San Diego restaurants can be found packed together in the touristy downtown area, but the restaurant scene has notable dining establishments all over the city. Mexican flavors are everywhere, and there's scarcely a restaurant within range that won't have a burrito, tortilla or taco on the menu. But in keeping with the diversity of the city itself, Italian and Asian restaurants are also popular in San Diego.
It's impossible to divorce the influence of Mexican food when eating in San Diego, and iconic amongst the ubiquitous options is the fish taco. Famously served at fish shacks and classy seafood restaurants alike, it is almost traditional cuisine for surfers, beachgoers and fishermen. Try George's at the Cove in La Jolla for a more modern fusion take on the traditional taco or Fidel's in Solana Beach for a more classic fish taco with a history stretching back to 1960.
San Diego food is also enriched by affordable Italian restaurants in the now gentrified Little Italy neighborhood. Buon Appetito should sit somewhere near the top of the list of restaurants to try for its varied menu and fresh flavors. This place does not take reservations over the weekend, but will call to notify of available tables.
For fine dining in San Diego, the trendy Gaslamp Quarter must be mentioned. This is a sure bet for finding quality ethnic cuisine from around the world. The intimate Escape Fish Bar is worth checking out for Asian-influenced seafood, but the quarter also hosts an annual culinary walking tour every June, during which visitors can test the best from participating restaurants in the area.
San Diego restaurants offer diners and casual lunch grabbers an array of options, from the humble fish taco to upmarket Asian cuisine. No matter the budget, there's a culinary delight to be found for every occasion.