Best Restaurants in San Diego 2025: Critic & Reader Favorites

San Diego is more than sunshine and surf, it’s a city where good taste lives around every corner. From fresh seafood to wood-fired pizzas and weekend pastries worth the wait, these restaurants shape the daily moments that make living here feel special.

Inspired by San Diego Magazine’s Best Restaurants 2025, as chosen by readers and critics, this guide brings together the spots that make every gathering feel more meaningful.

Local Icons & Standout Dining

Callie

A Mediterranean-inspired restaurant that balances SoCal ingredients with bold, shareable dishes. Chef Travis Swikard’s vision turns every visit into a neighborhood gathering spot, bright, lively, and always memorable.

Allepo Chicken at Callie — Image source: Callie Restaurant on Yelp

Herb & Wood

Timeless yet always evolving. This Little Italy staple brings modern American plates and an atmosphere that feels relaxed, stylish, and genuinely local.

Private Dining Spread at Herb & Wood — Image source: Herb & Wood Official Website

Addison

San Diego’s only three-Michelin-star experience. Elevated tasting menus and impeccable service make Addison a destination that puts the city on the global culinary map.

Seasonal Dish at Addison — Image source: Addison Restaurant on TripAdvisor

Pizza, Pasta & Italian Favorites

Trattoria Cori Pastificio

Handmade pasta and rustic dishes served in a cozy setting that feels like a quick Italian getaway.

Pasta dishes at Trattoria Cori Pastificio — Image source: Trattoria Cori Pastificio Gallery (coripasta.com)

Where Seafood Shines

The Fishery

This Ocean Beach classic has been reimagined for a new generation. Family-run with a deep respect for sustainable sourcing, it’s beloved for fresh catch, thoughtful plates, and a warm, unpretentious vibe.

Swordfish Tail Chop at The Fishery — Image source: The Fishery Kitchen (thefishery.com)

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

A coastal neighborhood gem that feels bright and inviting. Seafood tapas, natural wines, and a laid-back energy make it perfect for casual nights out.

Clam Toast at Mabel’s Gone Fishing — Image source: Mabel’s Gone Fishing on Yelp

Mitch’s Seafood

Dockside fish and chips with views of the fishing boats that bring in the day’s catch. Simple, classic, and a local ritual for good reason.

Mitch’s Seafood — Image source: Mitch’s Seafood website

Sweet Spots & Bakeries

Wayfarer Bread

A tiny Bird Rock bakery that’s become a local legend. Naturally fermented breads, seasonal pastries, and Friday pizza nights make this worth the early morning line.

Wayfarer Bread — Image source: Wayfarer Bread on Yelp

Relic Bageri

Beautiful pastries inspired by Nordic traditions, crafted in small batches. A charming neighborhood stop where quality and creativity meet.

Relic Bageri — Image source: Eater San Diego

Izola

Known for its cult following and buttery croissants, Izola is that cozy bakery that makes your weekend mornings feel extra special.

Izola — Image source: Google Images

Neighborhood Gems & New Favorites

Communion

A bold newcomer making waves with inventive plates and a lively, electric vibe.

Communion — Image source: San Diego Magazine, photo credit: Kimberly Motos

Wolf in the Woods

A seasonal, intimate spot that locals love for date nights. Good wine, small plates, and an ambiance that makes you want to stay awhile.

Wolf in the Woods — Image source: The Wolf in the Woods

San Diego’s dining scene is a reminder that where you live, and where you gather, shapes the moments you’ll remember for years to come. From rooftops to hidden neighborhood bakeries, these restaurants reflect the spirit of a city that knows how to savor life.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these best restaurants in San Diego 2025 offer a taste of what makes this city unforgettable, a dining guide for every craving, every occasion, and every moment worth celebrating.