San Diego Restaurants We're Loving Right Now: May 2021 Edition

Another month, another set of San Diego restaurants. This month we’re sharing a new ramen spot in the South Bay, some of the best pizza San Diego has to offer, a classic brunch spot, and more! Keep reading for this month’s top picks.

Best Pizza in San Diego: Gelati & Peccati

Calling a restaurant “the best pizza in San Diego” is a pretty big claim. But, as someone who grew up with authentic Southern Italian pizza at home, there’s been a LOT of disappointments at restaurants over the years. Gelati & Peccati is the real deal. This neighborhood shop has the freshest of ingredients, an ever rotating menu, and amazing gelato!

Neighborhood: North Park
Address: 3066 B University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Hours: Monday – Thursday 12PM – 10PM, Friday – Saturday 11AM – 10PM, Sunday 11AM – 9PM

Our Order: coffee gelato, pizza margherita, pizza with mortadella & pistachios.

Pro Tip: As there are only 5 tables, head over during off hours to avoid the lines!

Drinks with a view: Sundeck at the Hotel del Coronado

Drinks with a view in San Diego: Sundeck at the Hotel del Coronado

I recently re-discovered the area around the Hotel del Coronado while we had guests in town. The Sundeck is such a vibe (and I can’t wait to come back in the summer). Cozy up with a group of friends in front of one of the fire pits and grab an evening drink before heading to dinner.

Neighborhood: Coronado Island
Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Hours: Thursday – Sunday 7:30AM – 8PM, Monday – Wednesday 7:30AM – 5PM

Pro Tip: The drinks are great, but the food tends to be over priced. Skip the food and head to dinner in downtown Coronado!

Best New Ramen: Okama

Okama San Diego sushi and ramen restaurant - Palm Trees and Pellegrino San Diego travel tips

If you talk to anyone that lives in the South Bay, they’d likely tell you that in order to get some good ramen, you’ll need to head to Convoy. Well, we’re happy to report that Chula Vista now has some delicious ramen. Okama is new to the neighborhood and offers a large menu with items from sushi to ramen.

Neighborhood: Chula Vista
Address: 1610 Millenia Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91915
Hours: Monday – Thursday 11AM – 9:30PM (except closed Tuesday), Friday – Saturday 11:30AM – 10:30PM, Sunday 11:30AM – 9:30PM

Our Order: Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen, Katsu Tonkatsu Ramen

Laid back vibes & beer: New English Brewing

New English Brewing in San Diego - Palm Trees & Pellegrino San Diego travel tips

New English Brewing screams “WEEKEND.” It’s the place you go when you want to get together with friends, grab a fresh beer, a taco from the food truck and sit back and enjoy the summer sunshine. It feels like San Diego in the best way possible.

Neighborhood: Torrey Hills
Address: 11545 Sorrento Valley Rd #305, San Diego, CA 92121
Hours: Friday – Saturday 1PM – 8PM, Sunday 1PM – 7PM, Tuesday – Thursday 3PM – 8PM, closed Monday.

Pro Tip: This is a great spot to take beer-lovers and beer-tolerators alike as they serve IPAs as well as lighter pilsners.

Classic Italian Vibes: Buona Forchetta Garage

Buona Forchetta Garage Coronado Italian restaurant in San Diego

I’m a big fan of Buona Forchetta (a sister restaurant to Gelati & Peccati). Over the years they have opened locations all over San Diego. However, the Garage might just be my new favorite. Something about it’s old world market and vintage decor just feels like a taste of Italy. Not to mention, they have some of the best customer service in San Diego.

Neighborhood: Coronado
Address: 1000 C Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Hours: Sunday – Thursday 9AM – 8PM, Friday – Saturday 9AM – 9PM

Our Order: margherita pizza, fettuccini bolognese

Pro Tip: If you plan enough in advance, request to have your meal in their vintage car (it’s perfect for date night).

Best Dessert: Rare Society

rare Society Steak House Restaurant in San Diego - Palm Trees & Pellegrino

This neighborhood restaurant is cozy chic meets vintage steakhouse and fits the bill for a dressy date night. Not really a meat eater? You absolutely have to go to check out their desserts. Even if it’s just for drinks & desserts – it’s a must!

Neighborhood: University Heights
Address: 4130 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103
Hours: Friday – Saturday 5PM – 10PM, Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday 5PM – 9PM, close Monday and Tuesday.

Our Order: The Associate Board, whipped potatoes, wood roasted sugar snap peas, lava cake

Pro Tip: The Executive and Associate Boards are a selection of the chef’s determined cuts and are perfect for sharing and sampling a few different selections (and sauces)!

Classic California Brunch: Cody’s La Jolla

Cody's La Jolla beach side restaurant in San Diego - Palm Trees & Pellegrino

Cody’s is a La Jolla institution that we’ve been visiting for the past 10(?) years. They moved to a new location (with a better view) ad few years ago and it’s an absolute gem. If you’re looking for true California vibes and good food, Cody’s is the place to go.

Neighborhood: La Jolla
Address: 1025 Prospect St #210, La Jolla, CA 92037
Hours: Monday – Thursday 8 AM – 3 PM, Friday – Saturday 8 AM – 7 PM, Sunday 8AM – 3:30PM.

Our Order: white wine sangria (my personal favorite), west coast toast, crab cakes benedict

Pro Tip: My secret to brunch in La Jolla is getting up early. The best time to go to beat the crowds is 8:30 – 9 AM. Also, don’t forget to request a table on the patio overlooking the water.