2021’s Best New Restaurants in San Diego
San Diego’s long-standing reputation as a “foodie town” has only grown in recent years. That’s thanks in large part to many perennial favorite eateries continuing to serve hungry diners their best efforts plate after plate. But make no mistake — the food scene here isn’t stagnating in the slightest. Several new restaurants have debuted in San Diego recently, which has only served to bolster the overall palette of taste that’s available to visitors and residents alike. So if you’re on the hunt for some fresh local flavor, take a look at our picks for the best San Diego new restaurant openings in the past year.
Wolfie’s Carousel Bar (4.6 miles away)
(Photo: @sip_n_savorsd)
Upon entering Wolfie’s, the first thing you’ll notice is the eponymous Merry-Go-Round. And while it might be tempting to assume it’s just a whimsical piece of décor, make no mistake: the still-working carousel is an antique; one hand-carved by master amusement-park pioneer Charles “Wolfie” Looff in 1881. Of course, the second thing you’ll notice is the inventive, French-inspired menu. So order an Oysters Rockefeller, sip some Veuve Clicquot, and go for a spin.
2401 Kettner Blvd. Suite B, San Diego, CA
Louisiana Charlie’s (5.8 miles from the hotel)
(Photo: @louisianacharlies)
Louisiana Charlie’s special brand of Creole and Cajun cuisine has been delighting diners in Long Beach for years. So when they announced their decision to laissez les bons temps rouler all the way into San Diego, the response was decidedly enthusiastic. Their authentic approach to timeless New Orleans cuisine includes all the Big Easy faves (like jambalaya, gumbo, red beans and rice, and po’-boys), as well as fresh seafood prepared the way it’s done in the bayou.
849 W Harbor Dr. #55, San Diego, CA 92101
Callie (6.7 miles away)
(Photo: @callierestaurant)
This new East Village eatery opened over the summer, and their fresh Mediterranean-by-way-of-California menu has made them a fast favorite. Chef Travis Sikward developed his culinary chops while working alongside celebrity chef Daniel Boulud in New York City, and he brought his bright and bold approach to flavor back to “America’s Finest City.” Expect inventive dishes crafted from exclusively in-season local ingredients to populate the plates when you go.
1195 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Breakfast and Bubbles (8 miles away)
(Photo: @breakfastandbubbles)
The metro’s newest all-day breakfast and brunch spot is ready to satisfy your cravings for bubbly and Benedicts no matter what time of day you’re craving them. Looking for giant stacks of fluffy pancakes covered in butter and powdered sugar? Check. Oreo cookie-stuffed French toast? Count on it. Even the classic steak and eggs is made to order on both sides of the equation. So assemble the squad, roll out, and prepare for the best cheat day imaginable.
3831 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92103
White Rice (17.6 miles away)
(Photo: @whitericesd)
San Diego’s history as a port of entry for Pacific rim immigrants has made us a hotbed for pan-Asian cuisines. Among the best of the new restaurants to fall under this general umbrella is award-winning chef Philip Estaban’s White Rice, a festival of Filipino flavors in Point Loma’s Liberty Public Market. Hearty, savory “silog” bowls of rice, vegetables, and your choice of protein are the stars here, served in the tradition of classic Manila comfort food.
780 Hollister St. San Diego, CA, 92154
Crafted Culture (29 miles away)
(Photo: @craftedculturesd)
13480 Evening Creek Dr. N #150, San Diego, CA 92128
Savor It for Yourself
Now that we’ve recapped some of the best new openings of 2021, head over to our own dining page to learn about what’s new at Blue Wave Bar & Grill! Meet our new chef, check out our latest menus and learn about all of our holiday happenings. Is your mouth watering yet? Check out the Sprcial Offers at our San Diego hotel and start planning your savory stay.