Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated 05 November 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

LIPS - San Diego

5.0

5 (39)

$31 to $50

American

North Park

About the restaurant

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens.

DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional)

All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

Top review

Jessica

Dined 3 days ago

So much fun every single time! Will always recommend and always be back!

Baci Restaurant - San Diego

4.9

4.9 (1888)

$31 to $50

Italian

Old Town

About the restaurant

Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.

Top review

Joel

Dined 6 days ago

Wonderful Dinner and atmosphere. Definitely a place to experience

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Popular dish

Parmigiana

NM Café at Neiman Marcus – San Diego

5.0

5 (324)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Mission Valley

About the restaurant

THE NM CAFE located in Neiman Marcus SAN DIEGO has been recently remodeled and is now open 7 days a week, 11 am- 4pm.

Laid-back luxe. Experience delightful dishes in a casual, contemporary atmosphere at THE NM CAFE® SAN DIEGO. Muted lighting and understated, modern decor create the perfect environment for a midday retreat. Whether dining with a group or simply ordering upscale take-out, expect delectable food and exceptional service that is synonymous with Neiman Marcus.

Let THE NM CAFE® host your next Baby or Bridal Shower. We pride ourselves on creating the perfect menu and ambience for your event in our chic and inviting atmosphere. Pamper the glowing bride- or mother-to-be in your life with the shower of her dreams or a lavish luncheon.

Top review

Billvip

Dined 3 days ago

A lovely lunch with my spouse, we enjoyed the beautiful new remodel and the food was delicious as always, love the consume, and popover! Our server, Eddie was great, friendly, and efficient. He was a delight to have as a reminder of the importance of courteous and thoughtful people working with the public.

The WineSellar & Brasserie

4.9

4.9 (993)

$31 to $50

French

Sorrento Mesa

About the restaurant

Established in 1988, The WineSellar & Brasserie is San Diego's premiere destination for fine wine and exquisitely crafted locally sourced, organic fare.

Consistently ranked among OpenTable's Top 10 local restaurants, The Brasserie has been honored with either Wine Spectator's "Grand Award" and "Best Of Award Of Excellence" every year since our inception.

With your meal, enjoy a bottle from the adjoining WineSellar boutique wine shop or choose a wine from our award-winning list. Either way, you’ll find an outstanding selection of unique small-production wines not found anywhere else. Not in the mood for wine? Choose from our rotating list of craft beers or seasonally available craft cocktails.

Top review

Ellenvip

Dined 5 days ago

We haves dined many times at the Brasserie. The food is delicious and creative. Oscar is an amazing chef. Service is always top notch, friendly and professional. We will keep going back.

Jeune et Jolie

4.9

4.9 (4020)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

About the restaurant

A culinary experience celebrating the moment, Jeune et Jolie reimagines French cuisine through the vibrant lens of our Southern California landscape with a 4-course menu offered at $120 per guest.

For those looking for a more casual evening, we feature "Le Menu du Bar”, an à la carte offering available for walk-in guests at our bar and lounge.

Top review

Carolinevip

Dined 2 days ago

Fantastic meal- highly recommend!! Friendly staff and beautiful restaurant.

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Experience

Jeune et Jolie Christmas Eve

Experience

Jeune et Jolie New Year's Eve

Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room

4.8

4.8 (141)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

Little Italy

About the restaurant

Pali Wine Co. is located in famous Little Italy, San Diego, steps from the main strip. The family-owned winery highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. From our Pali Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays, to our Tower 15 bold, nuanced wines, and Neighborhood zippy, natural cuvées, our three wine labels are sure to please any pallet.

Stop in for a tasting flight where you can sample wines from our portfolio, step up to the bar for a customized guided tasting or grab a bottle to-go. Our menu features small and sharable plates with locally sourced ingredients ideal for sharing and sipping, including our best-selling burger, charcuterie boards, and seasonal specials.

Join our wine club to enjoy complimentary tastings, receive 20% off all wine, & more exciting benefits!

Weekly events include Comedy Night on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, as well as live music Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, happy hour deals weekdays 4-6pm!

Top review

Gabbyvip

Dined 6 days ago

Best place for wine and yummy food! Amazing service 🩷

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Fine Wine & Good Times Happy Hour @ Pali Wine Co.

Vinarius

4.9

4.9 (371)

$30 and under

Italian

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

Vinarius is an Italian Restaurant & Wine Bar in Little Italy San Diego. We offer an extensive wine list with wines coming from different regions of the world; the best meat and cheese board with Italian cured meats and different cheeses to pair with our wines. Our chef Alex makes homemade pasta enriched with our homemade sauces, entrees, pizza, different appetizers to choose from, and desserts that pair well with our port wines and after-dinner drinks. You definitely have to try our daily specials!
Our cozy full bar is also the perfect place to enjoy your drink and food while watching some sports!

Top review

Ryan

Dined 4 days ago

Amazing food and service! One of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego!

Black and Blue Steakhouse and Lounge - Valley View Casino

4.9

4.9 (1761)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Valley Center

About the restaurant

Black&Blue is a contemporary American Steakhouse with Las Vegas flair, and a 21 and up dining experience. B&B was recently named San Diego’s “Most Romantic Steakhouse” by the San Diego Union Tribune, and most recently awarded as the Best Steak House Best Seafood by San Diego A-list! At B&B we offer the choicest meats, freshest seafood and most dazzling desserts to delight the mind and body that will transport our guests into a world of indulgence and taste. Unwind with conversation and creative cocktails in our Black&Blue Lounge. Then move into our main room where Chef Nicholas Burgess will impress you with his inventive dishes and innovative takes on classic favorites. The Manager, Chris Scala, will ensure you receive the ultimate in guest service in an atmosphere that’s friendly and fun. To fully enjoy the B&B dining experience, please be prepared to spend an hour and a half with us. Visit us at B&B for a dining experience you’ll never forget.

Top review

Lorie

Dined 3 days ago

What a huge surprise. Who knew casino would have such an amazing restaurant. Mel, our server was just outstanding. We came back the next week because he was so good and we asked for him. The three course meal is such a great value. I have a lovely fillet and the next time I upgraded to a ribeye. The sweet potato mash was one of the best I’ve had. I also had the most amazing soufflé that I can’t stop thinking about. Again truly special place and I highly recommend it. Definitely worth the drive.

Grant Grill

4.8

4.8 (1612)

$31 to $50

Californian

Downtown / Gaslamp

About the restaurant

A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

First time having dinner at the Grant Grill. We had rib eye and pork chop. Sarah was willing to assist and provide more information because we just couldn’t decide what to order. The food was tasty and delicious. The service by Sarah was superb and not rushed.

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Popular dish

Cobb Salad

Experience

Thanksgiving 4-Course Dinner

Experience

Christmas Eve 4-Course Dinner

La Bonne Table

4.9

4.9 (1402)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

Natevip

Dined 7 days ago

Another wonderful meal at our favorite, little French bistro in San Diego!

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