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Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in San Diego

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OpenTable
Updated 05 February 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego restaurant
5.0
5 (336)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Mission Valley
About the restaurant
THE NM CAFE located in Neiman Marcus SAN DIEGO has been recently remodeled and is now open 7 days a week, 11 am- 4pm.

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® SAN DIEGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review
Jay
Dined 3 days ago
We had a lovely Valentines Day lunch. Consistent excellent wait staff and also consistent food quality makes this a favorite place for lunch in San Diego
A photo of Wildland restaurant
4.8
4.8 (34)
$30 and under
Californian
Carlsbad
About the restaurant
WALK-IN'S ONLY FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

WALK-IN'S AND RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER.

Wildland is an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery inspired by the natural landscape and vibrant community of North County, celebrating the creative culture of California by bringing bold ideas to timeless traditions.

Night or day, this is a place for the every day.

We open daily at 8am, with counter service up until 4:00pm, inviting you all to come in and join us on a first-come, first-serve basis for breakfast and lunch.

Reservations are available every evening, and walk in guests are always welcome.

Private Dining Room reservations are available for parties of 12-18 guests.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 5 days ago
I went to Wildland with friends for dinner last night and loved it. The food and service were excellent. We ordered Prosciutto Toast, Charred Maitake Mushrooms, A Very Green Salad and Rigatoni. We also had the Venetian cocktail and Sangiovese wine. The cocktail was served with a massive quantity of ice. I would order it up next time. The food was fabulous and fresh. We loved the mushrooms, toast and salad! The only odd thing was the anchovy in the Rigatoni. The pasta and oxtail were delicious. I like anchovy but adding it to an oxtail and pasta dish wasn’t good. It was very fishy and strange paired with the oxtail. There were so many other things on the menu that I want to try that I will definitely be back.
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
4.8
4.8 (851)
$30 and under
Pizzeria
Pacific Beach
About the restaurant
An authentic but unique Milano gourmet pizza, a special dough recipe, an innovative pizza-making process, high-quality Italian ingredients, a holistic approach to the food and beverage world, a focus on sustainable agriculture and farming, along with a deep love for Milano, where Andrea, Giacomo, and Luca grew up, and for San Diego, where they studied, worked and became who they are now. These are some of the concepts that make up the Ambrogio15 project. The idea was born in both Milano and San Diego, in the minds and the hearts of three young Italian guys who decided to leave the corporate world to begin a new adventure of passion, friendship, and a bit of foolishness.

Top review
DanielVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Great service, really appreciate the staff. This is our regular weekly spot for a reasonably priced high quality pizza & salads in a cool atmosphere. Feels casual but special and authentic at the same time. Even for Valentine’s Day, it was nice normal menu with a few specials, not a bad prefix like many others. Please support to keep this place thriving!!
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
4.9
4.9 (514)
$30 and under
French
Downtown
About the restaurant
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.

We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & family
but also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !

Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !

Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients !

Discover why our place isso highly rated !

Cheers!

Top review
GayleVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Never disappoints, we will be back. One of our favorites near the Civic Theater
A photo of Youngblood restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1090)
$50 and over
Speakeasy
Downtown
About the restaurant
Our team has been busy crafting an exciting new beverage experience, and we can’t wait to share it with you soon! In the meantime, you can still indulge in our signature 90-minute, three-course cocktail experience for $67 plus tax and gratuity.

Starting February 12th, reservations will feature the all-new Youngblood experience: an elevated three-course beverage tasting, with a few delightful surprises, priced at $86 plus tax and gratuity. We’re thrilled to unveil what we’ve been working on!

Come find us.

Top review
DenisseVIP
Dined 6 days ago
This was one of the greatest drink experiences I have ever encountered! The bartenders are extremely knowledgeable. You can also taste different flavors in the drinks from all over the world. I love the bartender spiels after each drink. Can’t wait to bring my girlfriends here!
A photo of Baja Betty's restaurant
5.0
5 (344)
$30 and under
Mexican
Hillcrest
About the restaurant
If you are in the mood for creative, Tex-Mex inspired dishes, the fun and atmosphere of Baja Betty's in San Diego, CA is for you. This popular eatery provides diners with a colorful and entertaining setting in which to savor a full array of dishes made from the freshest and most authentic ingredients.



The menu at Baja Betty's features many expected options, such as a comprehensive quesadilla menu and array of satisfying combination platters. However, diners can also enjoy a build your own burrito or bowl, an array of house specialties and tacos and some stunning signature margaritas to wash it all down. The menu at Baja Betty's also offers a long list of tequilas and mezcals, a full range of appetizers, nachos, soups, salads and the best Taco Tuesday in town!

Top review
Julia
Dined on 19 Jan 2025
great food and service v
A photo of LIPS - San Diego restaurant
4.9
4.9 (94)
$31 to $50
American
North Park
About the restaurant
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.

DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional)

All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

Top review
Raymond
Dined 2 days ago
Good food, fair price, fantastic entertainment!!! All the ladies were friendly, entertaining and full of charm. Great night out for all.
A photo of The WineSellar & Brasserie restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1013)
$31 to $50
French
Sorrento Mesa
About the restaurant
Established in 1988, The WineSellar & Brasserie is San Diego's premiere destination for fine wine and exquisitely crafted locally sourced, organic fare.

Consistently ranked among OpenTable's Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie has been honored with either Wine Spectator's "Grand Award" and "Best Of Award Of Excellence" every year since our inception.

With your meal, enjoy a bottle from the adjoining WineSellar boutique wine shop or choose a wine from our award-winning list. Either way, you’ll find an outstanding selection of unique small-production wines not found anywhere else. Not in the mood for wine? Choose from our rotating list of craft beers or seasonally available craft cocktails.

Top review
Rachel
Dined 2 days ago
Did not care for the fixed Valentine's dinner menu but that was our fault for not realizing that when we booked the reservation. Our server was lovely but there seemed to be a lag between courses which likely was a kitchen issue? Portions were small. Stopped somewhere afterwards so my partner could have a snack. Lovely ambiance as always. Will go back but not likely when a fixed menu is offered.
A photo of Baci Restaurant - San Diego restaurant
4.9
4.9 (1920)
$31 to $50
Italian
Old Town
About the restaurant
Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.
Top review
BarbaraVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Waiters were very attentive. Food was delicious. Restaurant was quiet but had many customers even though it was early (5:30). All restaurants are expensive and an expensive meat market and an expensive fish market are around the corner.
A photo of Vinarius restaurant
4.9
4.9 (401)
$30 and under
Italian
Downtown
About the restaurant
Vinarius is an Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Little Italy San Diego. We offer an extensive wine list with wines coming from different regions of the world; the best meat and cheese board with Italian cured meats and different cheeses to pair with our wines. Our chef Alex makes homemade pasta enriched with our homemade sauces, entrees, pizza, different appetizers to choose from, and desserts that pair well with our port wines and after-dinner drinks. You definitely have to try our daily specials!
Our cozy full bar is also the perfect place to enjoy your drink and food while watching some sports!

Top review
rob
Dined 3 days ago
Paula was exceptional, and helped make it extraordinary from cocktail, to appie, wine pairing for our main. The food was authentic Italian, perfectly paired with the service
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