Dining Alone Restaurants

Tucked away in the heart of Adams Avenue- the famous strip in the neighborhood of Normal Heights- you will find Tao. Offering healthy Vietnamese/Japanese cuisine with an extensive vegetarian selection, Chef Hung “Eric” Tao also features his homemade tofu and soy milk, which he makes fresh daily. His specialty is his Mango “Chicken” Rice: soy based mock “chicken” pieces sautéed with sweet, juicy mango, and the Tofu Rice Pot, tofu, and stir fry vegetables atop rice served in an iron rice pot. With such popular selections, this casual hotspot will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike.

KITCHEN 1540, our signature restaurant, highlights the feel and flavors of our Southern California roots. The seamless flow from the bar to the dining room and outdoor patio spaces offer guests the perfect mix of experiences. KITCHEN 1540's cuisine highlights locally-sourced ingredients that capture bright, seasonal tastes of Del Mar, California. Served amongst an open presentation kitchen. A private dining room wrapped in wine-encased walls is the ideal setting for a special event, or choose the romance of an outdoor private cabana and enjoy the lights, the stars, and the ocean breezes. KITCHEN 1540 has garnered numerous awards including such …

Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy …

The Melting Pot is a one-of-a-kind restaurant giving guests the opportunity to dip to their hearts’ content – in fondue, that is. Boasting an unbelievably decadent menu of cheese, broth, and chocolate-based fondue options, diners are armed with everything they need to satisfy that certain craving for something sweet or savory. Home in the Gaslamp Quarter’s very first skyscraper, The Melting Pot’s chic décor hearkens back to a golden era of opulence, while maintaining a contemporary air of casual elegance. Join family and friends around the Melting Pot table and partake in the joyous style of dining that is fondue.

‘High quality’ is the first thing you think of when hearing the name Bentley’s. Located in Encinitas, the restaurant serves beautifully cured and braised meats, with some of the freshest seafood and poultry along the coast. The Bentley’s dining room and outdoor patio have space between tables so that guests can have a private conversation or romantic evening. The restaurant’s ambiance and décor is that of a “classic” steakhouse; they provide a kids menu, and can accommodate up to 50 guests for a private event. Bentley’s cuisine mixes flavors and textures that excite palates and offers the option of creating …

Honey’s Bistro and Bakery is surely one of San Diego’s hidden treasures. The restaurant, noted only by its burgundy red onning and forest green umbrellas sits nestled between some of Encinitas’ most eclectic boutiques on Highway 101. The café is open from 5:30am until 3:00pm daily and provides an outrageous menu of mouthwatering selections including everything from a mug of their fresh coffee and an in house baked scone, to their signature soups, salads, omelets, and other various breakfast and lunch entrees. Honey’s offers something delectable for all customers and is a delightful place to bring “out of towners”. The …

Mistral, located in the luxurious Loews Resort on Coronado Bay, features award-winning dining attracting locals and resort guests alike. Accomplished Chef de Cuisine Patrick Ponsaty offers fine French cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavors set to serene ocean views. Take in the ocean breeze on the patio or dine indoors next to one of the many large windows and bask in the sophisticated and elegant décor. Mistral allows guests to indulge in a variety of ways: choose the more casual bar bites offered in the lounge, the classic but seasonal-inspired dinner menu or the seasonal tasting menu— no matter what you …

The Incredible Cheesecake Company combines old methods with excellent quality ingredients to bring some of the best cakes that taste heavenly and also look appealing. Aside from the usual classics such as fudge brownie and cookies n’ cream there are other unique creations that aren’t offered anywhere else. These specialty cakes are not difficult for the chefs to create and they usually have the cake done in 3 hours! In the meantime, patrons can enjoy the espresso bar that features many caffeinated sweets to keep the anticipation high until the cheesecake is ready. They’re also extremely popular with weddings due …

Redwing Bar and Grill offer some of the cheapest appetizers that include all the fancy additions and plenty of drinks. Every day brings something new for those who are willing to brave the craziness that the sports bar delivers. Monday’s are sports days, karaoke on Saturday, Thursdays are usually very low cost beer days, and Wednesday is sushi night with only the freshest Japanese cuisine. There’s always a special occasion going on at Redwing and everyone usually has a great time. Even if one is not that big of a drinker, it is still worth bringing a group of friends …

In the age of fast food, quality and price have become an oxymoron. So when it comes to pizza, you can pay more for quality service and ingredients or stay on budget and replace freshness with grease. Thankfully there's Surf Rider Pizza Cafe. Finally, a no-fuss pizza eatery where the recipes and toppings of a gourmet restaurant meet the laid back attitude of Ocean Beach. Combined with reasonable prices, Surf Rider Pizza has beach dwellers and visitors buzzing about their popular fresh baked pizzas, such as their house special Surf Rider Pizza with roasted garlic, fresh basil, olive oil, parmesan, …

Opened in 1999, Fresco Trattoria in Carlsbad is just a few blocks from the beach and offers traditional Italian cuisine seven days a week for both lunch and dinner. Owner Leone D’Arcangelo is from a small town on the west coast of Italy, very similar to the restaurant's location in North County. When it comes to seafood, pasta, steaks, veal, chicken, pizza or appetizers, Fresco has every base covered. A very encompassing wine menu provides the perfect pairing for your meal whether sitting in the elegant dining room with a bubbling fountain or lounging under the stars on the patio …

No shirt, no shoes, no problem! Recognized by CNN as one of the US’s top 5 burger joints, Hodad’s burgers are known by fans as the best in the west. Opened in 1969 in the laid-back Ocean Beach district of San Diego, Hodad’s has now expanded into a burger empire by serving their own signature but simple baskets of burgers, fries, onion rings and milk shakes. Their uncompromising commitment to quality and service has elevated this burger joint into the top spots. Located right off the beach near the infamous Ocean Beach Pier, Hodad’s is a fast food paradise within …

For an authentic taste of New Jersey style cheese steaks without having to travel outside of San Diego, Pop’s Jersey Style Cheesesteaks offers traditional east coast steak sandwiches for those hungry west coasters. The menu offers simple selections of their house specialties, but their main attraction is the cheese steak, topped with lots of melted cheese as well as diced peppers and onions. This local attraction in the heart of Pacific Beach keeps locals and tourists alike coming back for some New Jersey flavor.

Known and loved by many as a charming restaurant and bakery, The French Gourmet also boasts impressive credentials as a full-service catering business. This San Diego favorite has been conjuring up decadent and flavorful delicacies from scratch in its kitchen, and then serving them to loyal patrons inside and out of the dining room since 1979. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner become casual yet decadent holidays at The French Gourmet, where fresh pastries, classic hors d’oeuvres, and house-made specialties mingle with award-winning wines. Set in an intimate space bathed in natural light during the day and a romantic glow in the …

The North Park neighborhood of San Diego is quickly becoming the welcomed alternative to downtown, with high-quality and hip joints popping up all the time. Toronado is one of those places that have gained quite the local fan base for its staggering selection of craft beers on tap, and its satisfying menu of fresh and tasty pub fare. Toronado boasts a refreshingly casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere where the enjoyment of fine drink and food takes precedence. In fact, freshness and quality is so important to the Toronado crew that the drink and food menus are updated daily to ensure guests savor …

Among one of the original locations, The Broken Yolk Café in Pacific Beach is a local favorite for San Diegans. Open since 1979, The Broken Yolk’s brand of home-cooked comfort food is famous for their generous portions. With over 20 omelets available and a casual atmosphere to boot, make sure you come around for lunch as well. Fans of the Broken Yolk rave about their burgers and sandwiches. It’s a great place to people watch, and the scenic view from their outdoor rooftop patio isn’t so bad either. The Broken Yolk Café is located along the coastal line, so if …

After the hustle and bustle of a busy week, The Fish Bucket offers reprieve from a stressful day. Tucked away in a Tierrasanta shopping area, The Fish Bucket is a quiet little eatery where locals come into relax and have some great food. With a nautical and vintage décor, customers are taken back to an older era of ocean blue and sailor-white elements reminiscent of sandy days out on the beach. Also a part of the oldies-but-goodies theme, 50’s music can be heard in the background as guests converse with friends and colleagues over some great American seafood. Outdoor seating …

A bustling lunch crowd advertises the popularity of Niban Japanese Restaurant in Kearny Mesa and an outdoor patio makes it an enticing opportunity to get outside for a lunch break. It’s not uncommon to see a line out the door , and the friendly and attentive staff consistently delivers food quickly to the table, no matter the size of the crowd. Menu items are reasonably priced and along with weekly changing specialty rolls like the Spicy Scallop Roll, which are available for $5. All food is freshly prepared and curries, noodle dishes, bento boxes, as well as teriyaki bowls, round …

For a classic seafood experience with a laid-back attitude, look no further then The Fish Market—San Diego’s premiere destination for seafood. Located on Shelter Island below the Top of the Market Restaurant, The Fish Market features options for several types of seafood faire, including seafood cocktails, oysters, fresh filets, and sushi. You can dine while overlooking the breathtaking San Diego bay for either lunch or dinner. Since 1989, The Fish Market has been enchanting and comforting their guests with premium seafood choices and a dazzling waterfront view.

For a unique blend of Italian cuisine fused with the flavors of California, Cucina Urbana is a one-of-a-kind fine dining destination in the heart of Banker’s Hill. The interior is reminiscent of an old farm house and a modernized kitchen, with bold abstract paintings on the wall and rich accents of rustic wood. The cuisine is predominantly Italian, such as gourmet pizzas and handmade pastas, but the inspiration from California comes from the subtle flavors, the cooking style, and the stresses of using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Cucina Urbana is also a Wine Shop-- and the possibilities of …