50 Best American Restaurants in San Diego

“Excellent food and very good service. Everything was delicious and the portions were huge. It was expensive for breakfast, but great for a special occasion.“

“Delicious malts and delicious food! Homemade French fries and home made ranch dressing“

“Really enjoyed our first visit to Parkhouse. Definitely coming back. Food and drinks were delicious. The service was exceptional“

“This place is just great. Come here every once in a while for lunch on the weekdays, but today, they had Chilaquiles with Carnitas. Totopos were really good, salsa was AMAZING & the Carnitas... Anyway, I really hope they have them more often!!!“

“Service and ambiance, exceptional service and night life… live dj, good musical and still able to have conversation“

“Very friendly and professional staff . Five star ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️“

“The only downside is the hired help, Ryan Bradford telling people they deserve to be killed (lynched, was his exact words) when he's posting on social media.“

“We love coming to the Melt. You can’t go wrong with the burgers, and the Mac N Cheese is a family favorite. My son would be happy to eat here every day (literally). Service is wonderful, and Annie always has a smile to share. See y’all next week too!“

“This was a last minute breakfast spot mapped out. It turned out to be a great find. Rancho Bernardo has quite a few great spots to try and Hoorahs Breakfast Cafe is jus another addition to the options. We had our breakfast outside. Had umbrellas and plenty of tables. The omelets you can't go wrong with. Lots of egg n meat n everything I like in mine. There were cheese ones and veggie choices. They also substituted the toast or muffin for a pancake. Huge and delicious. And if your looking for a little south of the border taste gotta try the Chilequiles. They can make themselves a tasty dish of Chile Chilequiles. But look out for that spice. Has a kick to your taste buds. Service was great. They let us choose in or outside and which table we rather. Food came quick and drinks were great. Their berry smoothies were perfectly done. Great new spot!“

“Gorgeous view and atmosphere“

“Great place, great food, service is excellent, everybody is having a good time and it shows, this place is a must in SD, whether you go as a couple or with friends, definitely recommended!!!“

“YUMmmmmmmm & thank you!!! Burnt out single mama here, that has prepared way too many meals for myself and my son 😅 & needed something wholesome! The avocado burger & fries wow, & the quinoa avocado bowl with beets, pickled onions, cabbage & some kind of yummy sauce de-fu€king- licious! 🙌💛🙌“

“We stopped in for a drink before getting on the train. I wish we had more time, because this place is great! I love the easy access to trying new drinks, and the menu looks excellent. Everyone in the staff was very kind and helpful. Will definitely come back next time I'm in town.“

“Just spent five nights at the Wyndham Baysidd and had breakfast every morning at Hazelwoods. Great food, fabulous staff. Highly recommend them. Ann & Steve from NJ“

“Im gonna start with great service, delicious drinks and the food was on point. I enjoyed the lamb it was amazing. Oh please if you are over 21 please order the cold brew martini!!! The best dessert for me!“

“I attended Juniper & Ivy for a small post-wedding reception. The space was nice and sectioned off from the rest of the restaurant, although it was loud at times because it’s separated by a curtain. It did still feel private, which was great. Although I was the photographer at this wedding, the staff was still super nice and was able to get me a vegetarian meal. They also let the couple bring in their own cakes, which was great! I’d recommend this spot for a smaller reception for sure.“

“We are from “the beef capital” of Australia and discovered The Lion’s Share during SDCC 2023. My husband has very high standards when it comes to meat (his family owned a cattle property) and he could not fault a single dish. We tried camel sausage for the first time and were amazed at the flavor. Every dish was delicious, and make sure you try the brussel sprouts. A restaurant that specializes under exotic meats that can make brussel sprouts that delicious is doing something right! It is our must visit restaurant when we visit San Diego“

“We came here last night to celebrate my wife's birthday with our son, and the three of us had an absolutely wonderful dinner. The food was completely off the charts, and the service was excellent. We will definitely be back! Much Thanks to Kendra, Chef Tony and the entire staff!“

“Excellent steaks, great service and wonderful atmosphere!!!“

“Soft toasted Bagel with Cream cheese, Orange juice. Hot Coffee with honey sugar tow . Honey Sparkling Water. Daniel Smith.“

“Great place! Excellent service! Delicious food!“

“Fabulous oysters! Definitely worth the wait!“

“We are from out of town and decided to stop by since it’s close to our rental. I cannot recommend this place enough. The food is so good and the service is amazing. I ordered “To The Bitter End” that was created by our bartender, Janeli. That drink is fantastic and she (Janeli) took great care of us. My husband had been traveling all day and was so hungry. We are so glad we stopped in. Thank you so much!“

“Take a date! Take a friend! Hell, go alone if you want!

This place is the most perfect convergence of awesome things all mingled into one: A lounge, a bar, an awesome restaurant, a relaxing poolside hangout, a motel, a theater, a California-to-the-core vibe, a wonderfully comfy and swanky mid-century gem, suitable for young and old alike. And best of all. it's NOT pretentious!

To me, this is the sort of place that truly gives San Diego its well warranted identity.“

“Really pleasant staff and a great menu selection. I didn't take any photos because I dove right into the meal but it was delightful. Prices about average for San Diego area breakfasts.“

“We had a lovely time. The food is soso good!“

“Husband found Melt on Instagram and wanted to try it. So we took the tram from Old Town just to eat early dinner there. Very good. I got the basic grilled cheese (forgot the exact name) and my husband had the Mac Daddy. We were both incredibly happy about our choices. Tried a piece of Mac and cheese from my husband's sandwich and it was incredible. Kinda wanted a whole bowl of just the Mac and cheese. Would definitely eat here again.“

“Amazing food and amazing staff! My husband and I went for breakfast and ordered the meatloaf Benedict and the chicken and waffles tower. They were huge portions but so so delicious! The staff was super friendly and were very happy to be at work. Highly recommend!“

“! I wouldn’t go anywhere else“

“Dining and sight-seeing... Delicious and Beautiful“

“Service 💯 Food 💯 Drinks 💯“

“Everything about that place! Just AMAZING!“

“I stopped in recently and was blown away by both the food and the atmosphere. Their burgers are an incredible deal at only $11–$12, but the quality is on the level of places that charge twice as much. Every bite tastes like something crafted with real care.
I ordered the OK Burger, and WOW, this smash burger was loaded with perfectly grilled onions and just the right amount of garlic. Super flavorful, juicy, and cooked to perfection. They also offer a great selection of cold cut sandwiches, which is perfect if you're craving something different but still want the same level of quality.
I also tried one of their cocktails made with cucumber and Empress gin, and it was fantastic. It was refreshing, smooth, and beautifully balanced. It paired perfectly with the meal.
Friendly service, great vibe, fantastic food, and standout drinks! What more could you ask for? I’ll definitely be back!“

“Delicioso y muy bien servido“

“I like the attention , i like food desserts the place looks very clean“

“Beautiful outdoor seating overlooking the marina. Plenty of seats for a weekday breakfast. Food is absolutely delicious! Perfect portion size for those with a big appetite. Breakfast smash was flavorful and pairs well with a cold brew. Breakfast burrito was huge(!!!) And easily shareable (which we absolutely LOVED). GREAT little breakfast/brunch spot for a family!“

“We attended the 20th annual Celebrate the Craft. It was fantastic and we thoroughly enjoyed the event. The waitstaff at the bar was friendly and provided excellent service.“

“Great food and drinks! The service is superb!“

“Had a great time at BJs. Our server Lauren was exceptional. Very friendly service and great advice on selections. We will be back.“

“You guys are the real MVPs Not having a special menu goes the extra mile to show that you’re willing to show gratitude to veterans. Now I’m a regular after eating here. Shout out for the flank steak last night. Our server Belle was great as well.“

“Great food, service, atmosphere, and view.“

“My first time I California and this was the best place! I tried a couple places and this pace had the best food and drinks! And the crew was amazing!“

“From the moment you walk in, Flora greets you with a smile. My server Lizzy, was great and kind. The cooks deserve praise for a fast, tasty food experience. And last, but not least, Tony, the floor manager made it all come together. Thanks, folks.“

“Friendly and courteous staff, high quality and delicious food! Love their drinks and desserts as well. The menu is not overwhelming for me to choose! Lovely atmosphere!“

“We had the best waiter, Seth R. He gave me his personal favorite dish-Chilaquiles with over medium egg and carne asada. He nailed it. It was soo good, I didn’t need Cholula on it. I ate my plate so fast, I didn’t have a chance to take a photo.“

“decent seafood views are qorth the prices“

“best burger in town and the fries are amazing“

“Great burgers, quick service. Good value for money.“

“The food was fantastic here! So filling and delicious 🍔 Service was great. Allasha was our server. She helped us get familar with the menu and answered all of our questions. She brought our food out promptly and checked in on us later to see if we needed anything else, and all while helping her fellow servers. She was giving shift lead energy 👏“

“Food was great, especially the fried goat cheese and the short rib flat bread! Service was friendly and expedient. Right across the street from Ocean Beach, so we took a stroll near the water afterward. 2 adults, 2 children, 1 drink, and 3 mocktails along with the 3 entrees and 1 appetizer ended up about $160 after tip for an idea of pricing. We have spent more for elsewhere for food not nearly as good.

I only gave 4 stars for atmosphere because it was fairly loud, definitely not enough to deter a visit, but loud enough that we had to speak up to hear our own conversation - which is somewhat challenging for the soft-spoken 12-year-old - LOL Just something to keep in mind if you are looking for a quiet spot.

We were so full from dinner that we didn’t try dessert, and they had a churro biscuit that was calling our name, but we will need to try that on another visit. We will definitely be back!“