SAN DIEGO
The Culinary Traveller's Guide
Neighbourhoods
NORTH COUNTY It's no surprise that this coastal area has a relaxed So-Cal vibe, and the restaurants follow suit. Check out Oceanside's Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub for chef-centric sushi and seafood. A little farther south, Carlsbad's Campfire brings the outdoors in with wood-fueled cooking, camping-inspired decor, and local ingredients. Solana Beach's ALCE 101 is made for tequila-lovers and has the dreamiest garden patio.
CENTRAL If you find yourself in ritzy La Jolla, fuel up at Bird Rock Coffee, or grab some baked goodies at Wayfarer
Bread & Pastry. The Pacific and Mission Beach area is known for its party vibes and Belmont Park, but you can also get an amazing breakfast while people-watching at Woody's or fill up on New Zealand-style burgers at Bare Back Grill. Head inland to
Menya Ultra in Mira Mesa for some of the best tonkotsu ramen in the city. For more delightful Asian cuisine, visit Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa. If you're going to make a stop in the birthplace of California — SD's Old
Town — grab a bite at Café Coyote, and then try a mezcal tasting at Tahona. Fill your day with craft beer, tacos, pizza, coffee, and fun shops in the neighbouring 'hoods, North and South Park. In the latter, head to Communal
Coffee for some drool-worthy avocado toast and a latte, then make your way to North Park's Cantina Mayahuel for a margarita and some guacamole. Little Italy is SD's epicentre of all things Italian, from the Saturday and Wednesday markets to the stunning Ironside Oyster Bar and hidden speakeasies. The
Gaslamp District, SD's historical downtown area, is packed with restaurants, bars, and nightlife. Fittingly, one of the best spots, The
Smoking Gun, serves up some cocktails in disco balls! A trip to the surfing and hippie mecca that is Ocean Beach would not be complete without a big ol' burger at Hodad's.
The family has been serving up burgers since 1969. Barrio Logan is a feast for the eyes (hello, National Historic Landmark, Chicano Park!), but also the stomach. Get there early and make your way to Las Quatro Milpas for some of the best authentic Mexican food in the city. It's been in business since 1933, is
cash-only, and the lineup out the front door is worth it.
SOUTH A stop at the famed 130-year-old
Hotel del Coronado a seaside resort is a no-brainer; afterward, venture a few blocks to Little Frenchie, a chic Parisianstyle bistro. More tacos? Tijuana-based
Tacos El Gordo's cross-border location in Chula Vista is possibly the most famous taqueria in town, and for good reason. Come hungry.
Cooking Classes
Cucina Migrante offers an assortment of options including vegan, Italian, mozzarella from scratch, and market tours followed by cooking classes. www.cucinamigrante.com Wild Willow Farm, a non-profit educational farm in South San Diego along the Tijuana River, offers classes and farm tours. www.wildwillowfarm.org
Hipcooks has hands-on classes that end in a dinner party — fresh ingredients, tools, supplies, and a wine pairing are included! www.hipcooks.com
Kitchen Stores
Sur La Table boasts an impressive variety of kitchen and cooking supplies, hard-to-find ingredients, and even cooking classes! www.surlatable.com
We Olive & Wine Bar you can grab a glass of wine while you shop! Pick up a bottle of olive oil, vinegar, gourmet pasta, or a gift basket, and finish up your experience with a charcuterie board or some prosciuttowrapped dates. www.weolive.com
Pigment is one of the city's trendiest shops, and along with plants, stationery, and all kinds of gifts, they have some fantastic home goods. Grab a cookbook, some cute glassware, or unique barware while you peruse the store. www.shoppigment.com
Markets
San Diego is home to 44 certified Farmers' Markets, which means no matter the time of year or day of the week, you can get your hands on locally grown, locally produced goods. For more info on farmers' markets throughout the area, visit www.sdfarmbureau.org
The Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station is open daily, and offers up food, wine, beer, produce, arts, crafts and so much more. www.libertystation.com.