San Diego has a growing number of pitmasters who specialize in various styles of American barbecue and turn out their own interpretations of pulled pork, brisket, beef ribs, and chicken — all cooked low and slow. Best paired with warm sides — think creamy macaroni and cheese, savory beans, and buttery slabs of cornbread — barbecue is one of those meals that can be enjoyed outdoors by the smoker, comfortably at home, or at a nearby restaurant with daily specials and live music. Read below for San Diego’s best barbecue restaurants. In this update, Heritage Brewery and Barbeque and Serpentine Cider and Smokehouse, which closed, leave the list.

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Mention adding french fries to a burrito to someone from the Bay Area or Texas — anywhere, really — and their reaction may be one of confusion. But whoever thinks carne asada and french fries don’t belong together forgets that meat and potatoes are a universal duo. Despite raised eyebrows from those not in the know, the California burrito was created in San Diego and is arguably the city’s most famous of all burrito styles, if not our most well-known dish. And just like every real San Diegan knows where to find the best parking spots at the beach and which surface street routes to take to avoid afternoon traffic on the 805, every true local has a favorite spot for California burritos. This list features some of Eater’s favorite California burritos, including a few riffs on the traditional version.

Often, readers and friends of Eater have one burning question: “Where should I eat right now?” The heatmap exists to answer that question — offering a prismatic view of what is new and notable in San Diego. While the restaurant and bar industry has faced tremendous challenges, San Diego’s restaurants continue to persevere, with new and exciting openings springing up all the time. The restaurants featured on this list are typically less than six months old and give a sense of what’s hot and happening around town. For restaurants that have established themselves as one of the city’s best, check out Eater San Diego’s Essential 38.

New this update: Night Hawk, Las Cuatro Milpas, Sugarfish, Taconora, Dagu Miishiee, and Urban Matcha join the list, while Verise, Fleurette, La Jollita, and Roppongi Restaurant and Lounge leave.

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There’s a European flair to Crown City. Steeped in stories of Top Gun, Marilyn Monroe, and U.S. presidents, a visit to Coronado feels like a vacation without ever leaving home. Accessing the “island” — regardless of which route you take — guarantees a picturesque adventure: take the Coronado Ferry, cruise along the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, or mosey along the Silver Strand beach route. Locals and travelers become quickly charmed by the town’s upscale seafood, European-style bistros, and the irresistible MooTaco — an ice cream taco that’s prerequisite for breezy summer nights. Find a list of the best restaurants in Coronado, California down below. 

Changes this update: La Corriente and the new Baby Grand hotel’s Night Hawk and Fallen Empire enter the map.

There’s no shortage of sports bars and restaurants across San Diego serving pub fare like loaded potato skins, molten mozzarella sticks, saucy fried chicken wings, and ice cold beer under the gleaming light of multiple television screens. But across San Diego County, bars have gotten more playful, infusing their menus with local favorites (think Baja-style fish tacos, juicy shrimp ceviche, and poke bowls) and less expected drink pairings. Check out these winning local destinations for sports game viewing and snacking, all of which cater to the football crowds (both footballs, that is) but also remain mainstays any time of year. New to the map this update: Bub’s at the Ballpark, Shakespeare Pub, and Swing Social.

With summer travel season on the horizon, San Diego locals and travelers alike can access a wide array of dining options within the airport’s terminals and concourses while flying in and out of the San Diego International Airport (SAN), including several fuel-up spots that have ties to area restaurants. The new Terminal 1 — now home to restaurants from notable San Diego-based brands like SIP Wine and Beer, The Taco Stand, Cutwater Spirits, and more — opened in fall 2025; newcomer Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk debuted in the refreshed terminal as well.

The Chase Sapphire Lounge by the Club also added some intrigue. Located in Terminal 2 West, the 10,000-square-foot space features a wellness area with bookable private rest pods plus a la carte food options from San Diego’s beloved fish taco shop Oscar’s Mexican Seafood along with California’s Groundwork Coffee and wines from Parcelle. In 2024, travelers also found a new fleet of vending machines from Farmer’s Fridge, with seven locations in both pre and post-security areas. Stocked with chef-crafted salads, grain bowls, wraps, sandwiches, and snacks, almost every item on the menu is $10 or less when using its app to order.

Operating hours are subject to change; check the airport’s official website before you fly for updated information.

TERMINAL 1:

• Ambrogio 15: One of San Diego’s best-loved Italian restaurants that specializes in Milan-style thin-crust pizzas; near Gate 116. 
• Better Buzz, near Gate 119 
• Cutwater Restaurant & Bar, near Gate 107 
• JT Bros. Handcrafted Sandwiches, near Gate 116 
• Lofty Coffee, near Gate 107 
• Luna Grill, near Gate 115 
• Market Hall, near Gate 108 
• McDonald’s, near Gate 115 
• Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk, near Gate 115 
• Parfait Paris, near Gate 120 
• SIP Wine & Beer, near Gate 104 
• The Taco Stand, near Gate 116

TERMINAL 2 WEST

• Asian Kitchen: Sunset Cove
• Beaudevin Wine and Tapas Bar, near Gate 42
• Camden Food Company, just before Gates 36 and 37
• Club 42: Sunset Cove
• Einstein Brothers Bagels: Pre-Security
• Pannikin Coffee and Tea, near Gate 38
• Peet’s Coffee and Tea
• PGA Tour Grill, getween Gates 35 and 36
• Phil’s Barbecue: The crowd-drawing local chain brings its meaty menu to the airport; near Gate 46, open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Qdoba Mexican Grill: Sunset Cove
• Sambazon: Sunset Cove
• Starbucks, near Gate 37
• Stone Brewing Company, between Gates 35 and 36
• Urban Crave, near Gate 48
• Tommy V’s Pizzeria: Sunset Cove

TERMINAL 2 EAST

• Artisan Market, near Gate 22
• California Pizza Kitchen, near Gate 26
• Fresh Attraction (Grab & Go), between Gates 22 and 24
• Jack in the Box, near Gate 26
• Jetbox (Grab & Go), between Gates 22 and 24
• Panda Express, near Gate 26
• Peet’s Coffee and Tea, near Gate 26
• Prado at the Airport: This restaurant and bar is an offshoot of the longstanding Cohn Restaurant Group’s establishment in Balboa Park. Daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., near Gate 26.
• San Life Market/Illy Coffee, near Gate 22

While the California burrito has deep local roots and some may consider it one of the city’s calling cards, the fish taco is arguably the most iconic of all San Diego dishes. Said to have first been served in Ensenada, fish tacos are staples at mariscos trucks as well as at sit-down spots offering Mexican-style seafood; many other area restaurants have also adopted the fish taco to due its overwhelming popularity. You’re never too far from a great fish taco in San Diego, and this list highlights some local standouts. In this update, Mariscos Los Cuates, which has closed, leaves the map; Kiko’s Place Seafood in Mission Valley, the East Village’s Lola 55, and Chula Vista’s Mariscos La Reyna del Sur enter.

Most San Diegans, transplant or native, know that living in a border city comes with a deep knowledge and appreciation of its local taquerias. Tacos — sometimes best enjoyed with fresh salsas out of an unassuming food truck or street stand after a night out — are both easily accessible and inclusive of almost all diets: carnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan. Essentially, tacos are San Diego’s multi-hyphenate meal — considered a street food while on the go, a filling meal for families, and, for most, a highly satisfying craving. Longtime San Diego residents may have pinned their favorite Mexican restaurants and taquerias throughout the years, but there’s always room for newer additions. The following roundup includes stellar tacos from restaurants specializing in everything from mariscos full of chile heat to savory birria as well as some vegetarian versions and upscale chef offerings. From the traditional and beyond, here are the best tacos in San Diego.

New this update: Local icon Las Cuatro Milpas, which will move into a new location later this spring or summer, leaves the map temporarily. La Familia, which closed permanently, also leaves; Tacos el Franc and Taco Centro enter.

Roxana Becerril is a Mexican-American journalist based in Southern California. When she’s not traveling or creating lifestyle content, she covers San Diego’s restaurants, events, and local businesses. Since earning her degree in journalism and advertising from San Diego State University, her work has been published by award-winning national and local publications including The Los Angeles Times, San Diego Magazine, and The San Diego Union-Tribune. She drinks multiple beverages throughout the day and enjoys making them — matcha lattes, green juice, and chai tea are in her current rotation. 

Often, readers and friends of Eater have one burning question: “Where should I eat right now?” The heatmap exists to answer that question — offering a prismatic view of what is new and notable in San Diego. While the restaurant and bar industry has faced tremendous challenges, San Diego’s restaurants continue to persevere, with new and exciting openings springing up all the time. The restaurants featured on this list are typically less than six months old and give a sense of what’s hot and happening around town. For restaurants that have established themselves as one of the city’s best, check out Eater San Diego’s Essential 38.

New this update: Pasta shop and restaurant Pastaria Vivi, Tijuana-born taco icon Tijuanazo, Appalachian-inspired Juice Holler, and Italian trattoria Sono join the list, while Chick and Hawk, PopUp Bagels, and Mikiya Wagyu Shabu House leave.

For all the latest San Diego dining intel, subscribe to Eater San Diego’s newsletter.

Brunch menus and weekdays used to be mutually exclusive. Over the years, San Diegans have normalized sipping on tangy bloody marys before noon any day of the week — swapping out breakfast at home for mid-morning feasts with friends (or even coworkers). Most, if not all, of the best brunch restaurants in the city now serve everything from Benedicts to mimosa flights Monday through Sunday, making a breakfast-lunch hybrid the new normal. For those craving a brunch bash of their own, Eater has rounded up some of San Diego’s best brunch destinations in town. Did we miss one of your favorites? Send us a line at sandiego@eater.com.

Changes this update: This round, Carlsbad’s Nómada and Hong Kong–style diner Mom Kitchen enter the list; Wildflour Delicatessen, which suddenly closed after less than a year open, and La Bonne Table, which discontinued its brunch, leave.

It might be best known for its surf culture, historic pier, and as a former Spanish mission, but when it comes to drinking and dining, the quintessential Southern California beach town of Oceanside has established itself as a destination for exciting food discoveries. Find everything from Michelin-starred modern Mexican to Asian diasporic cuisines, breweries, and distilleries in this laid-back beach town that’s worth exploring. This update round, the Heritage Beer and Barbecue, Homestate, Petite Madeline Bakery, Pacific Coast Spirits, and High Pie, which have all closed, leave the map; Michelin-recognized Tanner’s Prime Burger enters.