San Diego Restaurants We're Loving Right Now: March 2021

With San Diego finally reopening restaurants for outdoor seating, we’ve been eating our way through town. From checking out new menus, to re-exploring some oldies but goodies; there’s something for everyone. Here is a round up of the San Diego restaurants I’ve been loving lately!

Cozy Date Night: Craft & Commerce

Trending San Diego Restaurants for date night – Craft & Commerce

Craft & Commerce‘s Executive Chef Kyle Pierce recently launched a new “comfort-themed” menu with a Southern flair. So of course, bae and I decided this would be perfect for a cozy rainy date night. The new flavors as always pack a punch and are the perfect mix of elevated and comforting.

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Address: 675 W. Beech St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday to Friday 4pm – 10pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 10pm

Our order: Confit Duck Leg “Tacos” (an absolute must), BBQ Quail Skewers, Fire Roasted Carrots, Grilled Shishito Peppers, Slow braised Beef Short Rib

Pro Tip: When you make your reservation, request the tables that have the fire pits. You’ll be extra warm and it adds a little flair of romance!

Best New Restaurant: El Cruce + 241

Best New Restaurant in San Diego: El Cruce + 241, authentic Baja cuisine

At this new San Diego restaurants spot, you’ll find all the flavors of Baja, California – with many ingredients imported from Mexico. Their seafood is super fresh and they offer an impressive selection of Mexican beers on tap plus a curated list of Mexican wines.

Neighborhood: Chula Vista
Address: 241 3rd Ave suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Hours: Monday to Friday 11:30am – 8pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am – 8pm

Our order: Pulpo Asado, weekend special of scallops aguacaliente, ceviche de pescado, Corona del Valle Sauvignon Blanc, Insurgiente Tiniebla

Pro Tip: Brunch is coming soon and the menu will be expanding!

Most Instagrammable: Holy Paleta

If you’ve ever driven down Bonita Road on a weekend, you may have seen a massive line outside of Holy Paleta. We visited their second location which serves up all the Miami vibes! They offer a wide selection of all-natural, handcrafted paletas which make for a perfect afternoon snack on a warm San Diego day.

Note: They’re now serving micheladas and burritos if you’re in need of a lunch or happy hour fix!

Neighborhood: Little Italy
Address: 2040 India St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11:30am – 9pm, Friday to Sunday 11am – 10pm

Our Order: Strawberry Cheesecake Paleta and Limon Paleta

Pro Tip: Save up to 50% here with the Savorite App!

Best Vegan Meal: Cocina Calavera

Vegan latin food restaurant in San Diego - Palm Trees and Pellegrino food recommendations in San Diego

What started as a healthy take on Latin food with a spin quickly has become a vegan fan favorite. From “skinny” cocktails to vegan cream sauces, even the non-veg heads will love it! PS: there’s also non-vegan items on the menu in case you’re craving some birria tacos or chicken fajitas.

Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Address: 3923 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 3pm – 8pm, Saturday 12pm – 8pm, Sunday 12-6pm, closed on Mondays

Pro Tip: Save up to 50% here with the Savorite App!

Brunch with a Mediterranean Flare: Madison on Park

San Diego brunch restaurant - San Diego food recommendations from Palm Trees and Pellegrino

We discovered this vibrant spot while researching brunch spots in San Diego that would be perfect for a Valentine’s Day date. We were quickly drawn to the Mediterranean-inspired menu and aesthetic decor. Our call? Come for the ‘gram, but stay for the good food.

Neighborhood: University Heights
Address: 4622 Park Blvd, San Diego, California 92116
Hours: Tuesday to Friday 5pm – 10pm, Saturday 9:30am – 2:30pm + 5pm – 10pm, Sunday 9:30am – 2:30pm + 5pm – 9pm, closed on Mondays

Our Order: Carnitas Stack, Strawberry Banana Nutella French Toast

Pro Tip: Brunch is only served on weekends and can get pretty packed. Make a reservation before visiting.

Healthy Food On the Go: Grater Greens

Can we call Grater Greens the Chipotle of healthy lunch bowls? GG is an IT Girl’s dream – plenty of flavorful (yet healthy) options with the backdrop of air plants and white marble countertops. Whether you’re running errands in the area, or looking for a work day lunch option, this is a great option.

Neighborhood: Mission Valley
Address: 5608 Mission Center Rd #901, San Diego, CA 92108
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am – 7pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm

Our Order: Mediterranean Salad with Tofu, Toasty Tahini Power Bowl

Pro Tip: Don’t miss GG’s agua frescas (made fresh daily)!

Oldie but Goodie: Fig Tree Cafe

Fig Tree Cafe has been a staple in the Pacific Beach neighborhood for the past 10+ years – serving locals in their garden-like cottage restaurant. The recent remodel and their unique french toast sampler definitely deserves a call out!