Los Angeles & Southern California - Andrea Schulte-Peevers [252]
Hash House a Go Go (Map; 619-298-4646; 3628 5th Ave; mains $5-15; breakfast & lunch daily, dinner Tue-Sun) Serving possibly San Diego’s best – and certainly the biggest – breakfasts, this busy, youthful place makes biscuits and gravy straight outta Carolina, towering benedicts, big-as-your-head pancakes, and, of course, hash seven different ways. Come hungry.
Corvette Diner (Map; 619-542-1001; 3946 5th Ave; mains $7-14; 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight Fri & Sat; ) Your kids will love you for bringing them to this over-the-top ’50s-themed diner. A DJ spins rock-and-roll classics, waiters dance in the aisles, and kids wear drinking straws in their hair. See ya later, Chuck E Cheese. (Oh, and the food is good, too. Try the meatloaf.)
Crest Cafe (Map; 619-295-2510; 425 Robinson Ave; dishes $7-14; 7am-midnight) Soulful preparations of down-to-earth cooking make this slick corner diner worth seeking. Try the Cuban sandwich, curry-chicken salad, garlic-butter ‘burger’ or chopped salad. At breakfast, the scramblers are delish.
Saigon on Fifth (Map; 619-220-8828; 3900 5th Ave; mains $7-16; 11am-midnight; ) This Vietnamese place tries hard and succeeds, with dishes like fresh spring rolls, fish of Hue (with garlic, ginger and lemongrass) and rockin’ ‘spicy noodles.’ Staff dress nicely and the room is elegant but not overbearing. Entrance on University Ave.
Baja Betty’s (Map; 619-269-8510; 1421 University Ave; mains $10-14; lunch & dinner) Gay-owned and straight-friendly, this restaurant-bar is always a party with just-back-from Margaritaville vibe (and dozens of tequilas to take you back there) alongside dishes like Mexi Queen queso dip, You Go Grill swordfish tacos and Fire in the Hole fajitas. They also open for Sunday brunch.
Ono Sushi (Map; 619-298-0616; 1236 University Ave; mains $9-18; lunch Fri-Sun, dinner daily) O yes. Ono bucks tradition with its specialty rolls (the PD roll has spicy crab, sprouts and seared albacore) and Pacific Rim–style appetizers and mains like macadamia-crusted chicken breast. Expect a wait at peak times.
Arrivederci (Map; 619-299-6282; 3845 4th Ave; mains $10-20; lunch & dinner) This hole-in-the-wall is – como se dice? – rustica, with country-style dining room and cozy patio. It’s much loved for its fresh-baked bread to start (and the tomato sauce that comes with it), mysteriously good salad dressing, and pastas prepared dozens of ways, by a chef who cares.
Khyber Pass (Map; 619-294-7579; 523 University Ave; most mains $13-25; lunch & dinner; ) Afghan tapestries and moody photos set the atmosphere in this tall-ceilinged space, with adventuresome Afghan cooking. If you’ve never had it, it’s kind of like Indian meets Middle-Eastern: yogurt curries, kabobs, stews and more.
TOP END
Kemo Sabe (Map; 619-220-6802; 3958 5th Ave; mains $15-40; dinner) Prepare to send your tastebuds on a bold journey at this Hillcrest favorite where Asia meets the American Southwest, both in the decor and on the plate. The Thai jerk smoked-duck salad and 10-spice honey chicken are typical of chef Deborah Scott’s audacious fusion fare.
Parallel 33 (Map; 619-260-0033; 741 W Washington St; mains $19-32; dinner Mon-Sat) The invigorating flavors dance on the palette at this smart and casual neighborhood spot, where the chef skillfully fuses the cuisines of the globe’s 33rd-north latitude. Expect savory and sweet combinations from Morocco, Lebanon, India, China, Japan – and San Diego, which also lies at this latitude. Seek this one out.
Mission Hills
Further north from Little Italy on India St, where it meets Washington St, there’s a block of well-known casual eateries.
El Indio (Map; 619-299-0333; 3695 India St; dishes $3-9; 8am-9pm) Counter-service shop famous since 1940 for its taquitos, tamales and excellent breakfast burritos. Eat in a rudimentary dining room or at picnic tables under metal umbrellas across the street.
Saffron Thai Grilled Chicken (Map; 619-574-0177;