San Diego’s culinary scene is off the charts with so many amazing options to choose from. You can get just about any style of food you’re craving. The hardest part is choosing where to go. There are several unique local restaurants so why waste time on a chain? Deciding where to eat can be a pain, especially as a visitor who doesn’t know anything about the area. Why not make your food experiences unique, memorable ones? These are the few out of the ordinary local places that I had the opportunity to try while in San Diego.
Donut Bar
Sometimes you just need a good donut. Donut Bar has donuts as big as your face, as well as regular sized ones. With so many fun and quirky flavors you’ll have a hard time deciding. The donuts crumble so softly. I’ve never had a donut similar in taste or texture. With milk on tap, you know they mean business. The Donut Bar has been featured in many shows, and publications but see for yourself why it’s just that good.
Morning Glory
Look up or you’ll miss this gem in the Little Italy area of San Diego. Morning Glory is a retro breakfast spot that is very popular. It’s easy to see why everyone wants to eat here when you walk in and see the eclectic design that pulls your interests in all directions. This breakfast is worth the wait but you can always skip the line with reservations. Check out their funky menu on their “badly designed website” (as they say they make breakfast not websites). They know what they’re doing in the kitchen but not the internet and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Take advantage of this unique local restaurant while in San Diego.
I had to get what they call their biggest culinary flex, the souffle pancakes. They take about 20 minutes to make and it was worth every second. These are the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever see and they even taste like sweet air. Go bold and get the berries and whip to go with this phenomenal dish. Morning Glory is one of the more whimsical restaurant experiences in San Diego.
Parakeet Cafe
For the health conscious, it can be hard to find a meal that fits your lifestyle, whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, doing keto, or not. Parakeet Cafe has everyone covered with a menu packed with all the options you could ever want. I love a good acai bowl to power up my day but they also have small items such as bars, muffins or smoothies.
Cafe 222
A cute little corner cafe that you may not even notice walking by is definitely worth a stop. Cafe 222 has a great breakfast selection. I loved the teacup chandeliers inside the cozy cafe. There’s also outdoor seating, but it is too cute inside to not take a peek. The peanut butter banana stuffed french toast is not only recommended by me but also by famous chef Bobby Flay.
Richard Walker’s Pancake House
A proud family owned restaurant, with connections back to the 1940s, Richard Walker Pancake House is doing breakfast right. With quality ingredients and a passionate family business, you know you’re going to get amazing food. The Bovarian style apple pancake is a speciality and one you won’t find in your average breakfast cafe. This monstrous pancake comes out bubbling with apple slices baked right in. It is worth the wait and all the blowing to dig into. There are so many items on the menu that I would love to go back and try someday. Regular pancakes will seem boring after trying this unique local restaurant in San Diego.
Cheese Shop
Nestled into the ivy is a door to the Cheese Shop. A cute little sandwich shop that’s ideal for a quick lunch. Walk up from the beach for a hot or cold sandwich, pair it with a warm bowl of soup to heat up from the chilly pacific waters. The Cheese Shop is a simple walk-in order and carryout shop with limited outdoor seating. Grab a drink and a candy bar if you just want a treat. This is one of the few budget friendly places to eat in San Diego with great food.
This unique local restaurant can be hard to find so use the address below to get to the right spot.
2165 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hodad’s “Hodadies”
If you’re in the mood for a fantastic burger and shake, Hodad’s is the place to get it. The burgers are the perfect thickness, topped with tons of pickles (my favorite), and just the right amount of messiness. The onion rings provide that perfect crunchy breaded flavor. If you can handle it, get a milkshake. Hodad’s is not joking around when it comes to their milkshakes. You may want to share unless you’re an ice cream fanatic like me. I loved the laid back atmosphere where the food is good and fast but you feel so chill. Hodad’s is a great fun bar/restaurant to pop in for a bite and enjoy a Padres game.
Kansas City BBQ
I didn’t think I would be eating bbq while in San Diego but I’m glad I did. Kansas City BBQ has some mouth watering dishes that you won’t want to miss. The meat is seasoned and cooked to perfection. The sides are all delicious, making it one of the few bbq joints that knows how to do it all. You can really tell they care about the food they serve here.
If you’re a fan of Top Gun, you may already know about Kansas City BBQ. This is the filming location for the bar scenes in the original Top Gun movie when “Goose” plays Great Balls of Fire on the piano. Get your camera ready because that piano is still there. Kansas City BBQ is one of the unique restaurants in San Diego where you can be on set and enjoy the food.
Corvette Diner
If you want a 50s experience with your meal, then join the sock hop over at the Corvette Diner. Located at the entrance of Liberty Station shopping center, Corvette Diner is a very popular dining establishment with checkered floors, a soda fountain, and neon signs that will leave you entranced. The staff dress in 50s fashion and will occasionally do a little jig for you. The DJ will rock your socks off with some oldies. As the music fills the air you’ll lose yourself to nostalgia. Just make sure you and your party are prepared for a loud, fun, and in-your-face unique dining experience.
The Corvette Diner has a ton of burger options as well as other great food items. If you’re with kids or a kid at heart, get the cotton candy for a mile high surprise treat. One of my favorite things about the diner is that they have an arcade. Play before or after your meal; they offer deals on game play with your meal. The Corvette Diner is an experience all on its own. Great family fun for all to enjoy.
Puesto
Puesto is owned and operated by first generation Mexican-Americans, this authentic restaurant is guaranteed to be good. What makes this restaurant unique is its location. Located inside a former police headquarters, it has architectural styles from various eras. You can enjoy your meal with a harbor breeze outdoors or step inside to the simple yet beautiful interior that makes you feel at home. Choose from the selection of a la carte tacos and shareable sides among other items. You could get a light meal or a large one. Puesto is a great place for large groups to enjoy.
Know Before You Go
While it is a very good restaurant you may want to check your budget before you go. Tacos are $9, appetizers are $12, and sides are $10 so one person could easily spend over $35 for a small meal. Take some of the edge off your wallet by going for taco Tuesdays when tacos are $6.50.
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto
Don’t be deceived as you walk into Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in the little Italy area of San Diego. It may look like a small Italian market, but a hostess in one of the aisles will whisk you to the back where it opens up into an expansive restaurant. Thousands of wine bottles hang from the ceiling, and brick walls adorned with Italian countryside paintings let you know you’re in the right place. Filippi’s is one of the more unique local restaurants in San Diego since you feel like your committing a crime as you walk in.
The pizza has a thick layer of cheese on top of a subtly crunchy crust. Toppings are piled under the cheese layer to secure their place in your next bite. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto is a family owned business that has been in operation for over 72 years. Stop in to any one of their locations to see why they’re so good.
End of the Road
I hope I was able to guide your decision to some local places you find to be top notch. With so many options and traveling all over the San Diego area, it can be hard to hit all the best restaurants. Hopefully I’ll get back there some time really soon to continue taste testing all that San Diego has to offer. Until then, check out some other foodie hotspots like the Best Local Restaurants in Boston.
