San Diego was one of those places that surprised me with its laid-back charm, blue skies, and unexpectedly good food. I didn’t try to do it all—just enough to get a taste (literally) of what makes this Southern California city shine. In this short guide to what I loved eating in San Diego, I’m sharing three things I absolutely loved eating and three spots that made me want to linger a little longer. It’s part travel diary, part foodie memory—and a reminder that sometimes, the best discoveries are the simple ones.

These are not necessarily typical or iconic dishes from a specific place, but rather the best things I loved eating in San Diego, and I highly recommend them to you as well.

Churro Ice cream at the Seaport Village – one of the best places to eat in San Diego

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We spent nearly three full days exploring San Diego and its surroundings, and one of those days—after a fun stop at Legoland, of course—was devoted entirely to discovering the city. We had a few sights on our shortlist, but we kept the itinerary simple and engaging—especially for our almost four-year-old son.”

We started our morning at Seaport Village, a waterfront village-like area located near downtown, with a breezy and coastal vibe. We wandered on the cobbled streets and checked out some souvenir shops. There was also a car exhibition along the water, and in the distance, we could see Coronado Island. It was a great and laid-back starting point for exploring and eating in San Diego, with stunning bay views.

There were also many casual eateries where you could get tacos, burgers, coffee, or ice cream. I got the Churro Ice Cream, and it was the perfect combination of doughy churros, melting caramel, and not-too-sweet vanilla ice cream. Totally recommend it!

What else can you visit nearby: Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy.

Fresh Ceviche at the Prado Cantina at Balboa Park – a must for food & culture lovers in San Diego

Next stop on our itinerary was Balboa Park, one of the largest cultural urban parks in the United States. This vast park is packed with museums (I would need a week to see everything I want to see here), performing venues, fantastic architecture, and trails. You need some good hours to stroll here, and this only if you don’t plan to visit some museums too. The buildings are built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style and are impressive. Especially on a sunny and beautiful day, this place was the most beautiful part of San Diego to me.

We stopped for lunch at Prado Restaurant/Cantina, which, we later found out, was a National landmark originally built in 1915 as part of the Panama-California Exposition, a two-year exhibition in Balboa Park celebrating the opening of the Panama Canal. With a menu inspired by Spanish and Mexican flavors, it’s an excellent choice for anyone eating in San Diego who’s looking for fresh, flavorful dishes. I ordered the ceviche, and it turned out to be one of the best I’ve ever had.

What else can you visit nearby: San Diego Zoo

Lemon & Yuzu cake at the Liberty Public Market – a top spot for eating in San Diego

The last stop of the day was Liberty Station, one of San Diego’s most vibrant and culturally rich districts, and a former US Navy training base. This San Diego neighborhood is filled with art galleries, restaurants, green parks, and art installations. One of its attractions is the Liberty Public Market, a lively indoor food hall perfect for eating in San Diego when you want variety in one place.

At this point, exactly before dinner, we just wanted to walk around and keep our appetite for some later fish tacos, but in a corner, we discovered this Lemon and Yuzu Cake, and we couldn’t say no. And it was such a good decision!

What else can you visit nearby:  Sunset Cliffs Natural Park or Cabrillo National Monument.

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