san diego eats

[amaelamin_]

Hello everybody :) I'll be going over to San Diego for a few months this year, and I need a bit of help! I have no idea what there is to eat over there [what's good, what's cheap, what's reasonably-priced, are there farmer's markets, where are good places to shop for food, what dishes should I try], and I'll be on a budget, so this is a shout-out

Comments

[jay_m_elle]

San Diego has a great plethora of farmers' markets. You can visit sdfarmbureau.org to find out when/where they all are.

We have Albertson's, Ralph's and Food4Less (Kroger), Vons (Safeway), Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and a whole bunch of smaller markets. We only have one Super Walmart, and we do have Sam's Club and Costco here as well.

I get my produce at the farmers' market, especially with spring and summer coming on. For bread, I love Bread & Cie.

As far as restaurants go, San Diego has a little of everything. Do you know what area you are going to be staying in? That might help me narrow it down a little to try to tell you what is nearby.

[amaelamin_]

the address of the place i'll be staying at says 'manchester'. does that help?

[jay_m_elle]

I totally agree with the poster who suggested Extraordinary Desserts- but be warned, it's pricey and gets VERY busy.

My favorite coffee shops are Claire de Lune and Lestat's, and as far as cheap eats go, Studio Diner is pretty good, and it's 24 hours. Cafe on Park has a great breakfast, and for pizza, I like Bronx Pizza (it's thin crust- if you like thin crust, that's the place to go!)

I'm actually a culinary student here, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Oh! Venissimo is my favorite cheese shop. They have a huge selection and their staff is super friendly.

[amaelamin_]

what about asian/japanese restaurants?

in general, is SD an expensive place as far as eating out goes? or is there a good mix of pricey and cheap places?

thank you so, so much. you're really awesome.

[house_draven]

For inexpensive, I second Studio Diner. Lotsa good memories there.

Unfortunately, when I lived in SD, if I ate out, I tended to go to the starred restaurants, and so am not all that familiar with the inexpensive. :(

[amaelamin_]

it's okay, whatever advice you can give is welcome. will take note of studio diner!

[house_draven]

If you want to splurge a little on a night out (and if these restaurants are still in operation), I highly recommend La Boheme and The Abbey (down the street from each other). Very nice continental cuisine but not *outrageously* priced. The Abbey has a killer wine list. I was a waiter in both restaurants while going to grad school, so I can also tell you that the kitchens are immaculate! :) If you go to The Abbey (a gorgeous remodeled and restored church with original woodwork) and they still offer their apricot soup, give it a try. If you can venture up into La Jolla, though, I really recommend Prego. A bit more expensive than the other two, but also a notch up in quality and innovation.

But it's also been nearly ten years since I lived there, and restaurants do change. If you're considering a higher-quality meal, it might be worth your time to check and make sure the quality reputation still stands up. I'd hate for you to go someplace based on my rec and have it not be up to my standards!

[amaelamin_]

so I can also tell you that the kitchens are immaculate!

good to know! :) and the abbey sounds divine, just for the ambience. thank you so very much for your recommendations! will try to visit every place you mentioned. ♥

[djkitty]

I haven't been to Studio Diner in a loooong time. The last time I went, they had removed their mac n' cheese from the regular menu and made it a weekly special. :( That was some goooood mac n' cheese.