Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new San Diego restaurants have opened over the past several months, from seafood spots to Taco Tuesday destinations.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on several restaurants coming soon to America’s Finest City. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
Malibu Farm, 831 W. Harbor Dr. | California | Reservations: Yes
This farm-to-table concept hails from celebrity Chef Helene Henderson and her actor husband, John Stockwell. The 14,000-sqft space is located at the former site of Harbor House and also features an ice cream shop and home goods store.
Spill the Beans, 525 Camino de la Reina | Coffee shop | Reservations: No
The secret is out, the local biz is now brewing in Mission Valley at its new cafe featuring plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. The restaurant offers the same food and drinks as the brand’s Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village locations, and if you’re looking for another buzz, another new cafe is expected to open in Ocean Beach later this year.
Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, 2223 El Cajon Blvd. | Supper lounge | Reservations: No, but some events ticketed
Housed in North Park’s historic LaFayette Hotel & Club, this supper club and live music venue restores historic elements from the hotel’s original build in the 1940s and will host live music. It also features a menu with food and drinks designed by Chef Ted Smith.
OB Playground, 4896 Voltaire St. | Mexican | Reservations: No
Serving as the seventh location for City Tacos, this 10,000-sqft Ocean Beach outdoor garden offers dining space, games, and murals. You’ll also find a rotating selection of vendors, including OB Espresso operated by Mike Hess Brewing.
Angry Pete’s, 5335 Overland Ave. | Pizzeria | Reservations: No
This pizza shop has become a favorite among locals, and it just opened it’s third restaurant in Kearny Mesa at the former site of a Taco Bell. Expect to find classic and creative Detroit-style slices, just like you’ll find at the Point Loma and Santee Lakes locations.
Elvira, 4996 W. Point Loma Blvd. | Italian | Reservations: Yes
Cesarina Group has opened this traditional Roman pizzeria inside the former home of BO-beau kitchen + roof tap in Ocean Beach. Designed to look like a storybook Italian kitchen, you’ll find wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and rotating seasonal dishes.
Steak 48, 12925 El Camino Real| Steakhouse | Reservations: Yes
Now open at Del Mar Highlands Town Center — at the former Searsucker site — this 12,500-sqft restaurant offers a fine dining environment for up to 350 guests. The menu features premium cuts of steak and fresh seafood with a selection of cocktails.
Pannikin Coffee & Tea, 322 N .Cleveland St. | Coffee shop | Reservations: No
This long-time, local coffee shop has been serving San Diego County since 1968. It was originally a staple in La Jolla, but left the community in 2022. Now, it will start a new chapter of its history inside the historic Bunker house in Oceanside.
The Red Chickz, 2525 El Camino Real Unit 217| Fried chicken | Reservations: No
This LA-based chicken brand has gone viral on TikTok, and now, it’s setting The Shoppes at Carlsbad ablaze. It’s known for its crunchy and spicy Nashville-style tenders, but customers can pick their heat level if they prefer to keep it cool.
NOVO Brazil Brewing Company, 1640 Camino Del Rio N., Ste. 341 | Brewpub | Reservations: Yes
This 11,500-sqft Mission Valley restaurant features a 64-tap bar serving the local brand’s craft brews and kombucha. You’ll also find 100 ft of LED video walls for prime viewing of sporting events and Brazilian-inspired dishes.
Bok Bok Dok, 3960 W. Point Loma Blvd., Ste. J | Korean | Reservations: No
This Korean fried chicken spot is now open in Point Loma — the fifth restaurant by SDB Restaurant Group, known for Convoy District favorites like Steamy Piggy. The eatery offers wings, sandwiches, and other saucy specialties; the bar serves local beers and soju-based drinks.
Pitfire Pizza, 7720 El Camino Real, Ste. A | Pizzeria | Reservations: No
This LA-based pizza chain has made a name for itself with pies baked on its signature sourdough crust inside a Marra Forni wood-fired oven. Its recently opened restaurant at The Beacon La Costa in Carlsbad has a menu including vegan and gluten-free options.
Gaslamplighter, 536 Market St. | Cocktail lounge | Reservations: Yes
The Gaslamp Quarter is tuning into this new bar at the former site of Ciro’s Pizzeria and Beerhouse. The 1,600-sqft karaoke lounge was made over by GTC Design to look like a 1920s speakeasy, and offers craft cocktails and shareable plates.
Whaling Bar, 1132 Prospect St. | Cocktail lounge | Reservations: Yes
After being closed for nearly a decade, this historic bar at La Jolla’s La Valencia Hotel was resurrected with help from SDCM Restaurant Group. The new management refreshed the cocktail and food menus while incorporating original nautical elements from its 1940s design.
Coming soon
Wildflour Delicatessen, 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., Studios 102 + 103 | Deli | Projected opening: Early 2024
Chef Phillip Esteban is opening this deli, bakery, and cocktail bar inside Art District Liberty Station. The restaurant will have indoor dining space, but will also share a 4,000-sqft patio with Carruth Cellars. Before Wildflour debuts, the concept has a residency at Esteban’s White Rice Morena, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Common Theory Public House, 1980 Optima St. | Asian + Mexican | Projected opening: Early 2024
This popular Convoy District destination will be opening its second location in Chula Vista. The restaurant fuses Korean, Chinese, Mexican, and American flavors, and the new space will feature a bar with 30 beers on tap.
Cellar Hand, 1440 University Ave. | Farm-to-table | Projected opening: Early 2024
Hillcrest is getting ready to pop off with a full service Mediterranean restaurant by Pali Wine Company at the former site of Oscar Wilde’s Irish Pub. The eatery will feature a full selection of the brand’s wines and a menu created by its executive chef Logan Kendall.
Roman Wolves, 1980 Kettner Blvd. | Italian | Projected opening: February
Restaurateur Nino Cusimano, a native of Sicily, will open this restaurant that showcases Roman cuisine. The 4,000-sqft space will feature craft cocktails and a bar that embodies the vibes of Italy’s capital.
Eat Crispy Burger, 4898 Convoy St. | Burgers | Projected opening: March
This popular Encinitas burger spot is heading to the Convoy District to open its new, 1,500-sqft restaurant with a 50-seat patio. The biz is known for its thin, smashed burgers on brioche buns, and it plans to open three more locations in San Diego this year.
Cork & Batter, 849 W. Harbor Dr. | American | Projected opening: Spring 2024
A new bungalow-themed restaurant is moving into a ~8,000-sqft space in Seaport Village that will offer screens for games and views of San Diego Bay. The sports bar will offer burgers, salads, and American-style entrees.
Chick and Hawk, 145 Leucadia Blvd. | Fried Chicken | Projected opening: Spring 2024
Local legend Tony Hawk has many awards, and now the “Birdman” is trying his hand at the restaurant game. The pro skateboarder is teaming up with Chef Andrew Bachelier to open his first restaurant in Encinitas. They received permits to begin construction in September 2023.
Finca, 3066 North Park Way | Tapas | Projected opening: 2024
Former Juniper & Ivy colleagues Dan Valerino and Joe Bower will fuse SoCal and Spanish flavors at this 90-seat North Park restaurant. Expect to find wines and cocktails plus shareable dishes that make this the perfect spot to gather with a group.
Merenda Wine, 1935 S. Coast Hwy, Ste. 102 | Winery | Projected opening: Summer 2024
Oceanside will have a new reason to wine. This shop and restaurant is slated to offer a selection of wines, tastings, and small plates — we’re thinking charcuterie boards.
