Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated 05 May 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!

Lilo

5.0

5 (29)

$50 and over

Californian

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A lively and immersive dining experience that welcomes you to celebrate life’s special moments, Lilo harnesses the untamed spirit of the California coast and the world's shorelines through a curated, multi-course tasting menu rooted in a thoughtful connection to nature, served around a 22-seat chef’s counter.

Top review

nayyarVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great ambiance Staff was super nice Food was excellent Wine pairing was great All in all very good experience

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NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

4.9

4.9 (346)

$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

AutumnVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Great food and service! the special touches really add the the experience, thanks so much for giving me and my guest such a memorable experience.

Little Victory Wine Bar

5.0

5 (11)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

Little Victory Wine Bar is a natural wine bar in Carlsbad, California. With indoor seating accommodating 24-28 guests and an outdoor patio offering 18 additional seats, Little Victory Wine Bar is intentionally scaled to foster intimate and meaningful interactions, cementing its role as a significant addition to Carlsbad Village’s growing culinary community.

Little Victory Wine Market is located at 505 Oak Avenue, Suite B, Carlsbad, California, 92008, and will operate Wednesday through Sunday from 4 - 10 p.m. Visit the website or follow along on Instagram at @littlevictorywinebar for future updates.

Top review

Summer

Dined 7 days ago

Little Victory Wine Bar in Carlsbad is an absolute gem! Whether you're celebrating a birthday, catching up with friends, or enjoying a sunny afternoon on the patio, this spot delivers. It's warm, welcoming, and beautifully designed—every detail feels intentional. A perfect third space to relax and connect with loved ones. Highly recommend!

Noble Experiment

5.0

5 (347)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Noble Experiment is a small, intimate cocktail bar located behind a secret door inside of Neighborhood restaurant at 777 G St. San Diego, CA 92101. Reservations for 4 or less are accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@nobleexperimentsd.com. Walk-ins are welcome based upon availability.

Top review

Joshua

Dined on 1 May 2025

Service was impeccable and astute. You will leave wanting to create the very curated personal drinks they dreamed up during your visit. A phenomenal time with intimate close vibes.

Vinarius

5.0

5 (429)

$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

Angelique

Dined 3 days ago

My first trip to Little Italy and it did not disappoint! The food was AMAZING and the service was first-rate. I definitely recommend Vinarius and will revisit when staying in the area.

Black and Blue Steakhouse and Lounge - Valley View Casino

4.9

4.9 (1869)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Valley Center

About the restaurant

Black&Blue is a contemporary American Steakhouse with Las Vegas flair, and a 21 and up dining experience. B&B was recently named San Diego’s “Most Romantic Steakhouse” by the San Diego Union Tribune, and most recently awarded as the Best Steak House Best Seafood by San Diego A-list! At B&B we offer the choicest meats, freshest seafood and most dazzling desserts to delight the mind and body that will transport our guests into a world of indulgence and taste. Unwind with conversation and creative cocktails in our Black&Blue Lounge. Then move into our main room where Chef Nicholas Burgess will impress you with his inventive dishes and innovative takes on classic favorites. The Manager, Chris Scala, will ensure you receive the ultimate in guest service in an atmosphere that’s friendly and fun. To fully enjoy the B&B dining experience, please be prepared to spend an hour and a half with us. Visit us at B&B for a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Top review

AnnVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Mel was fantastic! Food was delicious tonight, especially the French Onion Soup, one of the best I've ever had. Entrees were beautiful and tasted amazing..Desserts are always gorgeous and decadent. We love Black & Blue, always a treat for a night out

Culinary Dropout - Del Mar

4.7

4.7 (39)

$30 and under

American

Carmel Valley

About the restaurant

At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 5 days ago

We had mostly appetizers, all of which were delicious. The Brussel sprouts were exceptionally good. The staff is very friendly and helpful.

Baja Betty's

4.9

4.9 (362)

$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

Laurie

Dined on 24 Apr 2025

Great server, great food and drinks. The outside seating area is great for people watching

Tapas & Beers

4.9

4.9 (532)

$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

Dana

Dined 4 days ago

This is a wonderful place to eat and so close to the Civic Theatre. The food and drink are delicious, the owners are charging, and the service is excellent. We will go back again and again.

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4.9

4.9 (4252)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest.

For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.

Top review

DeanaVIP

Dined today

The ambiance was so cute (we sat on the patio). The service was extremely warm, upbeat and attentive. The food was unique, flavorful, with great textures and beautiful presentation. We had a small incident, and the restaurant staff went above and beyond in trying to make it up to us, which was incredibly kind and so appreciated. Truly a neighborhood gem🤩

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