Lunch

North Park’s already noteworthy dining scene got a little tastier since Street Side Thai Kitchen opened its doors. This eatery is a destination for both locals that know their way around the neighborhood’s top stops and for Thai food enthusiasts that know their way around a proper menu. Street Side satisfies midday diners with a lunch menu that caters to the appetite as well as the wallet: lunch selections are served with a salad, soup, egg roll, and steamed rice. Later in the day, dinner guests indulge in a menu that features meat and seafood delicacies, along with authentic curry …

Each one of McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States is designed to create an environment that is unique and welcoming; the one in Downtown San Diego is no different. Located in the Omni Hotel on the corner of L and 7th Street the restaurant is connected via skybridge to Petco Park. The ever-changing menu features the highest quality of steak, like the tender aged Filet Mignon as well as seafood choices from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, the award winning bar food is just as satisfying as the main entrees. Indulge in classic …

Shogun is located in Kearny Mesa and offers both teppanyaki and sushi dining options. Natural wood tables match the simple décor, creating an environment that suits almost any occasion. Shogun offers an extensive menu of traditional Japanese fare with lunch and dinner specials. There are nearly thirty sushi and sashimi options and a large variety of combinations for their bento boxes. The sushi is presented without the flourishes that the restaurant’s teppanyaki counterpart is known for, but the skilled chefs coax the most out of the simple dishes. The specialty rolls are garnished with the traditional accoutrements and nothing more, …

Sushi Yaro, literally translating to, “Let’s do sushi,” is an appropriate name for this local gem tucked away in the backstreets of Kearny Mesa. Chef and owner Sam Cha discovered his culinary passion for sushi while stationed in Japan. In a traditional style sushi bar, Sushi Yaro boasts the expected large sushi bar where patrons can sit back and marvel at Chef Cha’s distinctive style and see his personality come alive through his edible artwork. Accents of Japanese culture subtlety show themselves through artwork and details along the bar. This menu is home to conventional Japanese cuisine of fresh hand …

Where Guinness flows, good times follow; and Dublin Square serves up both in abundance. Built in Ireland and transplanted to the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, this authentic Irish pub satisfies appetites and souls with the warm and welcoming spread of Irish culture and fare. If food and drink is what you’re pining for, look to Dublin Square’s menu any time of day. Come for their daily breakfast and enjoy dishes like the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs or the All Day Irish Breakfast that includes black and white pudding. For lunch, dinner, and everything in between, many crave …

It’s not hard to find eateries boasting “ocean views” in San Diego, but it is rare to find a noteworthy restaurant that happens to claim such prime oceanfront real-estate as Chart House. Picturesquely positioned along the South Coast Highway 101 (with the San Elijo Lagoon to the east), Chart House’s expansive dining room faces the Pacific Ocean and plates up some of the finest sunsets around. As the waves lap upon the rocky shore before you, settle in and savor Chart House’s array of hot and cold appetizers, signature seafood entrees, prime steaks, and luscious desserts. Pair the evening with …

Literally meaning “New Bridge,” Shimbashi Izakaya brings precision to its meaning by offering an elevated taste of classic Japanese cuisine. Located in Del Mar amongst eye-catching scenic views of the waterfront, Shimbashi Izakaya prides itself on being a casual place where one can easily unwind, similar to the Izakaya-style bars found in Tokyo, Japan. For those who enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, Shimbashi Izakaya offers a multi-faceted selection that pairs perfectly with their fine array of sake. Shimbashi Izakaya also offers full lunch and dinner entrees that embody Japanese cuisine with a contemporary finesse.

Trattoria Ponte Vecchio is a culinary escape located in scenic Del Mar where diners can experience the flavors of Northern Italy in a cozy neighborhood setting. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Chef Daniel Nobili infuses his passion for Italian cuisine in all of his creations including the Linguine Alle Vongole-- fresh Manila clams sautéed in a white wine or red sauce or the Vitello Del Tassista-- veal scaloppini in gorgonzola cheese sauce topped with fresh pears. The menu also includes an assortment of Appetizers, Salads, Pizzas, and Chicken Entrees. Your taste buds deserve a vacation— taste the delicious cuisine …

Directly across the street from Petco Park, The Dragon’s Den is the East Village’s answer to reasonably priced, quality Asian cuisine and sushi. Relax on The Dragon’s Den patio in any of their comfy upholstered chairs as you enjoy the outdoor fire pit and prime views of the ballpark. Inside, a warm color palette of earth tones provides a sophisticated backdrop for original design pieces to shine. The restaurant’s stand-alone raw bar features a number of traditional Japanese sushi favorites, while the full service drink bar showcases original cocktails, craft beers, and fine sakes. Their weekday happy hour specials are …

Downtown and thirsty for something a little stronger than water? Look no further than Taste & Thirst, a late night hub of wallet-friendly eats and drinks including a hearty array of appetizers, burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Enjoy the Truffle Fries made with truffle oil, tossed in parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and parsley flakes, or the Marinated Sirloin Tips made with a half pound of their charbroiled signature sirloin tips served over rice pilaf and mixed veggies. With 14 High Definition television screens for your sports-viewing pleasure, spend game night at Taste & Thirst where there is plenty to entertain …

Kitchen 4140 owner Chef Kurt Metzger is a trail blazer in San Diego’s organic dining scene, purchasing products from local farms and using ingredients from his onsite garden. He uses this plentiful bounty to provide diners with a fusion of Italian, Mexican, and French cuisine. Taste these truly fresh ingredients in signature dishes such as Steak Hash with wild mushrooms, red onion, fire roasted peppers, two poached eggs, chive-chervil crème fraiche or the Kitchen Pasta-- linguini with tomatoes from the garden, basil garlic and shrimp. Dine here for a satisfying meal made with good old fashioned TLC-- tender love and …

Since opening in 2004, Tea-Upon-Chatsworth has provided guests with a lace-trimmed sanctuary for proper tea party revelry. This relaxed yet sophisticated tea room and shop hosts groups of friends and families rejoicing in the leisurely enjoyment of quality tea and decadent morsels. Children have the unique opportunity to hone their act of playing grown-up among fine china and elegant treats, while adult visitors can revisit happy memories of childhood tea parties past. Owner Joy Walsh has spent years perfecting the art of tea service and cuisine, and takes great care to ensure each cup poured and bite offered represents this …

Whimsically whisking guests off to a sweet oasis of tasty times is Babycakes, in Hillcrest. This chic uptown eatery is located in a handsome craftsman-style home characteristic of the neighborhood’s charming architecture, and boasts a large front and back patio. Inside, visitors enjoy a home-away-from-home vibe complemented by antiques, cozy couches, the brick fireplace, and open-beamed ceilings. Sweet dreams meet saccharine-scented fantasies with Babycakes’ luscious dessert cocktails, cupcakes, pastries, and savory delights. Celebrate the weekend with a Babycakes brunch (the Red Velvet Hot Cakes are a hit) or meet up with friends for a proper Monday night nightcap: pair the …

Ikiru Japanese Restaurant is tucked into the historic Liberty Station in Point Loma, offering quality sushi and Japanese fare in a casual and quiet setting. Just beyond the sometimes chaotic scene of San Diego’s beach communities, Ikiru is a choice destination for both creative and more traditional sushi rolls, along with authentic seafood and meat dishes. Ikiru’s enticing lunch specials are always reason enough to stop in, and their full bar featuring a palate-warming variety of sake Japanese beers can turn a meal into an experience.

Comfortably situated right in the middle of Old Town in a converted wooden house, 25 Forty Bistro and Bakehouse offers an intimate, relaxing atmosphere for friends and couples alike. Chef Mark Peliccia of New York opened the restaurant with the intent to use fresh, seasonal produce to create innovative dishes inspired by the various cooking traditions he studied abroad. He is exceptionally passionate about pastries and desserts, which are offered throughout the day, including the Vanilla Custard Crepe and Warm Chocolate Cake. Boasting an indoor dining room and an outdoor patio for warmer evenings, the restaurant has a modern vibe …

Tuned in to what diners really want, Q Restaurant and Sports Bar serves as a true neighborhood hotspot that features not only prime drink specials but also a casual and friendly environment suited for sports fanatics and families alike. This Oceanside eatery is open for lunch, dinner, and late night cravings, and offers quite the spread of classic American fare, along with some international inspired favorites. All of their tasty food selections wash down nicely with any of their fine drink options, which taste even better during Q’s twice-nightly happy hours. And did we mention their grandiose display of HDTV …

Carlsbad Beach Grill is a charming addition to Carlsbad Village with its relaxed atmosphere and family friendly cuisine. Serving a selection of signature soups, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers, simplicity has never been more satisfying or more affordable. Although light on the wallet, there is no skimping on homemade ingredients with hand crafted soups, fresh catch of the day fish tacos, and house-roasted whole fresh turkey. When craving American cuisine with a distinctly Southern Californian twist, make sure to head on over to Carlsbad Beach Grill and experience coastal casual dining.

San Diego sports fans and barbecue enthusiasts unite at Randy Jones All American Sports Grill! The Padres baseball legend has turned his sights from the field to the food, partnering with restaurateur Mark Oliver to bring guests a true sports bar and dining experience. Complementing their all-American cuisine menu is a staggering array of sports viewing options: 22 big screen TVs and a 14-foot high definition projection screen ensure that no game is left behind. And with 24 American beers on draft, we’re sure not to go thirsty either. From the finger-lickin’-good food to the top-notch viewing options, Randy Jones …

Hunting for a “little piece of Europe by the sea”, then look no further than Del Mar’s cozy restaurant wine bar, Crepes & Corks. Located along Camino Del Mar, this bistro stays open from early morning to night. The ambiance is that of romance and simplicity and be detected throughout their food and customer service. Crepes & Corks offers an extensive list of delightfully full bodied, smooth, and buttery wines. They also have dessert wines and beers and offer wine tastings! Crepes & Corks provides patrons with a little taste of Europe in the heart of this coastal town and …

Located on University Avenue, in North Park, this quaint coffee shop remains a favorite among locals for coffee, pastries, and just a place to curl up with a good book. Claire De Lune opens early and closes late daily. They also serve up some of the most creative and tasty coffee drinks in San Diego. Established in 1997, Claire De Lune caters to the college age crowd and hosts live musical acts quite often. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing night in a comfy chair, a casual coffee date, or your morning cup of joe, Claire De Lune is …