Summer Dining

WHERE NOW

Elegant Eats

The fine-dining flagship is back! San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison, has reopened for dinner on the terrace and indoors. The pinnacle of gastronomic excellence since 2006, Addison is among just 87 Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide. It’s also the only San Diego restaurant featured in the prestigious La Liste global guide. Spotlighting local, seasonal ingredients, executive chef William Bradley crafts SoCal-influenced French dishes—serving a decadent, multicourse, chef’s tasting menu that changes often—paired with fine wines from Addison’s coveted cellar. The terrace overlooks the Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s golf course—offering tranquil views of the 18th hole. Book reservations early (they go fast).

5200 Grand Del Mar Way, Del Mar, 858.314.1900

Neighborhood's interior is music to our eyes

We Meet Again

One of the city’s original beer-centric gastropubs (circa 2007) has reopened after a two-year closure to undergo a dramatic remodel. Welcome back to Neighborhood, CH Projects’ original trailblazing outpost. Gutted and reimagined by Brooklyn-based Home Studios and Chicago’s Uncanned Music, the new-again space is an acoustic dream—outfitted with a Hi-Fi wall, vintage sound system and vinyl record library. Sample exceptional beers by San Diego brewers—along with rare and Belgian beers from small producers—while dining on chef Benji Moore’s nostalgic pub fare, such as chicken schnitzel with crispy potatoes. (And rumor has it that Young Blood, a new 16-seat cocktail den, as well as iconic speakeasy Noble Experiment, are both open for business behind the back wall …)

777 G St., East Village, 619.446.0002

Oysters on the half shell at Saltwater

Out to Sea

With its rich, blue-hued seating and subtle nautical touches, Saltwater looks and feels like an escape to the Mediterranean—if only for a meal. This is the place to indulge in fine seafood dining—from the large ice display filled with catches flown in daily from around the globe; to the glass wine room promising the perfect pairing. Helming the kitchen, noted chef Christopher Washburn creates beautifully plated dishes, such as the pistachio-crusted tuna with caponata-grilled polenta and mint sauce; Maine lobster fettuccine; and spicy bouillabaisse. Other offerings include caviar, a raw bar, salads, and sides such as lobster mac ‘n’ cheese and truffle-Parmesan fries. Carnivores will love the pistachio lamb chops; veal ravioli with black truffles; and 20-ounce, bone-in rib eye, cooked perfectly medium-rare. To drink, choose from ocean-inspired cocktails such as the Reef cucumber-mint martini; and the Pearl coconut-mezcal margarita. And don’t skip dessert; the house-made beignets and limoncello cake are divine.

565 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.525.9990

FOOD + DRINK

Totally Casual

These laid-back new eateries invite you to dine, imbibe and chill out.

Cerveza Jack’s

From its Southern-inspired cuisine and cocktails, to live music on the patio, there’s lots to love about this new offering from hospitality group Good Time Design. Dine on comfort dishes such as crispy crawfish tacos with Carolina slaw; hush puppies filled with corn, jalapeños and crab; and jambalaya penne pasta with chicken and andouille sausage. Wash it all down with the Lavender Hooch Sweet Tea or Peach Bourbon Smash; or choose from 40-plus beers on tap.

322 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.546.9292

HottMess Wood-Fired Pizza

The latest addition to Barrio Logan’s 40,000- square-foot “Acre of Awesome” joins its all-outdoor counterpart Sideyard BBQ; along with neighbor Thorn Brewing Co. (whose spent grain is used to make its pizza crust). Featuring recycled furnishings and an airy, woodsy-urban vibe, the eatery is already popular for its creative pizzas dreamt up by executive chef Kenzo Inai. We suggest the smoked-brisket pizza with mozzarella, cotija cheese, red and green onions, serrano chiles, and a light chipotle lacquer; and the vegetarian-pesto pizza with toppings that change weekly.

1735 National Ave., Barrio Logan, 619.650.2251

Quiero Tacos

A fish taco battered with Mike Hess Brewing beer, along with a side of bay views, makes for a quintessential San Diego meal. Quiero Tacos is Seaport Village’s newest casual restaurant—also housing a 24-tap tasting room. Enjoy a Mike Hess beer flight on the patio, while sampling tacos that range from Hawaiian-style chorizo to Spanish octopus; plus vegan tacos and burritos. And come back for weekend breakfast, featuring hearty chilaquiles verdes and the Sunshine Taco with a sunny-side-up egg.

879 W. Harbor Drive, Seaport Village, 619.230.5433

Samburgers

Culinary personality “Sam the Cooking Guy” (aka Sam Zien) expands his presence at Little Italy Food Hall with the opening of Samburgers. Starting under the umbrella of his EATS by Sam outpost at Seaport Village, the concept has grown into its own freestanding eatery. Expect hearty, creative burgers—with patty options including ground chicken, salmon, the plantbased Beyond Burger, and Sam’s signature blend of ground-sirloin, brisket and short rib. Try the spicy jalapeño burger and chili-cheese tots.

550 W. Date St., Suite B, Little Italy, 619.900.7267