The Best...Lunch in San Diego

Our Local Expert Says:

Be wary of the tasty chips & dip - they are so delicious that you might fill up before your meal, but it's worth saving some extra room for the savory entrees as well!

Description:

Don't just assume that South Park's El Camino is yet another average Mexican food restaurant. Rather, this off-the-wall Hispanic eatery not only offers up patrons an unique twist on the typical Mexican fare but with a great vibe to boot. Filled to the brim with flourescent colors, Mexican folklore plastered on the walls, images of the Christ and Mary, and so on, it isn't just the sweet smell of spices that will entice you to enter El Camino. With great prices, some fusion of Spanish cuisine (like Sangria) as well as the local California-Mexican fare and a taste of the true spirit of Mexico with flambenco music bouncing off the walls, El Camino is a hidden favorite. Even more exciting is that while the area might reflect some of the traditional flavors of the cuisine, the restaurant itself is clean and uses fresh ingredients.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're just as addicted to great salsa as the rest of California, order your food to go - even if you're planning on eating it there - and they'll pack up extra salsa that is great for entries of all types at home!

Description:

Located on Mission Blvd in the heart of Pacific Beach, Taco Surf isn't your average Mexican shop. Though small, a bit dingy and filled with local hoodlums that spend their days surfing the California waves and enjoying the California grass, Taco Surf is your above-average place for the infamous California burrito - and more. Best described as a Mexican hole-in-the-wall and surfboard "museum" (slash display case for beautiful boards), Taco Surf defines what it means to be a local eatery. The best and most popular option is the burrito, which includes the option to choose four from an extensive list of egg, cheese, guacamole, potatoes, salsa fresca, lettuce, tomato and much more. In addition, the salsa there is addicting and worth taking an entire bottle to the table - per person.

Description:

Lanna offers authentic Thai food with homemade recipes passed through generations. Their menu provides an extensive selection of the most popular Thai dishes from different regions of Thailand. If you're in the mood for something better than average during a night in, forget that pizza and order in some  Lanna Thai. Delivering to most Pacific Beach homes, Lanna's less-than appealing location will make up for its deliciously traditional cuisine. Offering up Thai Wonton soup, the typical pad thai, curries and a special selection of seafood. Their 'Lanna's Platter" is a great way to start the evening with a large party, and gives you a taste of everything they have to offer.

Description:

Bazaar Del Mundo Shops, a warren of mostly Latin-themed gift stores, operates this Mexican restaurant a block away from Old Town State Historic Park. Casa Guadalajara is both better and less crowded than options in the park, although waits of 30 minutes or more are not unusual here on Friday and Saturday. Mariachi tunes played by strolling musicians enliven the room nightly, and you can dine alfresco in a picturesque courtyard occupied by a 200-year-old pepper tree. Birdbath-size margaritas start most meals. Dining ranges from simple south-of-the-border fare to more gourmet items like tequila lime shrimp and mango chipotle chicken, but the extensive menu features all the usual fajita and combo plates. Breakfast is also served on weekends. This place is touristy, but out-of-towners looking for old California ambience and reliable Mexican food will find it here.

Description:

Get your fix for the most flavorful, beautiful and healthy salads, at this tiny East Village daytime eatery. Choose from a long list of signature salads, such as the Ahi Tuna & Tomato, and daily special soup

Description:

Creative, whimsical touches abound -- such as a children's area, a retail space, and a patio built for two -- at this bistro infused with the refined tastes and joie de vivre of its proprietors. Cafe Chloe is small, it's loud when at capacity, and its tiny kitchen can get backed up. But the neighborly conviviality -- combined with a short-but-sweet French-inspired menu covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- makes for a winning dining experience, and one unique enough to create a stir in ever-morphing San Diego.

Description:

The word "Hodad" is a slang term used to describe a surfer "wanna-be." A hodad may own a surfboard and may even haul that board to the beach, yet never actually surfs. This joint has character, surfing character, with surfing memorabilia covering the walls and a jukebox playing appropriate tunes. Guests experience a surf dream world at this Ocean Beach establishment. For an extra treat, try sitting in the booth constructed from the front of a VW bus. Now THIS is Southern California!

Description:

Phil's Barbecue is mesquite-grilled rather than the traditional slow-smoked fare. The main menu items consist of beef or pork ribs, chicken and sandwiches. Locals either love it or hate it, but Phil's is drawing in tourists in droves. The food is sauced generously, so ask for it on the side if you don't like it bland. Side dishes include salads, slaw, baked beans, French fries, and even steamed veggies, not to mention the big thick onion rings which have a cult following of their own. Service is walk-up, with waiters common at peak times. Ambiance is sports-bar casual with large-screen TV's and friendly fellow diners. Bring an appetite as the portions are huge. Budget diners can split the full 5-bone Beef Rib dinner and never feel deprived.

Description:

The traditions of European artisan bread-making and attention to the fine points of texture and crust quickly catapulted Bread & Cie. to local stardom -- they now supply bread to more than 75 local restaurants. Some favorites are available daily, like anise and fig, black olive, and jalapeño and cheese; others are available just 1 or 2 days a week Ask for a free sample or order one of the many Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches. A specialty coffee drink perfectly accompanies a light breakfast of fresh scones, muffins, and homemade granola with yogurt. Seating is at bistro-style tables in full view of the busy ovens. Bread & Cie.'s phone line includes the usual prerecorded directional and hours of operation prompts, as well as a children's ditty sung in Dutch and a museum curator's dissertation on postmodern neo-Gothic impressionism.

Description:

For all you chicken lovers—the Chicken Pie Shop is your dream come true! You will absolutely relish the delicious, freshly packed, richly crusted in gravy chicken. And it's a treat for all because you can have a healthy filling meal without it being heavy on the wallet. Apart from its well-acclaimed specialty, you could also munch upon a few sandwiches, salad as well as sumptuous fruit pies.

Description:

Burger Lounge is the place for an upscale take on the old-fashioned "burger joint" meal using organically-raised Angus beef. The juicy hamburgers are tasty, the turkey burger is splendid and the fries are crisp, hot and sprinkled with herbs. The onion rings are made with a light coating over a slightly undercooked onion slice–it's an acquired taste for some. The service is vibrant. The menu is limited to burgers, salads and chicken skewers. Everything about Burger Lounge is bright, fresh, tasty and quickly served with a smile! Beer, wine and scrumptious milkshakes are also available here.

Description:

Another of several Pacific Beach coffeehouses, this one is known for its cozy, intimate decor and its great selection of coffees and teas. It is no place to be in a hurry; many locals stop by and consider it to be their place to mellow down. Order a decaf and enter the zone of relaxation. The comfortable seating arrangements are surrounded by local artwork. Choose from dozens of varieties of coffee, pastries and light, simple meals consisting of soup and sandwiches.

Description:

Ideally located for the Pacific Beacher, Cafe 976 is located just two blocks up from the beach on Cass Street in downtown Pacific Beach and is constantly filled with friendly faces surfing the free wi-fi, chomping down on delicious food like breakfast burritos, salads, acai bowls or sandwiches. Recently updated to serve the busy weekend crowd by wait staff, the restaurants large menu is perfect during a day at the beach or a necessary caffeine stop; walls of chalkboard make up their menu inside where friendly staff serve the to-go diners up at the counter. Outdoor seating is ideal during the summer months as greenery shade the corner from the blistering sun, while indoor mismatched chairs and tables give the place a funky vibe. Cafe 976 is well-priced and serves hearty portions.

Description:

The Big Squeeze doesn't pack a huge punch in size but what it lacks in outdoor seating it makes up for in flavor. The acai bowls are filled to the styrofoam cup brim with fruits, granola, honey and the good nutrients that these bowls offer up. Apart from their signature dish, the Big Squeeze appeases local athletes with their healthy selection of smoothies and purified water. Typically brimming with running shoes and spandez, though you're going to want to consume that fruitful dish instantly, it's often easier to take it home with you as there is only one small table outside and one to two bar stools inside. With those extra vitamins that the Big Squeeze offers, you might even opt for a run home.

Our Local Expert Says:

With out of this world proportions and eccentric entrees - from watermelon lemonade or fist-size biscuits - it is a local favorite in Hillcrest

Description:

Hash House A Go Go has earned devoted fans with huge portions of artfully arranged "twisted farm food". The chef has fun with dishes drawing on fresh produce and livestock and customers have fun eating until the cows come home. Flapjacks might include frosted flakes, the burgers are stuffed, and don't be surprised by the waffles and caramel with a Sage fried chicken at dinner. Breakfast is a favorite, but every meal offers creative plates for hungry folks.

Our Local Expert Says:

With tons of locations around the city, you'll never have to go hungry again!

Description:

A San Diego success story, Sammy offers a casual relaxed settings and pizzas and pastas with a California twist. From Chicken Tequila Fettuccini to the widely acclaimed and copied wood fired pizzas, the portions are so generous you must make an effort to save room for the sumptuous gooey Messy Sundae. Beer and wine only.

Description:

Brewmaster Karl Strauss put San Diego on the microbrewery map with this attractive factory setting, now all but engulfed by the adjacent W Hotel. The smell of hops and malt wafts throughout, and the stainless-steel tanks are visible from the bar. Brews on tap range from pale ale to amber lager. Five-ounce samplers are $1.75 each (or six for $6.95); if you like what you taste, 12-ounce glasses, pints, and hefty schooners stand chilled and ready. Nonalcoholic beer and wine are available by the glass. They've dressed up the lunch and dinner menu (Cajun fries, hamburgers, German sausage, and other bar foods) with items like mango chicken salad and top sirloin. Beer-related memorabilia and brewery tours are available. Other locations include La Jolla, 1044 Wall St. (tel. 858/551-2739), and Carlsbad, 5801 Armada Dr. (tel. 760/431-2739).