Since I’ve moved back to San Diego and and met my husband we have gone out to eat, a lot. Here I’m sharing some of our ultimate favorite San Diego restaurants. As diverse as they are, you’ll find something in each price range, and in various styles.
A few, I am especially sad to report – such as The Westgate buffet have stopped during COVID- and were never to reappear. March 26, 2020 was the very last buffet at The Westgate Le Fountain Bleu restaurant. Otherwise, onward we go. They still have an A La Carte Sunday breakfast and lunch menu, as well as a beautiful Sunday Tea experience.
San Diego local secrets
Tom Hams Lighthouse – on Shelter Island for Sunday Brunch. My husband has been going there for decades. How good is it? So great that we’ve been there 100’s of times. It’s all you can eat, and they even stayed open during COVID, albeit with a modified dine at your table all-you-can-eat. But -now they’re back in full swing. It’s a fantastic atmosphere, great view, awesome wait staff who are very attentive – and of course, going there so often, we have our own personal server who we love. And I highly recommend Tom Ham’s for New Years Day Brunch ☕️🍹🍹🥓🥞 ! (It was actually our first brunch together of many to come!! 😀😍)
Westgate Hotel Le Fountain Bleu – in downtown San Diego as I mentioned above. Westgate Le Fountain Bleu Brunch 🍡🍪🍩🍾🥂 Love everything about this place!🍹🍹🥟🍡🥓🍪💛💋
Favorite Dessert Places
Hans and Harry – in Bonita lovely pastry shop with an excellent mouth watering selection. Recently remodeled, although open in the same location since 1991. It’s a new local favorite for me, I had never been there until I moved back to San Diego in 2015 and met my husband. He introduced me and my family to their wonderful Fresh Fruit Strudel, which has become a standard staple at family holidays now.
Extraordinary Desserts – in Bankers Hill has been on my favorite San Diego restaurant list since back in the 1990’s before I left on my year of travel and living on three continents. Pastry Chef Karen Krasner opened the original Extraordinary Desserts location in 1989 in Hillcrest, and recently moved a few blocks over to Banker’s Hill, a larger and more modern locale. Chef Krasne also opened a second location in Little Italy, where you can have a full course meal, or just a salad with your dessert selection.
The desserts are so good, and I go there so frequently, I have my own parking space right across the street. House coffee is strong and excellent to pair with anything your order. Everything is good. Just have to watch out if their chocolate cakes have been setting out for a while, I have had stale taste, so I now opt for the cakes which have not been cut into yet, and they always taste fresh. (Pro Tip!)
Paradise Yogurt – in Mission Valley. Since we’re talking iced goodness, I highly recommend this hidden gem of a yogurt shop. I love to sneak in here whenever I can for a Chocolate frozen yogurt, but their selection definitely doesn’t stop there. With over 20 flavors that change daily you’re sure to find your favorites!
Favorite Meat Places
Gyu Kaku Japanese BBQ – in Scripps Ranch (it’s a franchise chain however we favor this location as opposed to the downtown one). How good is it ? It’s so good we have dined there over 100 times. We used to get the all you can eat, but it was discontinued during COVID, so now we order off the other menus. Following are our MUsT HAVes to order. Trust us on this one. If it’s your first time dining at Gyu-Kaku, (I am writing this by heart, off the top of my head we have it so down), here is what to order:
- Gyu Sushi
- Tuna Volcanoes
- Bacon Chips
- Gyu Kaku Salad
- Addicting Cabbage Salad
- Spicy Cucumber Salad
- Beef Sukuyaki
Teguki Korean BBQ – in Kearny Mesa, Convoy Area
This place was actually our first dinner date. We go there a LOT. What to order: all you can eat, not the supreme just the regular because we don’t like all the extras that come with premium menu. Then from Teguki, bring your receipt (for a small discount) and head next door to experience –
The Korean Rose 🌹 – and get a coffee or Boba 🧋 of your choice. They have specialties and unique flavors such as lavender and rose. After that, if you’re really adventurous you can walk next next door to the Chinese Junk/Gift Shop and pick up a few trinkets. This little hole in the wall Chinese trinket shop, it reminds me of my shopping addiction when I lived in China.
Yet, I digress. Our favorite San Diego restaurants continue…
Hubby went to their opening day back in 1980’s, and has been a solid fan ever since. Best gyros burgers, and BEST🥗🍔fries. On the way home from many therapy sessions and doctor’s appointments, it was our reward stop.
