10 Best Things to Eat in San Diego

[scjohann]

Stole this idea from the Texas board, who stole it from someone else, who.....

Not 10 best places-just the 10 best individual things to eat.

What and where are they?

[Josh]

Chutoro, Kaito
Albacore Tataki, Sakura
Baba Ghannouj wrap, Mama's Bakery
Barbacoa de Chivo, El Comal
Dry-cooked Fish, Ba Ren
Vanilla ice cream, Oasis Ice Cream Parlor
Artichoke pizza, Pizzeria Luigi
Mysore Masala Dosa, Surati Farsan Mart
Lamb rib tacos, Aqui es Texcoco
Tacos Al Pastor, El Paisa

[pickypicky]

Lobster Burrito, Bahia Don Bravo
Raspberry Mojito, JRDN
Bowl o' Mussels, George's Bar
Coconut Shortcake with Caramel Sauce, A.R. Valentien
fresh OJ, my backyard
Free Grilled onions and jalapenos, from brazier outside La Fachada
Fish sandwich (with avocado), El Pescador
Gelati, Papalecco's
Chorizo pizza, Blind Lady Ale House
Anything, anywhere from Chino or Crow's Pass Farms

[SDgirl]

Carnitas Burrito, Cocina de Maria
Shio Cha Shu Ramen, Santouka
Pork Okonomiyaki, Tajima
Firecracker Truffle, Chuao Chocolates
Chicken Karaage, Sakura
Pho with Flank Steak and Tendon, Pho Cow Cali (formerly Pho Hoa Cali)
Machaca Burrito, Aliberto's (in Poway)
Maine Lobster and Dungeness Crab Salad, Nine Ten
Five Hour Braised Short Ribs, Cavaillon
Tie: any item at Shirahama/hubby's mesquite grilled rib eye steak with rice and kim chee

[Captain Jack]

Anticuchos, Latin Chef
Mussel Bisque, Dobson's
Cha Gio, Phuong Trang
Scallop Sandwich (I ask to add lettuce and tomato), Point Loma Seafoods
Bare Lil Lamb (blue cheese-lamburger), Bare Back Grill
Smoked Fish Salad, Bay Bark Fish Co.
Vuelve a la Vida, La Playita
Aji Sashimi, Izakaya Sakura
Fish Flavored Eggplant, Ba Ren
California Gold Uni, Catalina Offshore Products

[lovesfood11]

Sab E Lee- Chicken fried rice with sweet and sour sace, Spicy Mint Leaf Noodles
Asti- Home made parpadelle with vodka cream sauce
Gourmet Bagger- BLT
Cafe on Park-buttermilk pancakes
Claim Jumper- Mud pie with mint chip ice cream, ribs and fries
De Medici- Penne Arribiata
Boudin- Turkey Cranberry Sandwhich
Yogurt Express- Chocolate yogurt and cookies n cream
Phuong Trang- spring rolls with pork
Luigi's- Cheese Pizza

[sd4life]

I like how you put the mud pie before the ribs at Claim Jumper.

[lovesfood11]

hell ya i like 2 do dessert first and if theres room left then ill get the ribs haha

[Salty_Loves_Sweet]

Life is uncertain, eat dessert first!

[csils]

I might not make the whole 10....but i'll start with a few...

4.0 Deli - Grilled Rivas sandwhich (close second is the Godfather)
Sammy's Woodfired pizza- Duck Tacos
Roberto's (any one really)- Carnita's California burrito, add rice and enchilada sauce (yes inside)
Blue Water Seafood- Buffalo Sandwich (Red Snapper with a chipotle marinade and Blue Cheese)
Point Loma Seafood- Oysters on the half
Lou and Mickey's- Bone in Filet
Lamont St Grill- anything with the Jalepeno Cream Sauce (except the Seared tuna, which tends not to be seared/is overcooked)

[barbian7]

omg, these all sound amazing!

[daantaat]

fresh beignets w/ strawberry jam at Cavaillon
Double Happiness bowl at Coffee Cup Cafe
pomme frites w/ trio of dipping sauces at Cafe Chloe
omakase at Kaito
gobo root and mizuna salad at Otan
cherry cherry baby mini lattice pie from Elizabethan Desserts
mashed potato tacos at Mama Testa's
mint leaves with beef and noodles from Sab E Lee
dry potato curry from Surati Farsan Mart
stir-fried ong choy w/ garlic (straight out of the wok) at Dumpling Inn
#11 half baked chocolate cake from Nine-Ten

[cgfan]

Just noticed you also mentioned ED's mini cherry lattice pie! Aren't they amazing? I probably also should have voted for the Omakase at Kaito, but limited myself to specific, individual dishes, hence KS's Anago... Will have to try Okan's Gobo salad - ordered too many things the last time to fit it all in!

[daantaat]

oh, yeah, ED's cherry pie and all her other pies and buckles are SOOO yummy! I need to get in there soon, before cherry and berry season is over again!

I put omakase on Kaito b/c I couldn't limit myself to one of his dishes--they're all too good!

Definitely try Okan's Gobo root and mizuna salad! I dreamt about it after the first time I had it!

[ibstatguy]

I'll second those beignets...

[daantaat]

add:
ozanza noodles from Okan

[Sampaguita]

Black Cod Misoyaki @ Nobu in Solana Beach
Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream @ Mariposa
Chilled Tomato-Basil Soup @ Cavaillon
Papas Taquitos @ El Zarape
Mantu Dumplings @ Ariana Kabob House
Kurobata Pork Tenderloin @ 1500 Ocean
Hawaiian Fried Rice w/Chinese Sausage @ Thai House
Breakfast Tamales @ Coffee Cup Cafe
Banh Mi & Pho Ga @ Saigon Express in Escondido
Rib-Eye @ Lou & Mickey's

[ibstatguy]

nice call with the Black Cod at Nobu

[cgfan]

* Crabcake * Oceanaire * Gaslamp Quarter

* Anago (saltwater eel) * Kaito Sushi * Encinitas

* Marlin taco * Mariscos German * City Heights

* Gyu Horamon (beef intestine) * Yakitori Yakyudori * Hillcrest

* Mini cherry lattice pie * Elizabethan Desserts * Encinitas

* Menudo * Las Brisas Tacqueria * Fallbrook

* Carnitas * El Porvenir * Barrio Logan

* Carne asada plate or torta * Rudy's * Eden Gardens, Solana Beach

* Bacon cheeseburger * Hodad's * Ocean Beach

* Espresso ristretto * my place! * (undisclosed)

[DougOLis]

cgfan, do you know of anywhere in San Diego (hell, the United States) where you can get a good ristretto? been missing that since my visit to Germany a couple of months ago.

[honkman]

Intellegentsia in Venice and Blue Bottle in SF

[cgfan]

If you can call down Anna Lynn from her office at Caffe Calabria, then she's fantastic AND consistent. Otherwise their quality at the bar is generally a game of Russian roulette with not 1 bullet, not even 4 bullets, but 5.

Other than her you'll usually do well with Nicole at Zumbar in Sorrento Mesa; she's their best barista. (The most common flaw I would taste at Zumbar, perhaps 10-15% of the time, are beans that are not rested enough after roasting, what I call the "too fresh" phenomenon. Mind you we're not talking about hours of needed rest here, but a few days depending on roast level and bean.) Other times it's temperature control, either too low and sour or too high and burnt, or a dirty or baked taste from an unrinsed portafilter.) But these are my nits and to most customers they bat 100%.

With all my nits, (and again to most it'll probably go undetected), I'd still say they're doing the best espresso right now in San Diego.

As to outside of San Diego I've had great espressos from all of the "3rd wave"shops whether it be in Manhattan, San Francisco, or Los Angeles. (There's a lot more in other cities, but I just don't get out there...) This includes IntelliVenice and Intelli in Silverlake, Caffe Luxxe in Santa Monica and Brentwood, Blue Bottle in Mint Plaza and Hayes Valley, Ritual in the Mission and in Napa, Ninth St. and Cafe Grumpy in NYC, etc. I've also had some flawed cups at some of these places too, but consistency in espresso is one of the hardest thing to achieve. (Yeah Ritual in the MIssion for that!)

One thing to note is that I can probably count on one, maybe two hands, the number of places where I've had a good espresso outside of these "3rd wave" shops.

Among the espresso bars that I'm able to sample on a somewhat regular basis my current vote goes to Ritual Roasters in the Mission district of San Francisco. They are the most consistent espresso bar that I've ever been to. I've gone day after day here and have always had a great cup.

However style-wise, (not the visual aesthetics but the taste character and profile of their blend and the final cup), my favorite is probably Caffe Luxxe (Santa Monica and Brentwood).

[DougOLis]

Awesome. Thanks for the recs Honkman and cgfan. Zumbar isn't far from work so I'm going to have to start giving that a try. Caffe Calabria is close to home and where I usually go but I too have found it to be good but inconsistent.

[cgfan]

Now that it's open, I should add:

* Shio Ramen * Yakyudori Ramen * Kearny Mesa

[Wino]

You like this as much as the Shio Ramen at Santouka?

[Fake Name]

Wow! 366 days later...

[cgfan]

The Shio Ramen at Santouka is a Shio-Tonkotsu, while the Shio Ramen at Yakyudori is a classic Shio Ramen. They're completely different styles, really, so a bit of an apples and oranges comparison... (Think of Shio-Tonkotsu as a "plain" Tonkotsu Ramen...)

That being said, execution aside, I do prefer the Shio Ramen style over a Tonkotsu Ramen style...

[foodiechick]

Dry cooked fish, Ba Ren
Mussel bisque en croute, Dobson's
Huitlacoche quesadilla, Aqui es Texcoco
Crabcakes, Oceanaire
Smoked marlin tacos, Mariscos German
Green papaya salad, Sab E Lee
Eggs en cocotte with tomato concasse and parmesan cream, Farmhouse Cafe
Chicken liver mousse, AR Valentien
Steak frites with dipping sauces, Cafe Chloe
Summer corn and heirloom tomatoes, Chino's

And a cocktail bonus: Raspberry or watermelon mojito, JRDN

[pickypicky]

That's two votes for the raspberry mojito at JRDN! Did you happen to read the portrait of it in the READER a few months back? http://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/20...

[pickypicky]

BIG Second chicken liver mousse. Worth a coronary.

[ibstatguy]

the Chino's corn and tomatoes are something we look forward to every year after they've gone out of season...

[smile81]

scallop taco-el zarape
margarita-cantina mayahuel
duck confit and fig pizza-pizza gourmet express
picnic plate-the linkery
uni and toro sashimi - sushi ota
carnitas-porkyland
not your momma's meatloaf-urban solace
burger-the pearl
manakesh ultimate/falafel-mama's lebanese
chile hazelnut chocolate bar-eclipse chocolat

[avagax]

Aqui es Texcoco - Borrego
Super Cocina - Puerco enchilado
Hodad's - Bacon Cheeseburger
Tacos Yaqui - Tacos Perrones
Yakitori Yakyudori - Chicken wings
Santouka - Shio Ramen
Rudy's Taco Shop - Carne asada burrito
Pho Cow Cali - Pho with Flank Steak and Tendon
Yogurt World - Frozen yogurt (plain)
El Porvenir Tortilleria - Carnitas burrito

[kare_raisu]

Pescado Zarandeado _ Mariscos Godoy
Flautas de Barbacoa w/Consomee and Nopales _ Aqui Es Texcoco
Tacos de lengua en Pipian _ Romescos
Menudo/ Carnitas _ Taqueria Las Brisas [Agreed! Cgfan]
Taco Al Pastor _ El Paisa
Eggplant in Miso Sauce _ Okan
Banh Mi Dac Biet _ Cafe Dore
Antichuchos _ Latin Chef [Great Call Jack]
Summer Cold Noodles _ Izakaya Sakura
Marlin Tacos and shrimp consomme _ German

[daantaat]

kare_raisu--which "summer cold noodles" are you referring to at Izakaya Sakura?

[amyzan]

Hiyashi chuka?

[daantaat]

Hiyashi came to me after I wrote the post. I think you are correct!

[cigarlover]

The "Surf and Turf" burrito at JV's on Morena Bl. You won't believe how big it is.
Fillet Mignan at Ruth's Chris
BBQ Shrimp at Ruth's Chris
Lemon Scallops at PF Changs
Ribs from Phil's BBQ
Cameron a la Diablo or Chipotle at Rana's Mexico City Cusine in Spring Valley
Sushi at Sushi Ono in Hillcrest
The 1/2 and 1/2 short ribs and teriyaki chicken at L&L Hawaiian BBQ

[sd4life]

surf and turf at JV"s is big enough for two.

[TRUSTMEICANCOOK]

1.Hodad's (OB) Cheeseburger Basket and a Chocolate Malt
2.Hideaway Cafe (Solana Beach) Cinnamon Roll and Machaca
3.Brigantine's (Del Mar) Grilled Mahi Mahi Fish Taco
4.La Torta's (PB) Carne Asada Torta
5.Roberto's (All over SD) California Burrito (with guac)
6. Rudy's Taco Shop (Solana Beach) Carne Asada Burrito
7.Elizabethan Desserts (Encinitas) Lidi Bits (any of them)
8.Original Pancake House (Encinitas) Chocolate Chip Pancakes or Apple Pancake
9.Taste of Thai (Del Mar) Sweet Sticky Rice with Mango
10.Firenze Trattoria (Encinitas) Supa Verdura or Butternut squash ravioli

[ckc07]

La Torta is closed and some italian wine bar just opened there this week

[Beach Chick]

Sorry, I have more than ten..

Dobson's..mussel bisque en croute
Longhorn..patty melt
Con pane..turkey, cheese, avo sandwich..
Grand Del Mar..Champagne and Iranian cavier
Point Loma Seafood..scallop sandwich and the chowda
Brigantine..happy hour fish taco with cheese
Mariscos German..marlin taco
Las Cuatro Milpas..guaco taco with lots of their kick ass salsa
Cafe Japengo..calamari salad
Jalisco Cafe..tamales
Dumpling Inn..Veggie dumplings with brown sauce with lots of sambal
Cavaillon..beignets
Fidel's..chile relleno with a scoop of sour cream
Red Tracton's..Lobster Club with the lobster bisque
El Pescador..grouper sandwich with extra sauce
Bahia Don Bravo...lobster burrito
Basic..pepperoni pizza
Chino's..corn and pretty much everything
La Especial Norte..chicken tortilla soup
O'Sullivan's...fish and chips

[DiningDiva]

Damn, girl. Forget the dive bar crawl, I want to go on your dive food crawl. You got most of mine on there too.

[Beach Chick]

We should eat before we start drinking.. ; )

Ah...stay thirsty and hungry my friend...hee hee

[DiningDiva]

ROTFL :-D

[daantaat]

cheater! ;-)

[SaltyRaisins]

Dry Pahd-se-ew with beef, Sab-e-Lee
Steam-braised pea shoots 'n tendrils with garlic, Chin's Szechwan
Artichoke slice, Pizzeria Luigi
Jidori chicken, Starlite
Ice cream sandwich, Starlite
Chips and salsa, Ortega's Bistro
Pear-ginger scone, Rebecca's
Ham and egg breakfast burrito, El Indio
Okayu, Yakitori Yakudori
Rotisserie chicken, Saffron
Espresso roasted coffee beans, French pressed at home, Mona Lisa Market
Veggies on Bikes sandwich, Jugos de la Fuente

[amyzan]

I'm going to list ten of the best things I've eaten in SD, but must add that I don't live there, so bear in mind some of these may not be recent eats!

the little strawberries from Chino farmstand, the ones I was told were a French variety
grilled cumin lamb skewers at Little Sheep
pommes frites at Cafe Chloe
a sushi dinner at Izakaya Sakura (I haven't made it to Kaito yet!)
bbq at Buga (every cut is good, really)
Viennese at Cafe Calabria (honey and cinnamon, yum!)
coconut patties cooked in cast iron takoyaki pans at the Hillcrest farmer's market
gobo salad at Tajima (which seems to vary a bit from night to night)
braised chicken legs (oh, heck, anything braised) at Okan
jidori chicken and potato gratin at Urban Solace

I want to add a shout out to Elizabethan Desserts for the blackbird pie and apple hand pie, and also to Big Joy family bakery for fresh ground coffee in a press pot with those fantastic Tokyo manju on a rare cold morning. They're more of a puff pastry than a manju, and filled with white sweet potato and chestnuts, not too sweet, just right. I just couldn't pass the opportunity to mention them, even if it exceeds my ten choices!

[cgfan]

Yeah thanks for mentioning the Tokyo Manjoo (their naming and spelling) at Big Joy Family. It's the closest thing that I've been able to get to Kuri Manjyu, while still quite not hitting it right on the mark. Their French toast is also very good, available twice weekly...

[daantaat]

Where is Big Joy Family?

[cgfan]

It's the family-run cafe next door to Phuong Trang and several doors down from Sushi Dokoro Shirahama.

[sd4life]

Somebody needs to organize a "taste of Convoy". I would to try a lot of those places.

[SDgirl]

That's a great idea! I posted a thread a couple of days ago requesting recommendations for the best examples of specific Asian cuisines on Convoy, but I like your suggestion better. There are so many places to eat on Convoy but I'm willing to bet that most of them are mediocre at best. We need someone who's really familiar with that street to give us a list. sd4life, would you like to post a topic to that effect?

[daantaat]

oh yeah, I know where that is! Thanks!

[amyzan]

Ooo, I'll have to try the french toast, thanks! I like the french toast at the bakery inside Zion, but they never get it soaked all the way through, it seems. But, it's a great quick breakfast on the weekend, though a massive indulgence.

[ckc07]

There was an article in the local paper --San Diego Tribune showing 25 foods to eat before you die. Google it and read!! I think a lot of their recommendations are really good. If you can't find it then email me and I will scan it to you.

[amyzan]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/feature...

[Josh]

Rocky's, boo. This has to be the most ridiculous, unthinking, knee-jerk reaction when it comes to San Diego burgers. Also, not really sure ANYTHING at Jyoti-Bihanga should qualify for any "before you die" food list.

Oh, and another giant LOL for Karl Strauss Amber Lager. Diacetyl-laden average beer when we live in the home of AleSmith, Alpine, and Pizza Port? Can I get a WTF?

[woodandfine]

"Rocky's, boo. This has to be the most ridiculous, unthinking, . . ."

THIS coming from someone who extols the burgers at Burger Lounge?

Chalk it up to different tastes, my friend.

[Josh]

You're right, what was I thinking? Give me the Sysco bun and the commodity ground beef!

I know people have different tastes, duh. I just think the knee-jerk Rocky's worship is baseless. My visits there left me totally baffled why so many people rave about it. Ordinary in every conceivable way, from the tasteless white bread bun to the overcooked, greasy patty.

[woodandfine]

No need to get defensive.

Your assertion that it's a "knee-jerk Rocky's worship" is purely subjective and groundless.

To each his burger own.

[Josh]

Not trying to be defensive. I believe I have ample grounds to support my indifference to Rocky's. And San Diego is generally known for supporting restaurants that skate on reputation and longevity. The line outside of El Indio is a textbook example.

[stevewag23]

"The line outside of El Indio is a textbook example."

There are tons of great examples of this:

Cheesecake Factory

PF Wangs

Olive Garden.

[Josh]

Yeah, but I don't include chains. I just meant for long-standing local institutions, they seem to develop an immunity to merit-based longevity. I'd lump places like Hodad's El Indio, Rocky's, Filippi's, and Corvette Diner into that same category.

[stevewag23]

I see your point.

La Jolla is full of those kinds of spots.

Carinos.

Alfonso's

etc

[Josh]

Heh, Carinos.

I remember when we moved here from LA, we tried Carinos because we were told it was "the best" pizza. Um, no it isn't. Not remotely.

[woodandfine]

I actually agree with your assertions.

Like you, I am nonplussed about the love for establishments such as El Indio, Hodad's, Fillipi's, and may I add: Extraordinary Desserts, C-Level, Pt. Loma Seafoods (WAY overrated, I'll get blasted for that), and Burger Lounge.

[Josh]

I won't blast you about Pt. Loma Seafood. I've never cared for that place.

I think some things at Extraordinary Desserts are good. Her ice creams, for example.

[amyzan]

Yeah, but the egg salad sandwich with black olive tapenade at ED is pretty good. Not on my best list, but it's tasty, for sure. The desserts, not so much, IMO.

[Dagney]

Groundless! Love it. lol.

[sdnosh]

I'm with you Josh. But you forget the half hour wait for the ordinary, at best, burger.

[Captain Jack]

Half hour? You must have been there when the place was empty.

[Josh]

10 more best things:

Catfish larb, Sab E Lee
Rare cheeseburger, Burger Lounge
Burger w/ fried egg, Farmhouse Cafe
Pho Tai, Lucky Seafood
Navrattan korma and naan, Punjabi Tandoor
Carnitas burrito, El Cuervo
Smoked salmon sandwich, Bread and Cie
Kalbi, Buga
Grilled seabass sandwich, George's
Puerco Enchilado, Super Cocina

[Captain Jack]

Too funny, I just parked some catfish larb from SEL in the fridge for when I get home later tonight.

I have to try the puerco enchilado at SC, I have never tried them (bows head in shame).

[Josh]

Yeah, went by SEL today and had catfish larb and spicy grilled squid salad. So good.

[pickypicky]

In honor of the Giant Squids?

[kohara7]

1. al pastor huarache- La Fachada taco truck
2. Strawberry Shortcake- Ritual
3. Yucatecos- Mama Testa
4. Mahi taco- South Beach Bar and Grill
5. gubernador taco- Mariscos German
6. arctic char- Urban Solace
7. dream roll- Zensei Sushi
8. burger- Ritual
9. Boulangerie blend-Caffe Calabria
10. cheese plate- Cafe Bleu

[Dagney]

The white truffle raviolis at Tapenade.

#267, Crispy salt and pepper shrimp WITH shell, at Saigon.

Chocolate chip cookies at Lestat's.

Sea Urchin at Shirahama.

Eel at Shirahama.

Noodles at Mitsuwa Market.

Pho at Pho Hoa.

Pork sandwich at A Chau.

Filet at Morton's.

Ceviche at Titanic Mariscos.

[amyzan]

Which noodles at Mitsuwa? Do you mean from the grocery, prepared at home, or from the restaurant?

[Dagney]

The restaurants. I have tried both sides, they are excellent.

[DiningDiva]

Tell me about Titanic Mariscos, I used to drive by it on a regular basis always making a mental note to try it. Now that I'm not in that neck of the woods much anymore it's dropped off the radar.

[Dagney]

Titanic is a small neighborhood family owned joint. I have only been there a couple of times, and I had the ceviche on both occasions. I don't like ceviche that is all chopped up like dog food. They use nice chunks of fish, shrimp, and octopus.

[Shi0874]

1. Mole - Ranchos Cocina - Ocean Beach
2. Smoked Chicken, Broccoli & Black Bean Soup - Georges - La Jolla
3. Lobster Bisque - World Famous - Pacific Beach
4. Filet - Flemings - La Jolla & Downtown
5. TAB Sandwich - Crest Liquor and Deli - Crown Point
6. Crab Claws - La Valencia - La Jolla
7. Arvin Roll - RB Sushi - Rancho Bernardo
8. Corn Pudding - Indigo Grill - Little Italy
9. Key Lime & Rasberry tart - Piatti's - La Jolla
10. Mexican Mocha - Pannikin - La Jolla

[woodandfine]

Shi, have you tried the mole at Casa Mayahuel? Me thinks you'd love it.

[jess1317]

Fish tacos - Brigantine (La Mesa / Del Mar)
Meatball pizza - Filipi's Pizza Grotto (Little Italy)
Antipasto Salad - Filipi's Pizza Grotto (Little Italy)
Las Vegas Roll - Mika Sushi (PB)
Chicken of the Gods - Bali Hai (Shelter Island)
Chicken Pho - Pho So Bien (PB)
Greek Salad - Lit'l Pepper Deli (Kearny Mesa)
Chicken curry - Basil Thai (PB)
Garlic fries - Gordon Biersch (Mission Valley)
Kung Pao Three Ingredients - La China (Tierrasanta)

[Josh]

Not to be argumentative (ha!), but what exactly is it about Filippi's Antipasto that merits its inclusion on a "10 Best Things to Eat" list? Is it the processed commodity coldcuts? The industrial cherry tomatoes? The generic croutons and dressing?

>:-D

[cstr]

Josh, you forgot to mention the tons of flavlorless iceberg lettuce.

[kare_raisu]

let it be - different strokes for different folks - we all got to start somewhere - I'did

[Josh]

Hence the emoticon. :-)

[Josh]

I almost mentioned that, but I think they may use romaine.

[kare_raisu]

Wanted to add:
-- Mirchi Baji from Copper Chimney Catering Truck with peanut/dried chile relish and coriander-coconut chutney

[ipsit]

I second this one! IMHO, it also ranks on the top 10 Indian food experiences anywhere in the country! (not dishes or restaurants necessarily, but the experience overall)

[mjill]

I love the Philly cheese steaks from Alex's Brown Bag, the best Philly I've had outside of Penn or MA.

[daimyo]

A couple of my selections are what I'd usually have at the selected restaurant if they're available.
1) Super Cocina-Pipian de pollo, Puerco Enchilado Plate
2) Santouka-Shio Ramen w/ soy egg
3) China Max-Salt Baked Pork Chops
4) Ota-Mirugai, Kumamoto Oyster, Ankimo, Toro, Raw Tako w/ Sucker,Uni
5) El Cuervo-Shredded Beef Taco
6) Mi Ranchito (Ramona)-Beef Flauta w/ side of beans
7) Lucky Pho-Pho
8) Adobada Taco-El Gordo
9) Teppan Lamb-Ba Ren
10) Grilled Cheese-Con Pane

[daimyo]

Updated guilty pleasure:
11) Spicy Fried Chicken Wings-Torimaru

[ishkabible]

Siamese Basil - just about anything but the Gai Curry Chicken w/ stewed dark meat-I would eat that sauce on carpet.
Sitar Indian - Sorrento Valley fd. court etc - Saag Chicken
Newport Pizza - "Hasselhoff" - they use real polly o ricotta+pefect crust (and I'm from NY) and an incredible on-tap beer selection
O'Sullivans - Bangers+Mash, Fish Tacos, etc
Bread and Cie - fabulous pastries, sandwiches, best bread I've ever had
South Beach Bar+Grill - various seafood tacos
Spices Thai Cafe
Karen Krasne's Extraordinary Desserts - any chocolate cake (lots of other stuff besides pastries)
D.Z Akins - Mikshakes, Kinishes+Bakery (in particular the 7 layer cake) - Note- the actual deli will disappoint a new yorker (Carnegie or Katz deli pastrami it ain't)

[honkman]

Since you seem to like Thai you should try Sab-E-Lee. Spices Thai might me nice from time to time for a lunch with colleagues but if you don't want stongly americanized Thai food go to SEL. And I am not sure if using polly-o ricotta is an good argument for pizza place.

[ishkabible]

I totally forgot about this site and never saw your post until a random email from chowhound arrived and I looked around.

Anyway, I will try this place but if you have any recommendations of things to try I'd appreciate it.

That being said, I stick by my bold pro polly-o ricotta stance (-;

Thanks

[scjohann]

Wow, amazed this is still going...

[fungshe]

The Bread pudding and flan at Creole Cafe in Old Town in the Whaley House gardens. Both of these come from one of the owners grandmothers, which I guess is the reason they are included at a creole food restaurant. I am not a huge creole food person..but every time i am there people are raving about the food. Anyway, the flan is something else, unlike any I have had at Mexican restaurants,I suspect it is more like you would would get in a home in Mexico.
I have special ordered it as a whole ring for holiday events and everyone loses their minds over it.

[kaochow]

Mmm..it depends on my mood and my budget :)
1. Tacos El Paisa: Birria tacos
2. Pho Cow Cali: rare steak and tendon
3. Phil's BBQ: Baby Back Rib Tickler
4. Buon Appetito: creme brulee
5. Fish market Sushi Bar (downtown): Jasmine Roll and Duckett's Cup
6. Café Italia: Capuccinos
7. Starlite: Cheese Plate and starlite mule/kentucky colonel
8. Neighborhood: Half baked cookies with whole milk/ beer selection
9. Sultan Banoo: Khoresht Badenjan
10. Sandwich Emporium: Garden Veggie Sandwich

[cgfan]

I'm sure your vote on #6 above is genuine, but it surprises me. Is it with, perhaps, a very specific barista, or with any of them? Though at one time there was a barista there who could almost do no wrong, it's been a long-time since he's been around Caffe Italia and everyone else I've tried there have been pulling mostly "sink shots".

If you're ever in the area I suspect you might be tempted to reconsider #6 if you had a chance to taste what's served at Zumbar in Sorrento Valley, particularly when poured by Nicole.

Oh oh... I just noticed #5. I'll keep quiet...

[kaochow]

You're totally right on #6. The owner Ben made great capps but I haven't seen him around recently...that's pretty much what I meant :)
And about #5...I know, I know.... I'll do better next time.

I will check out Zumbar. Always looking for better places..
It's sad how hard it is to find consistently good food.

[The Office Goat]

Re #5 -- Hey, Duckett's _Bucket_ (not cup) is pretty tasty with fresh-baked bread. :-)

[kaochow]

Lol. Fresh scallop and tobiko wrapped in maguro does not sound like it would go very well with fresh baked bread.
But I guess you gotta try everything once :)

[Ewilensky]

To clarify the Duckett's Cup is spicy scallop in a maguro cup and is available in the sushi bar. Duckett;s Bucket is available in the regular bar and I seem to recall is a mixed steamed shellfish dish.

Nothing wrong with pick #5. Kaito Sushi it ain't but its also an hour round trip closer...

[bethsd]

Stone porter milkshake, Ritual Tavern
Pozole (red), El Comal
White bean puree appetizer, Jayne's
Schnitzel and gruyere spaetzle, Jayne's
Tuna nicoise, Tender Greens
Spicy tuna on eggplant tempura, Red Pearl Kitchen
Whole belly fried clams, Studio Diner
Mushroom/ricotta pizza, Luigi's
Potabello poblano quesadilla, Ortega's
Any pasta dish, Antica Trattoria

[Maxmdwinter]

Just the foods I go back to time and time again for comfort and joy:

#1 Lobster tacos – Pacific Coast Grill

Coconut Crab Cakes appetizer – Terra
California Roll appetizer – Yardhouse
Best Burger in Town - Pearl Hotel
Deep Dish Meaty Pie Pizza – Lefty’s
Chicago South Sider sandwich – Vons
Black Bean Soup – Candelas
Assorted tacos – South Beach Bar/Grill
Red Velvet Cake – Bonnie Jean’s
Watermelon salad with feta and pine nuts (not always available)– Urban Solace

[mmjgam]

Italian beef Sandwich- Leftys
California Burrito- Taco Surf
Foie Gras App (any)- Wine Vault
Filet Oscar- Manhattan of La Jolla
Cannelloni- Manhatan of La Jolla
Oriental Fish Salad- Cass Street Bar and Grill
Gubanador Taco- Mariscos German
Hogs and Heffers Buger- Bare Back
Bone in NY- Cowboy Star
Gothic Sandwich- Red Tracton

[bright_between]

I'm new to the boards, so hello! Here's my list

1. Egg Salad Sandwich, Bread and Cie
2. Rosemary Mint Hot Chocolate, Eclipse
3. Goat Cheese and Fig Cupcake, Eclipse
4. Summer Rolls, Saffron
5. Salami Salad, Tender Greens
6. Burger, Ritual Tavern
7. Watermelon Salad, Urban Solace
8. Fried Shrimp Plate, Pt Loma Seafoods (many childhood memories)
9. Tacos Aleman, Mama Testa
10. The Fish and Broth-based Gnocchi I had last spring at Farmhouse and have never seen again (can't remember what it's called, but one of the best things I've ever eaten anywhere)

[Dvyne59]

Wild Mushroom Ravioli: Cavaillon
Pear Tarte Tatin: Pamplemousse Grille
Sage Fried Chicken and Bacon Waffles: Hash House A Go Go
Chicken Tlalpeño Soup: La Especial Norte
Carne Asada Burrito: El Nopalito
Brown Sugar Banana Pancake: Hash House A Go Go
Panisse Marseillaise: Cavaillon
Truffle Fries: Pamplemousse Grille
Filet Mignon: Ruth's Chris
Bubby's Gelato (ANY Flavor! Vanilla, Chocolate, Coconut....)

[goodhealthgourmet]

+1 for Bubby's gelato...particularly Peanut Butter!

[SeanT]

I loves me some Tlalpeno soup.

[tastycakes]

i don't live in san diego anymore so i'm not familiar with lots of the new spots, but these are the things i eat when i come home:

steakburger with gyro meat - Canada Steakburger
apple pie milkshake from Charley's
carnitas at Carnitas Urapan
banh mi from the place inside the Kearny Mesa 99 ranch market
bun bo hue at Pho Hoa on University Ave.
anything at Blind Lady Alehouse
gelato at Chocolat downtown
not food, but Pure Hoppiness from Alpine Brewery is the business!

[Encinitan]

Pop's Jersey Style Cheese Steak - cheese steak sandwich
Dumpling Inn - potstickers
Apple Alley Bakery - berry/apple pie
Harvest Ranch Market - trio sandwich
Donovan's - beefsteak tomato and red onion salad
SanSai - spicy chicken with cucumber seaweed salad
Allen's New York Pizza - spinach and mushroom pizza
Sr Pancho - adobada mini tacos
Elizabethan's Desserts - magic bar
Bubba's Smokehouse - brisket sandwich with collard greens

Best thing cooked at home
Kennedy's Carne - carne asada

[SeanT]

Wow we finally got our own board. I won't bore you with fancies because if your paying fifty a plate it should be good.
no particular order

Bacon cheesburger grilled onions - Hodads
extra crispy ribs( I know it's not REAL bbq) - Phil's
spotted dog sundae -Outback
Al pastor- Los Tacos/Grubbys
Blackened chicken sandwich - Brooklyn Boyz
LObster bisque- Red Tracton's
squid sandwich- Point Loma
California burrito- Rudy's
fried fish taco - Brigantine del mar
anything at the- Beach Break

This is the stuff I seek out when I am running around town.

[eatemup]

Here are some that come to mind....

Cheesy garlic bread – Fish Market
Creamed lentils (w/salmon) – Luc’s Bistro
Cheeseburger – Cheers Ramona
Duckaroni – Urban Solace
Squid sandwich – Point Loma Seafood
Grilled salmon tacos – Tin Fish
Chorizo quesadilla – El Tecolote (OK, it closed 15 years ago, or so)
Bison Burger – Cowboy Star
Creamed leeks – Trulucks
Mushroom ravioli – Cavaillon, Luc’s

[ibstatguy]

I'll second the cheesy garlic bread, the bison burger and the mushroom ravioli...

[jnice5]

El Zarape - calamari burrito
Nobu Solana Beach - spicy squid salad
Extraordinary Desserts - macadamia caramel cheesecake
South Beach Bar & Grill - lobster tacos
Leftys - any pizza
Venissimo - any cheese
Park House Eatery - chilequiles
Farsan Mart - dry potato curry
Pizza Gourmet Express - making strides (artichoke, shrimp, feta pizza)
Bread & Cie - 'nuff said

[Josh]

Okan:
Fresh strawberry ice cream
Pike eel tempura
Grilled mackerel with sea salt

[dmckean]

The pike eel tempura is amazing. Almost as good as the yellowtail cheek.

[kare_raisu]

you forgot the homemade tofu we had! Phenomenal taste and presentation!

[Josh]

As much as I loved that, I don't think it'd make my top ten in SD. Also: I've had much better homemade tofu in LA at a place called Shima. (And no, I'm not saying you have to go to LA for good Japanese food, to whoever is going to spin my comment that way.)

[daantaat]

darn, missed the homemade tofu at Okan last night. Can someone enlighten me on it?

[kare_raisu]

they use soymilk in these urns and add the nigari to coagulate after they light the burners. they serve it with ponzu, scallion and ginger. its awesome

[daantaat]

oohhh, sounds delish! Sounds like a savory version of tofu fa.

[ipsit]

That sounds amazing! Is it a special? Cant recall seeing it on their regular menu

[Josh]

It's on the daily special menu.

[caquark]

Haven't had 10 things in San Diego that are the best IMHO, although I do have a few.

Jonah Crab sandwich (The Veranda at Rancho Bernardo Inn) - one of the best things I've tasted in the world, yes, the world.

Beef carpaccio - Cafe Luna.

Noodle-based stir fry (Stir Fresh Mongolian Grill)

Burger - however you want to build it (Che Che Burger)

[Josh]

Burrata, heirloom tomato, and prosciutto salad at Cucina Urbana

[Fake Name]

Just had one of those.

[Josh]

Cucina Urbana is amazing.

[Yummyinmytummies]

Bacon Cheeseburger - Hodad's, Ocean Beach
Rib Tickler - Phil's BBQ, Point Loma
Calamari Tacos - South Coast, Ocean Beach
Braised Short Ribs in Blackberry Mole - Maria Maria, Mission Valley
Chocolate Cake - Extraordinary Desserts, Hillcrest
Pho with rare steak - Pho Hoa, Linda Vista
Korean BBQ - Buga, Clairemont
Chirashi sushi salad - Nozomi, Kearny Mesa
Pizza - Filipi's, Little Italy
Lemongrass BBQ - Ocean Beach Farmers Market

[BrewNChow]

Not going to put them in any order, but here's 10 great foodstuffs in San Diego from a native 'diegan...

California burrito, ask for it to be made like a quesadilla instead of burrito - JV's (HANDS DOWN best Mexican food/Taco shop in San Diego)
Eggs, Bacon, Beans, Fries and Cheese Burrito - Dos Brasas (Hands down best B-fast burrito in SD... I've eaten at over 100 mexican food joints from CV to Cbad...)
Swordfish taco - Blue water grill
Chicken Salad rolls - Saffron (best thai in SD)
fresh seafood - Catalina Offshore Products (This is THE PLACE to buy seafood in San Diego. Best in So-cal for that matter.)
Ready Made Mini Subs - Mona Lisa Market
Spicy Miso Ramen - Santouka (I now live in LA, which is ramen Mecca, and even up there I like Santouka best)
El Zarape makes great Mex food and has the best salsas of any Mexican restaurant in SD.
Extrordinary desserts for... well... extraordinary desserts.
Bread & Cie for baked goods