San Diego

How to spend your week EATING in SD.

I’m not going to lie--this was hard! San Diego has really stepped up its game in the last couple of years. I went with my go-to picks that will win over locals and out-of-towners alike.

Monday

Breakfast: After an indulgent weekend I will usually start my day with a Bulletproof Coffee, a new favorite of mine. https://www.bulletproofexec.com/bulletproof-coffee-recipe/

Lunchtime: You can’t go wrong with El Pescador Fish Market in La Jolla. This is a popular local spot, every grom in town has worked here at some point and it’s owned by a family friend. If you want a fish sandwich that is a total game changer, this is year spot. And don’t forget to add avo!

Dinner: After my weekends I always crave soup--probably because of the rich mineral content and the soothing collagen properties of a warm, comforting broth on your digestive track. Convoy Street has a lot of great ethnic options. I recommend Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot, or ramen at either Tajima or Rakiraki Ramen.

Tuesday

Breakfast: You’ve got to try breaky at Woholle Juice Box  in La Jolla Shores. I may be slightly biased because I created their menu and all of its recipes. For a detox beverage, I suggest the Equalize green juice (no sugar). Another great choice is the Empower smoothie, which is a delicious concoction with anti-inflammatory properties. Then, there is the Ingenious Elixir with E3live--it is made from algae, but tastes like peppermint and it’s packed with minerals that help with brain health!

Lunch: I love sushi for lunch, and while there are many options around town, I think Tadakoro in Old Town is your best bet for a fresh midday meal because it is hard to get in any other time of day. Small and intimate, I prefer to sit at the bar. Start with the mushroom salad, then eat all of the nigiri you possibly can.

Dinner: I don’t usually buy into the whole Taco Tuesday thing because for me, every day is a day worthy of tacos, but if you are looking for legit Mexi food and a side of quality tequila do yourself a favor and head to Cantina Mayahuel. They have over 200 tequilas and 100 mezcals on the shelf, and everything on the food menu is phenomenal.

Wednesday

Breakfast: Head over to Lofty Coffee (located in Solana Beach and Encinitas) and treat yourself to a macadamia nut latte with one of their yummy gluten-free pastries. Or if you are looking for something a little more substantial, they have great egg plates. My favorite is the arugula, heirloom tomatoes and eggs poached in a espresso maker!

Lunch: Sneak off for a traditional Thai lunch at a favorite secret spot of mine--Papaya in Linda Vista. Word of the wise: pay attention to the level of spiciness you order for your dish. This is no place to get cocky with your spice tolerance.  Let’s just say that a level 3 is hot for me and I am a Mexican with a high tolerance for spice. Don't forget to go next door for beers to help wash down that extra kick.

Dinner: Check out Herb & Wood, Brian Malarkey’s latest restaurant venture in Little Italy. I tried it recently and it’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had in San Diego. They make all their doughs, breads, ice creams, and cheeses in house. This is a place that is worth the splurge!

Thursday

Breakfast: If you’re wanting a flavorful, protein packed breakfast that you can wash down with a mimosa, you’ll want to try Isabel’s Cantina in Pacific Beach. There is usually a wait, but it’s totally worth it. Put your name in and walk around the beach neighborhood until your reservation is called. The Avocado Scramble and the Carnitas Stacks are two popular dishes. They also serve a great lunch if you’re getting off to a slow start.

Lunch: When it comes to order-at-the-counter restaurants I have a hard time picking just one, so here are my three go-to spots when I haven’t had time to prepare a lunch. All are organic and farm-to-table, and I suggest you try at least one.

1. Tender Greens: The menu is filled with local, organic choices like delicious salads and grass-fed local proteins. They also have kombucha on tap.

2. Green Acre: A great place to meet clients for a healthy, substantial lunch. All their greens are picked from an on-site garden. Sit outside and try their Black Bean Burger or one of their daily specials.

3. Urban Plates: When I come here I always order the Fennel Beet Salad, add chicken, but you really can’t go wrong with anything.

Dinner: Get off work early and head to Fish 101 for some of the freshest oysters you’ll ever have, only $1 each from 4-6. This Leucadia gem is owned and operated by a local husband and wife duo. All the desserts are gluten free and made with organic dairy by the adorable wife who runs it.

Friday

Breakfast: Check out Little Lion in Point Loma, a small, farm-to-table spot run by three sisters. Order the vanilla latte (made with real vanilla beans!) when you’re here, and pair it with the avocado toast, seasonal veggies, house-made bread and add a poached egg!

Lunch: Cuatros Milpas in Barrio Logan is the definition of a hole in the wall. It may not look like much from the outside, but that line wrapped around the building isn’t just for show. No frills, just authentic, quality tacos. Lunchtime hours here are limited, so make sure you get here on time.

Dinner: For an enjoyable date night, look no further than Sake House in Encinitas. There is always a wait, but you can have sake and beers outside while you. Or if you’re planning ahead, just make a reservation and cruise right in.

Saturday

Breakfast:  Either stop by GoodOnYa Café in Cardiff for an amazing, healthy breakfast and some delicious coconut coffees, or grab yourself a juice from Fully Loaded in Encinitas.

Lunch: After a light lunch at one of my recs in North County, head a little futher up the coast to Leucadia for lunch at Solterra Winery on Coast Highway. Take in the great neighborhood vibes at one of their outside high-top tables over a glass of your favorite vino and their amazing cheese boards.

Dinner: To avoid the dinnertime madness here, head to Kettner Exchange a little early and grab yourself a table upstairs or splurge on a cabana if they’re open. The open rooftop on the second floor makes for a great summertime ambience, especially when you’re enjoying one of famed mixologist Steven Tuttle’s insane cocktails. I love all of his spicy mezcal concoctions. As for food...order everything on the menu. It is that good.

Sunday

Breakfast: Do yourself a favor and grab a cup of nitro organic local coffee and a donut at the new Devil’s Dozen, led by Chef Brian Redzikowski, the same genius who runs the kitchen at Kettner. After a few sweet bites here with friends, begin your adventure in Little Italy before settling down for ‘dunch’.

Dunch (time between lunch and Dinner): I have a few suggestions for this meal. If you’re the picnicking type, get some snacks from either The Cheese Store or Mona Lisa Italian Market (both in Little Italy) before heading to Balboa Park for a relaxing afternoon on the grass. My second suggestion (but no less amazing) is to check out San Diego’s Liberty Station in Point Loma. It’s our version of Chelsea Market and the Ferry Building. This is a great option if you have an entire afternoon open and can’t decide on just one cuisine. Here, you’ll find endless options to eat and drink.