WHY I LOVE IT

Chef Mitsu’s energy is unforgettable. Somewhere between the salsa music playing in the background and him dancing behind the sushi bar, the entire restaurant feels alive.

It’s a little Japan, a little San Diego, and a little Mexico—all woven into an experience that never loses sight of exceptional sushi.

SOOM TIP

Sit at the bar and order the omakase.

Chef Mitsu’s house rules:
🙅🏻‍♂️No soy sauce.
🙅🏻‍♂️No chopsticks.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Date night • Families • Outdoor patio

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WHY I LOVE IT

Fresh, made-to-order sushi prepared by the owner is what keeps me coming back. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and family-friendly, making it an easy spot for both date nights and meals with kids. 

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My go-to order is the chirashi bowl paired with their comforting miso soup, and if you’re dining with a group, don’t miss the meaty yellowtail collar to share.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Date night • Chirashi bowls • Families

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WHY I LOVE IT

If you’ve been craving that real-deal Korean BBQ feeling… this is your spot. The service is great, the flavors are legit, and the details are rooted in tradition in all the right ways. 

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My go-to order: the Prime Sampler Plate (or Wagyu Sampler Plate), plus the steamed egg and fried rice. They grill everything tableside, so you can simply sit back and enjoy. And if you’re having a beer, order one on tap—it comes in an ice-cold frozen mug that’s incredibly refreshing.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families

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WHY I LOVE IT

Golden Chopsticks is one of those unassuming neighborhood spots that quietly exceeds expectations. The food is consistently delicious, service is fast, and it’s an easy go-to whether you’re grabbing dinner or picking up takeout for a group.

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Whenever I need an easy party dish, Golden Chopsticks’ chicken wings are one of my first picks. They’re consistently delicious, budget-friendly, and disappear fast.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • Takeout

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WHY I LOVE IT

If you’re craving dumplings, this is one of my favorite spots on Convoy. The all-you-can-eat menu lets you order anything, making it easy to sample a little of everything. Just be warned—it’s way too easy to say, “One more order.”

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Order in rounds instead of all at once. The food comes out quickly, so you can pace yourself and always enjoy it fresh from the steamer.

Of course, I order the xiao long bao. I also love the shu mai the refreshing cucumber salad.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • All-you-can-eat • Xiao long bao

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WHY I LOVE IT

At Paris Sandwiches, the baguette is perfectly toasted with a chewy bite, pickled carrots and daikon add tangy crunch, fresh cucumber and cilantro keep it bright, and the pâté + mayo bring rich, creamy umami. Top it with jalapeño for heat, and you’ve got bánh mì perfection.

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My go-to order: the crispy pork belly bánh mì with extra cilantro, jalapeños, and pâté. Add a mango smoothie, plus the sesame ball, egg rolls, and shrimp spring rolls to share.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • Takeout • Patio seating

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WHY I LOVE IT

All-you-can-eat often comes with compromises, but Shabu Works delivers on both variety and quality. With Korean, Chinese, and Japanese influences, everyone can customize their perfect hot pot experience.

SOOM TIP

This place gets busy, especially on weekends. If you’re nearby, join the Yelp Waitlist before you arrive so you can spend less time waiting and more time eating. 

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • All you can eat • Buffet

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WHY I LOVE IT

Nothing beats a personal hot pot experience—especially at Mokkoji. It’s all about choice: bold, flavorful broths, premium meats and seafood, and fresh vegetables.

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Pro tip: Save your rice, let the broth reduce, and turn it into the ultimate porridge finale.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families

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WHY I LOVE IT

Tacos El Gordo isn’t about trendy tacos or flashy presentation—just authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and a menu that’s earned its reputation.

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If it’s your first visit, start with the adobada tacos. They’re the house specialty and a must-order.

While you can find Tacos El Gordo throughout San Diego, I always make the trip to the Chula Vista location. There’s just something about the original that keeps me coming back.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • Takeout

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WHY I LOVE IT

El Viejon is one of those places where every dish that hits the table makes you want to try another. Fresh seafood, bold flavors, and generous portions make it a spot I keep wanting to go back to.

SOOM TIP

Order the smoked tuna taco and the ceviche sampler. If you’re in the mood for a drink, pair it with a Michelada—my personal favorite.

BEST FOR

Casual lunch or dinner • Families • Takeout • Happy Hour • Large groups

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WHY I LOVE IT

Oscar’s is everything I want in a casual seafood spot: fresh ingredients, bold flavors, generous portions, and a relaxed atmosphere that never disappoints.

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Everyone talks about the tacos, but I always go for the tortas. Trust me on this one.

BEST FOR

Casual breakfast, lunch or dinner • Families • Breakfast • Brunch

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WHY I LOVE IT

The ultra-thin crust makes every slice satisfying without feeling heavy. Fresh toppings, a perfectly balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio, and consistently great pizza keep me coming back. If you’re extra hungry, the customizable calzones are loaded with ricotta and mozzarella, and the wings are meaty, juicy, and perfect with a side of ranch.

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Leftover pizza? Pop a slice (or calzone) in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-out-of-the-oven crisp. And if you’re staying in, Uber Eats makes it easy to get your Moto fix delivered.

BEST FOR

Delivery • Pizza nights • Takeout • Late-night cravings

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WHY I LOVE IT

Quiet vibes, clean minimalism, and treats that basically whisper “you deserve this.” 

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You can preorder whole Basque cheesecakes — the ultimate way to wow everyone at your next party or event! 

BEST FOR

Casual breakfast, brunch or lunch • Work-Friendly

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WHY I LOVE IT

Lilli has a beautiful garden setting, warm hospitality, and Italian pastries that make every visit feel a little special. 

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If the weather’s nice, grab a seat under the big tree on the patio. It’s my favorite spot to sip a coffee and people-watch. On cooler days, the cozy fireplace is a close second.

BEST FOR

Casual breakfast, brunch or lunch • Work-Friendly • Garden patio seating

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WHY I LOVE IT

Grange Garden is a cozy coffee stop with a twist: bunnies! Enjoy a latte on the garden terrace while you pet, feed, and spend calm, quality time with a few adorable fluff balls in one of their three bunny spaces.  

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Weekdays are your best bet for a peaceful visit (weekends can get busy fast!), so you can hang with the bunnies at your leisure without a big crowd. 

BEST FOR

Casual brunch or lunch • Work-Friendly • Garden patio seating

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WHY I LOVE IT

Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside—these bagels absolutely live up to the hype. They’re made for tearing, dipping, and slathering with one of their flavorful cream cheese spreads.

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The line can get long, especially on weekends. Save yourself the wait by placing a pickup order ahead of time.

BEST FOR

Fresh bagels • House-made spreads • Breakfast

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WHY I LOVE IT

Parakeet Café is my go-to stop before the shops even open. They’re up early with breakfast, serving clean, feel-good food that starts the day right.

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Visit in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the shops before they get busy. During the holidays, the seasonal décor makes it an especially festive place to stroll.

BEST FOR

Boutique shopping • Breakfast • Brunch • Patio seating

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WHY I LOVE IT

From the street, it’s unassuming — but once you step onto the rainbow-painted stairs, you know you’re being led somewhere special. At the top, a rooftop wellness sanctuary opens up with ocean views and a sense of calm that instantly slows you down.

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Trilogy is a place of wellness and retreat. Stop by at the Totem, their curated shop of handmade jewelry and spiritual gems

BEST FOR

Casual breakfast, brunch or lunch • Work-Friendly • Plant-based • Vegan

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WHY I LOVE IT

Native Poppy is a boutique flower shop that makes me go goo goo ga ga over every single bloom!

SOOM TIP

For something extra special, their in-person floral classes invite you to slow down, get hands-on, and create — one bloom at a time.

BEST FOR

Women owned • Fresh floral arrangements • Special occasions • Candles • Private or group classes

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WHY I LOVE IT

Seabreeze Craft Chocolates is a standout San Diego chocolatier—and the ONLY spot in town where you can watch cacao beans turn into chocolate right in the shop. Their lineup includes beautifully crafted bars, bonbons, and small-batch specialties.

SOOM TIP

Don’t miss the Dubai chocolates or their cacao husk tea (easily the best I’ve had). You can also learn to make your own chocolate at their in-person classes!!

BEST FOR

Chocolate • Dubai Chocolate • Cacao Husk Tea • Private or group classes

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WHY I LOVE IT

Just a few steps from the heart of La Jolla, the Coast Walk Trail feels like a peaceful escape. The easy coastal path winds along dramatic cliffs with sweeping ocean views, the sounds of seabirds and barking seals, and plenty of benches to slow down and take it all in. 

SOOM TIP

If you’re up for a little adventure, stop by Sunny Jim’s Cave—the only sea cave in California you can access by land—for a unique view of the coastline from inside the cliffs.

BEST FOR

Coastal Walk • Reflection • Ocean Views • Scenic strolls • Photography • Visitors • Cliffside views • Easy hikes • Tide watching • Nature lovers • Sightseeing • Date walks

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WHY I LOVE IT

Start at the Sorrento Valley entrance and you’ll earn a surprise waterfall at the end of a 2.7-mile hike (one-way).
This trail is a favorite for mountain bikers, runners, dog walkers, and anyone craving fresh air and open space.

SOOM TIP

Hike with a partner and stay aware—there are frequent coyote sightings.

BEST FOR

Reflection • Mountain Views • Scenic strolls • Photography • Visitors • Easy hikes • Waterfall • Nature lovers • Sightseeing • Date walks

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WHY I LOVE IT

I love how BizTown brings learning to life. Watching students step into real-world roles—from running businesses to managing finances—helps build confidence, teamwork, and skills they’ll carry long after the field trip ends.

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Looking for a unique summer activity? JA San Diego offers summer camps that give kids a chance to experience BizTown while building leadership, financial literacy, and problem-solving skills.

BEST FOR

Summer camp • Kids

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WHY I LOVE IT

Hard to snag a spot, but oh-so worth the chase. Beach days, campfires, sunset walks, and the simple joy of slowing down. With clean showers and restaurants just a short walk away, it’s camping with just the right amount of comfort. Nothing fancy—just everything that mattered.

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Campsites book up fast, especially in summer. Reserve as early as your dates become available to give yourself the best chance of snagging an oceanfront spot.

BEST FOR

Beachfront camping • Campfires • Surfing

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