South Bay is a culinary gem filled with nearly never-ending options for wining and dining. The swath of land from San Diego to the border encompasses a range of cities, communities, and cultural influences that come together to form a unique epicurean identity. Whether you’re craving a decadent breakfast, a sweet treat to end the day, or anything in-between, South Bay has you covered. Our South Bay dining guide is your go-to resource for this diverse dining scene.
ATMOSPHERE ⎯ Elisa and Michele Borelli wanted to represent their city in Italy and bring true Italian flavor to San Diego. Balsamico offers you Italian authenticity from a family-owned business directly from the city where balsamic vinegar was invented. All specialty ingredients are imported from Italy. At Balsamico, happiness is homemade!
SIGNATURE DISHES ⎯
VECCHIA MODENA: stuffed pasta with ricotta, spinach, a light cream sauce, crispy bacon, shaved parmesan cheese, and our aged balsamic vinegar
BALSAMICO VANILLA GELATO: vanilla gelato with fresh strawberry and balsamic raspberry vinegar
DON’T MISS ⎯ Our organic, imported barrel-aged balsamic vinegar of Modena, in three flavors: truffle, raspberry, and spicy. A full range of catering services to a bring truly authentic Italian cuisine experience to your next event. Try our other Italian classic dishes including lasagna and tiramisu.
791 Palm Avenue, Suite 101, Imperial Beach, California 91932 • 858-294-3183 • balsamicokitchen.com
ATMOSPHERE ⎯ A place where weekend brunch rituals extend to every day of the week, Eastlake’s Sunday Breakfast Society is an all-day brunch locale that introduces a playful culinary experience, paying homage to its proximity to Baja and Victorian-chic design influence.
SIGNATURE DISHES ⎯
BIRRIAQUILES: crispy chips, birria, pickled onions, cilantro, green salsa, and sour cream
SUNDAY CEREAL: mini pancakes, berry compote, organic maple syrup, and hazelnut spread
DON’T MISS ⎯ The Godinez family’s legendary birria recipe, also served at Birrieria Don Rafa Instagrammable moments in the all-pink dining room and forthcoming enclosed patio.
2326 Proctor Valley Road, Suite 103, Chula Vista, California 91914 • 619-349-3503 • sundaybreakfastsociety.com
ATMOSPHERE ⎯ Bonchon is known for hand-battered, double-fried Korean fried chicken. We double-fry our chicken in thin batter for an extra-crispy coating and juicy and moist interior. We also serve Asian fusion dishes such as pork buns and Korean tacos.
SIGNATURE DISHES ⎯
HOUSE FRIED RICE: a traditional wok-prepared dish with either chicken or marinated ribeye with Jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and fried egg
DOUBLE-FRIED CHICKEN: choose from wings, drumsticks, strips or boneless served with a complimentary side of pickled radish or coleslaw
DON’T MISS ⎯ Choosing from our hand brushed soy garlic or spicy sauce on your fried chicken. Enjoying traditional Korean dishes such as japchae or bibimbap!
1420 E Plaza Boulevard, Suite D4, National City, California 91950 • 619-245-2618 • bonchon.com
Mad for Cheesecake
ATMOSPHERE ⎯ We specialize in Japanese desserts including the iconic fluffy and bouncy Japanese cheesecake. Our co-founder spent numerous years in Japan to master baking and graduated from Tokyo Confectionery school.
SIGNATURE DISHES ⎯
DOUBLE FROMAGE CHEESECAKE: baked premium cream cheese sandwiched between a frozen mascarpone cream cheese top and a cheese sponge cake
JAPANESE CHEESECAKE: delicate, light and fluffy cheesecake
DON’T MISS ⎯ A refreshing green or milk tea with your dessert! Everything is made from scratch in-house! Ordering ahead of time for your next celebration.
1420 E Plaza Boulevard, Suite B-5, National City, California 91950 • 619-773-6033 • @madforcheesecake
