Small Plates: 10 Restaurants, 10 Tables or Less

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: September 14, 2009

There's something neat about squeezing in to the last available corner table of a tiny restaurant. Sure, you might be able to tell the life stories of the people sitting next to you by the end of dinner, but it's usually worth the tight fit. Small restaurants usually come with a passionate chef, attentive service and an owner who's more concerned with an intimate experience than table-turning profit ratios. Our editors picked 10 of their favorite small restaurants.

Smaller is Better

  1. 1 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Neighborhood
    Read Reviews

    777 G St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Small, casual East Village hangout features a wide beer selection and simple, gourmet burgers and salads.

  2. 2 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Burger Lounge
    Read Reviews

    4116 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    Gourmet burger joint serves "happy beef" patties and old-fashioned milkshakes in an upscale, mod-style diner.

  3. 3 3.5 Star Rating: Average The Pearl Hotel
    Read Reviews

    1410 Rosecrans St, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

    Mid-century modern design and a hip lounge scene bring this classic Point Loma motel back into vogue on Rosecrans.

  4. 4 3.5 Star Rating: Average Ritual Tavern
    Read Reviews

    4095 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Wash down a gourmet shepherd's pie with dark German lager in this gothic North Park gastropub.

  5. 5 3.5 Star Rating: Average Harar Ethiopian Restaurant
    Read Reviews

    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.

  6. 6 3 Star Rating: Average Farm House Cafe
    Read Reviews

    2121 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    University Heights' French bistro oozes country charm with a menu of provencal comfort foods in a quaint, rustic space.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Sky Room Restaurant
    Read Reviews

    1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)

    La Valencia Hotel's fine dining restaurant serving California cuisine, plus an intimate five-seat bar and forever ocean views.

  8. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Jayne's
    Read Reviews

    4677 30th St., San Diego, CA 92116 (map)

    Retro decor and simple flavors make Jayne's Gastropub a North Park hub for casually sophisticated foodies.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tapas Picasso Spanish Rstrnt
    Read Reviews

    3923 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

    Small, spicy plates of Spanish cuisine offered in an intimate Hillcrest cafe since 1992.

  10. 10 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Cafe Chloe
    Read Reviews

    721 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

    Not your average East Village eatery, this Parisian-style corner bistro serves pomme frites with a dose of sophistication.