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Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in San Diego

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OpenTable
Updated February 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!


A photo of Noble Experiment restaurant
4.9
4.9 (337)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
About the restaurant
Noble Experiment is a small, intimate cocktail bar located behind a secret door inside of Neighborhood restaurant at 777 G St. San Diego, CA 92101. Reservations for 4 or less are accepted as early as two weeks in advance. Large party reservations can be made through our reservations team at info@nobleexperimentsd.com. Walk-ins are welcome based upon availability.
Top review
Ajua
Dined on Feb 6, 2025
Absolutely love the service and drinks at Noble Experiment!
A photo of The Plot restaurant
4.9
4.9 (811)
$30 and under
Farm-to-table
Oceanside
About the restaurant
The Plot is a haven for culinary enthusiasts, where creative chefs transform locally sourced ingredients into stunningly plant-forward dishes. Indulge in a full-service dining experience in the evenings and for brunch, or opt for a casual lunch on weekdays. Enjoy our beautiful dining room or immerse yourself amongst the plants in our bountiful patio gardens. The Plot team is led by Jessica and Davin Waite, who have been at the forefront of San Diego's culinary scene for over a decade, gaining a loyal following for their inventive and sustainable approach to seafood and plant-based dishes, gaining the attention of critics and culinary innovators far and wide.


Top review
Kelly
Dined 2 days ago
The Plot never disappoints. We shared the brussels sprouts that were, AMAZING...I had the carrot ginger soup and a chronic roll and my friend had the meatloaf and fries. All great! Looking forward to the next time. Thank you to The Plot for elevating vegan food and the plant based dining experience.
A photo of Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1409)
$30 and under
Sushi
Oceanside
About the restaurant
Please call for reservations of 7+ (760) 453-2738

Founded in 2013 by Davin and Jessica Waite, Wrench & Rodent is a space for culinary exploration and collaboration. This cozy, eclectic restaurant quickly became a destination for those who appreciated Chef Davin’s creative approach to celebrating local and responsibly sourced fish and produce.

In addition to a set sushi menu, Wrench offers an omakase as well as a list of specials that change daily. The team is committed to reducing waste and enhancing flavor by elevating all cuts of fish and veggies, as well as featuring a diverse range of species. Many menu items are simple, fresh and creative, with a lesser-known fish species complimented by ingredients from the backyard garden. Byproduct utilization drives the menu as well, and recent explorations with aging techniques have led to a dry aged fish program. Plant-forward preparations are also celebrated, and a vegan omakase is available upon request.


Top review
Blake
Dined 7 days ago
Best sushi in Oceanside paired with incredible service/ambiance, just an awesome experience!
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
4.8
4.8 (877)
$31 to $50
International
Downtown
About the restaurant
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.

Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project.
ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs Park
Follow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

Top review
Heather
Dined 2 days ago
We visited the Mingei and made a reservation at Artifact for an early lunch at 11:30 on a Thursday. We were one of the first two tables seated but the restaurant filled to near capacity shortly thereafter! We ordered the Vietnamese meatballs, the Asian pear and beet salad, the samosas and the coconut tapioca to share between the two of us per our server’s recommendation and everything was excellent! She was quite busy but attentive when we were able to catch her. Will absolutely return, I’d like to try everything on the menu. :)
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A photo of Wildland restaurant
4.8
4.8 (30)
$30 and under
Californian
Carlsbad
About the restaurant
WALK-IN'S ONLY FOR BREAKFAST AND LUNCH.

WALK-IN'S AND RESERVATIONS FOR DINNER.

Wildland is an all-day restaurant, bar and bakery inspired by the natural landscape and vibrant community of North County, celebrating the creative culture of California by bringing bold ideas to timeless traditions.

Night or day, this is a place for the every day.

We open daily at 8am, with counter service up until 4:00pm, inviting you all to come in and join us on a first-come, first-serve basis for breakfast and lunch.

Reservations are available every evening, and walk in guests are always welcome.

Private Dining Room reservations are available for parties of 12-18 guests.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
I went to Wildland with friends for dinner last night and loved it. The food and service were excellent. We ordered Prosciutto Toast, Charred Maitake Mushrooms, A Very Green Salad and Rigatoni. We also had the Venetian cocktail and Sangiovese wine. The cocktail was served with a massive quantity of ice. I would order it up next time. The food was fabulous and fresh. We loved the mushrooms, toast and salad! The only odd thing was the anchovy in the Rigatoni. The pasta and oxtail were delicious. I like anchovy but adding it to an oxtail and pasta dish wasn’t good. It was very fishy and strange paired with the oxtail. There were so many other things on the menu that I want to try that I will definitely be back.
A photo of MOTHERSHIP restaurant
4.7
4.7 (380)
$30 and under
Tapas / Small Plates
North Park
About the restaurant
Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine.

Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy!

WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

Top review
LaurenVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Super cool spot! We all loved our drinks, even the nonalcoholic was great (coconut milk one). Sandwich had good flavors, great service, cool atmosphere, and even got soft serve with a candle for my birthday!
A photo of The Space Pad restaurant
4.7
4.7 (56)
$30 and under
Speakeasy
Oceanside
About the restaurant
At The Space Pad expect to find cocktails with flavored smoke bubbles floating on top of your drink, cocktails that look like a lava lamp in your hand, change color as you drink, fruit suspensions, and spherified cocktails that you actually eat rather than drink, similar to giant boba pods each individually filled with cocktail ingredients that bursts with flavor and booze when you bite into it.

Reservations offer a 90-minute experience. WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at The Space Pad you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!

Top review
AngeliqueVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Did not eat food, so could not rate. But the specialty cocktails and awesome bartender/manager, made this a worthwhile, fun experience, especially for visiting out of towners. Wouldn’t want to give away anything, but there are some fun surprises throughout your stay.
A photo of Kai Ola Sushi restaurant
4.7
4.7 (10)
$50 and over
Sushi
Oceanside
About the restaurant
California’s best sushi in a laid back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.

You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.

Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.

Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.

Top review
JennVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Best sushi in Carlsbad! And the staff, on point very nice.
A photo of 24 Suns restaurant
4.4
4.4 (16)
$31 to $50
Chinese
Oceanside
About the restaurant
Come enjoy a dining experience where the long traditions of Chinese cuisine seamlessly integrate with the vibrant, farm-fresh ingredients of Southern California. At 24 Suns, we pay homage to the subtleties of nature, capturing the essence of each micro-season in our ever-evolving menus.

Join us in Oceanside for fine Chinese cuisine, thoughtful craft cocktails, natural wine, and warm neighborhood hospitality. It’s more than a meal—it’s a tribute to the dynamic rhythms of land and season. Cheers!


Top review
JenniferVIP
Dined on Feb 2, 2025
Love this place. The food is always going to charm and surprise you. The chefs are literally foraging for the freshest ingredients and putting their creativity into the dish. But on top of that the vibe is chill and the service staff are new but they always put their best foot forward. Great food and service with no pretension- 10/10.
A photo of Fisher's restaurant
4.2
4.2 (137)
$31 to $50
Mexican
Little Italy
About the restaurant
With only four tables back in 1989 "Don Simon" and his family; Jazmin his wife, and their three children; Charles, Simon and Gabriel opened the first Fisher's in Mexico City. With only 12 items on its menu, Fisher's became a destination in the northern area of Mexico City.

Since its founding in 1989, Grupo Fisher's has developed seven brands in more than 30 locations, one of them in Madrid Spain. Al of them family style restaurants with the freshest and most innovative way to prepare sea food products. Grupo Fisher's has become the most successful sea food restaurant chain in Mexico with more than 2500 associates and capable of hosting more than 200,000 guests per month.

We are pleased to welcome you to the second international location of Grupo Fisher's right here in San Diego's Little Italy.

Top review
ElizabethVIP
Dined on Dec 7, 2024
Very nice fish broth as a complementary appetizer. Then we shared the table side Caesar salad and the molcahete hot appetizer with chicken, shrimp, beef, asparagus etc. Plenty for a light dinner for two. Excellent lime margaritas, too.
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