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Best Tapas Restaurants in San Diego, San Diego

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22 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
1. Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
3.9
Excellent(53)
$$$$
• Tapas • Carmel Valley
Booked 3 times today
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar has been magnificently reimagined to combine the lavish splendor of Italian palazzos with the natural grandeur of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Indulge in afternoon tea as the San Diego sun casts its golden light through large arched windows, or linger into the evening over inspired tapas, cocktails, and elevated programming under the warm glow of Venetian glass chandeliers. Take in the beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve —or while sipping a craft cocktail in the bar. In a specially commissioned mural that spans all four walls, artist Jim Wodark pays homage to the canyon’s most iconic elements: its ancient rocks, cascading waterfall, and distant mountains.Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining and hotel reservations worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch restaurant
2. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch
4.5
Awesome(922)
$$$$
• Tapas • Scripps Ranch
Booked 1 time today
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
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3. Juniper & Ivy
4.9
Exceptional(8760)
$$$$
• Tapas • Little Italy
Booked 62 times today
Featuring Executive Chef, Alex Penkin. Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
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4. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1406)
$$$$
• Tapas • North Park
Booked 33 times today
We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.
A photo of Captain’s Quarters restaurant
5. Captain’s Quarters
4.8
Exceptional(172)
$$$$
• Tapas • Pacific Beach
Booked 19 times today
Captain’s Quarters in Pacific Beach, San Diego, is a cocktail bar that sails beyond expectations with its exceptional gin-focused creations and innovative spirit blends. Guests are captivated by the “amazing interior” and “super cool ambiance” that transports them to a nautical adventure. The talented bartenders, like Celia and Austin, craft “really great cocktails” that keep patrons coming back for more. The Beverage Director, Eric Johnson, showcases a delightful twist on classics with rum, mezcal, and more, ensuring a “delicious” experience for every palate. With its “creative and cozy” decor and “top cocktails in the beach,” it's a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.
A photo of MOTHERSHIP restaurant
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6. MOTHERSHIP
4.7
Exceptional(718)
$$$$
• Tapas • North Park
Booked 65 times today
Mothership in North Park, San Diego, beckons diners to embark on an interplanetary culinary adventure with its Fusion/Eclectic cuisine. This hidden gem has been recognized by Esquire Magazine as one of the Best Bars in America, offering an experience that's "truly out of this world!" The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is meticulously themed with a blend of a crashed spaceship and alien cave, making every visit feel like a journey to another galaxy. Guests rave about the "deliciously creative" small plates and "spectacular" exotic cocktails, which are as much a visual feast as they are a delight to the palate. Indulge in this unique dining escapade where flavors defy earthly bounds!
A photo of Bar Ella restaurant
7. Bar Ella
4.6
Exceptional(20)
$$$$
• Tapas • Pacific Beach
Booked 2 times today
Bar Ella, nestled in the vibrant Pacific Beach neighborhood just a stone’s throw away from the sandy shores, represents the culmination of owner Krista Barrella’s passion for culinary excellence and hospitality. After a remarkable 20-year journey in the restaurant industry, Krista envisioned an establishment that seamlessly merges her classic East Coast culinary heritage with the vibrant West Coast ambiance.
A photo of Barra Oliba restaurant
8. Barra Oliba
4.6
Exceptional(66)
$$$$
• Tapas • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
We are an ingredient driven neighborhood bistro and tapas bar cooking classic dishes from Northern Spain with sustainable ingredients. Our wine list highlights top vintners from Spain and France, from tiny producers to recognized chateaus and bodegas with sustainable practices. We offer a wide array of dishes, from small classic tapas to specialty mediterranean rice dishes and carefully elaborated raw-sushi grade and cooked seafood. We believe traditional cooking is the way forward. We stay clear of seed oils and ultra-processed ingredients to preserve the flavor and health qualities of food
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
9. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.7
Exceptional(756)
$$$$
• Tapas • Little Italy
Booked 22 times today
Mimmo's Italian Village, nestled in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, is a hidden gem renowned for its exquisite Tapas/Small Plates cuisine. This family-owned establishment, steeped in history since 1973, offers an authentic taste of Italy with every bite. Diners rave about the "fantastic food" and "exceptional service," making it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists. The homemade dishes, prepared fresh daily with quality ingredients, capture the essence of Italian culinary traditions. Guests are particularly enchanted by the "bold sauces" that evoke flavors reminiscent of a true Italian Nonna's kitchen. Experience the charm and authenticity of Mimmo's for a delightful tapas adventure.
A photo of Room56 restaurant
10. Room56
4.9
Exceptional(70)
$$$$
• Tapas • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Room 56 is a premier speakeasy nestled in the Gaslamp Quarter, offering some of the best craft cocktails in San Diego in an intimate setting.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ArielGold
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing food wine and ambience! Truly authentic tapas and paella.
    More info
    Barra Oliba$$$$• Spanish• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Rosalyn
    Houston •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Mothership is always so lovely an experience ! The host was amazing, and very accommodating. Our server was incredible, and was very knowledgeable of allergies and substitutions. We had one person at the table with a coconut allergy and it made ordering a little tricky but the server pointed out great snack and cocktail options. Atmosphere is always lovely an unique. Will always be going back to show visitors this hidden gem in SD!
    More info
    MOTHERSHIP$$$$• Tapas / Small Plates• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Ruth
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Very intimate setting. Loved the decor. The customer service was fantastic from the ladies! Will definitely come back for another girls night.
    More info
    Captain’s Quarters$$$$• Tapas / Small Plates• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.8
  • Farid
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Trust, an incredible dining experience, was made even more special by Kate’s exceptional service on our anniversary. If you’re a fan of tapas-style portions, this is undoubtedly a fantastic place to visit.
    More info
    Trust Restaurant$$$$• Contemporary American• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Gail
    Montana •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on May 3, 2026
    A special place to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. The dessert tray was amazing and the piano in the lobby was perfect to add to the ambience!
    More info
    Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar$$$$• Californian• Carmel Valley
    •
    3.9

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