Best Italian Restaurants in San Diego

I will let you in on an insider secret, San Diego has some of the best Italian food I’ve ever had!  I know that Southern California would not be your first guess for where to get authentic Italian cuisine, however if you take a trip down to Little Italy you will discover some hidden gems that give an unforgettable dining experience.  Below are the ten best Italian restaurants in San Diego:

1. Petrini’s Restaurant – Click for Profile

619-595-0322
610 W Ash St
San Diego, CA 92101

This Italian jewel is located in Little Italy. I could literally eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here everyday. I have frequent this restaurant dozens of times when I lived in San Diego and it is the first place I like to go back to when visiting. For dinner I recommend you start off with some caponata and I bottle of Amarone wine.  Every meal comes with a cup of soup or salad and make sure to try the Petrini’s home made Italian dressing. For your main course you can enjoy any number of premium pasta dishes or pizzas. I especially like their cannelloni. The owner and chef David Petrini is so nice and often comes out to ask the customers if they are enjoying their food.

2. Old Venice Italian Restaurant Caffe & Bar

619-222-5888
2910 Canon
San Diego, CA 92106

Casual elegance, relaxed charm, and a fusion of Mediterranean flavors combine to present a dining experience you won’t forget. Whether meeting friends, anticipating a romantic evening or entertaining family, Old Venice is your restaurant— in the heart of Point Loma. Family owned and operated for 25 years, Old Venice is the perfect place to relax and unwind. Tastefully decorated, with a selection of indoor or outdoor dining, you will immediately be enraptured with the European ambiance of one of San Diego’s finest dining venues.

3. The Godfather

858-560-1747
7878 Clairemont Mesa Bl
San Diego, CA 92111

Come here to have an enjoyable evening of celebrating the Old Italian tradition of gourmet cuisine, fine wine and entertainment. In 1967, Chef Isidoro Balistreri came to San Diego from his native town of Aspra, a small village just outside Palermo, Sicily, bringing to you exquisite recipes from the “Old Country”. If you are feeling extra hungry try the Filet Migon a la Godfather, which is a 1 lb Filet Migon, butterflied with procuttio, mozzarella, fresh mushrooms marinara & barolo.

4. Primavera Ristorante

619-435-0454
932 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

Located in downtown Coronado and only 15 minutes from the San Diego airport, you’ll travel across the picturesque Coronado Bridge before finding yourself nestled within the town center. Due to winery allocations and limited quantities of premium wines, the wine menu is changed on a weekly basis. They also have one of the finest private dinning rooms available in San Diego county name The Tuscany Room.

5. Buca di Beppo

619-233-7272
705 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Buca di Beppo is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers flavorful Italian dining. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, the dishes are served family style and are meant to be shared.

6. Asti Ristorante

619-232-8844
728 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

For a night out on the town Asti is located in the heart of San Diego’s well- known Gaslamp District and their out door patio crackles with the energy of San Diego’s nightlife. The red brink walls of the dining room add an urban touch, as well as showcase photos of the many celebrities who have enjoyed dining at Asti. The quality of cuisine and atmosphere is accompanied superb service.

7. Dimille’s Italian Restaurant

619-283-3153
3492 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

DiMille’s Italian Deli and Pizza Grotto is a family owned and operated business serving the greater San Diego community with high quality Italian Food at reasonable prices since 1978.  DiMille’s does this by preparing all foods from scratch daily, using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients all prepared according to Mamma DiMille’s original recipes handed down in the family from generation to generation.

8. Piatti Ristorante & Bar

858-454-1589
2182 Avenida de la Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037

With their open kitchens and stone pizza hearths, each of the Piatti restaurants reflects the warm charm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. While every Piatti has its own character and ambiance suited to its specific locale, all are characterized by simple, unpretentious designs, rustic yet flavorful cuisine and family friendly service.

9. Trattoria La Strada

619-239-3400
705 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

This cafe is labeled best of the best for Italian restaurants, categorizing them as one of the top ten restaurants in the United States as well as San Diego Downtown News silver medal for “Best Italian.” Come here to gather with friends, family and neighbors eat, drink and socialize while enjoying the sense of community found in Italy’s most popular trattorias.

10. Vivace

760-603-6800
Four Seasons Resort Aviara
7100 Four Seasons Point
Carlsbad, CA 92011

The contemporary setting of this Four Season’s restaurant is both sophisticated and relaxing, a fitting environment for diners enjoying Chef Bruce Logue’s creative cuisine. While Logue’s dishes, including Smoked Tomato Soup, Hand Cut Pappardelle Bolognese, and California Sturgeon in Proscutto, pay homage to the classics, each is an inspired interpretation that departs from the traditional. As diners feast on Chef Logue’s dishes, their eyes will feast on stunning views of the nearby Pacific through the floor-to-ceiling windows of this Carlsbad resort.

Best Wine Bars in San Diego

Few things compare to sipping a fine wine, especially when you can do it in the beautiful San Diego surroundings.  From wine tastings to rare varietals, these establishments have everything that even the most discriminating connoisseur could ask for.  Below are the ten best wine bars in San Diego:

1. The Barrel Room-Vintage Wine Bar & Bistro

858-673-7512
16765 Bernardo Center Dr
San Diego, CA 92128

2. Excalibur Cigar Lounge & Wine Bar

858-549-4422
7094 Miramar Rd 113
San Diego, CA 92121

3. Venice Ristorante & Wine Bar

858-597-1189
4365 Executive Dr
San Diego, CA 92121

4. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

619-237-1155
380 K St
San Diego, CA 92101

5. Gaffney’s Wine Bar

760-633-1011
897 S Coast Highway 101
Encinitas, CA 92024

6. Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe

619-255-2856
1927 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

7. Trisler’s Wine Bar

619-298-1501
8555 Station Village Ln
San Diego, CA 92108

8. Tango Restaurant & Wine Bar

760-747-5000
417 W Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

9. The Vine Wine Bar & Bistro

619-722-7046
2502 Alpine Blvd
Alpine, CA 91901

10. Toscana Cafe Wine Bar

619-231-5788
238 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Best Spas in San Diego

If you’re looking for a relaxing day at the spa, San Diego has exactly what you need.  From deep tissue massages to pedicures, these luxurious establishments will pamper you to no end.  Below are the ten best spas in San Diego:

1. Victoria Rose Spa

619-544-0136
136 W. Fir
San Diego, CA 92101

2. Alegra Skin Care & Day Spa

619-293-0252
3069 Reynard Way
San Diego, CA 92103

3. Relaxation Plus

619-295-5595
1467 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

4. Walden Ashe Day Spa

619-295-7302
930 W. Washington Ste 3
San Diego, CA 92103

5. Beauty Kliniek Aromatherapy Day Spa And Wellness Center

858-457-0191
3268 Governor Dr
San Diego, CA 92122

6. Skin Care Unlimited

619-697-0844
5200 Lake Murray Blvd
La Mesa, CA 91942

7. Bellissima Day Spa

888-234-4099
122 E. Grand Ave
Escondido, CA 92025

8. A Day Spa Aromatherapy Salon

619-293-3093
325 W. Washington
San Diego, CA 92103

9. Salon Identity

619-239-0474
418 10th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

10. Spa Velia

619-235-0000
401 W A St
San Diego, CA 92101

Best Florists and Flower Shops in San Diego

Whether you are looking for an elaborate floral arrangement or a single rose, these talented professionals will assist you in every way.  I especially enjoyed the family-like service that these businesses give on a daily basis.  Below are the ten best florists and flower shops in San Diego:

1. Adelaide’s Florists & Decorators

858-454-0140
7766 Girard Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037

2. Precious Petals

619-584-8757
10491 San Diego Mission Rd
San Diego, CA 92108

3. Floral Gallery

858-909-0808
6755 Mira Mesa Blvd. Ste 121
San Diego, CA 92121

4. Mission Hills & Hillcrest Florist

800-872-0045
901 W Washington
San Diego, CA 92103

5. La Canada Flowers

619-582-5021
5971 University Ave # 312
San Diego, CA 92115

6. Crozier’s Flowers

800-691-1230
139 Main St
Vista, CA 92083

7. Molly Malloy’s Floral Company

619-584-8984
4242 Camino Del Rio North Suite 1
San Diego, CA 92108

8. Flower Girls

858-273-0023
4645 Cass Street Ste 101
San Diego, CA 92109

9. Coronado Flower Lady

619-435-1053
1125 Loma Ave #107
Coronado, CA 92118

10. Liz’s Flowers

619-285-3847
6634 Mission Gorge Rd
San Diego, CA 92120

Best Restaurants in San Diego

San Diego is world renowned for its scenic beauty, and rivaling this beauty are the numerous exquisite fine dining establishments that fill this wondrous city.  From fresh seafood to succulent steaks, this Southern Californian metropolis has cuisine for every taste.  Below are the ten best restaurants in San Diego:

1. NOBU – Japanese Cuisine – Click for Profile

619-814-4124
Hard Rock Hotel
207 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

2. Addison – French and Local Cuisine – Click for Profile

858-314-1900
The Grand Del Mar
5200 Grand Del Mar Way
San Diego, CA 92130

3. Bertrand at Mr. A’s – American Cuisine – Click for Profile

619-239-1377
2550 5th Ave
12th floor of the Fifth Avenue Center
San Diego, CA 92103

4. A.R. Valentien – New American Cuisine – Click for Profile

858-777-6635
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd
La Jolla, CA 92037

5. Donovan’s Steak & Chop House – Steakhouse & Seafood – Click for Profile

858-450-6666
4340 La Jolla Village Dr
La Jolla, CA 92122

6. Mille Fleurs – French Cuisine – Click for Profile

858-756-3085
6009 Paseo Delicias Ave
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091

7. Rama – Thai Cuisine – Click for Profile

619-501-8424
327 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

8. Petrini’s Restaurant – Italian Cuisine – Click for Profile

619-595-0322
610 W Ash St
San Diego, CA 92101

9. WineSellar & Brasserie – French Cuisine – Click for Profile

858-450-9557
9550 Waples St Suite 115
San Diego, CA 92121

10. Oceanaire Seafood Room – Seafood – Click for Profile

619-858-2277
400 J St
San Diego, CA 92101

Best Tutors and Learning Centers in San Diego

Getting an edge in the classroom has never been easier.  From in-home tutoring services to full feature educational establishments, your child is sure to get the assistance needed for grade improvement.  Below are the ten best tutors and learning centers in San Diego:

1. Academic Advantage – In-Home Tutoring

866-788-8677
Serving the San Diego Area

2. Club Z! In-Home Tutoring Services

866-448-8867
Serving the San Diego Area

3. The Learning Garden

619-296-8185
2831 Camino Del Rio South ste 104
San Diego, CA 92108

4. Sylvan Learning Centers

888-839-2048
Serving the San Diego Area
Call for the Location Nearest You

5. Huntington Learning Center

888-281-4775
Serving the San Diego Area
Call for the Location Nearest You

6. San Diego Tutors

619-823-6021
9120 Jonell Ct
La Mesa, CA 91942

7. TutorJam – In-Home Tutoring

877-452-6669
Serving the San Diego Area

8. Pacific Tutors – In-Home Tutoring

858-344-8650
Serving the San Diego Area

9. Banyan Tree Learning Center – Learning Disability Specialists

858-578-6616
9636 Tierra Grande
San Diego, CA 92126

10. The Princeton Review – SAT, ACT, MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, & GRE Test Prep

858-558-0500
3262 Holiday Court, Suite 101
La Jolla, CA 92037

Best Real Estate Agents in San Diego

Whether you are buying or selling your home, partnering with a professional real estate agent is always a wise decision.  Below are the ten best real estate agents in San Diego:

1. Premiere Homes

858-455-6701
5440 Morehouse Drive
San Diego, CA 92121

2. La Jolla Coastal Real Estate

858-456-756
7529 Draper Ave. Ste B
La Jolla, CA 92037

3. Realty Corp Of California

619-813-3113
3111 Camino Del Rio N. Suite 400
San Diego, CA 92108

4. Keith Woolgar – Century 21

619-573-4558
Serving the San Diego Area

5. 1st Choice Realty – Century 21

619-276-1111
3091 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

6. Chris Love Coastal Properties

858-581-5683
3865 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109

7. Hammerstone

858-456-6640
7752 Fay Ave
La Jolla, CA 92037

8. AMSI

858-488-6700
734 Salem Court
San Diego, CA 92109

9. ERA Eagle Estates Realty

858-484-2930
9906 Carmel Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92129

10. La Jolla Cove Realty

858-454-0157
1150 Silverado Suite 11
La Jolla, CA 92037

Best Hotels and Resorts in San Diego

Looking to visit San Diego for a short trip or maybe even an extended vacation?  Well you’re in luck because SD offers both tourists and business travelers some of the most luxurious accommodations in the nation.  My legendary establishments like the Catamaran near the beach to modern marvels such as the W Hotel near the fast-paced Gaslamp district, this city has something for every taste.  Below are the best places to stay in San Diego:

1. The Grand Del Mar – Click for Profile

858-314-2000‎
5300 Grand Del Mar Court
San Diego, CA 92130

2. W Hotel

619-238-1078
421 W B St
San Diego, CA 92101

3. Hard Rock Boutique Hotel

866-751-7625
207 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

4. Coronado Island Marriott Resort

619-435-3000
2000 2nd St
Coronado, CA 92118

5. Omni San Diego Hotel

619-231-6664
675 L St
San Diego, CA 92101

6. US Grant Hotel

619-232-3121
326 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101

7. Scripps Inn

858-454-3391
555 Coast Blvd S
La Jolla, CA 92037

8. La Valencia Hotel

858-454-0771
1132 Prospect St
La Jolla, CA 92037

9. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

619-232-1234
1 Market Pl
San Diego, CA 92101

10. Westgate Hotel

619-238-1818
1055 2nd Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Best Gyms and Health Clubs in San Diego

Looking to perfect that beach body?  Well San Diego’s gyms have you covered.  From beautifully appointed health club/spas to bodybuilding gyms, you will have everything you need in order to reach your fitness goals.  Below are the ten best gyms and health clubs in San Diego:

1. Club La Jolla

858-454-7007
7850 Fay Ave Suite 107
La Jolla, CA 92037

2. Boxing Co.

619-224-2269
3165 Rosecrans
San Diego, CA 92110

3. World Gym – Pacific Beach

858-272-3400
2949 Garnet Ave
Pacific Beach, CA 92109

4. Gold’s Gym

619-226-9500
3156 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110

5. San Diego Yoga Studio

619-276-8766
4134 Napier
San Diego, CA 92110

6. Science Fitness Personal Training

619-563-0333
4228 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

7. 24 Hour Fitness

858-538-4400
10025 Carmel Mountain Rd
San Diego, CA 92129

8. Curves

619-222-8555
3960 W Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110

9. Frog’s Athletic & Racket Club

619-291-3500
901 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, CA 92108

10. Burnit Fitness Studio

619-690-4622
4390 Palm Ave
San Diego, CA 92154

Best Family Activities in San Diego

San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities in the US, the combination of all-year round perfect weather and scenery have turned this Southern Californian gem into a vacation destination that the whole family can enjoy.  And with in mind it should not be surprising that San Diego offers a wide range of family activities.  Whether you are in the mood for exploring the roots of California at Old Town San Diego or enjoying the shows at Sea World, one thing is guaranteed – you will not run out of things to do with the kids while in this stunning city.  Below at the ten best family activities in San Diego:

1. Sea World

619-226-3901
500 Sea World Dr
San Diego, CA 92109

For a day of fun for any age Sea World is the place to go! They offer beautiful landscaping, rides, exhibits, and a whole bunch of sea animals. Here you will be sure to give your family a fun and educational day they will remember always.

2. San Diego Zoo

619-231-1515
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101

This is one of the top zoos in the country and is a real treat to bring your family to. You will see and learn about amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects. Don’t miss the famous Panda exhibit or the new Elephant Odyssey. The zoo also offers unique plant life, shows and a fun gift shop.

3. Old Town

3985 Harney St
San Diego, CA 92110

Step back in time into a colorful world of fun and entertainment in beautiful Historic Old Town San Diego, the Birthplace of California where the first Europeans settled. The finest in professional theatre, artisans, galleries and shops are all within easy walking distance with free live entertainment, mariachis, dancers, period attire docents providing tours and more.

4. Pacific Beach

San Diego, CA 92109

A nostalgic look at the icon of the 20th-century features more than 80 historic autos and motorcycles. They include Frank Sinatra’s 1967 Austin Petrol Hire Car and Louie Mattar’s Fabulous $75,000 Car. Special exhibitions every two or three months display other fine vehicles and famous autos.

5. Automotive Museum

619-231-2886
Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plz
San Diego, CA 92101

The Veterans Memorial Center was formed in March of 1989 to create, maintain and operate an institution to honor and perpetuate the memories of all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

6. Veterans Museum & Memorial Center

619-239-2300
Balboa Park
2115 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101

The Veterans Memorial Center was formed in March of 1989 to create, maintain and operate an institution to honor and perpetuate the memories of all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

7. San Diego Wild Animal Park

760-747-8702
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd
Escondido, CA 92027

Get eye to eye and nose to nose with some of the world’s wildest animals. Check out the amazing exhibits here like the Lion Camp, African Aviary, Hidden Jungle and more.

8. Ruben H. Fleet Science Center

619-238-1233
Balboa Park
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

The Science Center boasts more than 100 interactive science exhibits in five galleries, as well as major traveling exhibitions. Visitors can create colored shadows, design images with a sand pendulum, examine the vibration of guitar strings and get their hands on a variety of intriguing scientific phenomena.

9. Model Railroad Museum

619-696-0199
Balboa Park
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

All aboard for railroad fun& adventure!  At 27,000 sq. ft., the museum is the largest indoor model railroad display in the world. A fantastic site to see with your family.

10. Mission Bay Sportcenter

858-488-1004
1010 Santa Clara Pl
San Diego, CA 92109

If family fun in the sun is what you are looking for in San Diego, Mission Bay Sportcenter has it all. This includes boating, jet skiing, sailing, windsurfing, wakeboarding and many other water sport activities. The Sportcenter offers private and group lessons year-round.

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