Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in San Ysidro

Excellent food and service. My wife and I were celebrating our35th anniversary. Highly recommend the Marine Room. Been going there over 40years.

Excellent food, great service, and the views were incredible. Our family will definitely be returning to the special spot. 

My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!

The great news: service was excellent, food spot on. We had bread (must have), beets, and a charcuterie plate to start, which was plenty for four of us. All was excellent, but the charcuterie was the standout: perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and even came with notes so you knew what you were eating. For dinner, we had filet mignon, wagyu skirts, and a ribeye. All were superb and cooked exactly to specification. Desserts and drinks were also very good. The less fabulous: We asked for a quiet corner since it is a busy and crowded spot, and while we were in a corner of the private room in the back, so was a loud party of 6 or 8. We asked if they could do something, but nothing was done. Parking: Even at 5:30 on a Sunday, it was not easy to find a spot close by.. If there'd been valet, we'd have definitely used it. All in all, we'd do it again for a special occasion. The manager did listen to our noise issue, and acknowledged it impacted our experience tonight, so I don't expect it to happen again

Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!