Gastro Globe-Trot: Around the World in San Diego

by Erin Chambers - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: July 28, 2009

From Northern Africa to Southeastern Asia, and even down under to Australia, we've uncovered exotic menus from every continent on the map right here in San Diego (at least every continent that has food fit for humans--we'll leave that Antarctic krill to the penguins). So sit back, relax and enjoy our so-local gastro globe-trot.

On this page:Africa, Asia -- Middle East, Asia -- Far East, Asia -- Russia, Australia, Europe, North America, South America.

Africa

  1. 1 3.5 Star Rating: Average Harar Ethiopian Restaurant
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    2432 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Charming Ethiopian restaurant hidden on busy El Cajon Boulevard serves traditional beef and vegetable dishes meant to be eaten by hand.

  2. 2 2 Star Rating: Below Average Marrakesh Restaurant
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    634 Pearl St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    With the shimmy of a belly dancer and the shake of a spice jar, La Jolla transforms into Morroco.

Asia -- Middle East

  1. 3 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Chopahn
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    750 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    New Afghan cuisine spices up Sixth Ave in the Gaslamp with a diverse menu and tiny sidewalk patio.

  2. 4 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Soltan Banoo
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    4645 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    A charming Persian restaurant in University Heights that doesn't just stick to kebabs.

  3. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Jyoti Bihanga
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    3351 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    Follow the path to culinary enlightenment at Normal Heights' international vegetarian restaurant.

Asia -- Far East

  1. 6 4 Star Rating: Recommended Sushi Ota
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    4529 Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Unpretentious sushi bar and Japanese restaurant in Mission Bay serves up some of the freshest seafood in town.

  2. 7 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Red Pearl Kitchen - Gaslamp
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    440 J St Ste 108, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Upscale downtown Asian eatery buzzes with well-heeled 92101ers at the bar and foodies sharing plates from the eclectic, spicy menu.

  3. 8 4 Star Rating: Recommended Kitima
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    406 University Ave Ste B, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Bold meat and vegetarian dishes at Hillcrest's upscale, neighborhood Thai eatery.

Asia -- Russia

  1. 9 Russian Georgian Rstrnt
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    2302 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Cozy, family-run Russian spot brings the heavy meat and veggie dishes of Moscow to North Park.

Australia

  1. 10 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Bondi
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    333 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The Gaslamp goes Down Under with simple, fresh food and an impressive Aussie beer selection imported in eco-friendly kegs.

Europe

  1. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended Old Country Deli & German Restaurant
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    7097 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941 (map)

    Seasonal German fare and hard-to-fine beer and wine selections draw crowds to La Mesa's sleek, modern taste of Germany.

  2. 12 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Cafe Sevilla/Sevilla Nightclub
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    555 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Traditional Spanish tapas upstairs with live salsa dancing downstairs; also offers catering and dinner shows.

  3. 13 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Belgian Frie -- CLOSED
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    4614 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Don't call 'em French at PB's sohpisticated Belgian snack featuring famous twice-fried fries, dozens of dippers and a breakfast menu.

North America

  1. 14 4 Star Rating: Recommended Chateau Orleans Cajun Cuisine
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    926 Turquoise St Ste H, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

    Casual, colorful Creole joint has been curing Cajun cravings in PB for over 20 years.

  2. 15 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Mom's Pie House
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    2119 Main St, Julian, CA 92036 (map)

    Tourists and locals flock to this quaint bakery for the pies made fresh daily from Julian apples, peaches and berries.

  3. 16 4 Star Rating: Recommended El Agave
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    2304 San Diego Ave Ste B, San Diego, CA 92110 (map)

    Nouvelle Mexican cuisine in Old Town made better than the rest with a sunset patio and serious tequila selection.

South America

  1. 17 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Rei Do Gado Restaurant
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    939 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    A carnivore's paradise featuring all-you-can-eat roasted meats like filet mignon, chicken, ribs and lamb served Brazilian style

  2. 18 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended El Salvador Pupuseria Y Rest
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    3824 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105 (map)

    Quick and authentic El Salvadoran and Mexican cuisine in City Heights.

  3. 19 Tango Grill
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    635 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91910 (map)

    South Bay gets spiced up with a classy Argentinean steakhouse.