Booked out weeks in advance, these are the hardest restaurants to score a reservation at in San Diego. Plan ahead!
Mister A's dining room; PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
A steadfast symbol in San Diego’s dining scene, Mister A’s Restaurant has maintained its respected status since it was established in 1965. Situated atop the Manchester Financial Building in Bankers Hill, it offers both exceptional views and culinary experiences, from dinner to Saturday Jazz Brunch. If you make a coveted evening reservation, indulge in cult favorites like bluefin tuna tiradito and Chilean sea bass, crafted by executive chef Stéphane Voitzwinkler.
Experience Japanese culinary artistry at Soichi, a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant offering a distinct omakase dining experience. With chef Soichi Kadoya at the helm, savor eight exquisite courses personally crafted for you with fresh, farm-to-table and sea-to-table ingredients, or select your own sushi and nigiri from the a la carte menu. Whichever you prefer, be sure to secure your spot at this highly sought-after establishment sooner rather than later.
One of San Diego’s most coveted dining spots, Born and Raised is the perfect restaurant for a luxurious night out with its opulent art deco interiors and refined steakhouse menu. Located in Little Italy, the restaurant is renowned for its dry-aged steaks, like the staggering 20-ounce bone-in ribeye, and tableside preparations, from Caesar salad to steak tartare. We’re not surprised reservations are hard to come by, especially with its exclusive caviar service!
Crispy potato, black truffles and Iberian ham at Addison; PHOTO BY ERIC WOLFINGER
With only 145 three Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, Addison is the sole dining concept in San Diego to hold such esteem. Tucked within Carmel Valley, the exquisite eatery is the brainchild of chef William Bradley, where gourmands can expect a 10-course tasting menu that will take you on a culinary journey to remember. Edible masterpieces highlight the season’s finest ingredients in dishes that are as complex as they are beautiful.
The dining room at Animae; PHOTO BY DUSTIN BAILEY
Located near Downtown San Diego’s waterfront, this unique restaurant spotlights Filipino flavors with a wagyu steak program and Asian-inspired dishes that will impress any diner. A crown jewel in celebrity chef Brian Malarkey and seasoned operator Christopher Puffer’s Puffer Malarkey Collective, Animae is led by executive chef Tara Monsod and prides itself on being one of the few local restaurants to serve Japan’s finest A5 wagyu beef.
Callie's crunchy Egyptian carrots; PHOTO BY LUCIANNA MCINTOSH
After honing his skills under the watchful eye of iconic French chef Daniel Boulud at the Michelin-starred Cafe Boulud in New York City for over a decade, San Diego native Travis Swikard returned to the West Coast to open Callie in 2021. A California-Mediterranean concept in the East Village, Callie has garnered awards for its notable dishes in a beautifully designed space. Those honors include being named one of Esquire’s Best New Restaurants in America in 2022 and a Michelin Bib Gourmand nod.
Kingfisher Cocktail Bar & Eatery
This Michelin-recognized Vietnamese haven in Golden Hill is helmed by co-owners Kim Phan, Ky Phan and Quan Le and emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients from the land and sea. Pull up a chair at the 23-seat circle bar, on the heated patio or in the beautifully appointed dining room to try the popular smoked dry-aged duck, which is available in limited quantities nightly.
Located at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, Lilian’s is the property’s signature restaurant by Clique Hospitality. Named for the female architect who designed the original Inn in 1924, Lilian’s offers indoor and outdoor seating across daily breakfast, lunch and dinner. Embroidered napkins and beautiful green-patterned plates showcase the restaurant’s thoughtfulness before you even order. For dinner, don’t miss the classic 8-ounce filet paired with brown butter mushrooms and crispy frites served with cajun aioli. Just save room for dessert—it’s the star of the show at Lilian’s. The Lilian’s Wonderland is just as photo-worthy as it is delicious, a testament to the fabulous creative team.
For over 80 years, this seaside favorite in La Jolla has attracted patrons with delicious dishes made with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. This local institution’s menu reflects a passion for Latin flavors through dishes like Baja California swordfish and coconut miso king salmon. Sit in the dining room or recently unveiled lounge for killer views of the sunset and waves crashing below.
The well-stocked bar at Marisi in La Jolla; PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
A culinary dream team launched this new concept in La Jolla in 2022. Welcome to Marisi, an Italian restaurant focused on handmade pasta and classic cocktails from executive chef Cameron Ingle, wine director Christopher Plaia and VP of bar and spirits Beau du Bois. Bringing an Amalfi Coast flair to San Diego, the hot spot’s ever-evolving menu shines with whole Baja snapper and a 40-ounce Snake River Farms porterhouse. Bon appétit!
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The dining room at Valle at Mission Pacific Hotel; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Located in Oceanside at the Mission Pacific Hotel, Valle is chef Roberto Alcocer’s love letter to Baja’s Mexico Guadalupe Valley. As Oceanside’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Valle impresses its diners with artfully curated tasting menus in a space steps from the sand and Oceanside Pier. “I am honored to be representing the culture and cuisine of my home, the Valle de Guadalupe and Baja region of Mexico, which has inspired every part of the Valle dining experience,” says Alcocer of the restaurant earning its first star in July 2023. “This star is a meaningful reminder to myself and others that dreams can be achieved if you embrace your story and home, push boundaries, overcome obstacles, and more than anything, believe in yourself.”
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A look inside Wolf in the Woods in Mission Hills; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
Founded by San Diego restaurateur Johnny Rivera, this charming wine bar and cafe in Mission Hills pays homage to the culture of native New Mexico through a menu featuring old- and new-world wines and a bey of shareable snacks and tapas. Executive chef Carmine Lopez is manning the kitchen that’s churning out dishes like harissa octopus, yellowtail aguachile and steak tartare. Cheese and charcuterie boards are ideal for groups, while heartier plates include the New Mexico skillet mini burger served with rosemary and salt chips. Go ahead, raise a glass.
Photography by: Kimberly Motos
