Dining your way through San Diego is an always delicious, but sometimes daunting, endeavor, with so many diverse destinations countywide. To help narrow down the list a little, we’ve rounded up 10 new restaurants—featured in no particular order—all opened in 2024, that have our attention big time heading into 2025, varying in type of cuisine, decor and ambiance. Each offers its own “special something” and a standout dish that passes our taste test. We hope you find a new favorite or two among them in the year ahead. Bon appétit!
1. For Nostalgic Comfort Cuisine
Point Loma’s mid-century Pearl Hotel houses a new retro-style restaurant and bar: Ponyboy. The brainchild of Service Animals—the hospitality outfit headed by seasoned cocktail ninja Ian Ward (Addison) and Danny Romero (Wormwood, Two Ducks)—is inspired by the character of the same name in the novel and film, The Outsiders. Feast on nostalgic 1960s fare like fondue for two; potato-crusted tuna casserole; navy beans and bone marrow; grilled Oysters Rockefeller; pineappletempura fritters; and “TV Dinners” (aka daily specials), such as fried chicken and Five-Alarm Chili. Also consider the “Juicy Lucy,” a wagyu beef patty stuffed with New School American cheese, topped with Alabama white sauce, and served on sesame-potato brioche, with a side of Ponyboy fries; the Fishermen’s Catch with Parmesan grits; and the Barbacoa Beef Stroganoff. Standout Dish: the beet and hibiscus-cured Deviled Eggs with pistachiopraline mousse and caviar. 1410 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma. 619.226.6100, theponyboy.com
2. For a Middle East Feast
In North Park, venture inside Leila and be transported to a lush dining oasis inspired by the bustling night markets of Morocco, complete with a starry ceiling, water features, two bars and an open kitchen anchored by a showpiece clay oven and Robata grill. On the menu: Middle Eastern dishes and libations that pay homage to CH Projects founder Arsalun Tafazoli’s roots and travels. Expect house-made spreads and sauces; kabobs and skewers with proteins such as chicken and salmon cooked over open fire; and specialties like whole fish and braised, grilled lamb shank. On the cocktail menu, the Camel Clutch is described as “Tehran goes full tiki; life after death”; while Joon is “the ultimate Persian martini, slightly dirty, very Habibi.” There’s also a fun “For Shar- ing” section of cocktails that serve two to four people; try Date Night, Caravan 75, Tangier Twilight or Lion’s Milk. Standout Dish: the Chicken Tahchin, with saffron crispy rice, shredded chicken, almonds and apricots. 3956 30th Street, NorthPark. 619.550.5412, leilanorthpark.com
3. For Sustainable Seafood
Billed as a “cause-based concept preserving the water- shed of San Diego and northern Baja,” 31ThirtyOnebyDeckman’s is another North Park hotspot living up to the hype. The casual fine-dining restaurant and rooftop bar by Michelin-starred chef and farmer, Drew Deckman, and his wife, Paulina Deckman, focuses on ultra sustain- ability at every level—from ethical farming techniques and ingredients sourced exclusively from local farms and fishermen; to pledging 1% of monthly revenue to helping farmers implement carbon farming projects. Dining options include a four-course menu in the main dining room, along with a la carte family-style dishes, oysters and caviar; a seven-course tasting experience at the chef’s counter; and cocktails and small plates at rooftop cocktail bar Deck’s @ 3131 (walk-ins only). The menu changes daily but expect plenty of coastal Baja-inspired fare—such as kampachi crudo; swordfish with sunchokes and oxtail; fish collar with cucumber and scallions; California squab with chanterelles and red kuri squash; and almond cake with figs, olive-oil ice cream and vanilla cream to finish. Standout Dish: Chef Deckman’s Pacific bluefin tuna, a delicacy that recently has rebounded from the brink of extinction. (An active member of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch’s “Blue Ribbon Task Force” since 2019, Deckman didn’t serve bluefin for more than decade out of concern for preserving the species.) 3131 University Ave., North Park, 619.735.3761, the3131.com
4. For French Fare & Steaks
Easily 2024’s most anticipated restaurant open- ing, LeCoq is the Puffer Malarkey Collective’s glam ‘70s Paris supper club-meets-modern French steakhouse, housed in a 1930s building spanning 7,500 square feet in the heart of La Jolla Village. Ideal for date night and people- watching, Le Coq has earned acclaim for its classic French dishes infused with seasonal SoCal ingredients; premium steaks including dry-aged ribeye and Australian wagyu; inventive cocktails; and authentic desserts like the mille-feuille with vanilla cream and strawberry preserve. Standout Dish:the short-rib onion tart with Gruyere cheese and caramelized onion. 7837 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, 858.427.1500, lecoq.com
5. For Craft Cocktails & Caviar
Stepping inside The Whaling Bar is like being transported to a luxurious piece of La Jolla history. Reopened in February 2024 af- ter a 10-year closure, the iconic cocktail den was frequented by the likes of Gregory Peck and Theodor Geisel (aka “Dr. Seuss”) after it first opened in 1949. Inside the renovated space—which is outfitted in emerald-tufted booths and brass pendant lights—you’ll find stylish patrons sipping fancy cocktails like the gin-based Rolls Royce and the Truffle Old Fashioned. And thanks to executive chef Brian Redzikowski, The Whaling Bar offers delectable dining, too. Indulge in Osetra caviar, liver ‘n’ onions, Rioja-braised short-rib bao, Maine scallops and duck meatballs. Standout Dish:“The Hamburger” des- sert, with caramel cake and vanilla-bean ice cream. 1132 Prospect Street, La Jolla, 858.551.3758, lavalencia.com/dining
6. For Tacos & Tequila
In Coronado, Blanco Cocina + Cantinais a new favorite among visitors and locals alike, putting a fresh spin on Sonoran-style Mexican food. Known for its laidback party vibe, selection of tequilas and mezcals, and creative mar- garitas, the restaurant is also popular for its slow-cooked barbecue pork tacos, enchiladas and burritos. Start with the chicken-tortilla soup and grilled Mexican street corn; finish with the brown-sugar-caramel flan and Chocolate Impossible Cake with dulce de leche pudding and vanilla ice cream; and wash it all down with the Smashed Water- melon margarita. The eatery’s decor is contemporary and warm, punctuated by live greenery, muted green seating and banquettes, and a large central wraparound bar. Standout Dish: the hearty Tuscan Chimichanga with fill- ings like chicken tinga and short-rib machaca. 1301 Orange Ave., Coronado, 858.399.4040, blancococinacantina.com
7. For Omakase Yakitori
A new culinary star on Convoy Street, Yakitori Tsuta is touted as the city’s first omakase yakitori restaurant. Savor a multicourse menu crafted by chef Tatsuro Tsuchiya, devoted primarily to yakitori (which translates to “grilled chicken”), comprising bite-sized pieces served on skewers. Expect to sample various chicken parts (e.g., gizzards, hearts, wings, thighs and chicken skin); as well as chicken meatballs, smoked duck, house-made sesame tofu, grilled rice balls, Japanese egg custard, quail eggs and soups—all at the chef’s discretion and seating just 10 guests at a time. Standout Dish: The fun part is that it changes by the night! 3860 Convoy Street, Suite 100, Kearny Mesa, exploretock.com/yakitori-tsuta
8. For Hyper-Local California Cuisine
An instant hit in Hillcrest since opening in June 2024, Cellar Hand takes its “hyper-local” commitment very seriously—serving coastal California fare, infused with Mediterranean flavors, sourced directly from local farmers and fisheries. The dinner menu offers Baja scallop crudo, Thomson Heritage chicken-liver pate and Berkshire pork, artichoke ravioli, and grilled whole rockfish. And as Cel- lar Hand is the first full-service restaurant by the same family behind Pali Wine Co., expect an expertly curated selection of vino that is perfect for pairing. Standout Dish: the House Labneh with rainbow-trout caviar, sorrel, ruby grapefruit, sumac salt and wood-fired pita. 1440 University Ave., Hillcrest, 619.876.4099, cellarhandhillcrest.com
9. For Unexpected Daytime Delights
A pleasant new surprise in La Jolla Village, Comedor Nishi is a casual daytime eatery, serving Mexican-inspired breakfast and lunch plates with subtle nods to Japan and Europe. Choose from breakfast dishes such as lamb- barbacoa sopes, cured-salmon tostadas with yuzu-kosho guacamole, and huevos rancheros with roasted turkey breast and green beans; for lunch: half-duck carnitas and short-rib braseadawith veggies; and sweets like the double-chocolate miso cookie, peaches with cream, and seasonal pies. The cozy-cute restaurant is outfitted in warm woods, vibrant pops of turquoise and orange, and white brick walls. Standout Dish:the Torta de Cochinita Pibil with axiote-marinated pork, pickled red onion, refried beans and avocado, loaded into a toasted baguette. 1109 Wall Street, La Jolla, 858.412.4269, comedornishi.com
10. For Pastas, Pizzas & Patagonia Plates
At Westfield UTC, The Amalfi Llama is better experienced than described, because we’ve never experienced anything quite like it. It’s aptly marketed as “where Pata- gonia meets the Amalfi Coast,” boasting an open kitchen flanked by a parrilla grill and wood-burning oven to show- case its rustic, live-fire cooking techniques. This means dishes such as baked carbonara with taglioni and ham; truffle taglliatelle; prosciutto-arugula-goat-cheese pizza with artichokes; and literally mouthwatering, wood-fired steaks. The restaurant is spacious and beautiful, too— perfect for nearly every occasion with low lighting, mod farmhouse decor, and ample patio dining with firepits. Standout Dish: the Milamessi: crispy panko-crusted beef filet with pomodoro sauce, melted brie and French fries— worth every carnivorous calorie. 4575 La Jolla Village Drive, UTC, 858.224.9606, amalfillama.com
Photo credits: Dining area courtesy of Yakitori Tsuta. Dining room courtesy of Cellar Hand. Dinner layout courtesy of Comedor Nishi. Middle Eastern Feast courtesy of Leila. Photos are courtesy of the venues featured in ARRIVED SD WINTER 2025
