From a tiki bar to a gourmet pie shop, check out our list of the newest San Diego restaurants to eat at now.
Edited by Madelyn Harris
Harvest by the Patio
The Patio Restaurant Group’s foray into fast-casual is the latest partnership with chef Antonio Friscia’s Legal Restaurants brand. It is also a showcase for chef Amiko Gubbins’ health-minded menu that will include salads, grains and bowls and breakfast items, in addition to sandwiches and entrees along with fresh juice-based craft cocktails. Look for Nutty Monkey Toast with almond butter, banana, hemp seed, bee pollen and raw honey and a grilled tri tip sandwich with roasted peppers, arugula and chimichurri aioli. M-F 11 a.m.-11 p.m.,  Sa 10 a.m.-12 a.m., Su 10 a.m.-10 p.m. 369 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101. 619.541.8301. harvestbythepatio.com
The Grass Skirt Tiki Bar
One of the newest San Diego restaurants combines the tiki scene with SDCM Restaurant Group-operated cocktails. The menu features Hawaiian-themed eats from corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski, while specialty cocktails are creations from beverage director Steven Tuttle. Cool things to know about this restaurant? There are three drinks on the menu that when ordered, trigger a number of special effects, including the sounds of thunder and lightning and flames shown swirling on a screen behind the bar. Additionally, there’s also a secret six-drink menu consisting of the cocktail team’s tributes to iconic beach drinks of the 1980s—throwbacks including Sex on the Beach and the Mudslide. Reservations are in high demand, so book early. If you’re going to try your luck with a walk-in, the best bet is to show up before 6:30 PM. M-Sun 5 p.m.-2a.m. 910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109.  858.412.5237. thegrassskirt.com
Blackmarket Bakery
Blackmarket Bakery prides itself on using basic ingredients and time-tested procedures. Chef Rachel Klemek and her family have opened locations in Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and now San Diego. Klemek expands her scratch-made line of pastries—from scones and croissants to cookies and cakes—to change with the seasons. The Blackmarketeers brew local coffee and espresso, bake bread and pastries daily and whip up nostalgic tarts, cookies, confections and sandwiches. Check out this restaurant to indulge yourself in feel-good food. M-Th 7 a.m.-7 p.m.,  Fri-Sa 7 a.m.-9 p.m.,  Su 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 4686 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116.  619.641.0081. blackmarketbakery.com
Pop Pie Co.
This new pie concept has been honing its menu at pop-up events as it readies its first brick-and-mortar eatery. The gourmet pie shop will serve both savory and sweet varieties for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with beer and wine and an array of espresso drinks fueled by the city’s top roasters. Savory pies range from their classic chicken pot pie to a veggie curry pie. Some sweet pie favorites include pumpkin cream cheese and salted caramel chocolate fudge. Closed on Mondays. T-Su 7 a.m.-7 p.m. 4404 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92116.  619.501.4440. poppieco.com
Cake de Partie Â
For those looking for a sweet treat, this buzzy Kearny Mesa Cafe is one of the best new San Diego restaurants to offer savory snacks, elegant plated desserts and creative drinks (including a variety of flavored soju) in a bright and funky space with hip furniture. Recommendations include molten lava cake, fried roti and caramelized banana dessert—it’s served in a cast iron skilled and drizzled with an Ovaltine sweet sauce. Closed on Mondays. T-Su 12 p.m.-10 p.m. 4685 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111.  858.987.0033. cakedepartie.com
