Best Locally Owned Restaurants in San Diego, CA

18 places

Discover the vibrant culinary scene of San Diego, where locally owned restaurants offer unique flavors and inviting atmospheres, showcasing the city's diverse tastes.

Photo by Management

Juniper and Ivy

Opens at

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4.5

Elevated dining defines Juniper and Ivy, where Richard Blais crafts inventive small plates amidst a vibrant atmosphere in Little Italy.

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Puesto at the Headquarters

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Distinctive modern ambiance pairs with gourmet tacos like the filet mignon with pistachio-serrano salsa, making every visit memorable.

CLAMS CASINO Venus CLAMS, BACON, PARMESAN BELL PEPPER, ONION, GARLIC, PANKO $26

Ironside Fish & Oyster

Open until

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4.0

Quaint ambiance sets the stage for enjoying San Diego's best lobster rolls and fresh oysters in a vibrant Little Italy setting.

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Crack Shack Enterprises LLC

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Vibrant atmosphere blends great food and frequent plane flyovers, making it a perfect casual spot for families and food enthusiasts alike.

LOGO

Casa Guadalajara

Open until

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3.5

Burgeoning with color, Casa Guadalajara offers festive decor, authentic dishes, and delightful handmade tortillas, making it a standout dining destination.

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Dumpling Inn

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Savory soup dumplings and an extensive traditional menu make this Convoy District spot a true local favorite with a lively happy hour.

Shrimp

Point Loma Seafoods

Open until

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3.5

Exceptional seafood awaits with freshly sourced fish and renowned crab sandwiches. Enjoy stunning bay views at this cherished local gem.

Hidden Fish photo

Hidden Fish

Opens at

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4.5

Unassuming yet remarkable, Hidden Fish offers a 13-seat, exclusive omakase experience where each dish showcases seasonal, high-quality fish.

Cod and red snapper tacos

Blue Water

Open until

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4.0

Transcendent flavors define Blue Water, where I customize ultra-fresh fish tacos and savor their famous garlicky clam chowder.

Photo by Challenger007

Menya Ultra

Open until

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4.5

Irresistible bowls of richly flavored broths and house-made noodles define Menya Ultra, making it a must-visit for ramen enthusiasts.

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It's Raw Poke Shop

Open until

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4.5

Authentic flavors shine at It's Raw Poke Shop, where fresh ingredients create traditional poke bowls rivaling those from Hawaii.

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Nomad Donuts

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Artisan donuts crafted with creativity shine here, like the chai spice cruller and seasonal pomegranate pear, making it a local gem.

Daily Special Bacon, Jalapeño, pineapple

The Garten

Open until

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4.5

Unique ambiance in the warehouse district, The Gärten combines craft beverages and live music, showcasing local meadery and diverse drink options.

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Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine – San Diego

Opens at

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4.0

Sublime dishes crafted by acclaimed chef JoJo Ruiz make Lionfish a coastal gem in San Diego, especially the standout whole grilled snapper.

Vegan lasagna

Civico 1845

Opens at

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4.5

Inviting ambiance and a diverse menu set Civico 1845 apart, with its brown butter ravioli and delicious vegan and gluten-free options for all diners.

Chicken - great idea but the sauce was way too salty

Born & Raised

Opens at

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4.0

Lush decor evokes a Great Gatsby ambiance, while the menu dazzles with Burgundy snails and bone marrow, offering a lavish culinary experience.

The flan was a great end to the meal

Kingfisher

Opens at

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4.5

Artful dishes like chef-driven congee and whole fried rockfish highlight an inventive blend of French-Vietnamese flavors in Golden Hill.

Shrimp Toast

Animae

Opens at

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4.5

Remarkable for its Filipino-Japanese fusion, Animae offers inventive cocktails in a modern art deco setting and a standout short rib kare kare.