Coronado offers a range of tempting dining options, from quirky and casual to elegant and urbane.  Whether the mood calls for a romantically indulgent dinner, a leisurely al fresco brunch or a casual post-beach bite, following is a sampling of the diverse Coronado eateries where visitors are guaranteed meals as memorable as the island itself.
 

HOT NEW DINING

Coronado is making waves in the local dining scene with the recent opening of four fabulous new restaurants.

• Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge, located on Orange Avenue, brings urban chic to the “Crown City” with its hip industrial look and a fresh flavorful menu of locally-sourced, sustainable food created by Executive Chef Mel Ford. Menu standouts include the Diver Scallop Sliders, Duroc Bone in Pork Chop with maple bourbon glaze and ginger pears, and a refreshing Watermelon Salad with arugula, dry goat cheese, almonds and balsamic reduction.
  
  
• The island is abuzz about Nicky Rottens Bar & Burger Joint, located on the corner of 1st Street and Orange Avenue. Burgers at this classy eatery are primo, hand-pressed and made from Grade A corn-fed Midwestern beef, using fresh organic vegetables and house-made sauces that bring out fresh robust tastes.
  
  
• The Tavern, a new “vintage industrial” English pub located on Orange Avenue across the street from local favorite McP’s Irish Pub, is the perfect spot for a quick pint while noshing on hearty pub fare like chicken sliders, fish sandwiches, mac & cheese with breadcrumb topping and more.
  
  
• The new Saiko Sushi, located on Orange Avenue near the Coronado Ferry Landing, features a sushi bar and progressive Japanese menu of modern Asian-styled food, sustainably sourced fish, seasonal produce and micro-brewed sake.

BOUNTIFUL BRUNCHES

Coronado’s brunch options range from incredible spreads at luxury resorts to casual neighborhood eateries.

• On Sundays, the Hotel del Coronado’s majestic Crown Room boasts a buffet fit for all the royalty, celebrities and presidents who have stayed at the historic hotel over the years. Options include caviar and crab legs, made-to-order waffles and omelets, sushi, dim sum, smoked salmon and succulent prime rib.
  
  
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• On Sundays, with views of Loews Coronado Bay Resort’s picturesque 80-slip marina, brunch fans at the resort’s Market Cafe sip free-flowing local craft beer and enjoy an extensive buffet of culinary delights like ribs, barbecue chicken, slow-roasted beef brisket, tomato-habanero barbecued salmon, roast suckling pig and more.
  
  
• Those looking fo a slice of classic Americana and a basic, old fashioned breakfast look no further than Clayton’s Coffee Shop on Orange Avenue featuring traditional diner fare in a setting that recalls the 1950’s with its tabletop juke boxes.
  
  
• For a casual brunch, the intimate patio of the Crown Bistro offers prime views of pedestrians along Orange Avenue and modern takes on classic breakfast fare in dishes like Bananas Foster pancakes and crab Benedict.

BBQ, BURGERS AND BREWS

After a day at the beach, nothing is more tempting than smoky barbeque, a classic burger or cold, frosty brew. The following Coronado eateries specialize in satisfying those cravings.

• Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q at the Coronado Ferry Landing specializes in barbecue styles from around the U.S. and pairs them with tasty treats like smoked, bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and corn fritters with honey butter.
  
  
• Amidst chic modern décor in hues of white and orange, Burger Lounge on Orange Avenue serves up grass-fed beef burgers, house-cut fries and shakes made with real ice cream.
  
  
• A favorite among the Navy SEALs who train in Coronado, Danny’s Palm Bar & Grill on Orange Avenue serves up a “dive bar” burger considered by many to be one of the best on the island.
  
  
• Located on Orange Avenue near the Coronado Ferry Landing, Coronado Brewing Company brews award-winning craft beers like Idiot IPA and Hoppy Daze while serving up great burgers and classic brewpub fare.

CHARMING COASTAL VIEWS

Many of Coronado’s restaurants offer spectacular and enchanting views of the blue Pacific and picturesque San Diego Bay.

• With floor-to-ceiling views of San Diego Bay and the striking San Diego-Coronado Bridge, Mistral at Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers an idyllic backdrop for the modern French delicacies prepared by chefs Marc Erhler and Patrick Ponsaty.
  
  
• Against panoramic views of San Diego Bay, Current at the Coronado Island Marriott Resort serves up a menu of Coastal Californian dishes like grilled shrimp and fresh mozzarella salad and ancho-spiced chicken with tomatillo-chorizo.
  
  
• Located at the Coronado Ferry Landing, the patio at Il Fornaio boasts sparkling views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline; these visual delights pair perfectly with a menu of casually elegant Italian trattoria-style specialties.

ROMANTIC RENDEZVOUS

When a Coronado visit warrants a romantic meal, the Crown City’s fine dining restaurants offer refined settings, spectacular cuisine and intimate atmospheres.

• The signature restaurant at the romantic Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Ocean boasts views of the Pacific and a menu by new Chef de Cuisine Aaron Martinez that uses fresh local ingredients, including The Del’s onsite herb garden, to create coastal-inspired dishes.
  
  
• Located on Orange Avenue, Vigilucci's Ristorante Coronado serves Italian classics, prime steaks and seafood in a romantic setting enhanced by live music daily from its martini lounge and piano bar.
  
  
• Located in the historic 1889 Carez Hizar House just off Orange Avenue, Chez Loma offers a menu of French bistro classics in an elegant, classically romantic setting.
  
  
• The perfect spot for a more relaxed evening of romance, the menu at Sapori on Orange Avenue is updated daily with contemporary takes on classic Italian dishes.
  
  
• Couples can cozy up in the peaceful Zen-like setting of Swadde Thai Restaurant on C Ave. aned the intimate Yummy Sushi on Orange Avenue where ocean view tables are perfect for catching the sunset.

SCRUMPTOUS SEAFOOD

Coronado’s restaurants tempt diners with fresh local seafood and delicacies flown in from around the West Coast and served in styles ranging from upscale to casual, including the tasty Baja-style fish tacos that are synonymous with the San Diego region.

• A leisurely lunch or happy hour at The Brigantine, located on Orange Avenue, is a Coronado tradition. Their famous Brig fish tacos offer a choice of traditional breaded fish or the restaurant’s signature grilled swordfish.
  
  
• Set on San Diego Bay with spectacular views of the downtown San Diego skyline, Peohe’s specializes in fresh tropical seafood and Pacific Rim dishes including innovative sushi. Al fresco dining is available on the patio or in a charming dockside courtyard.
  
  
• Featuring an expansive patio overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Sheerwater at the Hotel del Coronado features a menu focusing on fresh, sustainable seafood that is served on ice, pan roasted, sautéed or poached.

SOUTH OF THE BORDER FLAVORS

With the International Border located just 15 miles south of Coronado, visitors naturally have several choices in the Crown City for fun, festive Mexican fare.

• Tucked inside a lush courtyard off Orange Avenue, Miguel’s Cocina is a Coronado favorite for its gracious hospitality, award-winning Mexican food, tasty margaritas and lively patio dining.
  
  
• Perched along the water’s edge at the Coronado Ferry Landing, Candelas on the Bay offer upscale Mexico City-style cuisine and creative modern cocktails complemented by unparalleled views of San Diego Bay and the downtown San Diego skyline.
  
  
• Located on Orange Avenue, Costa Azul is a perennial favorite that serves up classic Mexican fare and refreshing cocktails in a laid-back island atmosphere.
  
  
• Also located on Orange Avenue, Villa Nueva Pastry Cafe is known for their huevos rancheros and delicious street tacos that are sold every Friday night on the front sidewalk.

SMALL BITES AND SWEET TREATS

Whether guests want to expand their culinary horizons or simply satisfy a sweet tooth, Coronado has the perfect spot for indulgence between or after a meal.

• Sweet San Diego Chocolatier recently opened at the Coronado Ferry Landing. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, Rocky Road apples and peanut and pecan sticks are just a few of their sweet sensational creations.
  
  
• Family friendly Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory on Orange Avenue can satisfy any sweet tooth with handmade treats like fudge, turtles, several varieties of caramel apples and their signature “Coronado Crunch,” made with white or milk chocolate, peanut butter, marshmallows and rice krispies, drizzled in more chocolate.
   
• At the Hotel del Coronado’s ENO Wine Room, guests can sample wines, cheeses and chocolates from around the world and join regularly scheduled “Eno-versity” tasting classes that are designed to enlighten and indulge.
  
  
• Located on Orange Avenue, Nado Gelato Café serves up scoops of Italy’s famous frozen treat house-made daily; selections include sweet, creamy versions of classics like tiramisu and pistachio and vegan versions of fruity flavors like melon and pineapple.
  
  
• With locations on Orange Avenue and at the Hotel del Coronado, MooTime Creamery is a local favorite tempting guests with frozen yogurt and house-churned ice cream that is mixed-to-order with a variety of toppings including nuts, candy and fresh fruit.
  
  
• A fantastic selection of savory items and decadent desserts makes Tartine, a quaint French bakery and bistro on Orange Avenue, the perfect place for a light meal and to satisfy a sweet tooth.

DINE AROUND

With so many culinary choices in Coronado, it may be difficult to select just one; luckily, there are a couple of fun and convenient ways to dine around the island.

• Guests can enjoy “island fare in the ocean air” during the popular annual Taste of Coronado on October 12 from 5:30-9 p.m., featuring over 20 local restaurants. Shuttles transport guests between restaurants; tickets are $40 per person, with proceeds benefitting military families.
  
  
• Bite San Diego, a new local food tasting and cultural walking tour company, offers a sampling of Coronado’s delicious dining offerings from 2-5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The tour stops at Il Fornaio, Peohe's, MooTime Creamery, Fuzziwig’s Candy Factory, Alexander's Pizza (voted one of San Diego’s best pizzerias) and Chance Bistro, known for its fusion of traditional Mexican, French and Italian dishes. Each restaurant offers a generous taste of a signature dish and beverage; guests learn fascinating Coronado facts and history along the way. Tickets are $45 per person. Reservations can be made here.