New San Diego Spots I’m Loving Right Now
As of June 2021
One of my best friends asked me for a list of all the new spots my boyfriend and I have been trying in San Diego and I thought it would make a perfect blog post, so here we are! As Covid restrictions have pretty much been lifted in SD (adios masks!) it seems like new eateries/bars/coffee shops are popping up left and right and it can be hard to keep up. I’ve compiled a list of my current favs below and a few others I’m dying to try soon!
Callie-Downtown San Diego
By far the best new restaurant I have been to in a LONG time. It now ranks in my top 5 for all of San Diego. Callie serves elevated & fresh Mediterranean food and the space is absolutely gorgeous. I loved the Aleppo Chicken, The Greek (salad), Lemon Dill Potatoes and the Avocado Labneh but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. It’s located Downtown in East Village and they offer free 3 hour parking in their garage. (See their insta story parking highlight for more details). You will need to book your reservation WELL in advance via Tock.
del mar highlands sky deck-carmel valley
For those living in North County, the opening of the Del Mar Highlands Sky Deck has been highly anticipated over the last year. Perched above the Jimbo’s Grocery Store sits the “Sky Deck,” an upscale food hall with a cool cocktail bar called “Understory,” and the “Brewer’s Deck” rooftop, featuring Northern Pine Brewing, Rough Draft Brewing, and Boochcraft Kombucha. Currently, there are only two eateries open in the Sky Deck-Zizikis Street Food, an order-at-the counter Greek restaurant and Ambrogio 15, a sit-down Italian restaurant specializing in pizza, but you can check out the full list of what will open at the Sky Deck here: https://delmarhighlandstowncenter.com/skydeck/.
We went to Understory this past weekend and couldn’t believe that Carmel Valley is now home to such a fun + upscale bar! They had a live DJ and tons of unique cocktails (the cocktail menu itself is amazing). You can order some small bites from Understory or scan a QR code directly on your table to order from surrounding restaurants.
The Shop: pizza + cocktails-rancho bernardo
We had been hearing about The Shop for a while and decided to make the drive out to Rancho Bernardo to see what it was all about. They specialize in deep dish pizza (yum!) and you can customize/make any pizza your heart desires, which I LOVE. They have a full bar and make good cocktails too! For me, I always need a salad with my pizza no question and the Little Gem Cesar was delightful. If you find yourself in Rancho Bernardo definitely stop by The Shop!
Neighborhood- Downtown San Diego
I’m sure you’re all familiar with Consortium Holding’s Neighborhood but I HAD to give it a spotlight on my current favs list because they recently reopened their doors after 2 years of being closed. It’s totally remodeled and has a new, cool vibe with an even better menu. Shocking I know… I didn’t think I could love Neighborhood anymore than I previously did! They still have the Drive-Thru Burger and the Hood Burger (and lots of sauces thank god!) but have also added other bomb items, like the hamburger helper style mac and cheese, blooming onion, and pierogi, just to name a few. Behind Neighborhood is not one BUT TWO speakeasies-Noble Experiment (OG) and the newly opened Youngblood, which is a curated three course cocktail experience.
Izola Bakery- Downtown San Diego
Although Izola opened some months ago, it’s still relatively new and its a bakery YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS in San Diego. No place compares. Owner and baker extraordinaire, Jeffrey, pivoted from photography to baking during the pandemic, and whips up the most delicious sourdough bread, croissants, and vanilla knots (pictured here) with his talented team in East Village. You can walk in and order but I recommend pre-ordering with a set pickup time so everything is in stock and hot out of the oven when you arrive! Ask for a tour of the bakery-they are more than happy to show you the magic behind the scenes!
Mixed grounds-Logan heights
Rad is the best word to describe Mixed Grounds. Located in Logan Heights just a few minutes from Downtown, this coffee shop has plenty of indoor/outdoor seating with large garage style windows that let in tons of natural light. They serve great coffee drinks (I got the Charcoal Vanilla Latte) and baked goods AND there’s an art gallery for you to enjoy. Bring your laptop or a book because you’ll want to stay awhile and listen to the tunes paying from their record player.
Vaga Restraunt & Bar at the Alilia Hotel-Encinitas
The Alila Hotel recently opened its beautiful beachfront property in Encinitas with an modern, upscale restaurant, Vaga. We dined for dinner which was really nice (good food and service) but nothing beats the views/vibes. Grab a seat outside so you can soak in the ocean view. Vaga also serves brunch and has a cool bar with more casual seating.
Breakfast and Bubbles-Hillcrest/Univ Heights
This is literally the definition of an insta-worthy girls brunch. TBH, the food is nothing to write home about but it’s super cute and a fun experience. They have tons of boozy beverages and an amazing frosty coffee drink called “we have food at home” which you gotta try. Make a ressie in advance b/c they are slammmmedddd. PS wear pink for photos.
Parlor Doughnuts-Solana Beach
Replacing Solana Donut House, Parlor Doughnuts is now open in Solana Beach and offers their own house roasted coffee, as well as delicious & fun donuts like French Toast and Carnival. Order the cronuts which are their version of donut holes or grab a donut made especially for your pup!
Other spots on my list I want to try ASAP:
Swagyu Chop Shop & Burger- Imperial Beach, Pacific Beach, Poway
Westerly Public House- Point Loma
Little Fox Cups & Cones Ice Cream- Encinitas