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A Foodie's Tour of San Diego
The culinary diversity of California is vast, and this is particularly the case with San Diego County. Due to its picturesque location within an agriculturally rich state, freshness and bold flavors come through, all of which make San Diego - Opens a dialog an ideal foodie destination. There are so many wonderful, local, non-chain establishments available, all of which work their hardest to stand alone and remain relevant to San Diegans and visitors alike.
Crab cake benedicts are just one of the delicious brunch offerings at Little Lion Café.
Breakfast & Brunch
Harry’s Coffee Shop: As one of San Diego’s oldest restaurants and one of the top diners in the U.S., Harry’s Coffee Shop is a place where locals have congregated over a hearty breakfast and a piping hot cup of coffee since 1960. One of their signature breakfast items is the B.W. Benny which is a bacon waffle, topped with ham, perfectly poached eggs and then finished with Harry’s house made hollandaise sauce. Or how about adding-on Harry’s Pineapple Banana Coconut Oreo French Toast to your order? There are so many delicious choices! Decadent? Yes. Worth it? Totally!
Little Lion Café: Quaint, familiar, and kitschy are the best words to describe Little Lion Café. What this diminutive restaurant lacks in size, it completely makes up with its culinary offerings. Brunch is served most days in this centrally located eatery which serves up flavorful delights such as: Baked Egg Strata, Crab Cake Benedict and savory Breakfast Tacos.
Breakfast Republic: Within San Diego is a place that is dedicated to all things “breakfast.” Despite its name and the overall menu theming of the restaurant, you won’t need to present your passport to enter Breakfast Republic. From Shrimp & Grits, Jurassic Pork Omelette, Lemon Coconut Pancakes, to their Banana Split Pancakes, all of these creations, and many others, are irreverent in style. As a result, this San Diego mainstay remains popular with locals and tourists.
Street tacos are a must-have at La Puerta.
Lunch
Bahn Thai: An authentic taste of Thailand can be enjoyed at Bahn Thai. This centrally located eatery is a local favorite that has won numerous awards, and understandably so! Their Tom Ka Soup, Massaman Curry, Pad See Ew, Bangkok Stir Fry, and more are all noteworthy masterpieces that are served in generous portions. What’s more, their seasonal Mango with Sticky Rice is something that will satiate those with a voracious sweet tooth.
La Puerta: Most cities that closely border Mexico have restaurants that are authentic to the region. For San Diego, La Puerta (translated as “The Door”) is an entrée (pun intended) to the flavors and culture of its southern neighbor. And this is especially the case with its Pastor, Pollo Asado, and Cochinita Street Tacos (very similar in flavor to what you would find in La Paz, Mexico). Of course, there are familiar and creative adult beverages available to enjoy with your meals. (ProTip: Be sure to experience their Bark at the Moon Margarita.)
Lunch
Bahn Thai: An authentic taste of Thailand can be enjoyed at Bahn Thai. This centrally located eatery is a local favorite that has won numerous awards, and understandably so! Their Tom Ka Soup, Massaman Curry, Pad See Ew, Bangkok Stir Fry, and more are all noteworthy masterpieces that are served in generous portions. What’s more, their seasonal Mango with Sticky Rice is something that will satiate those with a voracious sweet tooth.
La Puerta: Most cities that closely border Mexico have restaurants that are authentic to the region. For San Diego, La Puerta (translated as “The Door”) is an entrée (pun intended) to the flavors and culture of its southern neighbor. And this is especially the case with its Pastor, Pollo Asado, and Cochinita Street Tacos (very similar in flavor to what you would find in La Paz, Mexico). Of course, there are familiar and creative adult beverages available to enjoy with your meals. (ProTip: Be sure to experience their Bark at the Moon Margarita.)
Street tacos are a must-have at La Puerta.
Distinctive marbling is what gives Wagyu beef it's flavor.
Dinner
Juniper & Ivy: A pinnacle of culinary innovation can be found at Juniper & Ivy. With its kitchen headed by James Beard semifinalist Chef Anthony Wells, you are assured of a unique experience throughout every visit. With an inventive and ever-changing menu, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what you may dine on during your visit. One thing’s for sure, your fine dining experience at Juniper & Ivy will be one that will be artfully prepared with locally sourced and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Animae: Chef Tara Monsod’s flawless Asian fusion culinary experience at Animae is one that is a feast for the senses. While Animae specializes in A5 Wagyu Beef offerings, you should also experience Chef Tara’s signature Crispy Rice. In this dish served cold, she showcases her mastery of flavors by including caviar, bluefin tuna, uni, and pureed avocado. With her succulent Duck Kimchi Fried Rice, Chef Tara once again shows her skill set with this dish that includes Forbidden Rice, Koji Duck confit, Shiso, and a soft egg.
Island Prime: Come for the views and stay for the food; that’s all that really needs to be said about Island Prime. With the San Diego skyline in full view, you will enjoy some of Chef Deborah Scott’s creations in this very local favorite. Start with the flavorful Lobster Bisque, or the avant-garde Chesapeake Crab Cakes (which include apples, oranges, and chicory). From there, you should consider experiencing the Pacific Swordfish or Double Cut Pork Chop, and be sure to add on the Shallot, Bleu Cheese, and Rosemary Fries as one of your sides. Whatever you order from Island Prime, you will walk away satisfied.
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Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
The culinary diversity of California is vast, and this is particularly the case with San Diego County. Due to its picturesque location within an agriculturally rich state, freshness and bold flavors come through, all of which make San Diego - Opens a dialog an ideal foodie destination. There are so many wonderful, local, non-chain establishments available, all of which work their hardest to stand alone and remain relevant to San Diegans and visitors alike.
Crab cake benedicts are just one of the delicious brunch offerings at Little Lion Café.
Breakfast & Brunch
Harry’s Coffee Shop: As one of San Diego’s oldest restaurants and one of the top diners in the U.S., Harry’s Coffee Shop is a place where locals have congregated over a hearty breakfast and a piping hot cup of coffee since 1960. One of their signature breakfast items is the B.W. Benny which is a bacon waffle, topped with ham, perfectly poached eggs and then finished with Harry’s house made hollandaise sauce. Or how about adding-on Harry’s Pineapple Banana Coconut Oreo French Toast to your order? There are so many delicious choices! Decadent? Yes. Worth it? Totally!
Little Lion Café: Quaint, familiar, and kitschy are the best words to describe Little Lion Café. What this diminutive restaurant lacks in size, it completely makes up with its culinary offerings. Brunch is served most days in this centrally located eatery which serves up flavorful delights such as: Baked Egg Strata, Crab Cake Benedict and savory Breakfast Tacos.
Breakfast Republic: Within San Diego is a place that is dedicated to all things “breakfast.” Despite its name and the overall menu theming of the restaurant, you won’t need to present your passport to enter Breakfast Republic. From Shrimp & Grits, Jurassic Pork Omelette, Lemon Coconut Pancakes, to their Banana Split Pancakes, all of these creations, and many others, are irreverent in style. As a result, this San Diego mainstay remains popular with locals and tourists.
Street tacos are a must-have at La Puerta.
Lunch
Bahn Thai: An authentic taste of Thailand can be enjoyed at Bahn Thai. This centrally located eatery is a local favorite that has won numerous awards, and understandably so! Their Tom Ka Soup, Massaman Curry, Pad See Ew, Bangkok Stir Fry, and more are all noteworthy masterpieces that are served in generous portions. What’s more, their seasonal Mango with Sticky Rice is something that will satiate those with a voracious sweet tooth.
La Puerta: Most cities that closely border Mexico have restaurants that are authentic to the region. For San Diego, La Puerta (translated as “The Door”) is an entrée (pun intended) to the flavors and culture of its southern neighbor. And this is especially the case with its Pastor, Pollo Asado, and Cochinita Street Tacos (very similar in flavor to what you would find in La Paz, Mexico). Of course, there are familiar and creative adult beverages available to enjoy with your meals. (ProTip: Be sure to experience their Bark at the Moon Margarita.)
Lunch
Bahn Thai: An authentic taste of Thailand can be enjoyed at Bahn Thai. This centrally located eatery is a local favorite that has won numerous awards, and understandably so! Their Tom Ka Soup, Massaman Curry, Pad See Ew, Bangkok Stir Fry, and more are all noteworthy masterpieces that are served in generous portions. What’s more, their seasonal Mango with Sticky Rice is something that will satiate those with a voracious sweet tooth.
La Puerta: Most cities that closely border Mexico have restaurants that are authentic to the region. For San Diego, La Puerta (translated as “The Door”) is an entrée (pun intended) to the flavors and culture of its southern neighbor. And this is especially the case with its Pastor, Pollo Asado, and Cochinita Street Tacos (very similar in flavor to what you would find in La Paz, Mexico). Of course, there are familiar and creative adult beverages available to enjoy with your meals. (ProTip: Be sure to experience their Bark at the Moon Margarita.)
Street tacos are a must-have at La Puerta.
Distinctive marbling is what gives Wagyu beef it's flavor.
Dinner
Juniper & Ivy: A pinnacle of culinary innovation can be found at Juniper & Ivy. With its kitchen headed by James Beard semifinalist Chef Anthony Wells, you are assured of a unique experience throughout every visit. With an inventive and ever-changing menu, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what you may dine on during your visit. One thing’s for sure, your fine dining experience at Juniper & Ivy will be one that will be artfully prepared with locally sourced and fresh seasonal ingredients.
Animae: Chef Tara Monsod’s flawless Asian fusion culinary experience at Animae is one that is a feast for the senses. While Animae specializes in A5 Wagyu Beef offerings, you should also experience Chef Tara’s signature Crispy Rice. In this dish served cold, she showcases her mastery of flavors by including caviar, bluefin tuna, uni, and pureed avocado. With her succulent Duck Kimchi Fried Rice, Chef Tara once again shows her skill set with this dish that includes Forbidden Rice, Koji Duck confit, Shiso, and a soft egg.
Island Prime: Come for the views and stay for the food; that’s all that really needs to be said about Island Prime. With the San Diego skyline in full view, you will enjoy some of Chef Deborah Scott’s creations in this very local favorite. Start with the flavorful Lobster Bisque, or the avant-garde Chesapeake Crab Cakes (which include apples, oranges, and chicory). From there, you should consider experiencing the Pacific Swordfish or Double Cut Pork Chop, and be sure to add on the Shallot, Bleu Cheese, and Rosemary Fries as one of your sides. Whatever you order from Island Prime, you will walk away satisfied.
Sign Up for Costco.com Emails
If you are interested in great deals Costco Travel has to offer, click here to sign up to receive emails. This will ensure that Travel and Costco.com values are sent directly to your inbox.
Once You Are Ready to Travel, Costco Travel Can Help
We invite you to take some time to browse around and dream of your next vacation, rental car, or cruise, whether you’re booking for next month or toward the end of next year.
About the Author: The above piece was written by Jason Gordon, a guest travel blogger, and Costco enthusiast. Jason Gordon is compensated by Costco Travel to share his travel experiences.
