San Diego is filled to the brim with open-air eateries where guests can wine and dine under sunny skies or starry nights. Here are our top picks for things to eat, drink, do, and see alfresco.
Civico
In a town famous for gorgeous weather and sandy beaches, why spend your time cooped up inside? Neighborhoods throughout San Diego are filled to the brim with open-air eateries where guests can wine and dine under sunny skies or starry nights. Here are a few of our favorites.
Civico 1845 delivers the most authentic Italian experience in the heart of Little Italy. Since 2015, we were the very first restaurant in the US offering a full plant‑based Italian menu beside our traditional Calabrian menu. Come enjoy our unique and beautiful piazza dining experience overlooking San Diego Bay!
Civico
A new generation of Italian cuisine—fresh, light, and authentic. By using proper cooking techniques, our flavors are natural and pure. Our menu is an homage to our Southern Italian roots and reflects what’s being served in Italy today.
We believe in sustainability, both in our food and in the design of our restaurant. While our menu focuses on locally grown and seasonal ingredients, our bar and dining areas were created using reclaimed natural materials. Nothing goes to waste at Civico 1845.
Our Recommendations: Pasta Al Forno, Raviolo Classico, Antipasto Calabria
1845 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 // civico1845.com
Davanti Enoteca is a lively wine bar and restaurant with shareable contemporary twists on rustic Italian cuisine. Communal tables are featured on the patio, bar, and dining room to further enhance the convivial and warm dining experience.
Grand Ole BBQ
The menu is meant to be explored and shared, offering guests the opportunity to try a variety of distinct items. Pasta is housemade daily; take note of the cacio e pepe, which exemplifies the delicious simplicity of Italian cuisine. Be sure to order the foccacia di recco: a flaky Ligurian-style foccacia, baked and stuffed with creamy melted crescenza cheese and served with honeycomb to spread.
This Italian wine bar abounds with delectable imports and delicious small plates that beg the question: Is a plate truly shareable if it’s too good to share?
1655 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 // davantienoteca.com
The Grand Ole BBQ was created to fill the void of real barbecue in Southern California. What began as a humble idea to provide great barbecue catering to San Diego has grown into a cult favorite with a loyal following.
BBQ
We’re serving up some honest-to-God delicious barbecue, woodsmoked on a real barbecue pit handcrafted from an upcycled propane tank in the great state of Texas.
The magic created at the original North Park location is growing into a venue unlike any other in the new sister locations at Petco Park and in Flinn Springs. In North Park we have tons of outdoor seating, and in Flinn Springs there’s a huge, welcoming outdoor space with live music in a hillside atmosphere with killer food and full bar service. We can’t wait to be your new go-to spot!
North Park 3302 32nd Street, San Diego, CA 92104 619-213-3765
Petco Park Section 113, 100 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Flinn Springs 15505 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA 92101 619-312-0714
La Puerta has arrived in Mission Hills! The 14-year old downtown hangout’s second location at 4020 Goldfinch Street serves up the same tasty Sinaloa-inspired favorites made fresh daily, signature street tacos, and cantina cocktails.
The Mission Hills restaurant’s indoor-outdoor space is filled with retro graphics, lush greenery, and pop culture icons.
La Puerta
Enjoy a handcrafted margarita or sample from dozens of blue agave tequilas and mezcals at the sleek steel topped bar, or dine on papas fritas and one-pound burritos alfresco on La Puerta’s expansive outdoor seating area. The eatery is great for large groups and private parties, and of course the patio is dog friendly.
Enjoy a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m. with half off all appetizers, like queso fundido and flautitas, quesadillas, and the entire bar; and stay for a late night happy hour with half off apps, quesadillas, and frozen drinks from 10 p.m. to close. Also serving brunch Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by for tacos, tunes, tequila, and the best Mexican food in San Diego; the kitchen’s open till 11 p.m. on weekends. Check out La Puerta’s website here.
La Puerta Mission Hills, 4020 Goldfinch Street, San Diego, CA 92103 // lapuertasd.com
Chef Marcello and Chef Jojo, five-time combined pizza champions at Amalfi Cucina Italiana, are creating authentic Italian pizza every day in San Marcos on the lake. Reservations for upstairs.
Amalfi Cucina Italiana, 1035 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078 // amalficucinaitaliana.com
Enjoy half off appetizers, quesadillas, and the entire bar from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily, then come back for another round of half-off apps, quesadillas, and frozen drinks from 10 p.m. to close.
La Puerta Mission Hills, 4020 Goldfinch Street, San Diego, CA 92103 // lapuertasd.com
When life throws tomatoes at you, customize your own bloody Mary! Davanti Enoteca offers house-pickled vegetables, more hot sauces than you’ve ever seen, and of course, bacon, to go with an all-star lineup of breakfast fare.
Davanti Enoteca, 1655 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 // davantienoteca.com
Pair your morning mimosa with a savory-sweet pancakes-and-carnitas combo, or wet your whistle with a bowl of housemade pozole on the airy patio at La Puerta’s new location. Every Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
La Puerta Mission Hills, 4020 Goldfinch Street, San Diego, CA 92103 // lapuertasd.com
Grand Ol BBQ
Pair your artisanal pit barbecue with a side of live music from San Diego singer-songwriters, country crooners, rock ’n’ rollers, folk artists, jam bands, and more. Every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m.
Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs, 15505 Olde Highway 80, El Cajon, CA 92101 / 619-312-0714
Park and Rec
Party on the patio at Park & Rec in University Heights with tunes from ’80s tribute band Rock of Ages, ’90s cover crew The Big Lewinsky, and guest DJs featuring Hickies & Dry Humps.
First Friday in May: The Big Lewinski
Last Friday in May: Rock of Ages
Saturdays: Guest DJs featuring Hickies & Dry Humps, Cuffin
Park & Rec, 4612 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92116 // parkandrecsd.com
Mother’s Day weekend, May 7 and 8, 2022, 10–5 p.m. at the 130-year-old Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo. An all-artisan fair with over 100 vendors, outside wine bars, and a food court. Free admission.
Bernardo Winery, 13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, San Diego, CA 92128 // bernardowinery.com
Wine
Chef-owner Pietro Gallo is going to refresh our famous vegan Italian menu, which was introduced in 2015 as the first of its kind in the US! He will be collaborating with top vegan Italian chef Matteo Febbraio. Starting May 10, Pietro will present the new menu at our Little Italy location. Reserve a table now!
Civico 1845, 1845 India Street, San Diego, CA 92101 // civico1845.com
Civico
Don’t miss actor and singer Dennis Quaid’s stop in San Diego, at BellyUp Tavern. Quaid is currently in the recording studio working on a new gospel album slated for release this summer.
BellyUp, 143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach, CA 92075 // bellyup.com
Lakehouse
Let the good times roll. Get your tickets to sing along on the Lakeside Lawn all summer long with all of your favorites!
May 14: Betamaxx
August 19: Queen Nation
Lakehouse Resort & Golf, 1105 La Bonita Drive, San Marcos, CA 92078 // lakehousehotelandresort.com/summer-concert-series/
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At Vi at La Jolla Village, residents don't have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At Sutra Dental Spa in La Mesa and Coronado Dental Group, dentistry feels less like an appointment and more like a self-care day. Led by nationally recognized cosmetic dentist Jimmy C. Wu, DDS, both practices combine advanced dental technology with a relaxing space.
“Our top priorities are safety, comfort, effective treatment, and results that look and feel natural,” says Dr. Wu, founder of Sutra Dental Spa and cosmetic dentist for over 25 years. “We’re proud to offer the most advanced dental technologies and techniques available in a calming, even meditative, environment.”
Patients can turn to both practices for everything from routine dental care to cosmetic services such as porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, as well as full mouth reconstruction and single-visit smile makeovers and crowns. At Sutra Dental Spa, the experience goes a step further, with Asian-inspired art, a Zen oxygen bar, aromatherapy pillows, and even in-appointment massage therapy.
“Dentistry has always been thought of as something you have to do versus something you want to do,” says Dr. Wu. “My goal is to change that perception for everyone.”
Visit
Sutra Dental Spa
7851 University Avenue, Suite 206, La Mesa, California 91942 | 619-589-6060
sutrads.com
Coronado Dental Group
1301 Ynez Place, Coronado, California 92118 | 619-435-6227
coronadodentalgroup.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
At Spine and Brain Institute of San Diego, every patient gets innovative, advanced care.
Dr. Ramin Raiszadeh, president and co-owner, is a board-certified orthopedic spinal surgeon who specializes in disc-replacement surgery. Co-owner Dr. Paul D. Kim handles complex disorders across the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, leaning on nonsurgical and minimally invasive techniques. He’s known for being upfront with patients. Dr. Sunil Jeswani brings a thoughtful, hands-on approach to complex cranial and spinal conditions, from brain tumors and cerebral aneurysms to arteriovenous malformations and spinal deformities. Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan is one of few neurosurgeons in Southern California with dual board certification in neurosurgery and neurointerventional surgery—an expert in vascular disease and brain tumors. Dr. Evan Nigh, a board-eligible orthopaedic spine surgeon, has published research in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national conferences.
“Sharp Grossmont Hospital has become the epicenter for spine surgery in this country,” says Dr. Raiszadeh. “Here, the nation’s most talented neurosurgeons and spine surgeons perform the entire spectrum of neural axis surgeries, setting the gold standard for care.”
Visit
6719 Alvarado Rd, Suite 308, San Diego, CA
1671 West Main St, Suite A, El Centro, CA
2125 Citracado Parkway, Suite 310, Escondido, CA
6260 El Camino Real, Suite 201 Carlsbad, CA
619-265-7912 | sbiosd.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
True luxury lies in mastery. At San Diego Eyelid Specialists, Dr. Srinivas Iyengar has devoted his career to a single pursuit: the artistry of eyelid surgery, elevated to its most refined form.
A fellowship-trained oculoplastic surgeon, Dr. Iyengar belongs to a rarefied tier of his field. He serves as a board examiner for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery—the credential by which other surgeons are measured—and holds dual Top Doctor recognition for over 10 years from his physician peers in both ophthalmology and plastic surgery. His expertise has taken him around the world, teaching advanced techniques through ORBIS International and the Flying Eye Hospital.
His signature philosophy, Volumetric Harmony, reflects a discerning eye for proportion and balance, restoring youthful elegance while honoring the individuality of every face.
From his boutique offices in Encinitas and La Jolla, Dr. Iyengar offers a bespoke surgical experience for those who accept nothing less than exceptional. For the eyes, there is no substitute for a true eyelid expert.
Visit
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, B206, La Jolla, California 92037
477 North El Camino Real, A304, Encinitas, California 92024
858-432-2700 | @eyelidmd | sandiegoeyelids.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
San Diego Cardiac Center provides truly comprehensive cardiovascular care, from prevention to heart transplantation. This year, 12 of their physicians were recognized as Top Doctors, including Dr. Brian Jaski, a heart failure and heart transplant specialist who has been in practice for 41 years. During that time, he oversaw San Diego’s first heart transplantation and has been voted a Top Doctor by his peers in 21 of the past 23 years.
With affiliations across the Sharp and Scripps hospital systems, San Diego Cardiac Center provides care at locations in Kearny Mesa, El Cajon, and Chula Vista. Their physicians specialize in preventive cardiology, electrophysiology, interventional cardiology, advanced heart failure, structural heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, venous disease, cardiovascular diagnostics, and clinical research.
As one of San Diego’s longest-standing private medical groups, they’re committed to one goal: helping our patients feel better and live longer.
San Diego Cardiac Center’s Vein Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for superficial and deep vein conditions, including specialized care for venous insufficiency, DVT and pulmonary embolism. Diagnostic testing, procedures, and follow-up care are provided in-house, with personalized treatment plans ranging from conservative management to minimally invasive options.
Visit
3131 Berger Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
300 S. Pierce St, Suite 102, El Cajon, CA 92020
750 Medical Center Ct, Suite 10, Chula Vista, CA 91911
sdcardiac.com
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Seated (left to right): Namrata Kapoor, MD* (Treasurer); Ruchira Densert, MD (Secretary); Reema Batra, MD* (Member); Preeti Soni, MD (BOT Member); Farris Sandhu, MD VIP* (BOT Chair); Smitha Reddy, MD (President); Puja Chitkara, MD (BOT Member); Sanjana Chaturvedi, MD*; Hetal Hosalkar, MD*.
Standing (left to right): Asim Guha Roy, MD*; Vimal Nanavati, MD*; Ashish Wadhwa, MD*; Paritosh Khanna, MD*; Vijay Venkatesh, MD (Vice President); Harish Hosalkar, MD*; Aman Savani, MD*; Ajay Sandhu, MD*.
* Designates a 2026 Top Doctor.
The San Diego Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (SAPI) is proud to celebrate its physicians recognized as San Diego Top Doctors. This recognition reflects their clinical excellence, dedication to patient care, leadership within their specialties, and contributions to the San Diego community.
SAPI is a nonprofit professional organization bringing together physicians and healthcare professionals of Indian origin throughout the San Diego region. Through continuing medical education, professional networking, mentorship, community service, and cultural engagement, SAPI provides a collaborative platform for physicians at every stage of their careers.
The accomplishments of SAPI’s Top Doctors reflect our values of excellence, compassion, integrity, service, and leadership. We congratulate all of our honorees and celebrate the collective impact of SAPI physicians across numerous medical and surgical specialties.
“Our goal is to strengthen connections among physicians while expanding opportunities for education, mentorship, networking, leadership, and community service,” says SAPI President Dr. Smitha C. Reddy and Dr. Farris Sandhu, SAPI Chair, both among the physicians recognized as a San Diego Top Doctor. “We warmly invite physicians and healthcare professionals throughout San Diego to become involved and join our growing organization. Together, we can strengthen our professional community and continue building a lasting legacy of excellence in healthcare.”
Visit
sapisd.org
