Looking for the next new restaurant hitting SD’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in San Diego — plus, some spots coming soon (listed at the bottom of this article). Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
October
Tacos El Franc, 528 Fifth Ave. | The famed Tijuana taqueria opened its second U.S. location in the Gaslamp Quarter, serving its signature charcoal-grilled carne asada and adobada tacos alongside housemade beans and horchata. Doors open daily at 4 p.m., with late-night hours on weekends.
San Diego County’s third and newest Yard House is now open in Chula Vista.
Photo via Yard House
September
Yard House, 2015 Birch Rd., Chula Vista | The chain’s third and newest San Diego County location debuted at Otay Ranch Center with 90 beer taps — including some local pours — and 80+ dishes, from poke nachos to tacos. Pop in for happy hour, too.
Mission Bagel, 1344 Garnet Ave. | The shop that began as a bagel food truck along Grand Avenue expanded into a permanent storefront, serving New York-inspired bagels with a “snap and chew.” Owner Gabe Rubin has been chronicling his journey of opening up the shop on Instagram and the hustle is real.
Nick the Greek serves Greek + Mediterranean dishes.
Photo via Nick the Greek
Nick the Greek, 6765 Mira Mesa Blvd. | This gyro house founded by three cousins — Big Nick, Little Nick, and Baby Nick — offers loaded pitas, souvlaki plates, bowls, and salads.
You’ll find this restaurant in the Bay Tower at Sheraton San Diego Resort.
Photo via Sheraton San Diego Resort
Shorelight, Sheraton San Diego Resort | Located in the resort’s Bay Tower with pretty views of San Diego Bay, this lighthouse–inspired restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We’re eyeballing the spicy tuna crudo bruschetta and limoncello martini.
Now open in Escondido: Panini Kabob Grill.
Photo via Panini Kabob Grill
Panini Kabob Grill, Mershops North County Mall, Escondido | The fast-casual Mediterranean chain is known for its fresh ingredients, made-to-order dishes, and generous portions. The menu includes appetizers, kabob entrees, salads, paninis, and pasta.
If you’re craving a stacked sandwich, there’s a new deli inside Iowa Meat Farms in Grantville.
Photo via Iowa Meat Farms
Iowa Meat Farms Deli | 6041 Mission Gorge Rd. | The renovated Grantville store debuted a deli to match the longstanding deli at its sister market, Siesel’s Meats in Bay Park. Expect stacked selections like the Cuban, Reuben, spicy torpedo, and club house sandwiches, and two made-from-scratch soups available daily.
New T1 Concessions | San Diego International Airport | The debut of SAN’s New T1 features 12 new concessions, including The Taco Stand, Ambrosio 15, Cutwater Restaurant & Bar, and Novecientos Grados by Tony Hawk, all spanning 90,000-sqft within the 940,000-sqft Terminal 1 project.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in September? Let us know.
Hooray — The Halal Guys has finally arrived in Hillcrest.
Photo via The Halal Guys
August
Fonda del Barrio, 2234 Logan Ave. | Reservations | Hailing from City Tacos founder Gerry Torres, this Barrio Logan restaurant focuses on “ancestral Mexican cuisine.” The menu includes handmade masa, Oaxacan mole sauces, and dishes inspired by Mexico’s seven primary culinary regions. It’s open for dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 4 p.m.
The Halal Guys, 3825 5th Ave. | The popular NYC-based eatery known for its rice platters and pita sandwiches piled with gyro, chicken, or falafel debuted its first-ever San Diego location in Hillcrest. Fun Fact: The brand started as a hot dog cart in 1990 and has grown to become one of the steadiest franchises, now with 100+ locations across the world.
Shorebird, 885 W. Harbor Dr., Suite B1 | After years of planning and permitting hurdles, Shorebird finally opened in August 2025 at Seaport Village. Located at the former site of Pier Café — the well-known blue structure that sits over the water — the restaurant focuses on coastal cuisine, boasting an extensive raw bar and wood-fired dishes and is open daily for breakfast, lunch + dinner. It’s one of many newish places to eat at the landmark.
The Victorian at Hill Street, 524 S. Coast Hwy., Oceanside | Reservations | Head to North County to check out this restaurant inside the Wetzel Residence, a historic Queen Anne home built in 1888. Expect California-inspired shareable dishes and cocktails named after literary icons like Jane Austen and George Eliot.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in August? Let us know.
July
LUCIEN, 7863 Girard Ave., La Jolla | Reservations | This 30-seat, fine dining restaurant is owned by Chef Elijah Arizmendi and backed by a Michelin-seasoned team. The tasting-menu-only concept offers a guided 12-course dinner described as “a love letter to California.”
For the Win, 1037 Garnet Ave. | The SoCal burger chain opened a location in Pacific Beach over the summer — its first eatery outside of the LA area. The SD menu features loaded smashburgers, fries, and milkshakes in classic flavors.
Mastro’s Ocean Club, 901 Bayfront Ct., Ste. 105 | Reservations | This new seafood restaurant with views of USS Midway replaced Del Frisco’s on the ground floor of the InterContinental Hotel. Treat yourself to some caviar, sushi, or a nice steak and ask about the tableside cocktails.
Quimérico Café, 345 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Ste. J, Encinitas | The Tijuana-based cafe expanded to San Diego County with this cute coffee + breakfast spot where patrons can expect brunch dishes like “chilaquiles from another dimension,” breakfast burritos, French toast, and specialty coffee drinks.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in July? Let us know.
Do not, we repeat, do not skip the adobada tacos at Tacos El Franc — order them “extra crispy.”
Photo via Tacos El Franc
June
Tacos El Franc, 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., Space 1108, National City | Mexican taqueria | We’re tearing up. Tijuana’s iconic, Michelin Guide-recognized Tacos El Franc debuted its first US location at Westfield Plaza Bonita on June 11, 2025. The eatery featured on Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles” specializes in savory street tacos — we can taste those crispy adobada tacos fresh off the split now. Taco ‘bout great news: Tacos El Franc owner Roberto Kelly told SDtoday that a second US location would debut in downtown San Diego; we now know that location will open on Oct. 8.
Jan’s Health Bar is now open at One Paseo — the brand is known for their health-forward dishes and power smoothies.
Photo via Jan’s Health Bar
Jan’s Health Bar, 3722 Paseo Pl., Ste. 1440, Del Mar | Fresh, healthy eats | The Orange County-based fast-casual eatery debuted its first San Diego County location at One Paseo. The menu features health-forward salads, sandwiches, wraps, and signature drinks like the Peanut Butter Banana Date Smoothie.
Bianchi Pizza & Pasta, 998 W. Mission Bay Dr. | Italian | Reservations | Tucked inside the Bahia Resort Hotel in Mission Bay, this restaurant specializes in Neapolitan-inspired cuisine + wood-fired pizza created by Chef Ignazio Tagliavia.
A little breakfast at Daffodil Cafe sounds pretty sweet.
Photo via @eatatdaffodil
Daffodil Cafe, 4747 Executive Dr., La Jolla | This UTC-area cafe offers breakfast and lunch options like the Belgian waffle topped with strawberry compote and the roasted chicken crunch salad. For drinks, check out the coffee, tea, and blended juices.
Destiny Coast, 8604 La Jolla Shores Dr. | Brunch with an ocean view? Say less. This gorgeous La Jolla spot boasts brunch, lunch, and stunning views daily, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There’s more on the horizon — a Sunset Menu will debut on Wednesday, Aug. 6 that will be available Wednesday-Sunday, 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m.
Lana, 437 S. Coast Hwy. 101 | Reservations | This upscale California comfort food restaurant in Solana Beach is open for dinner Wednesday-Sunday. It also offers a weekend brunch menu that includes wood-fired morning harvest flatbread and tres leches brioche French toast.
Bosforo, 3201 Adams Ave. | Turkish | Reservations | The menu for this modern Turkish restaurant + bar in Normal Heights includes cold and hot appetizers, wood-fired pizzas, salads, kebabs, and desserts.
Don’t miss the happy hour + game day deals at Fat Tuesday in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Photo via Fat Tuesday
Fat Tuesday, 618 Fifth Ave. | The chain’s first-ever California location debuted at the former site of Henry’s Pub in the Gaslamp Quarter with its signature frozen cocktails and a full kitchen serving wings, pizzas, and shareable bar bites. Pro tip: Happy Hour includes $6 drink deals and $10 food specials, and Game Day Specials start at $10.
Vulture, 4608 Park Blvd. | Vegan fine dining | Reservations | This “reimagined continental-style fine dining” concept hails from the team behind SD’s buzzy hot spots Kindred and Mothership. The dinner menu focuses on elevated vegan dishes, handcrafted cocktails, and wine.
Hankering for a bagel? Roll through this new Spill the Beans in OB, the local brand’s first-ever drive-thru location.
Photo via Spill the Beans
Spill the Beans, 4805 Newport Ave. | Coffee + bagels | This OB spot is the homegrown chain’s fifth SD location and features a walk-up window, outdoor seating, and its first-ever drive-thru. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again — for a delicious breakfast experience, order the Basic Sitch and a bagel of your choice with cream cheese.
Madeleine, 1776 National Ave. | French | This new concept from the team behind Café Madeleine in South Park and North Park will open in Barrio Logan on Wednesday, June 25. The menu will feature French and Latin-inspired offerings like the serrano ham benedict, crepa con rajas, and tortillas españolas.
Smash and Stack, 956 Garnet Ave. | This PB burger joint is outta this world — the menu revolves around UFO-shaped smash burgers with crispy edges and sides like waffle fries and jalapeno poppers.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in June? Let us know.
Witherby at The Beau is giving 1886 vibes.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
May 2025
Witherby, 927 Sixth Ave. | Contemporary American | Reservations | This gorgeous cocktail bar and restaurant (once known as The Bar at The Beau) is housed inside the Gaslamp Quarter’s renovated Beau Hotel — a boutique hotel inside a brick building that dates back to 1886. The restaurant’s name is a nod to the building’s first tenant, Henry Witherby. Part of the building served as a speakeasy during Prohibition, so the cocktail menu features a few nods to its colorful past. Pro tip: don’t miss Chef Robin James’ duck pot pie.
Nobu del Coronado is the latest addition to The Del’s $550 million revitalization.
Photo via Nobu del Coronado
Nobu del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Hotel del Coronado | Sushi | Reservations | The Del debuted this beautiful Japanese restaurant as part of the final stretch of the iconic hotel’s multi-year, $550 million revitalization. Founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and actor Robert De Niro, this is SD’s latest celebrity restaurant.
Treehouse, 9945 Pacific Heights Blvd. | Coffee + lunch | This daytime dining collective in Sorrento Valley offers coffee and lunch options, from sandwiches and salads to burgers and bowls for dine-in or to-go. It’s open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
New in the house — Slice House by Tony Gemignani is now open in SD’s Little Italy neighborhood.
Photo via @slicehousesd
Slice House by Tony Gemignani, 2100 Kettner Blvd. | Pizza | Also joining SD’s celebrity restaurants scene, this Little Italy pizza spot hails from restaurateur, author, reality TV personality, and World Pizza Cup Champion Tony Gemignani. The menu offers New York, Detroit, Sicilian, and grandma-style pies.
Roppongi Asian Bistro is back, this time in Imperial Beach.
Photo via Roppongi
Roppongi Asian Bistro, 800 Seacoast Dr. | Asian fusion + sushi | Reservations | This bistro debuted alongside a new Sammy’s Woodfire Pizza in the remodeled spaces of Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach. Roppongi once had a location in La Jolla from 1998 to 2015, so locals might recognize the menu’s fresh takes on dishes like the crab stack, onion rings, and Mongolian shrimp.
Sonny’s Pizza & Fine Foods, 1728 Madison Ave. | Pizza | Hailing from the team behind Madison on Park and the brunch hot spot Madi, this Brooklyn-inspired restaurant in University Heights serves 12-inch pizzas cooked at 600°. The space rocks, too — it pays homage to the rise of the 1980s punk rock scene.
Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is home to 12 dining concepts.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Old Hickory Steakhouse, Trēō Kitchen + Bar, Growlers Sports Bar & Taproom, and more restaurants at Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center | Various cuisines | After decades of planning, the $1.3 billion resort debuted along the Chula Vista Bayfront with 1,600 guestrooms, a 4.25-acre waterpark, and 12 dining concepts spanning everything from Japanese food to Mexican cuisine.
Tabac+, 2215 Kettner Blvd. | Mediterranean | Reservations | This Little Italy restaurant specializes in Turkish-Italian fusion cuisine, plus creative mocktails, Turkish coffee, and hookah.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in May? Let us know.
Inside 6th & G Breakfast Co., a new brunch spot in East Village.
Photo via 6th & G Breakfast Co.
April 2025
6th & G Breakfast Co., 695 Sixth Ave. | Brunch | This East Village restaurant — which replaced Fig Tree Cafe — features a lively lineup of morning meals like the Blueberry, Maple Bacon + S’mores Waffle Pops, Shrimp Katsu Benedict, and Grilled Birria Sandwich. Don’t skip the over-the-top Smoke Bubble cocktails.
Carbonaro’s, 5120 College Ave., Ste. 125 | Pasta | The menu at this fast-casual eatery near SDSU focuses on scratch-made pasta, including spaghetti, rigatoni, fusilli, and gnocchi topped with sauces like pomodoro, bolognese, alfredo, and pesto.
Piedra Santa in Little Italy — happy hour, anyone?
Photo via Piedra Santa
Piedra Santa, 555 W. Ash St. | Steakhouse | Reservations | This Argentinian steakhouse in Little Italy specializes in premium dry-aged steaks grilled over an open flame, Argentine wines, and craft cocktails. Don’t miss the deals on bites + drinks during happy hour Sunday-Thursday, 4-6 p.m.
An’s Electronics Repair, 1861 Bacon Street | Gelato | The latest extension of An’s Gelato keeps in theme with the beloved brand’s affinity for turning former ho-hum storefronts into buzzy, small-batch gelato shops. The quirky menu at the new OB location features flavors like No Signal inspired by sticky toffee pudding, the dairy-free coconut Bluetooth, and Power Supply made with milk-brew coffee from OB Beans Coffee Roasters.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in April? Let us know.
Chef Phillip Esteban’s latest venture is Wildflour at Liberty Station.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
March 2025
Wildflour Delicatessen, 2690 Historic Decatur Rd., Ste. B | Deli and bakery | Renowned local Chef Phillip Esteban debuted his latest project in Barracks 19 at Liberty Station just before spring. It’s a deli, bakery, coffee shop + cocktail bar all wrapped into one, with a blend of Scandinavian, New York City, and SoCal influences. Try the Buttermilk Panna Cotta with miso caramel, passion fruit, and togarashi crumble, and ask about the natural wines.
China Max Dumpling House, 4698 Convoy St., Ste. C101 | With new owners and a new menu heavily focused on dumplings, the Convoy District’s beloved restaurant reopened to long lines. Try this: There’s an all-you-can-eat lunch + dinner special on weekdays with a 90-minute limit at the dining tables.
Milk and Cookies, 445 Tenth Ave. | Cookies | Grab a sweet treat at this East Village shop near Petco Park — the menu specializes in warm cookies, homemade ice cream, and milk in fun flavors like banana, root beer, and orange cream.
Bock, 1521 30th St. | Beer hall + pub | This new neighborhood watering hole + restaurant features 30+ beers on tap and German-inspired dishes with a Cali twist. Bock is part of South Park Commons, a buzzy hub in South Park that’s also home to new locations of Stella Jean’s Ice Cream shop and Pop Pie Co.
Starlite, 3175 India St. | Reservations | Icons live forever. After a revamp by CH Projects, Starlite reopened in March 2025 — with original GM Jack Reynolds, no less — and has been shining bright ever since.
The Remedy Lounge, 9700 N. Torrey Pines Rd. | Located inside the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, this “apothecary-inspired elixir bar” features eight curated beverages meant to rejuvenate mind and body. The drinks are crafted with herbs, florals, and spices, and the menu also features food pairings.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in March? Let us know.
February 2025
Leu Leu, 466 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas | Global-inspired cuisine | Reservations | “Top Chef” alum and Imperial Beach native Claudette Zepeda opened this chic, 60-seat restaurant with “girl dinner” vibes as her latest venture into the local celebrity restaurant scene.
Did we miss a restaurant that opened in February? Let us know.
Telefèric Barcelona is coming to Westfield UTC in 2026 as part of the shopping + dining hub’s big expansion.
Rendering via Telefèric Barcelona
Coming Soon
Chick & Hawk, 145 Leucadia Blvd., Encinitas | Projected opening: fall 2025 | After years of planning, Tony Hawk’s restaurant will soon hatch with a design inspired by SD’s skateboarding culture. The menu includes the Birdman fried chicken sandwich, fun cocktails, and the Cheep Skate house beer.
Dora, 9165 S. Scholars Dr., La Jolla | Projected opening: fall 2025 | A seafood-centric restaurant named Dora is slated to open this fall in the La Jolla Theater District. The spot hails from Chef Accursio Lota of North Park’s Trattoria Cori Pastificio and will feature pasta, gelato, and prix fixe pre-theater menus themed to match shows at the nearby La Jolla Playhouse.
PopUp Bagels, Locations TBD | Bagels | Projected opening: Late 2025 | NYC’s cult favorite bagel shop will roll into SoCal later this year, including San Diego County, although exact locations and further details have not yet been released. The brand is known for its bagels that don’t come with schmear — you order the cream cheese on the side and rip + dip your bagel.
JOEY Restaurants and Telefèric Barcelona, Westfield UTC | Projected opening: 2026 | Westfield UTC’s phased expansion will include these two new restaurants. JOEY features globally-inspired cuisine while Telefèric is known for its Spanish tapas and paellas.
Sugarfish, 2100 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 1100 | Projected opening: spring 2026 | The cult favorite Nozawa-style sushi restaurant plans to expand to SD by opening a Little Italy location. The restaurant is known for its set-price meals featuring all kinds of goodies, hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi.
Flecha Cantina, 4S Commons Town Center | Projected opening: 2026 | San Diego’s celebrity restaurants scene is growing. Actor Mark Wahlberg plans to open his Flecha Cantina restaurant at the former site of Miguel’s Cocina in 4S Ranch. The brand has locations in Huntington Beach and Las Vegas, too.
Still hungry for more? Dig deeper into our food news.
