Now in San Diego: New Restaurants

by Erin Chambers - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: August 02, 2009

Whether it's a brand-new bistro or a recently opened spot that's red hot, we've got the latest on San Diego's restaurant scene. Notice any themes here? Like how Banker's Hill is exploding, while the 30th Street restaurant boom calms down? We also love to see the retail-priced wine idea catching on all over town.

First Bite: New Restaurants

  1. 1 Cucina Urbana
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    505 Laurel, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Cozy-but-modern Italian spot in Banker's Hill serves up fresh pastas made in-house, light, interesting pizzas and an affordable, retail-based wine program with just $5 corkage fees. Sound like it would be popular? It is, indeed. Call a day ahead (at least) for reservations.

  2. 2 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Decanter Wine Lounge -- CLOSED
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    18025 Calle Ambiente, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091 (map)

    The patio at Decanter feels like the terrace of a Tuscan Villa. Proprietor Jason Knack (of Wine Lover in Hillcrest) put together a stellar menu staring local growers, ranchers and wine from around the world.

  3. 3 Mosaic
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    3422 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    North Park wine bar installs the popular retail wine program (you pay retail prices plus a small corkage fee) along 30th St, plus a menu of flatbread pizzas, cheeses and small plates. We love the huge sliding doors that open the entire front section of the restaurant up to 30th Street.

  4. 4 Red Door
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    741 Washington, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

  5. 5 Syrah Wine Lounge
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    901 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Downtown wine lounge with a secret entrance (directly below Dakota's steakhouse) opened by a veteran of the Gaslamp scene feels whimsical with Alice in Wonderland decor, huge wine selection and a few cheese/meat boards for munching.

  6. 6 Tin Can Ale House
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    1863 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Banker's Hill dive bar beckons the North Park/Golden Hill hipster set with local music acts and a funky, diner-like menu of grilled cheeses and breakfast sandwiches served all night.

  7. 7 Zenbu
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    2003 San Elijo Ave, Cardiff By the Sea, CA 92007 (map)

    The second location of the Rimel clan's popular sushi spot (the first is in La Jolla) is already popular with the Cardiff crew. We're not surprised, considering the proprietors source the freshest seafood from their own fishing company, and have secured some of the top DJs to spin in the lounge.

  8. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Kitchen 1540
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    1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

    California cuisine done in the popular farm-to-table style replaces the old J Taylor's at the L'Auberge Del Mar resort. Paul McCabe is still cookin' in the kitchen, better than ever.

  9. 9 4 Star Rating: Recommended Gio's Restaurant and Wine Bar
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    8384 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA 91941 (map)

    Contemporary small plates spot and wine bar anchors downtown La Mesa's food scene with a huge outdoor patio.

  10. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Suite and Tender
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    1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    San Diego's latest fine dining experience comes by way of an acclaimed New York chef in downtown's only five-star hotel.

  11. 11 4 Star Rating: Recommended The Glass Door Restaurant & Lounge
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    1835 Columbia Street, San Diego , CA 92101 (map)

    New American and Moroccan cuisine served on the fourth floor of a Little Italy hotel with stunning views of the bay. Our tip? Go for happy hour to catch a killer sunset view off the balcony.

  12. 12 Bianco Rosso Wine Bar
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    3841 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Arrivederci's sister wine bar embodies the same affordable, authentic approach to wine with an international list and a light menu of classic Italian snacks.

  13. 13 Blind Lady Alehouse
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    3416 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    Score another one for San Diego's beer connoisseurs: Normal Heights' new, family-friendly pizza-and-beer joint offers a killer selection of unique brews, plus rustic, organic pizzas.

  14. 14 Lolita's at the Park
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    202 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Popular local Mexican food chain brings it's authentic, taco shop-style menu to the East Village. What we love: Carne asada fries (or nachos) and the freshly made churros.

  15. 15 Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
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    7777 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941 (map)

    The soul of the Turf Supper Club reemerges in La Mesa with the same old-school, venerable steakhouse feel and a host of new perks, like side dishes (hello mac 'n cheese!) and a separate room for private parties and live music acts.

  16. 16 Vela at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
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    1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    The Bayfront Hilton's signature restaurant features "global coastal" cuisine, an international wine list and expansive views of San Diego Bay.

  17. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended El Camino
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    3023 Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    South Park cocina features bright, graphic Mexican murals and art mixed with candle-lit moodiness after dark and a simple menu of tacos and quesadillas.

  18. 18 Alchemy Restaurant and Bar
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    30th at Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    A farm-to-table meal for two with wine for less than $50? We found it and, no, it's not just in your dreams. It's in South Park.