%2Fjanep%2F%24FILE%2Fjanep.jpg&w=256&q=75 "Jane Poyser")
The city’s gastronomic scene sits at the intersection of two culinary styles: California cuisine, distinguished for its devotion to fresh local ingredients and farm-to-table roots, and Mexico’s Baja Med cuisine, a food revolution that combines traditional Mexican ingredients with those of the Mediterranean.
Each of San Diego’s exciting neighbourhoods puts a unique spin on this fusion and in addition, offer something new and individual to represent that area of this diverse city.
Old Town… something to taco ‘bout!
Vibrant Old Town is where you can experience the most authentic Mexican cuisine in San Diego. Feast on delicious fish tacos and slurp massive margaritas at one of the open air restaurants whilst listening to traditional mariachi live music, or book our Urban Adventures Tequila & Tortillas tour to learn about the history of this town while sampling various Mexican delicacies (and shots)!
Top picks: Fiesta de Reyes and Café Coyote.
Liberty Public Market… all we avo’ wanted!
For a dining experience that will satisfy any craving, head for Liberty Public Market in San Diego’s Liberty Station where you can browse more than 30 food, beverage and artisan vendors, all focused on showcasing what the city has to offer. From empanadas to lobster rolls to homemade ice cream, you’ll want to (and should!) taste it all.
Top picks: Paraná Empanadas and Stuffed.
Coronado & Mission Beach… seafood and eat it!
San Diego is a seafood capital with fresh and fabulous coastal cuisine, so for scenic dining and mouth-watering seafood, head to the waterfront areas of pretty Coronado and popular Mission Beach. From fine-dining sushi restaurants to seafood cafés and farm-to-table kitchens, there’s plentiful options for you to enjoy the catch of the day and a beautiful sunset after a fun-filled day on the beach.
Top picks: Peohe’s, Cannonball and Leroy’s Kitchen & Lounge.
La Jolla… suns out, buns out!
If you’re looking for a variety with a little more glamour, in addition to its gorgeous coastline and high-end shopping, affluent La Jolla is widely recognised for having some of the highest quality and most unique San Diego restaurants. Whether you’re looking for Hawaiian flavours, elevated Japanese fusion, trendy cafés, unbeatable ocean views, or an all-out fine dining experience, there’s something here for you.
Top picks: Georges at the Cove, Dukes and Galaxy Taco.
Gaslamp Quarter… let the evening be-gin!
For after dinner drinks and epic nightlife look no further than the lively Gaslamp Quarter; 16 walkable blocks packed with over 180 restaurants, 50 bars and 10 nightclubs from sports pubs and rooftop bars to secret speakeasies. The Gaslamp Quarter is also rich with cultural offerings that include theatre, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues and museums, so there’s plenty to explore during the day before enjoying stylish cocktails and craft beer all night long in the top locals hangouts!
Top picks: The Nolen, Prohibition Lounge and Vin de Syrah.
San Diego Craft Beer… it’s un-beer-lievable!
San Diego’s meteoric rise as a craft beer capital has added an exciting element to the city, with more than 150 breweries, plus brew pubs and tasting rooms scattered across the county. Navigating San Diego’s dynamic craft beer breweries and tasting haunts is an alternative way to explore the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and get a taste of local craft beer culture.
Top picks: The Brew Project and Draft.
So if you’re interested in food and drink and are looking for a holiday with a twist, be sure to consider scrumptious San Diego, along with all the other yummy stops on our United Tastes of America holiday!
For more inspiration, visit our USA Holidays pages.
