124 SanDiegoMagazine.comNovember2011
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EL CAMINO
With bright, kitschy décor and psychedelic lighting, this
over-the-top joint off ers organic and locally grown Mexican
food. Dinner nightly; Sun. brunch. 3023 Juniper St., South
Park, 619-450-6878, elcaminosd.com. Also in Little Italy
(2400 India St., 619-685-3881). $$
THE MISSION ✮
One highlight of the Asian-Latino menu is the tomato tortilla
rolled with panko-crusted prawns, black beans and jalapeños.
Breakfast & lunch daily. 2801 University Ave., North Park,
619-220-8991. Also in East Village (1250 J St., 619-232-7662)
& Mission Beach (3795 Mission Blvd., 858-488-9060). $$
POMEGRANATE RUSSIANGEORGIAN RESTAURANT
This eclectic corner eatery serves everything from borscht
to pierogi. Try the shashlik, a slowly roasted pork loin, lamb
or chicken kebab covered in pomegranate molasses, served
Fri & Sat. Dinner nightly. 2312 El Cajon Blvd., 619-297-4007,
russiangeorgianfood.homestead.com. N, $$
SEA ROCKET BISTRO
Owners Elena Rivellino and Dennis Stein fully endorse the
farm-to-table credo — and “boat-to-throat” seafood. Lunch
Sat. & Sun., dinner nightly. 3382 30th St., 619-255-7049,
searocketbistro.com. $$
THE SMOKING GOAT
The comfort cuisine with a French-California twist from
chef-owner Fred Piehl includes anything from gnocchi to
mac & cheese to shiitake and portabello mushrooms covered
in cognac and cream sauce. Dinner Tues.-Sun. 3408 30th St.,
619-955-5295. $$-$$$
TIOLI’S CRAZEE BURGER
More than 30 varieties of hamburgers — including ostrich
and buff alo — make up the menu. Lunch & dinner daily.
4201 30th St., 619-282-6044, tioliscrazeeburger.com. $-$$
University Heights, Normal
Heights & Kensington
BLEU BOHÈME ✮
Philippe Beltran’s bistro off ers aff ordable, accessible, and
comforting French cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Lunch &
dinner daily; Sat. & Sun. brunch. 4090 Adams Ave.,
619-255-4167, bleuboheme.com. OT, $$$
BURGER LOUNGE ✮
Survey the scene in Kensington as you sink your teeth into
a grass-fed burger. Lunch & dinner daily. 4116 Adams Ave.,
619-584-2929, burgerlounge.com. Also in Coronado (922
Orange Ave., 619-435-6835), La Jolla (1101 Wall St., 858-456-
0196) & Little Italy (1608 India St., 619-237-7878). $$
JAYNE’S GASTROPUB
This epitomy of the British gastro pub concept serves
upscale versions of fi sh ’n’ chips and steak frites. Dinner
Tues.-Sun. 4677 30th St., University Heights, 619-563-1011,
jaynesgastropub.com. LD Fri & Sat, $$$
KENSINGTON GRILL ✮
Executive chef Juancarlos (Jc) Colón serves up delectable
panee’d sea bass, mac ‘n shrooms, and duck pot pie, comple-
mented by an extensive cocktail list. Dinner nightly. 4055
Adams Ave., 619-281-4014, sdurbankitchen.com. OT, $$$Mission Valley
GORDON BIERSCH
The brewery-restaurant’s big-portioned dishes complement
German-style lager. Lunch & dinner daily; Sat & Sun. brunch.
5010 Mission Center Rd., 619-688-1120,
gordonbiersch.com. OT, $$-$$$
KING’S FISH HOUSE
Dine royally on fresh fi sh and seafood at this casual link in
the King’s chain. Lunch & dinner daily. 825 Camino de la
Reina, 619-574-1230, kingsfi shhouse.com. Also in Carlsbad
(5625 Paseo del Norte, 760-431-3474) &
Otay Ranch (2015 Birch Rd., Ste. 715, 619-591-1690). $$
LUNA GRILL
San Diego’s original kabobery specializes in wholesome
skewered meals, wraps, sandwiches and salads. Lunch &
dinner daily. 2245 Fenton Pkwy., Ste. 105, 619-516-5862,
lunagrill.com. Also in Torrey Highlands (7825 Highlands
Village Pl., 858-538-4555) &
Carlsbad (2681 Gateway Rd., Ste. 101, 760-438-5862). $
MARIA MARIA
Carlos Santana inspired the menu’s exploration of regional
Mexican dishes with modern fl air., including the Best of San
Diego award winning nachos topped with plenty of grilled
fajita meat. Lunch & dinner daily. 1370 Frazee Rd.,
619-574-6800, mariamariarestaurants.com. $$Old Town
BACI RISTORANTE
Italian cuisine featuring homemade pas ta, seafood, beef, veal
and chicken. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner Mon.-Sat. 1955 W. Mo-
rena Blvd., 619-275-2094, sandiegobaci.com. OT, $$-$$$
CAFÉ COYOTE ✮
This Mexican restaurant has four outdoor dining patios;
Coyote Cantina has a more casual vibe. Breakfast, lunch
& dinner daily. 2461 San Diego Ave., 619-291-4695,
cafecoyoteoldtown.com. $$
CASA GUADALAJARA
Colorful folk art complements regional Mexican seafood.
Breakfast Sat. & Sun., lunch & dinner daily. 4105 Taylor St.,
619-295-5111, bazaardelmundo.com. $-$$
EL AGAVE
Mexican nouvelle cuisine with a wide selection of tequilas.
Lunch & dinner daily. 2304 San Diego Ave., 619-220-0692,
elagave.com. OT, $$
HARNEY SUSHI ✮
Creative takes on sushi rolls, people watching and an
extensive sake bar. Lunch Mon.-Fri., dinner nightly. 3964
Harney St., Old Town, 619-295-3272, harneysushi.com. Also
in Oceanside (301 Mission Ave., 760-967-1820). $$
MIGUEL’S COCINA
The Mexican menu fi ts right in with the Old Town surround-
ings. Lunch & dinner daily; Sun. brunch. 2444 San Diego
Ave., 619-298-9840, brigantine.com. Also in 4S Ranch (10514
Cra sman Way, 858-924-9200). OT, $$$
OLD TOWN MEXICAN CAFE ✮
Tortillas are made in a showcase window at this local favor-
ite. Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily. 2489 San Diego Ave., Old
Town, 619-297-4330, oldtownmexcafe.com. $-$$Harbor Island, Shelter Island
& Point Loma
BALI HAI
Miso sake black cod lau lau is among the many treats at this
landmark. Lunch & dinner daily; Sun. brunch. 2230 Shelter
Island Dr., 619-222-1181, balihairestaurant.com. OT, $$