Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

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

Temaki Bar

4.8

4.8 (23)

$30 and under

Japanese

Encinitas

About the restaurant

Translating to “hand roll,” Temaki Bar celebrates the tradition that all perfect hand rolls should be eaten within seconds of the chef passing them across the counter — while the rice is still warm and the fish, fresh and chilled.

Delivery and in-person to-go orders are now available!

Temaki Bar does not take reservations. We encourage guests to put their name on the online waitlist up to an hour prior to their expected arrival. The online waitlist can be accessed via our website,
temakibarsushi.com, or on OpenTable. Parties larger than 4 guests cannot be guaranteed to be seated together.

EAT HERE || LIVE FOREVER

Top review

Kory

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Love the vibe, best sushi spot in North County!!!!

MOTHERSHIP

4.8

4.8 (268)

$30 and under

Tapas / Small Plates

North Park

About the restaurant

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine.

Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy!

WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

Top review

Dustin

Dined 4 days ago

Excellent service, bartenders are attentive, give good recommendations, are kind even when people are drunk, and of course the drinks are killer. Their own take on classic tiki drinks alongside some of their own creations. They also list how boozy they are which is essential for tiki as some are very strong. Expected cocktail bar prices but nothing ridiculous. The decor is spectacular - a mix of a crashed spaceship and alien cave with fun details everywhere. There’s also a custom soundtrack that’s a mix of krautrock rhythm, synths, guitar, and electronic elements to set the mood. Didn’t have any cooked food, only soft serve, which was masala chai and vietnamese coffee which was excellent. Will be recommending this to everyone in SD.

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Experience

MOTHERSHIP - HALLOWEEN SPECIAL

Cellar Hand

4.8

4.8 (90)

$31 to $50

Farm-to-table

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.

Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

The Bluefin Tuna “HAM” was amazing. I also really enjoyed the Yellowtail with their version of the “RITZ” cracker; highly recommend. I had the Rockfish and my wife had the Berkshire Pork with Spice Apple Butter. They were both great but I was especially impressed with the Pork. The Pound Cake with the Ricotta Cheese Ice Cream was dangerously delicious… Johnny was a great server and we will definitely be back for more!

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Experience

Brunch at Cellar Hand

ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.7

4.7 (829)

$31 to $50

International

Downtown

About the restaurant

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.

Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project.
ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs Park
Follow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

Top review

Mary

Dined 2 days ago

I love the unusual items on Artifacts menu. My son and I have eaten there twice and plan to go back soon. The dishes have been combined with foods that are unusual, delicious and interesting. The drinks are excellent. The wait staff is superb, helpful, fast but quiet and cheerful, not obtrusive at all. The decor is splendid. It is modern, but warm. Very chic. And the Mingei gift shop across the hall is a wonderful place to browse and sometimes buy.

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Experience

Filipino Dinner with Guest Chef Phillip Esteban

Experience

Journey to Poland

Camino Riviera

4.7

4.7 (26)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Join us for a full sensory journey through the Yucatán in our sultry dining room and open air lounge. SDCM Corporate Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has curated an eclectic menu that integrates his unique style with Mexican cuisine. The bar program is built on classic cocktails while celebrating the spirits and flavors from all over Latin America. We source rare expressions of mezcal and tequila from some of the most revered producers in Mexico.

We accept requests for both environments but cannot guarantee the ability to accommodate all requests.

Top review

mark

Dined 3 days ago

5+ out of 5 experience; the staff, food and atmosphere were all on point. This was our first time at Camino Riviera, but will not be our last. We can’t say enough good things about this establishment.

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Experience

Late Night Lounge

Same Same

4.6

4.6 (9)

$31 to $50

Thai

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Inauthentic Thai, Jungle Vibes, Eclectic Drinks.

We are located on the second floor of the Carlsbad Village Faire Shops at the top of the east staircase.

Same Same has the perfect space for birthday bashes, holiday parties, corporate events, wedding festivities, and more!

*Reservations are for Dinner guests only, our bar is always open seating!
*Grace Period for reservations is 15 mins

Top review

shawn

Dined on Oct 5, 2024

Great tasting food with a Thai twist. Everybody raves about the drinks, they were okay, food was the best.

Firehouse American Eatery and Lounge

4.5

4.5 (193)

$30 and under

American

Pacific Beach

About the restaurant

FIREHOUSE restaurant, at the forefront of upscale-beach dining, sits in the heart of Pacific Beach. Wedged between local Fire Station 21 and Ocean Walk, FIREHOUSE offers an eclectic compilation of classic American dishes and beach side, craft cocktails. FIREHOUSE maintains its iconic patio with the signature fire pit and 4 private seating cabanas. A retractable awning provides shade on hot days and warmth in the winter for all our ocean-view dining tables.

Top review

Rob

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

The food was amazing, and the service was great. Visited Firehouse 21 next door to get a few T-shirts as well. Great location. We will be back during our next trip to San Diego

Botanica

4.5

4.5 (18)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

North Park

About the restaurant

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

Top review

Tim

Dined 4 days ago

Cute ambience with delicious food and drinks. Makes for a great date night location or even a casual outing to try somewhere new.

Roma Norte

4.5

4.5 (12)

$30 and under

Mexican

Downtown

About the restaurant

Roma Norte is the newest venture from the expert beverage team behind Puesto and Marisi, set to redefine the cocktail scene in downtown San Diego. Inspired by the vibrant cocktail culture of Mexico City's Roma Norte neighborhood, Roma Norte promises a technique-driven cocktail experience paired with light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites.

Please note that we have limited availability on Opentable. We recommend you check for reservations on our website, https://www.romanorte.bar!

Top review

Efren

Dined 3 days ago

Good time good ambience good drinks however, my server seemed like he was in a bit of a rush.

Fisher's

4.1

4.1 (132)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Little Italy

About the restaurant

With only four tables back in 1989 "Don Simon" and his family; Jazmin his wife, and their three children; Charles, Simon and Gabriel opened the first Fisher's in Mexico City. With only 12 items on its menu, Fisher's became a destination in the northern area of Mexico City.

Since its founding in 1989, Grupo Fisher's has developed seven brands in more than 30 locations, one of them in Madrid Spain. Al of them family style restaurants with the freshest and most innovative way to prepare sea food products. Grupo Fisher's has become the most successful sea food restaurant chain in Mexico with more than 2500 associates and capable of hosting more than 200,000 guests per month.

We are pleased to welcome you to the second international location of Grupo Fisher's right here in San Diego's Little Italy.

Top review

RUBYvip

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

Great food and service. We will definitely return.

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