With over 80 restaurants participating in the spring return of San Diego Restaurant Week (SDRW), one would have to eat more than 12 times a day for seven days to taste them all. Do you say “Sorry kids, we’re eating nonstop for spring break” or whittle it down to a reasonable must-eat-at list?

We’re here to help with a list of our top 10 participating restaurants and the dishes we’re ready to order.

Tiramisu at Giardino. Image source: @giardinosd.

10. Giardino in Lemon Grove

Italian Cucina | serving lunch and dinner

You’re bound to discover deep, deep comfort in every mouthful at this Lemon Grove standout. Go for the Meat Lollipops, Chicken Marsala, and Tiramisu.

Image source: @catamaranresortsandiego.

9. Oceana Coastal Kitchen at The Catamaran in Mission Beach

American, California | serving dinner

There’s a Risotto California on the SDRW menu with artichokes, English peas, herbs, and mascarpone that was made for this season. 

Image source: @bleubohemesd.

8. Bleu Boheme in Kensington

French | serving dinner

Three courses at Bleu Boheme for $65 is a steal. Checking out the SDRW menu, we’d pick the Croquette de Crabe (crab croquettes), Confit de Canard (the duck), and Pain d’Epice (warm gingerbread). 

Image source: @greatmaple_hillcrest.

7. Great Maple in Hillcrest

Modern American | serving brunch, lunch, and dinner

For the brunch picture with Lemon Ricotta Toast and a Grilled Chicken Kale and Quinoa Salad that’s healthy and scrumptious. 

Image source: @piperoceanside.

6. Piper at the Seabird in Oceanside

California | serving dinner

Piper’s menu is designed to showcase ingredients with refined skills. The food always feels cozy and elevated and the service is always friendly. 

Image source: @eatpuesto.

5. Puesto in Downtown, Mission Valley, and La Jolla

Mexican | Serving lunch and dinner

They’ve got the two major food groups that truly matter in San Diego: guacamole and tacos. 

Image source: @solaresandiego.

4. Solare in Liberty Station

Contemporary Italian | serving dinner

Handmade pasta sets the stage for a unique Italian dining experience. Solare is always a standout meal and a mainstay on SDRW recommendations. 

Image source: @georgesatthecove.

3. George’s at the Cove in La Jolla 

California | serving lunch and dinner

Anyone who has had the pleasure of dining at George’s knows an hour with the view is worth $60 alone. The fact they want to feed us options like Citrus Salad, Yuzu Pepper Half Chicken with polenta, and Guava Tres Leches cake is a bonus.

Image source: @fairmontgranddelmar.

2. Amaya at Fairmont Grand Del Mar

California Bistro | serving brunch, lunch, and dinner

Chef de cuisine Jarrell Tucker has a gift for making fruits and vegetables from local farm partners like Chino Farm and Girl & Dug shine in unexpected ways.  

Image source: @verbenakitchensd.

1. Verbena Kitchen in North Park

American, California | serving lunch and dinner

Holy Smokes. I’m ready to start the car NOW for this SDRW lunch menu but the option to add on the infamous VK deviled eggs for dinner might be an incentive to stay all day. The cocktails, the flavors, and the vibe of Verbena Kitchen captures the intimate, casual foodie vibe of our hometown pretty perfectly. 

Image source: @verbenakitcensd.

Hero image: iStock/SrdjanPav.

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