A Local’s Guide to Good Eating in San Diego

We’re thrilled to announce the opening of our newest store: Williams-Sonoma at Westfield University Town Center! We’re enamored with San Diego, a city that embodies sunshine, casual comfort and thoughtful food—all things we love about The Golden State. For more on the store, follow along on Instagram for updates.

 

In honor of our latest store, we asked one of our favorite locals, Katie Dillon of the travel and lifestyle blog La Jolla Mom, to share her ultimate San Diego and La Jolla restaurant guide. Here’s what she has to say about her choice spots to grab a bite or enjoy a memorable meal.

 

 

San Diego is known for beaches and year-round temps averaging 70 degrees, but it’s slowly evolving into a foodie mecca. Our chefs are a cool bunch with many emphasizing locally-sourced and sustainable ingredients. It’s just as easy to find a memorable fast-casual meal as it is a fine dining one. And do we ever have amazing views and plenty of opportunities to soak up sunshine during a meal.

 

It’s worth noting that the one must-eat when visiting America’s Finest City is definitely a fish taco. Pair it with local suds—we’re also a major player in the craft beer industry—and you’ll be set.

 

 

1. George’s Ocean Terrace, La Jolla — To me, George’s Ocean Terrace represents the La Jolla lifestyle. It’s an expansive rooftop terrace decked out in contemporary decor with panoramic ocean views, a great wine list and craft cocktails, and a fantastic California cuisine menu. If we have an out-of-town guest visiting, this is where we go for lunch. Get the fish tacos and famous black bean soup.

 

 

2. El Pescador, La Jolla — It’s a seafood market retailing amazing cuts of fish and shellfish but it’s possible to order from a long list of shellfish and prime fish fillets to dine in the fast-casual, rustic-modern space. My order is the El Pescador salad (Dungeness crab, medium shrimp, bay shrimp, smoked albacore, smoked salmon) or a fish sandwich. They have great seafood tacos, too.

 

3. Beaming Organic Superfood Cafe, Del Mar and La Jolla — Truth be told, I love wine, cheese, cake and decadent food. But when I feel like a reboot, I happily head straight to Beaming for a to-go salad (love the kale Caesar), green juice, low-glycemic smoothie or treats like the banana parfait with coconut whip and chia seeds. They’ve managed to make healthy taste delicious and I feel good after eating their food. I’m also a fan of their three-day food cleanse.

 

 

4. Pizza Port, multiple locations — Pizza Port has embraced San Diego’s surf culture and casual vibe in the most excellent way for over 25 years now. It started with a location in Solana Beach, a favorite of mine since the beginning, and recently added several more. The pizza is proportioned right with ample cheese, toppings and a crust that is always perfect. I like Pizza Monterey with pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, and artichoke hearts (ask for a side of ranch for dipping).

 

 

5. Cliffhanger Cafe, La Jolla —Bring your camera…this is definitely one of the most unique places in town to have lunch. Most people go for the panoramic view—one of the best in San Diego—not knowing that you can have a pretty good, casual deli sandwich or bowl of soup while watching colorful paragliders and hang gliders launch off of the cliffs in front of you. It’s picnic bench seating and rather zen. You can even see whales sometimes during their seasonal migrations.

 

 

6. Hodad’s, Ocean Beach — San Diego’s best burger is a hotly-debated topic, but I’d vote for Hodad’s because it’s a great reason to head to Ocean Beach to browse the funky shops on Newport Avenue. A feature on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives catapulted this local favorite to national fame, but it still doesn’t change the fact that the juicy Blue Jay burger (a bacon cheeseburger with blue cheese and onions) is epic.

 

See more of Katie’s San Diego food picks on her blog, and come check us out starting tomorrow at the new Williams-Sonoma at Westfield UTC!