From three haute new openings to a holiday feast and gourmet brunch spread to try, here are the San Diego hot spots to indulge at now.
Back by popular demand for a third consecutive year, ChefsGiving at Pendry San Diego brings together the city’s top chefs for a day filled with cooking, eating and giving back in the spirit of the holiday season. Hosted at Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile, each participating chef serves a creative holiday-inspired dish—from traditional Thanksgiving fare to savory sides and desserts. The best part? All donations from the event benefit the San Diego Food Bank so those less fortunate can enjoy a holiday meal. 550 J St.
Seaport Village’s newest tenant, Eats by Sam, is the third brainchild to come from a collab between Grain & Grit Collective and San Diego-based Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien. The multiconcept co-op is based on a ghost-kitchen model and comprises several dining options, including a brick-and-mortar ordering kiosk, outdoor seating and the option to bring its epicurean spreads home. Slated for a fall 2020 opening, the new dining experience will roll out with two initial concepts, Samburgers and Samwiches, and an expansive beer garden, where guests can sip stouts from its expansive beer program. 807 W. Harbor Drive
This famed SoCal eatery is planting roots at One Paseo, bringing delicacies, like the pan-seared Scottish salmon and buttermilk fried chicken, plus an extensive beverage program along for the ride. The A-frame building, dubbed The Church, boasts a comfortable patio for alfresco dining, a signature island bar—designed to be utilized both indoors and out—and an exhibition kitchen for primo cooking views. 3377 Del Mar Height Road, Ste. 300
The Busalacchi family is bringing their familiar Italian comfort food to the restaurant’s debut brunch menu. Available exclusively on Saturday and Sunday, the menu reveals eight standout dishes, plus seven sides and, of course, traditional brunch libations to pair. Highlights include the succulent short rib hash and the toothsome mixed berries and ricotta, topped with lavender honey and caramelized pine nuts. Insider tip: Order baked goods and coffees from Zucchero’s to take the experience home with you. 1735 India St.
SDCM Restaurant Group’s newest culinary masterpiece, Waverly, features progressive American-European fare by executive chef Brian Redzikowski—think lobster ceviche, ricotta agnolotti and Sonoma lamb shoulder tikka masala—plus bright and balanced libations from bar managers Eric Johnson and Leigh Lacap. Order The Waverly, made with gin, blueberry oat milk, lemon and nutmeg, for the perfect start to dinner at this new Cardiff by the Sea eatery. 2005 San Eligo Ave., Cardiff
Photography by: In Order of Appearance: courtesy of Waverly; by John Dole
