The Best New Restaurants in San Diego
After 20 years and thousands of meals as a food critic, San Diego Mag Content Chief Troy Johnson picks the city’s top standouts
The Best Restaurants in San Diego 2026
We asked, you voted, and food critic Troy Johnson chose his favorites—these are the top food and drink people and places in the city
You’ve Had a California Burrito, Now Try the CA Banh Mi
Một Bánh Mì melds Vietnamese and Mexican traditions in a new pop-up concept featuring its take on a local favorite
It’s Soft Shell Crab Season, But Not For Long
Where to find the short-lived seasonal special around San Diego
An Immersive Speakeasy Opens In Encinitas
The team behind The Roxy launches Anigma, a hidden cocktail bar with small bites
The City’s Cult-Hit Burger (And More) Comes to North Park
For its 10th anniversary, North Park Beer Co reinvents the kitchen at its flagship location
Infusion Lab Brings Coffee, Culture, and Design to PB
The specialty coffee and dessert shop will open in late June to early July
Encinitas, Here’s the Oyster Bar You Requested
The elevated, yet straightforward seafood restaurant will open behind Coast Thai-Way later this fall
Everything Is Omakase Now
How decision fatigue and pandemic margins are redefining the idea of prix-fixe menus
In San Diego’s Kitchens, Second Chances Are On The Menu
With a new campus, Kitchens For Good is expanding its apprenticeship programs aimed at reducing barriers of employment
Team Behind Same Same Launching Amor Y Magia This June
The Latin-inspired restaurant melds Venezuelan and Mexican influence with Southern California culture
Pat & Oscar’s Breadsticks Are Hiding in Plain Sight
North Park’s Encontro has been secretly serving these buttery loaves with the Sarkisian family’s original recipe
From Michelin Kitchens to Mochi Mastery
After training in Italy and working in acclaimed kitchens like n/naka and Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Gemma Matsuyama Yamada found her calling in Kimochi’s delicate fruit mochi
9 Must-Try Meals in San Diego Right Now
SDM’s staff shouts out our favorite food finds this month including bites from Bacari North Park, Pizza Cassette, and Ciccia Osteria
Sushi Gaga To Re-Open As Sake Bar Gaga
Sake master Ayaka Ito is transforming the 10-seat space into a specialized sake experience this June
Bankers Hill’s Coffee Scene Gets a Boost
Five Corners will serve traditional coffee and espresso drinks as well as bites like empanadas and mini desserts
First Comes Galu, Then Comes Luga
The popular Chula Vista cafe will open a sister concept in City Heights this fall
East County Enters Its Steakhouse Era
The Heritage Steakhouse will feature a sixth-floor dining room, classic tableside touches, and a menu built around premium cuts
Isola Pizza Bar Opening In Encinitas
The Neapolitan pizza spot will bring its nonna-inspired wood-burned pies to the beachside town this April
A North Park Icon Gets New Life This December
Chop Suey Lounge & Ginger Roots will reimagine The Peking Cafe as a lounge and chef’s table experience
An Affordable Steakhouse Experience Lands in Liberty Station
Grandson Steaks is now open in the former Wildflour space
Coast Thai-Way Brings Lao-Thai Dishes To Leucadia This Summer
A new Southeast Asian eatery mixes traditional recipes with Southern California flair, featuring pad thai, curries, and Thai beef noodle soup
Where to Get Mother’s Day Brunch 2026 in San Diego
Enjoy the holiday with the city’s best restaurants offering seasonal brunch buffets, prix-fixe menus, and à la carte specials
The Locals’ Guide to San Diego Coffee
From 19th-century imports to the modern craft scene, the city’s coffee culture has grown from a decentralized effort to a thriving collective of indie artisans
9 Must-Try Meals from San Diego Restaurants Right Now
SDM’s staff shouts out our favorite food finds this month including bites from Katsuya Ko, Oh My Dough, and Deckman’s North
New Blood Arrives at San Diego’s OG Farm-to-Table Shrine
The Lodge at Torrey Pines pulls in a team from Michelin kitchens
