Top 10 Best New Restaurants San Diego 2008

640 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Part restaurant, part bar, part butcher shop: The East Village's Texas-sized compond brought the wild West downtown this year, and we were lasso'd from the get-go. Sure, the western shirts are a bit much and the music takes the theme to near-Disneyland levels, but they serve the best damn steak downtown.

1125 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92106 (map)

It's everything La Playa has been waiting for, and it exceeded our expectations. Not that we expected anything less from the restaurant team that brought us Blanca, Laurel and Quarter Kitchen. Point Loma's neighborhood brasserie blends rich, French classics with lighter, local seafood selections in an upscale, rustic space.

127 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

It's the impeccable amount of restraint shown at this simple Hillcrest bistro that landed it a coveted spot on our list. We love the simple dining room, short menu, and only-what's-fresh approach to food that Better Half team brings to the neighborhood. Add in those great early-bird specials and the largest half-bottle wine selection in the city, and it's easy to see why they landed in the Top 10 fo 2008.

3823 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

A taste of southern comfort arrived in North Park this year by way of updated soul food in a New Orleans-style chateau. It's homestyle food and service made a bit lighter for 2008 palates (and waistlines) made it a perfect fit for the neighborhood--and our 2008 Top 10 list.

2910 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92093 (map)

Many will think that we included Jai on our list just because the name that follows happens to be one of the world's most famous chefs. And while we're thrilled that such culinary royalty has finally noticed our local food scene, we were more thrilled to learn that his food--and his team--are as good as the reputation that preceeds them.

2400 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Organic produce, all-natural meat and other farm fresh ingredients make for "green eating" and a spot on our Top 10 list for Liberty Station's bright, bustling cafe.

1044 Wall St, San Diego, CA 92037 (map)

After a couple of rennovations, a couple of different names, Arturo and chef Ryan finally got it right with Whisknladle this year.

1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 (map)

The departure of J Taylor's would have much more sad had it's replacement Kitchen 1540 not been such a stunning success. It's one of the largest restaurants to make our 2008 list (and if you know us, you know we arepartial to small spaces) but chef Paul McCabe's inviting personality and warm, appraochable menu make the whole experience feel intimate. We just tickeld with that charcuterie selection, too. Bravo!

655 W Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Several downtown restaurants made our Best List for 2008, and Crescent Heights really stands out among them. Outside the tourism trap that Fifth Ave can become, this sleek space boasts a clean, modern menu to match. Interesting wines and impeccable service staff (you can tell that their servers love what they do) cap it all off.

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

We have so much love for the restaurant at The Pearl, that even though technically it opened in late 2007, we incuding it in our Best Of list this year. The kitchen and the bar staff really found their groove this year, literally, with the Groove brunches on Sunday (bottomless mimosas!), a fabulous seasonal menu, interesting wines (love the L.A. Cetto from the Guadalupe Valley in Mexico) and an overall sweet vibe. Nicely done. We are fans.

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

4640 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)

3015 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

1220 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

3896 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 (map)

4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118 (map)

207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)

Technically, this world class sushi spot 'rocked' into the Gaslamp with upscale Japanese and a swanky dining room in 2007 (but just barely), but we still wanted to honor them among the best of the year.

1441 Quivira RD, San Diego, CA 92109 (map)