Dining

FEEL-GOOD FOOD

Tiramisu with sour cream ice cream and amaro ganache

Find comfort food in the form of baked goods, pastas, pizzas and other crave-worthy carbs at Cardellino. Trust Restaurant Group’s cafe and bake shop beckons with its lofty ‘hood-chic interior and quaint dining patio— where you’ll find foodies feasting on dishes such as spaghetti carbonara with pancetta; and tiramisu with sour cream ice cream and amaro ganache. Guests can also order pastries and coffee from the bakery; vino from the on-site bottle shop; and soft-serve ice cream from the Mr. Trustee walk-up window. And don’t miss weekend brunch—boasting a fried-egg and-bologna sandwich with American cheese (say what?!) and vanilla pancakes with honey butter. 4033 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.600.5311

Lumi's sexy, Japanese inspired dining rooftop

OPEN-AIR OASIS

A modern, Japanese-inspired, rooftop haven awaits at Lumi—RMD Group’s stunning new outpost, fronted by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back. The sexy, open-air space is a palette of black and white juxtaposed by vividly colored Japanese murals and dim lighting—creating a lush, urban, Tokyo vibe. The menu spotlights sushi, inventive Japanese fare, seafood delicacies, sake and craft libations—with a focus on Japanese whisky. Popular dishes include Back’s signature yellowtail pizza with truffle oil; salmon ceviche with jalapeño ponzu; rock shrimp tempura; the surf ‘n’ turf sushi roll with king crab and New York strip steak; and the Crispy Cream salmon skin roll. Wash it all down with the Suntory Toki Highball cocktail or a sake flight; or splurge on nightclub-style bottle service—while down-tempo house music plays in the background. Dress to impress. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.329.5864

CHINESE, PLEASE!

Crispy egg noodles with chicken and Chinese broccoli

Get your chopsticks ready. Formerly Soda & Swine, Fortunate Son is an ornate new eatery by CH Projects— serving American Chinese takeout classics with a gourmet twist. The decor alone is a conversation piece; think: bright red lanterns, gold accents, Asian-inspired flora, and a 10-foot-tall, sculpted fire-breathing dragon head surveying the scene. Grab takeout, dine inside or eat on the outdoor patio, which meshes with that of Polite Provisions cocktail bar next door—with food and libations available at both patios. (Guests can also order canned cocktails and retail wines to-go.) Must try dishes include the chili garlic chicken wings; crab egg foo young with gravy; crispy egg noodles with chicken and Chinese broccoli; and sweet-and-sour pork belly with pineapple. Save room for the toasted black sesame sundae—made with organic, vanilla soft-serve ice cream, yuzu white chocolate and a sprinkle of sea salt— for dessert. 2943 Adams Ave., North Park, 619.391.3766