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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Civico 1845
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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.

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

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

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