San Diego has much to offer – from the beaches and historical sites to attractions like the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld. In addition to touring America’s Finest City, attendees also ask a critically important question: “Where should I go to eat and drink?”
Each listing below shows the distance from the Town and Country Resort, the approximate price range, and links to the map and menu.
In this guide:
Close to the venue
The Town and Country Resort offers restaurants, bars, markets, and in-room dining options. Find hours and menus listed on their website. There are also plenty of restaurants nearby, some below were recommended by attendee Amber Fritz on her blog.
- Jane’s Cafe (0.75 miles) $ – Dubbed “The best breakfast in San Diego,” the cafe also includes brunch options in a tucked-away location.
- Trader Joe’s Grocery (1 mile) $$ – This market offers ready-made meals and snacks, including options for those with dietary restrictions.
- Benihana (2 miles) $$$ – Your personal chef will entertain you while cooking in traditional Japanese style on a hibachi table.
- King’s Fish House (1 mile) $$ – Relaxed chain offering an extensive menu of fish and seafood.
- Broken Yolk Cafe (1.75 miles) $$ – All-day breakfast, including Mexican dishes, plus sandwiches and burgers.
Close to landmarks
If you’re venturing out to see the sights in San Diego, here are a few top-rated restaurants nearby.
San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park
For lovers of nature and culture, Balboa park includes over 17 museums, multiple gardens, performances, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
- Prado (4.6 miles) $$$ – Hacienda with a patio featuring inspired Californian fare.
- CUCINA urbana (3.0 miles) $$ – Stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant & wine shop with craft cocktails.
- El Indio Mexican Restaurant (5.1 miles) $ – A popular spot serving traditional Mexican food.
- Dunedin New Zealand Eats (5.3 miles) $$ – New Zealand–themed spot serving casual fare in a funky space with two shaded patios and a fire pit.
- Hob Nob Hill (4.6 miles) $$ – Restaurant serving generous portions of American comfort cooking in a comfortable space.
SeaWorld & Mission Beach
SeaWorld offers a world-class aquarium, roller coasters, and live concerts. Mission Beach boasts two miles of oceanfront boardwalk, surf, and sand.
- Draft South Mission (5.4 miles) $$ – A casual American grill featuring small plates and beach views.
- Mr. Ruribertos Mexican Food (5.7 miles) $ – A counter-serve chain restaurant with a menu of down-home Mexican plates.
- Luigi’s At The Beach (5.4 miles) $$ – Hang inside or on the patio for big, NYC-style pies and Italian basics.
- World Famous (7.1 miles) $$ – A mix of surf, turf, and pub grub. Dine indoors or on the oceanfront patio.
- Luce Bar & Kitchen (3.4 miles) $$ – Warehouse-chic bar serving upscale American pub grub and Sunday brunch.
Old Town
With 32 historic sites, shops, and museums, Old Town is a great place to spend a day with a Mexican traditional vibe.
- Cafe Coyote (3.8 miles) $$– Offering 100 tequilas, this rustic and lively spot serves Mexican fare and buzzes with mariachi music.
- Pizza Bella Italian Bistro (2.3 miles) $$ – Old-world Italian art lines the walls of this eatery serving thin-crust pies and pasta.
- Old Town Mexican Cafe (3.8 miles) $$ – A popular spot serving many standard Mexican dishes and authentic hand-pressed tortillas.
- Jack & Giulio’s Italian Restaurant () $$ – Old-school bistro offering classic Italian dishes in a retro red-linen tablecloth dining room.
- Harney Sushi (2.5 miles) $$ – Modern outfit with a buzzy vibe offering creative sushi rolls and Japanese fare.
Gaslamp District & Downtown San Diego
The Trolley station near the venue makes it easy to get to the fun and funky Gaslamp district. This area features restaurants and bars for a night out on the town.
- Coin-Op Gaslamp (4.5 miles) $$ – A fun and spacious barcade with lots of food, pinball, arcade classics & other games.
- False Idol (6.2 miles) $$$ – A world-famous tiki bar in a trendy, tropical environment.
- STK (4.5 miles) $$$$ – A fancy place for a truly amazing steak dinner.
- Salvatore’s Cucina (6.5 miles) $$$ – Refined, carefully sourced Italian fare in a romantic, white-tablecloth space.
- barleymash (4.7 miles) $$ – Sports TV and DJs accompany this mod spot, known for craft beer, bourbon, and flatbread pizzas.
Popular restaurants
A few local attendees have suggested the following favorites.
- Oscars Mexican Seafood (8.3 miles) $ – With multiple locations, this Mexican seafood chain is known for classic and modern tacos, tortas, sides & sodas.
- Lucha Libre Taco Shop (3.3 miles) $$ – Authentic street-style Mexican dishes, plus a salsa bar & old wrestling matches on TV.
- Tacos el Gordo (12.4 miles) $ – If you’re looking to get close to the Mexican border, this counter-serve joint features Tijuana tacos, mulas, loaded fries & more.
- Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse (4.6 miles) $$$ – Upscale Brazilian chain for all-you-can-eat meat carved tableside plus an extensive salad bar.
- Mothership (6.1 miles) $$ – This brand new restaurant and “space lounge” features vegan food, tiki cocktails, pools of psychedelic light, and its own sci-fi backstory.
Kosher, halal, and vegan
There is an abundance of restaurants available for those with specific dietary requirements. Here are a few of the crowd favorites.
Kosher
- Elijah’s (6.4 miles) $$ – Hefty portions of Jewish deli and brunch classics with diner-style decor.
- Ben & Esthers (7.7 miles) $$ – Vegan Jewish deli.
- Botanic Burger (11.6 miles) $ – Vegan restaurant.
Halal
- Mystic Grill & Bakery (6.4 miles) $$ – Authentic, fresh, healthy Mediterranean food.
- Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant (1.3 miles) $$ – Afghan eatery serves kebabs, curry & lamb specialties, plus side dishes, in a sophisticated setting.
- The Halal Shack (7.5 miles) $ – Middle Eastern street food.
Vegan
- Grains (2.9 miles) $$ – Rustic setting for vegan & vegetarian dishes.
- Loving Hut (2.5 miles) $ – Outpost of a vegan counter-serve chain with Asian-accented menus that vary by location.
- Donna Jean (2.2) $$ – Homey locale for seasonal vegan eats, kombucha, and beer with a spacious patio & herb garden.
For the foodies
If you’re looking for the fanciest food experience, look no further than these Michelin star restaurants.
- Soichi (3.1 miles) $$$ – Traditional Japanese restaurant serving sushi & sashimi amid simply decorated surroundings.
- 2121 Adams Ave
- One Michelin Star – Soichi Menu
- Sushi Tadokoro (3.6 miles) $$$ – Spare & compact venue spotlighting traditional sashimi & nigiri, also serving sake & beer.
- 2244 San Diego Ave
- One Michelin Star
- Addison (17.9 miles) $$$$ – Set menus & wine pairings are featured at this elegant Grand Del Mar hot spot with New French fare.
- 5200 Grand Del Mar Way
- Two Michelin Stars
- Jeune et Jolie (33.7 miles) $$$ – Elegant restaurant featuring a set-price menu of imaginative French dishes, plus a la carte options.
- 2659 State St Suite 102, Carlsbad
- One Michelin Star – Jeune et Jolie Menu