If you know anything about restaurateur and TV personality Guy Fieri, you know he’s got a taste for big flavors that won’t break the bank. The self-proclaimed “Mayor of Flavortown” has ventured to San Diego many times for his Food Network TV show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (“DDD”), to give his flamin’ hot seal of approval to local restaurants.
Now, we’re leading the tour. Here are all the local spots that Fieri has visited on “DDD” — so far — based on when they first appeared on the show.
Ramona Café
The first time San Diego County ever appeared on “DDD” was on this “Totally Fried” episode in 2007 when Fieri stopped by this small-town favorite. He sampled some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes like the fried chicken cordon bleu and the giant cinnamon rolls.
El Indio
All the way back in season 2 in 2007, Fieri visited this family-owned Mexican restaurant in Middletown. It’s known for its fresh tortillas, and legend has it, the first taquito.
Crazee Burger
A season 4 episode took Fieri to North Park where he found himself grubbin’ on unique burgers — including an alligator burger — from this popular restaurant.
Studio Diner
During season 2, Fieri journeyed to Kearny Mesa to sample food at this old-school diner. The restaurant is known for its retro, Hollywood-inspired decor and sits on the site of a former production studio.
Hodad’s
Fieri got his buns to Ocean Beach to try this legendary burger spot, and you can still find his influence on the menu with the “Guido Burger” — topped with pastrami, Swiss cheese, spicy brown mustard, and grilled onions.
Buying pizza here is dough well spent.
Photo via @adamkcady
Pizzeria Luigi
This Golden Hill pizza shop was declared “Real Deal Italian” during a 2008 episode. The pizzeria brought the heat, especially when Fieri dug into “El Diablo.”
Hob Nob Hill
Since 1944, this restaurant has been serving meals at its Bankers Hill location. Its old-fashioned menu was showcased on “DDD’s” season 5 episode, “Just Like Yesterday.”
Bluewater Seafood Market & Grill
During a season 6 episode, Fieri caught some fresh seafood at this Middletown spot. Here, every dish is made with local catches seasoned and prepared to bring out the flavors.
Haggo’s Organic Taco
In 2013, this Leucadia taco shop was featured on an episode of “DDD” and was praised for its locally-sourced ingredients and Cousteau Fish Tacos.
Spirito’s Italian Diner
This family-owned Carlsbad restaurant has 30+ years of history, including a “DDD” appearance in 2013 where Fieri tried Spirito’s signature ravioli recipe.
OB Noodle House
The season 17 episode “All San Diego, All the Time” highlighted three local spots: Hodad’s and Pizzeria Luigi — which appeared on prior episodes — and this Ocean Beach icon. During his visit, Fieri worked with Chef Steve Yang to prepare and sample the garlic wings.
Crest Cafe
In 2013, this Hillcrest staple was declared a “Neighborhood Knockout” when Fieri gave his stamp of approval for the melt-in-your-mouth Butter Burger.
Grand Ole BBQ
This Flinn Springs barbecue spot let Fieri try big Texas flavors when he visited during a 2019 episode. He grilled Chef Amy Cisneros, but her “El Borracho Beef Ribs” passed the test.
Tahini
This Middle Eastern street food spot appeared on a 2019 episode where Fieri tried The Esquire — a chicken shawarma pita sandwich originally dedicated to President Obama. Thanks to Fieri’s love of the dish, it became a fixture on the menu.
Chuy’s Taco Shop
This restaurant was the perfect addition for the “British, Hawaiian and Mexican” episode. Here, Fieri dug into the Shrimp a La Diabla and the namesake Chuy’s Burrito made with seasoned carne asada and chile relleno.
Alforon
In 2019, the “International Infusion” episode took Fieri to this Mediterranean Lebanese restaurant where he helped chef and owner George Salameh prepare ouzi lamb.
Jo’s Diner
The “Beef Bonanza” episode featured this Mission Hills diner where Fieri learned how to make the bacon-wrapped Jo’s Meatloaf, giving it his stamp of approval.
Guy Fieri and Tony Hawk are Kindred spirits.
Photo via @barkindred
Kindred
In 2022, Fieri headed to South Park with skateboarding legend Tony Hawk to check out this vegan, heavy metal-themed bar during an episode titled, “Not-Your-Everyday, All Day.”
Shawarma Guys
Yelp ranked this South Park food truck as the top place to eat in the US in 2020, and two years later, it got Fieri’s stamp of approval.
Tuetano Taqueria
A 2022 “Culinary Adventure” took Fieri to Old Town where he prepared and tried bone marrow birria tacos with Chef Priscilla Curiel. Since airing on DDD, the restaurant has relocated — planning to open in Chula Vista in September 2024.
Sovereign Thai Cuisine
This Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant also received praise from Fieri in 2022 when he stopped by for a season 36 episode and prepared the fried local rockfish.
NOLA on 5th
This Hillcrest restaurant was featured as one of the show’s “West Coast Wonders,” but it’s all about New Orleans-style dining — including a jazzy cocktail menu and the occasional crawfish boil.
Guy makes a sweet stop at Nutmeg Bakery.
Photo via @nutmegbakery
Nutmeg Bakery & Cafe
This Sabre Springs cafe was declared a “West Coast Wonder” after Fieri paid a visit and tried the La Havana Panini and Bananas Foster French Toast.
Note: Tiger! Tiger! was featured on a season 30 episode but has since closed.
