arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin

A Creative Culinary Epicenter

Hip, original and innovative eats

San Diego's one-of-a-kind vibes bring chefs from all over the world to create inspiring dishes in California's Beach City. 

Chefs are drawn to San Diego for more than its perfect weather and unbeatable beaches–its innovative atmosphere has turned it into a hotbed for culinary creativity where chefs are encouraged to experiment. Today, local chefs are elevating their dishes to include both local ingredients and influences and the far-off flavors of their cultures and upbringing. With a year-round growing season and a thriving local fishing fleet, eating in San Diego was craft before craft was cool.

Saffron Thai

Owner Su Mei Yu—a regular at local San Diego farms like Chino Farm—combines the freshest local ingredients from the San Diego region with traditional recipes and preparations from her Thai upbringing. After immigrating to San Diego as a teen, Yu opened the hole-in-the-wall Saffron Thai Grilled Chicken in the Mission Hills neighborhood. The local spot is famous  for its Thai Grilled Chicken dishes served with Cambodian salad, jasmine rice and tons of flavor. 

Lola 55

With velvet sofas, turquoise and brass accents and soaring loft ceilings in East Village, Lola 55 doesn’t feel like the average San Diego taco spot. And it’s not. Owner Frank Vizcarra indulged his true passion for local, sustainable food by opening a small shop named after his mom where the ingredients from his native Mexico work in tandem with local produce on a flavor-packed, budget-conscious menu. Taco standouts include mesquite chicken with chicharrones and peanut salsa macha; spicy smoked fish (local catch with jalapeño, bacon, citrus soy, red mustard frill, crema and Carolina Reaper salsa). To boot, there are several vegan options like rainbow cauliflower with eggplant bacon, avocado mousse, almonds, golden raisins, morita dulce salsa.

OB Noodle House

Born in Cambodia by way of China, chef Steven Yeng draws inspiration from a variety of cultures at his locally loved OB Noodle House. Folks flock to Ocean Beach for his creative Asian-fusion dishes, as well as a classic giant bowl of pho. Foodies at the Food Network and other top culinary publications have featured the San Diego hotspot on national food television shows and magazines. The success of the original OB Noodle House spawned a second location a few blocks away, and Yeng is continuing to expand the funky beach neighborhood’s food scene with other bars and restaurants.

Pop Pie Co.

Executive Chef Gan Suebsarakham draws inspiration from his Thai upbringing, as well as his travels around the world to create his eclectic menu found at Pop Pie Co. in University Heights. Flavors of Asia, Australia, Europe and right here in San Diego are featured on the menu composed of both sweet and savory pies. Feeling adventurous? Head Down Under and sample the famed Aussie Meat Pie, Vegemite included. If your sweet tooth needs to be addressed, the classic Apple Crumble offering comes with a unique twist – orange zest and a secret blend of spices.


Looking for more fun things to do? From where to shop, eat and play to what's happening around town, the Visitor Planning Guide is your roadmap to San Diego fun. 

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Related Articles and Features

Deals just for you

Accommodation

AARP Members

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Valid: Dec 12, 2024 - ongoing

As a valued AARP member, enjoy 10% off your stay. Relax and unwind with us, where comfort meets the beauty of La Jolla's pristine shores.

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Senior Discount

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 19, 2024 - ongoing

Seniors 62 years and older receive up to 15% off when booking in advance.  No additional room charge for grandchildren under 18 years of age.  No deposit of fee for your furry companions....

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Military Appreciation Rate

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Whether you’re actively serving, or you’ve hung up the uniform, IHG wants to say, “thank you” with the IHG Military Appreciation Rate. We invite you and your family to enjoy a...

Events to check out

Event

2025 Genesis Invitational at Torrey Pines

Feb 13 - Feb 16, 2025

Tournament host Tiger Woods welcomes an elite field to Torrey Pines for the 2025 Genesis Invitational, February 13-16. A limited number of tickets and hospitality options are on sale now.

Event

San Diego Crew Classic

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025

Regarded as the first major regatta of the year, the San Diego Crew Classic brings together thousands of athletes from more than 100 universities, clubs and high school programs across the United...

Event

Port of San Diego's Day at the Docks

Apr 13, 2025

A San Diego sport fishing tradition, The Port Of San Diego’s Day At The Docks is the West Coast’s largest public celebration of sport fishing. Signaling the official start of Southern...

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Partners

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish