Tapas Restaurants in San Diego, CA

“I attended an event at Meraki last night and absolutely loved the space! It’s beautifully clean, open, and so versatile—you can really make it your own. The food was delicious A++ (my favorite was the Fettuccine Alfredo) and the service was truly top notch. Such a great experience from start to finish. Highly recommend!“

“My husband and I had the absolute pleasure to dine at Juniper and Ivy for our 33 year anniversary. Not only did they have special menus for us, but we had a complete and very special experience start to finish.The staff were so welcoming and knowledgeable. We had what I would consider the best seats in the restaurant. We sat up at the kitchen bar, and were treated to an amazing dinner and “show “ The kitchen crew were so impressive and friendly to each other and us. We had such a great experience, that we canceled reservations at another restaurant on the same block for later in the week, so we could come back and try more. Same amazing experience at the next visit. Highly recommend, when we come back to SD we will prioritize another visit. Thank you so much for such a great experience!“

“Omg what a quaint and cozy spot! Our server was the most helpful and friendly server we've had in a while. She gave us excellent recommendations. The vibe was candle lit european bistro style with shareable plates. Perfect for a date night. Cannot wait to return.“

“On 12/29 at 4pm, we got married in Alcazar Garden! At 6pm, we had a reservation at Mabel's Gone Fishing for our party of 13, and it was the perfect first meal of the rest of our lives. The dinner was in the Fish Bowl, the private dining area next to the main one, and we had a prix fixe meal coordinated between us their event coordinator, Everything that came out was perfectly portioned. I never had a passionfruit mignonette, and I appreciate them opening my mind to a sweet thing with the savory brine of the oysters. Course after course, it just kept getting better. Our conservas platter with smoked and oil tinned mussels and mackerel, the roasted beets with the chili and goat cheese, the broiled cod in garum butter and sunflower...I can't believe we ate so much and still had space for cheesecake. This says nothing of the drinks we had, that we probably drank too much of, but they all went down so smoothly! Much praise for our two servers, one of whom was the coordinator we'd been chatting with via email for a month. When we come back to San Diego, The FIRST place we go to dinner will be Mabel's Gone Fishing...ok, maybe it will be Del Taco depending on when we land, but the SECOND place we go will definitely be Mabel's Gone Fishing.“

“The best dining event in a long while. Food is terrific and the beer is literally ice cold. The owner is delightful! Please visit cause it is a treat.“

“The second time coming here was better than the first time. We came here on New Year's Day 2026 and decided to come here the day before Valentines Day to beat the crowds. Even still our wait was 25 minutes. But the food and service to us was worth the wait. Next time I'm going to try to come for Happy Hour.“

“our first time was really good, we ordered ramen. husbad said we will go back for sure. i want to try the bento ❤“

“Absolutely fantastic experience at Osteria Cotto e Mangiato! The service from Andrea (owner) was warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. Every dish we ordered was incredible-from the rich, comforting Carbonara w/anchovies to the Captain's Treasure chest is unexplainable good, everything was cooked to perfection. You can really taste the quality and care in each bite. This place is a gem in San Diego for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine. Oh, by the way, did I mention the Tiramisu... WOW!! Can’t wait to come back!“

“All good dudes hang out at Clem’s.“

“We had a great time visiting during the Mistletoe Pop-Up. The Christmas cocktails were delicious and we tried a few regular offerings. The food menu was underwhelming, so we ended up going elsewhere for food, but the vibe and drinks were great.“

“New Years Day Eve! I left home looking for ramen for my sick husband and ended up at Nozaru. The place is freaking slammed! I was helped with my to go order by Yessi. She was awesome. She should teach customer service 101. She gave me a great suggestion for broth and was patient as I tried to figure out what I want. I sat by the front while I waited and listened to her answer the phone and was so patient, clear, and kind while she took orders. Did I mention it’s crazy busy?? Oh yea, the food was great too! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️“

“They have a white sangria that the wife just LOVES. Have to stop in every once in a while and grab a glass“

“Delicious food and good portions:) Great service“

“Great service! Jas and Deanna were so nice and friendly. Gotta try the Brussel sprouts.“

“Eaten here numerous times. Excellent quality food, and service. Equivalent to San Francisco Bay Area Japanese restaurants..which are outstanding.“

“Food are delicious. Good customer service.“

“Wonderful atmosphere, great service!“

“our waiter was amazing. food was top notch had crab stuffed shrimp with jalapeño cheese sauce. Get it!!“

“The Monkey Bar is such a fun and memorable spot. The atmosphere is vibrant, stylish, and welcoming, making it a great place to stop for drinks or a casual bite whether you are staying at the resort or just passing through.

The holiday drinks are definitely the highlight right now. They are creative, festive, and full of flavor. Each one feels thoughtfully made, not just pretty but actually delicious. They capture that cozy seasonal vibe perfectly and are the kind of drinks you look forward to ordering again.

And I have to mention the monkey fries because they are absolutely amazing. Crispy, flavorful, and addictive, they come out hot and perfectly seasoned. They are one of those menu items you order “for the table,” but everyone ends up wanting their own.

The service is friendly and upbeat, and the whole place has a great energy that makes you want to hang out a little longer. Overall, The Monkey Bar is a must visit. Great drinks, great food, and a vibe that keeps you coming back.“

“Hosted our daughters graduation event there. Very helpful, beautiful outdoor dining and food was very good. Highly recommended for a group birthday, graduation, meetings, etc. the food is California casual, but the setting is lovely and the staff is wonderful. Also a lovely place to grab a quick lunch or brunch with family or friends.“

“Food was fantastic and the bartender was very nice and helpful! Highly recommend!“

“one of the best ramen I ever had...my two son's bring me there on my last Birthday celebration March 4 this year. the Ramen noodles and soups, toppings are so good and delicious. I recommend this restaurant.“

“What a great place. Amazing food and cocktails. Bartenders were amazing.“

“I went as a solo traveler and sat at the bar. The staff was so sweet and friendly. They cleared extra space for me so I could order food (it is a pretty small bar area and I get the feeling food is not often served there) the house wine and eggplant parm were so good and again the staff were so mind and warm. Will definitely go again ❤️“

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

“Delicious food…all of it, the Ramen, the sushi, everything!“