San Diego for the First Time - Help!

[scout1]

Hi!

My husband and I will be in San Diego for the first time at the end of June. We're looking for some "must eat" places. We eat just about everything, but would love to go somewhere authentic - i.e. not overhyped. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[Willmerson]

If you want something crazy off the charst good you have to go to Addison. The menu is a bit pricey at 95 per person but the food, decor, wine and service warrant this price. Awesome!

[oerdin]

Oh... Addison's, I had forgotten about them. Spend the $150 per person and get the whole 7 course meal with wine service.

[daantaat]

You have many great suggestions below. However, where are you staying and will you have a car? (See the post at the top of the board by the Moderators about "if this is your first time posting on the CA board."). SD is a large area and without great public transportation.

[scout1]

Hi there - we're staying at the Marriott Marina (on West Harbor Drive). Not sure what neighborhood this is considered. We'll have a car.

[daantaat]

you're in the downtown/Marina area. Do a search for Gaslamp (also misnamed on the board as Gaslight), which is the closest area but has mostly touristy places with hidden gems. LIttle Italy is nearby, as is Hillcrest, North Park, Banker's Hill. Old Town is nearby, again mostly touristy but there are a few gems.

If you want to venture further out, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Del Mar and Solana Beach all have good eats. Mostly higher end dining except for PB area.

If you want Asian, do a search for Convoy on the board. It's roughly 10-15 min north of the marina/downtown area. Lots of good cheap eats.

[kare_raisu]

Super Cocina - University ave East of the 805
Aqui es Texcoco - Chula Vista
Cafe Dore [Banh mi] - University ave. east of 15
Linkery - University North Park
Mariscos German - Barrio Logan
Tacos El Paisa - 5 exit National
La Fachada - Imperial Ave
Menuderia Don Vicente - National City
Pomegranate - El Cajon Blvd
Fruitlandia - next to Super Cocina

[Josh]

Sakura - Kearny Mesa
Buga Korean BBQ - Kearny Mesa

If you like beer, don't miss:
Hamilton's Tavern - South Park
Toronado - North Park
O'Brien's - Kearny Mesa

[scout1]

Thanks! These are great!

[Ewilensky]

Everything kare_raisu and John have suggested.

I'll also add:

Mama's Lebanese Bakery -- North Park.

Excellent falafel and baba ganoush so good that even a man who's allergic to eggplant can't resist and dives right in, deals with the hives an hour later, and has not a shred of regret ;-)

-P

[The Old Man]

Deleted by poster.

[DougOLis]

More beer: The Liar's Club - Alpine

I 2nd all those between you 2 and would add:
The Better Half - Hillcrest
Cafe Chloe - East Village
Cavaillon - Santa Luz
El Pescador - La Jolla