5 San Diego Restaurants Named Among Nation’s Best by OpenTable

5 San Diego Restaurants Named Among Nation’s Best by OpenTable

San Diego's top picks this year reveal a lineup of standout kitchens, including a Mediterranean favorite in East Village and a French bistro in Carlsbad.

Por Eric Sanchez el November 21, 2025

The annual list, curated from millions of verified diner reviews and ratings, highlights the top dining destinations across the country. This year’s winners from San Diego County showcase the region’s diverse flavors, ranging from a Mediterranean hotspot in East Village to a sophisticated French bistro in Carlsbad.

OpenTable’s complete ranking is published on its website and is organized alphabetically by state and restaurant name.

Here’s a look at what makes San Diego’s top-rated restaurants stand out.

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Winners Located in San Diego

The honored establishments are Callie in East Village, Cesarina in Point Loma, Cowboy Star in Gaslamp Quarter, Jeune et Jolie in Carlsbad, and Lilo in Oceanside.

Callie

Led by Chef Travis Swikard, Callie draws inspiration from the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean: Greece, Spain, Italy, and Morocco.

The restaurant has earned raves for seamlessly blending this spirit with the bounty of Southern California’s farms and waters, creating dishes that are both light and boldly flavorful.

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Cesarina

Cesarina celebrates the power of food and family. The restaurant, run by a mother-daughter team, wins over diners with its meticulous attention to detail, hyper-fresh ingredients, and an atmosphere that feels both warm and elegantly rustic.

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Cowboy Star

Cowboy Star sets itself apart with an unwavering commitment to detail and superior service.

A champion of the local food movement, the restaurant sources from regional farmers and producers to create dishes that highlight the pure, simple flavors of high-quality, natural ingredients.

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Jeune et Jolie

This restaurant offers a modern and playful take on French cuisine. The experience centers on a curated four-course tasting menu, but the restaurant also caters to spontaneous guests with “Le Menu du Bar,” an accessible à la carte option.

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Lilo

Lilo provides a truly theatrical dining experience. Guests are seated around a 24-seat chef’s counter to enjoy a multi-course tasting menu that captures the wild spirit of the California coast. The seafood-centric cuisine is renowned for its thoughtful connection to nature and global coastal influences.

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