BBQ shrimp Po’ Boy sandwich
BBQ shrimp Po’ Boy from Bud’s Louisiana Cafe | Photo by Brevin Blach
Cancel that afternoon meeting, because the Bali Thai Café is is worth traveling for. Traditional Indonesian (tahu goreng—deep-fried tofu, get the ginger sauce), Thai (soups, curries, and pads), and non-chain dining are an asset in an area that has so few good places to nosh. 407 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley
Brazil By the Bay is tucked behind the not-so-exotic sports arena and a popular flea market, but many local Brazilians bail from the beaches to get here for crispy coxinhas (fried dough stuffed with chicken, cheese, and seasonings), flavors of feijoda (pork, farofa, rice, orange slices, and collards—now served daily), and yes, televised soccer matches. 3770 Hancock Street, Midway District
Its departure from Little Italy six years ago literally positioned Bud’s Louisiana Café—just off the I-15—for greater opportunities to put colorful beads at every table and its signature BBQ shrimp Po’ Boy and Cajun jambalaya in the bellies of nearby office denizens and customers. 4320 Viewridge Avenue, Kearny Mesa
Founded by two former Olympic field hockey players (one American, one Australian, hence the name), Good on Ya Deli is a healthy haven for its breakfast burritos (veggie) and long list of superfood sandwiches and salads. Using organic ingredients when possible, it even has its own branded energy bar that’s sold in health stores across the U.S. 9275 Sky Park Court, Kearny Mesa
Hancock Street Café is a kingdom of kitsch that just happens to have a kitchen. Owner Mario Waclawski is a true character with a cause (cancer prevention) who’ll likely serve up a song or a story as a side dish to your personal pizza, bratwurst, or whatever else graces the day’s menu. 3354 Hancock Street, Midway District
The namesake owner/operator of Julie’s Café & Deli is a 23-year-old SDSU alum and real estate broker who started this small, two-year-old family business at the end of Morena Boulevard. The turkey panini and Cali wrap are best-sellers, and in another menu twist, of sorts, Julie provides a notary service (by appointment only). 4901 Morena Boulevard, Clairemont
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern is housed within Orchid-winning architecture along America’s Cup Harbor. Try the thick buttermilk and beer-battered onion rings. Paired with the spicy “Jimmy” burger and enjoyed on the sunny patio, you’ll forget you have to go back to work. 4990 North Harbor Drive, Point Loma
Thankfully, chef Kurt Metzger’s Kitchen 4140 is a 100 percent real kitchen and dining room—not a model imagined by the artists, architects, and designers who frequent the surrounding showrooms. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients and house-smoked meats to craft favorites like the short rib sandwich. 4140 Morena Boulevard, Clairemont
This quaint French café lies along San Diego’s tech corridor. The menu offers quiche and popular grilled sandwiches like the croque madame and monsieur. But it’s the exotic, fruitful tarts and decadent desserts that’ll have you singing the praises of Opera Café & Patisserie. 9254 Scranton Road, Sorrento Valley
Craftsmanship isn’t exclusive to the marine design businesses that neighbor this purveyor of handmade Belgian chocolates and European-style pastries. The Elegant Truffle is where chef/owner Jennifer Marie Muratore creates small wonders from heirloom recipes and offers the perfect afternoon pick-me-up: the daily “shot and a bite” of espresso and a tasty pastry. 1111 Scott Street, Point Loma
