Colleen’s guidebook
Food scene
Super delicious Blood Orange margarita and a fun atmosphere. This place is a quick 3 block walk from my place!
43 locals recommend
Barrio Star
2706 Fifth AveSuper delicious Blood Orange margarita and a fun atmosphere. This place is a quick 3 block walk from my place!
While this place sometimes has a line, it's well worth it for their extravagant cakes and pastries.
220 locals recommend
Extraordinary Desserts
2870 Fourth AveWhile this place sometimes has a line, it's well worth it for their extravagant cakes and pastries.
Great for dinner or just a cocktail, this restaurant has incredible views of the city and the water.
152 locals recommend
Mister A's
2550 Fifth AveGreat for dinner or just a cocktail, this restaurant has incredible views of the city and the water.
Nestled inside Balboa Park, this restaurant/bar includes a lawn and a sculpture garden. You can bring a blanket and a book, or check their website for daily live music showtimes!
81 locals recommend
Panama 66
1450 El PradoNestled inside Balboa Park, this restaurant/bar includes a lawn and a sculpture garden. You can bring a blanket and a book, or check their website for daily live music showtimes!
This is my personal favorite Italian food in San Diego. The fresh pasta is to die for, and the atmosphere is also delightful.
62 locals recommend
Barbusa
1917 India StThis is my personal favorite Italian food in San Diego. The fresh pasta is to die for, and the atmosphere is also delightful.
Arguably the hippest brunch spot, Madison has unique architecture and delicious churro-waffle-sticks.
58 locals recommend
Madison
4622 Park BlvdArguably the hippest brunch spot, Madison has unique architecture and delicious churro-waffle-sticks.
Best ice cream in San Diego, hands down. Known for wacky and bold flavors, if you can handle the hour wait, it's well worth your time.
48 locals recommend
Salt & Straw
1670 India StBest ice cream in San Diego, hands down. Known for wacky and bold flavors, if you can handle the hour wait, it's well worth your time.
My personal favorite Mexican food... and they have horchata milkshakes.
58 locals recommend
Mike's Taco Club
5060 Newport AveMy personal favorite Mexican food... and they have horchata milkshakes.
A hip American take on tacos, I strongly recommend the fish taco with strawberry salsa or the portabello mushroom taco.
150 locals recommend
City Tacos
3028 University AveA hip American take on tacos, I strongly recommend the fish taco with strawberry salsa or the portabello mushroom taco.
Cafe Bassam is an ecclectic coffee shop right next to Balboa Park. I've yet to order a coffee or tea drink I didn't like.
37 locals recommend
Cafe Bassam
3088 Fifth AveCafe Bassam is an ecclectic coffee shop right next to Balboa Park. I've yet to order a coffee or tea drink I didn't like.
Neighborhoods
Little Italy is full of character, including colorful Italian homes nestled between restaurants and shops. Come here for fresh pasta, gelato, or a brewery.
Be sure to check out the Food Hall on Date Street (with a fountain and string lights), or come by on Saturday mornings for my favorite Farmer's Market in San Diego.
889 locals recommend
Little Italy
Little Italy is full of character, including colorful Italian homes nestled between restaurants and shops. Come here for fresh pasta, gelato, or a brewery.
Be sure to check out the Food Hall on Date Street (with a fountain and string lights), or come by on Saturday mornings for my favorite Farmer's Market in San Diego.
Sometimes called San Diego's hipster neighborhood, North Park is great for bars, restaurants, and cute little shops.
439 locals recommend
North Park
Sometimes called San Diego's hipster neighborhood, North Park is great for bars, restaurants, and cute little shops.
Known as San Diego's "gay-borhood", Hillcrest is a great place to get brunch or shop for vintage clothes.
369 locals recommend
Hillcrest
3960 Normal StKnown as San Diego's "gay-borhood", Hillcrest is a great place to get brunch or shop for vintage clothes.
Gaslamp contains the majority of San Diego's bars and nightclubs, as well as some of the more touristy restaurants. Definitely check out the old-fashioned "gas" lamps that line the street, and try to find the hidden Speakeasy's.
1208 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp contains the majority of San Diego's bars and nightclubs, as well as some of the more touristy restaurants. Definitely check out the old-fashioned "gas" lamps that line the street, and try to find the hidden Speakeasy's.
The "China Town" of San Diego, Convoy Street holds all of the best Asian food, as well as spots for a night of kareoke!
27 locals recommend
Convoy Street
Convoy StreetThe "China Town" of San Diego, Convoy Street holds all of the best Asian food, as well as spots for a night of kareoke!