The Most Fun Restaurants in San Diego

Ask a local and you’re bound to get the most accurate read on the pulse of the food scene in San Diego. So, we looked at our data to find where the most in-the-know locals are going for the most fun restaurants in this city loved for its beaches and sunny weather. These tastemakers go and curate, while you benefit. See where they are dining now, and find out the best places to eat in San Diego.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated 14 January 2020

Restaurants:	Jeune et Jolie, The Henry - Coronado, Addison Restaurant…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary French, American, Unspecified…
Neighborhoods:	Carlsbad, Coronado, Del Mar…

Jeune et Jolie

$$$$

Contemporary French

Carlsbad

4.9

2923 reviews

This colorful and welcoming French restaurant in Carlsbad takes its place as one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. Full of playful decor and plenty of style, Jeune et Jolie (translated to young and beautiful) is an excellent spot for a night out. Start at the raw bar with some oysters, blue prawns, or Alaskan king crab legs. Go for the "Carte Blanche" tasting menu for a full taste of the restaurant. Selections from the "trois" main course menu includes jidori chicken, wagyu beef, and Iberico pork. The must-have dessert menu features chocolate mousse and "mille-feuille" with pistachio and passion fruit.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Henry - Coronado

$$$$

American

Coronado

4.8

1419 reviews

A welcoming place off of Orange Avenue in Coronado, The Henry is a laid-back spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This cheerful restaurant maintains a relaxed, fun vibe for diners. Stop in for breakfast for a drink from the coffee bar and a smoked salmon bagel, smashed avocado toast, or the "flower child" scramble with roasted mushroom. For dinner, try the rotisserie chicken with charred lemon or the famous Sam's Burger with grilled onion, white cheddar, and the "Henry Sauce." Libations include a grapefruit spritz with yuzu and sparkling wine, along with the Jane's Aperol with a citrus smash.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Addison Restaurant

$$$$

Unspecified

Del Mar

4.9

1883 reviews

This upscale and fun San Diego restaurant is one of the most acclaimed eateries in the city. Right in the heart of Carmel Valley off of Grand Del Mar Way, Addison is one of the more elegant spaces in San Diego. Reserve a table in the exceptional dining room to choose from the ten-course or five-course tasting menu with classic French tastes. Developed by fabled chef William Bradley, the constantly-changing menu comes with an optional pairing of wines and cheeses.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub

$$$$

Sushi

Oceanside

4.7

1142 reviews

With an excellent pun in the name, the Wrench and Roden "Seabasstropub" is one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. This creative and lively San Diego spot features a diverse menu of seafood with "unorthodox" preparation. Begin the meal with a nightly-changing ceviche flight, crispy cauliflower, or baked scallops. The "unorthodox" nigiri and sashimi selections feature tuna, yellowtail, seared albacore, and octopus su miso. Try one of the house rolls, like the deep-fried "chronic" with spicy tuna, "Krab," and avocado.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bellamy's Restaurant

$$$$

American

Escondido

4.6

1607 reviews

Trek to Escondido for the fine Californian-French fare at Bellamy's Restaurant and Wine Bar. Elegant and modern, Bellamy's is one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. Grab a seat at the bar for a glass of wine or two, or take a seat in Bellamy's upscale dining room. Start with the iced lobster souffle, fish fingers, or terrine of foie gras. For dinner, try the steak tartare, roast partridge, or medallions of venison a la planche.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Valentina

$$$$

Contemporary European

Encinitas

4.7

1322 reviews

This welcoming and cozy restaurant in San Diego is a place for upscale, internationally-styled dishes and fine wines. For "openers," go for the Valentina beef tartare aioli with capers and toast or the local crudo with strawberry, cucumber, and ponzu. Shareable plates feature meatballs and marinara, roasted cauliflower, and mushroom lettuce cups with cashews and tofu. The can't-miss main courses include chicken palliard with arugula and lemon caper and cochinita pibil with plantain, tortillas, and habanero. Pair those with one of the Valentina espresso chocolate cakes or dessert wines to finish off the meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

$$$$

Fondue

Downtown / Gaslamp

4.6

2287 reviews

What's more fun than fondue? In the heart of San Diego's elegant Gaslamp quarter, The Melting Pot is one of the city's most fun restaurants. Not only does the restaurant feature prime cheese fondue, but there is also chocolate fondue for those with a sweet tooth. For an "entree fondue," try the "land and sea" with garlic pepper sirloin, herb-crusted chicken breast, and Atlantic salmon. Cheese fondue styles include Wisconsin cheddar, classic Alpine with gruyere and raclette, and spinach artichoke with parmesan and spinach.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Campfire

$$$$

Contemporary American

Carlsbad

4.8

4115 reviews

Campfire is a throwback-style spot and one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. With a cozy and rustic feel, Campfire features a live-fire cooking style for its classic but upscale menu. Try the American wagyu with potato rosti, yu choy, and garlic, or the pork chop with cherry and mustard. Sea bass features wild rice, heirloom tomato, and chicharrones. A smoked and grilled ribeye and roasted boneless jidori chicken come "for two" on the menu. For dessert, don't miss the classic s'mores with salted caramel chocolate and marshmallow. There's also a "camp feast" menu option for the table.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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The WineSellar & Brasserie

$$$$

French

Sorrento Mesa

4.7

876 reviews

For fine wine and classic bites, The WineSellar & Brasserie is the place to go in San Diego. Peruse The WineSellar's shelves for a gem of a bottle or two and try a few sips from a tasting. For dinner, grab a table at the brasserie for French and Californian cuisine. Go for the "Chef's Mercy" selection with a special menu of Brasserie-favorite dishes. Or, try something off the menu. French ratatouille includes tomatoes, organic squash, and fontina cheese. An Australian rack of lamb comes with potatoes, sauteed spinach, and tomato concasse sauce.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Juniper & Ivy

$$$$

Contemporary American

Little Italy

4.6

7110 reviews

A fun and welcoming spot in the heart of San Diego, Juniper & Ivy is the ideal spot for dinner after visiting the nearby Ballast Point Brewery. Stop into this lively restaurant and begin a meal with bites like Baja yellowtail with shark sauce, lemon and basil Madeline, or a pepperoni bagel with mozzarella. For an entree, go for the special house whole-roasted duck with confit legs, stir-fry wheat berries, and herb butter. It's also an excellent place for beer lovers. Try the Black Light pilsner from Black Plague brewing or the Karl Strauss Wheat from Windansea.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Experiences available

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Texas de Brazil - Carlsbad

$$$$

Steakhouse

Carlsbad

4.4

1183 reviews

Head out to the Shops at Carlsbad Mall for one of the most fun restaurants in San Diego. In Texas de Brazil, the restaurant's exquisite Brazilian-style meals come carved tableside to the delight of diners. It's a fantastic option for dinner with a group of friends. Try the chicken breast wrapped in bacon, Brazilian sausage, or Parmesan-crusted pork loin. Alongside the meats, choose from fun sides like moqueca fish stew, garlic mashed potatoes, and Brazilian cheese bread.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Cesarina

$$$$

Italian

Ocean Beach

4.9

3792 reviews

Voltaire Street in San Diego is the home to Cesarina, one of the city's top Italian places. A warm and welcoming spot, Cesarina is an excellent choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A highly-customizable pasta menu gives diners the option to pick their noodles, sauce, and topping. For seafood, try the fresh catch of the day or the Sicilian branzino with confit tomatoes, capers, and onions. Stick around for dessert to try the tiramisu or coppa gelato.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

$$$$

Beer Garden

Escondido

4.6

6463 reviews

A short trip away from the San Diego Airport, Stone Brewing World Bistro and Gardens is an excellent spot for food and brews. Grab one of Stone's famous IPAs or stouts to go along with a full menu of fun dishes. Try the Angry Chicken sandwich, with "friendly" or "furious" versions featuring Gochujang glaze, spicy aioli, and cucumber salad. Stone also boasts a "Medianoche" Cuban sandwich, with pork, ham, Stone IPA mustard, and Emmental cheese.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Most Fun Restaurants