When you think San Diego dining, delectable street tacos, off-the-boat seafood and wood-fired pizzas immediately come to mind. Cali-style cuisine is light, fresh fare inspired by various cultural regions that make dining an adventure.
These restaurants were recommended by fellow DDW® attendees via Twitter and are sure to satisfy your hunger when you’re not in the convention center. Enjoy!
Before trying one of these restaurants, head to meetmeinsandiego.com/ddw2019 and click Coupons to check out check out the dining deals in the “Show Your Badge & Save” program.
The Crack Shack
crackshack.com, Little Italy
Wai-Kit Lo, MD, MPH (@waikitlo_md)
The Crack Shack serves locally raised Southern California chicken in an open-air coop with yard games. Choose one of the many gourmet chicken sandwiches or keep it simple and order the crispy fried chicken.
El Indio
elindiosandiego.net, Five Points
Mindy Engevik, PhD (@MicroMindy)
El Indio is more than just tacos and burritos. Traditional Mexican recipes and handmade soft corn tortillas keep San Diegans coming back for more, especially for the taquitos.
Juniper and Ivy
juniperandivy.com, Little Italy
Wai-Kit Lo, MD, MPH (@waikitlo_md)
For the refined palette, this eclectic, fine-dining restaurant is inspired by locally sourced ingredients and finished with artful plating designed for sharing. The menu is constantly changing to accentuate fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Meze Greek Fusion
gaslampmeze.com, Gaslamp Quarter
Parakkal Deepak, MD (@P_DeepakIBDMD)
Meze offers Greek dining with a Southern California twist. Enjoy fine entrees or small plates with a drink on the patio.
Phil’s BBQ
philsbbq.net. Multiple locations
Judy Lazo, RD (@JudyLazo)
You won’t leave Phil’s BBQ hungry. The top-secret sauce, mesquite grilled baby back and beef ribs, chicken and sandwiches all come in giant portions. This barbecue joint will go above and beyond to satisfy your cravings.
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
richardwalkers.com, Downtown
Linda Nguyen, MD (@LindaNguyenMD)
Start your morning with a hearty, gourmet breakfast and a cup of Richard Walker’s signature full-bodied coffee. Think thick-cut bacon, crispy waffles and omelets stuffed with local ingredients and fine cheeses.
Truluck’s
trulucks.com, La Jolla
Aline Charabaty, MD (@DCharabaty) and Charys Winter (@Charys_IBDCNC)
A seafood, steak and crab house, Truluck’s is serious about its fresh seafood. The restaurant owns its own fisheries, offering only the freshest crab and juiciest steaks.
