Neighborhood Restaurant Critic’s Pick: Urban Solace; 3823 30th St., North Park

Best Kid-Friendly Restaurant Critic’s Pick: Waypoint Tavern; 3794 30th St., North Park

Best Cheap Eats Critic’s Pick: Carnitas’ Snack Shack; 2632 University Ave., North Park

Best Sandwich Runner-up: Big Front Door; 4135 Park Blvd., North Park

Best Fries Critic’s Pick: Smoking Goat; 3408 30th St., North Park

Best Cocktails Runner-up: West Coast Tavern; 2895 University Ave., North Park

Best Coffee Critic’s Pick: Caffe Calabria; 3933 30th St., North Park

Best Asian Fusion Critic’s Pick AND Best Vegetarian Selection Runner-up: Sipz; 3914 30th St., North Park

Best Beer Selection Runner-up AND Critic’s Pick: Hamilton’s Tavern; 521 30th St., South Park

Best Pizza Critic’s Pick: Buona Forchetta; 3001 Beech St., South Park

Downtown, Gaslamp Quarter, East Village

Best Late-Night Menu Readers’ Pick: Brian’s 24; 828 6th Ave, Downtown

Best Hotel Restaurant Readers’ Pick: Grant Grill at the US Grant; 326 Broadway, Downtown

Best Atmosphere/Design Critic’s Pick: Puesto at the Headquarters; 789 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown

Best Burger Runner-up: Nicky Rottens; 560 Fifth Ave., Downtown

Best Donut Readers’ Pick AND Best Donut Critic’s Pick: Donut Bar; 631 B St., Downtown

Best Steakhouse Runner-runner-up: Morton’s The Steakhouse; 285 J St., Downtown

Best Coffee Runner-up: Better Buzz; 401 B St., Ste. 300, Downtown

Best Brewpub Runner-up: Karl Strauss; 1157 Columbia St., Downtown

Best Salad Readers’ Pick AND Best Salad Critic’s Pick AND Best Cheap Eats Runner-up: Tender Greens; 120 W. Broadway, Downtown

Best Chips and Salsa Runner-up: Puesto; 789 W. Harbor Dr., Downtown

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 630 Ninth Ave., Downtown

Best Barbeque Readers’ Pick: Phil’s BBQ; Petco Park, Downtown

Best Barbeque Runner-up: Hot Licks; 865 West Harbor Dr., Downtown

Best Burger Critic’s Pick: Hodad’s; 945 Broadway, Downtown

Best Service Runner-up: Donovan’s Steak & Chop House; 570 K St., Downtown

Best Steakhouse Readers’ Pick: Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse; 1355 N. Harbor Dr., Downtown

Best Desserts Critic’s Pick: Jsix; 616 J St., Gaslamp

Best Pizza Runner-up: Berkeley Pizza; 539 Island Ave., Gaslamp

Best Fries Runner-up: Mezé Greek Fusion; 551 J St., Gaslamp

Best Small Plates Menu Readers’ Pick: Café Sevilla; 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp

Best Middle Eastern Runner-up: Bandar; 845 Fourth Ave, Gaslamp

Best Indian Readers’ Pick AND Best Vegetarian Selection Readers’ Pick: Royal India; 329 Market St., Gaslamp

Best Small Plates Menu Runner-up AND Best of the Best (Gourmet Casual) Readers’ Pick: Searsucker; 611 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp

Best Steakhouse Critic’s Pick: Cowboy Star; 640 Tenth Ave., East Village

Best Brunch Critic’s Pick: Café Chloe; 721 Ninth Ave., East Village

College Area, Mission Valley, La Mesa

Best Neighborhood Restaurant Readers’ Pick AND Best Desserts Runner-up (San Diego Desserts): Bistro Sixty; 5987 El Cajon Blvd., College Area

Best Middle Eastern Critic’s Pick: Kebab Shop; 1570 Camino de la Reina, Mission Valley

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 2245 Fenton Pkwy., #101, Mission Valley

Best Seafood Runner-up AND Best Fish Taco Runner-up: The Brigantine; 9350 Fuerte Dr., La Mesa

Santee

Best Barbeque Readers’ Pick: Phil’s BBQ; 9816 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee

Best Place to Watch the Game: Readers’ Pick: Oggi’s; 9828 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee

South

Chula Vista, National City, Barrio Logan

Best Chef Runner-up: Javier Plascenia (Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro); 4346 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista

Best Mexican Critic’s Pick: Romesco Mexiterranean Bistro; 4346 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista

Best Fish Taco Critic’s Pick: TJ Oyster Bar; 4246 Bonita Rd., Chula Vista

Best Filipino Readers’ Pick AND Critic’s pick: Tita’s Kitchenette; 2720 E Plaza Blvd., National City

Best Filipino Runner-up: Zarlito’s; 505 E 8th St., National City

Best Burrito Critic’s Pick: Los Cuatro Milpas; 1875 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan

Food Trucks

Best Food Truck Readers’ Pick AND Best Food Truck Critic’s Pick: MIHO Gastrotrucks

Best Food Truck Runner-up: God Save the Cuisine

Multiple Locations

Best Salad Runner-up: Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza; ten locations in San Diego

Best Burger Readers’ Pick AND Best Fries Readers’ Pick: Burger Lounge; eight locations in San Diego

Best Fish Taco Readers’ Pick: Rubio’s; 20 locations in San Diego

Best Restaurant Winners by Neighborhood

For a starter, dive into Jsix’s spicy anise lamb meatballs, served with quick pickle cucumbers, dill, fennel leaves, yogurt, and preserved lemon.

Food & Drink JANUARY 16, 2026 (Updated Aug 23, 2023)

SDM’s Guide to San Diego Food & Drink

We speak with the city's top food and drink makers in this exclusive video series hosted by food critic and Food Network judge Troy Johnson

By Troy Johnson

Welcome to SDM’s Guide to San Diego Food + Drink, our new video series dedicated to our favorite food and drink in the city. At the end of the summer, we’re bring many of these restaurants to the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival for a massive party. You should come. San Diego restaurants, local wineries, Food Network chefs… it’s our big dream for the city.

Check back each week to catch our newest video:

Herb & Sea

Encinitas

Ranch 45

Solana Beach

Ambrogio by Acquerello

La Jolla

Matsu

Oceanside

George’s at the Cove

La Jolla

Arlo

Mission Valley

Beeside Balcony

Del Mar

Crab Hut

Kearny Mesa, Downtown, Mira Mesa

Tribute Pizza

North Park

Gwynn Foods

Catering

Civico 1845

Little Italy

Le Parfait Paris

Gaslamp, Point Loma, Mission Valley

Little Frenchie

Coronado

Mujer Divina

Barrio Logan

Nine-Ten

La Jolla

Jeune et Jolie

Carlsbad

Marisi

La Jolla

Rosemarie’s

Mission Beach

Avant

Rancho Bernardo

Cesarina

Point Loma

Aqui Es Texcoco

Chula Vista

Tunaville

Point Loma

Stella Jean’s

University Heights, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Kensington, South Park, Costa Mesa, Carlsbad

About Troy Johnson

Troy Johnson is the magazine’s award-winning food writer and humorist, and a long-standing expert on Food Network. His work has been featured on NatGeo, Travel Channel, NPR, and in Food Matters, a textbook of the best American food writing.

See profile

Everything SD APRIL 1, 2024

New Guidebook Highlights Our Binational Community

Megan Groth’s photo-heavy book, "Places We Love San Diego Tijuana," celebrates the public spaces we already have—and emphasizes our need for more

By Amanda Parmele

“The book is basically a piece of advocacy for better urban design wrapped in a sexy guidebook,” says Megan Groth, author of Places We Love San Diego Tijuana. The book—272 pages of the very best places to visit from North County to Tijuana—is rich with beautiful photography and studded with bilingual essays encouraging new and improved public spaces. It’s a love letter, of sorts. And a call to action.

Inspiration for the book struck Groth—an urbanist, educator, and native San Diegan—after she studied architecture in Helsinki, Finland, just one year before the city was announced as the 2012 World Design Capital. When she returned in 2012 for a conference, Groth picked up a portable, photo-oriented guidebook about Helsinki.

But it wasn’t until years later, when she was back home in San Diego, that she rediscovered the book and really began musing about creating a similar guide for San Diego and Tijuana.

Passion for representation, public spaces, and community has been a consistent theme since those early days. The accumulation of all the places in the guide was the result of, yes, lots of research, but also the snowball effect that came from Groth reaching out to “friends and friends of friends and neighbors and just saying, ‘Hey, I’m writing this book. What do you think?’”

"Places We Love San Diego Tijuana" features Jenna Selby's photo of the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. — The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Downtown San Diego
Photo Credit: Jenna Selby

Groth embraced the diversity of locations that came from crowdsourcing. She had just one criterion for inclusion: that each place is free and publicly accessible. “I did make a few exceptions for places like the Mingei and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, because I am an architect and both of those projects have recent amazing, architecturally significant renovations,” she notes. “I felt like it was important that those were celebrated.”

Though your typical guidebook is penned with a visitor’s perspective in mind, Groth hopes to see Places We Love taken up by locals and tourists alike. “I think the goal was not to restrict it, and so not to write it in a way that didn’t feel accessible to everyone,” she says.

Her desire for an inclusive look at the area also drove her decision to make the guide a binational one. “I don’t know of any other book that shows both [Tijuana and San Diego] together as one, and that is the reality of so many people that live here,” she says. Blurbs describing each place—regardless of what side of the border it’s on—are published in English and Spanish, and Groth drew visual connections between the two cities by ensuring that Tijuana and San Diego were photographed “in the same vein.”

"Places We Love San Diego Tijuana" features this image of Parque Xicoténcatl by Eduardo Heredia Cabuto. — Parque Xicoténcatl, Tijuana
Photo Credit: Eduardo Heredia Cabuto

Groth and her team commissioned more than 15 photographers to shoot the book’s locations, resulting in a beautiful array of styles, including both digital and analog snaps. Though Groth allotted creative control to the photographers, she did stress the importance of capturing the relationship between people and space, which is why you’ll see locals and visitors hanging out in almost every photo.

A 100-or-so-word blurb packed with history and fun facts accompanies the photograph of each location. Groth also uses this space to urge people to visit and care about these places and to emphasize the importance of public spaces. “We need to further invest in these places and understand how they came to be so that we can make more now and in the future,” she says.

"Places We Love San Diego Tijuana" includes bilingual blurbs and a photo on each page. — Photo Credit: Jazzmine Taylor

She believes that bringing “more [and] better” public spaces to San Diego and Tijuana requires an equal division of work between top-down and bottom-up policies. “The truth is, you have to have both because, if not, you’ll have communities organizing and working very hard without the support of the city or country, and you’ll have public entities putting resources into policies and plans without community support,” she says. “Neither scenario is effective or sustainable.”

Coincidentally, around the same time that Groth was putting final touches on Places We Love, San Diego and Tijuana were jointly named the 2024 World Design Capital. Groth, however, feels that “it’s not that we are a world design capital as much as I think this is a year that we can really galvanize around [that title] to promote things—you know, move the dial.” And that’s exactly what she aims to do with her book: to guide us not just through the San Diego and Tijuana of today, but to the future of public spaces.

Learn more about placeswelovesdtj.com or check out a panel discussion with Groth on May 18 in Liberty Station.

About Amanda Parmele

Amanda Parmele is a third year undergraduate student at UCSD and works at SD Magazine as a Photography/Visual Editing intern. She takes photos for her school newspaper, is a writing mentor, and loves surf photography, though she cannot surf to save her life.

See profile

Everything SD FEBRUARY 16, 2024

Vote Now for San Diego’s Best Restaurants 2024

Help us pick the city's top places to dine and be entered to win a $200 gift card to Catamaran Hotel Resort and Spa

By SDM Staff

Restaurants are the social lifeblood of a city. They offer a place to commune with friends and strangers alike, build relationships, explore new cultures through flavors, and offer a welcome escape from the reality of our own kitchens. All under the guise of getting something to eat.

With all restaurants do to nourish us, we invite you to give back to them by voting for your Reader’s Choice favorites in several categories.

Vote in as many categories as you like, but you can only cast one vote per category. If the altruistic love of your favorite spot isn’t enough, your vote will enter you to win a $200 gift card to the Catamaran Hotel Resort and Spa.

Winning restaurants earn bragging rights for the entire calendar year—and your continued love and support. So, go on. It’s up to you to decide on our city’s next culinary icon.

Voting has closed. View the Best Restaurants 2024 Winners here.

About SDM Staff

See profile

Studio S JULY 7, 2026

Xplosion Box: A Customized Keepsake Your Loved Ones Won’t Forget

A customized memory-filled explosion gift box is a creative way to show someone you care

By Partner Content

Finding a gift that feels truly personal can be surprisingly difficult. In a sea of generic options — flowers, gift cards, candles, and the like — Xplosion Box offers something more lasting: a customized keepsake built around the photos, messages, and memories that matter most.

Founded by Southern California entrepreneur Jay Vijay, Xplosion Box LLC creates fully customized explosion gift boxes that arrive professionally designed, printed, assembled, and ready to gift. Each box opens layer by layer to reveal personal photos, heartfelt messages, pull-out albums, origami-style photo pockets, and hidden notes, turning a simple gift into an emotional reveal.

The brand was built for people who want to give something meaningful without spending hours printing photos, cutting paper, folding cardstock, or assembling a DIY project. Customers simply choose a box, upload their favorite photos, add personal messages, and the Xplosion Box team transforms those details into a polished keepsake that feels thoughtful, personal, and beautifully made.

Xplosion Box offers personalized gift boxes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, proposals, bridesmaid gifts, long-distance relationships, and thoughtful “just because” moments.

Customers can choose from flexible customization options starting at $27. The Mini Surprise Box includes 10 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note, while the Mega Surprise Box offers a fuller keepsake experience with 40 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note.

What sets Xplosion Box apart is its high level of customization combined with convenience. Filled with personal photos, custom text, decorative details, and layered surprises, each box gives customers the freedom to create a gift that feels one-of-a-kind — without having to make it themselves.

At its core, Xplosion Box helps people turn favorite photos, stories, and words into something tangible: a keepsake that can be opened, revisited, and remembered long after the occasion has passed. asion has passed.

Everything SD FEBRUARY 12, 2024

La Nacional Owner Joann Cornejo Shares Her Favorite South Bay Spots

The Chula Vista restaurateur's recommendations for a family-friendly day down south

By Beth Demmon

Joann Cornejo is a mother, teacher, and co-owner of National City’s Machete Beer House and Chula Vista’s newly opened La Nacional. Her limited time is precious and her knowledge of South Bay limitless, so she knows exactly how to craft the perfect family day.

Courtesy of Franco’s Flapjack Family Restaurant

The morning begins at Franco’s Flapjack Family Restaurant in Bonita, an old-school diner known for large portions of classic breakfast dishes like country fried steak, eggs Benedict, and Belgian waffles. “My go-to is an omelet with a side of hotcakes,” Cornejo says. If he kids need to run off some sugar from their plates of syrup, she usually takes them to nearby Rohr Park, where multiple playgrounds appeal to little ones of all ages. There’s also a model train that runs the second Saturday and Sunday of each month (except in September) and an adult fitness area near the basketball courts. “If you’re lucky,” Cornejo adds, “you’ll see a few horses with their owners walking the trail.”

Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority

For more family fun, head to Chula Vista’s Living Coast Discovery Center, where you can ogle sea creatures like turtles, jellyfish, sharks, and manta rays. Cornejo’s personal favorite critters, owls, live on the center’s Raptor Row. Be sure to check the website to see what animal encounters are on the schedule before your visit, and make time for a stroll down Living Coast’s marshland walking trail to catch a front-row view of the entire San Diego bay.

If Cornejo’s kiddos need a pick-me-up after an afternoon of aquatic exploration, Niederfrank’s is a quick drive up the 5. The National City ice cream shop has been an institution for over 60 years, making their old-fashioned scoops the same way they did back in the ’50s. Requisite flavors like chocolate and vanilla are mainstays, but they also offer creative varieties like papaya-pineapple, chocolate stout beer, and avocado-pistachio. Cornejo says she can’t resist a scoop of Kahlua Krunch.

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Finally, she admits she’s biased, but she hopes locals and travelers alike will come check out the new La Nacional. “Your family can enjoy a delicious dinner and parents-slash-adults can unwind with a cocktail or mezcal, neat,” she says. After a day jam-packed with activities, a cocktail sounds pretty sweet.

About Beth Demmon

Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.

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Food & Drink JANUARY 15, 2024

2024 Best Restaurants Marketing Toolkit

Spread the news. Share the poll. Voting ends on February 23, 2024.

You’ve served us delicious food all year, so, sit back and relax, and leave the marketing to us. We’ve crafted all the materials needed to recruit your biggest fans and followers to cast their votes for you. The marketing materials include logos, graphics for email and social media, restaurant signage, and cards to place in your to-go orders. All you need to do is start promoting on February 12.

Promoting & Voting Dates:

Voting: February 12 through February 18
Extended get-out-the-vote week: February 19 – February 23, 2024.

Awards and Bragging Rights:

Winning restaurants will be announced in the Best Restaurants issue of San Diego Magazine this May and will receive “2024 Winner” graphics to plaster anywhere that’s legal.

Winners will also be invited to participate at the Best of San Diego Party on August 2, 2023, where thousands of our readers await the chance to savor the culinary creations that earned you the top spot.

Let’s Get Started:

A series of “Vote for Us” graphics are below. All static marketing materials can be downloaded by clicking on the image. Follow the steps below:

Static “Vote for Us” Graphics:

• Click on the image you want to open Google Drive.
• Right-click or double-tap the image to open it larger.
• Choose download or click the down arrow on the right side of the opened image.
• Download your image.

Customizable “Vote for Us” Graphics:

• Click the graphic you want.
• Canva will open on your browser. If you don’t already have a Canva account, you will be asked to establish a FREE account.
• Once you log in, you can upload your photos, and add content to your graphics like the name of your restaurant and the category you aim to win.

Email Blasts:

Download an email blast graphic and send it through your email marketing platform! Don’t forget to link the email to the ballot page: www.sdmag.com/vote2024

Click the image above to download

Custom Email:

Click here to go to Canva and log in (it’s free to join). When you choose the graphic to edit, choose the prompt to “Duplicate” before you start. DO NOT CHOOSE EDIT. In your duplicated version, add your photos and text within the app. Download the type of file your email system requires. Don’t forget to link the email to the ballot page: www.sdmag.com/vote2024