|
While many go to San Diego to indulge in
authentic Mexican food, top-notch enchiladas and burritos aren't all the city
offers. Chefs and restaurateurs flock to the beachside metropolis and bring with
them a variety of dishes and dining styles. While the surf-and-turf plate was
once the most sophisticated item on the menu, today, San Diego is a fine dining
paradise, offering eateries dedicated to cuisines from every corner of the globe.
Italian cafes sit next to Indian restaurants; Japanese sushi-bars border French
bistros. If American fare is what you're hungry for, San Diego is home to a wealth
of chain restaurants and independently owned eateries to satisfy your appetite.
With thousands of restaurants to choose from, you're bound to find something to
please your palate in San Diego . San
Diego 's Mexican fare rivals the dishes served up south of the boarder. In the
city's historic Gaslamp quarter, near the U.S. Grant Hotel , sits Las Fajitas,
a restaurant rooted in Mexico City elegance rather than California cool. Behind
Las Fajitas' antique bar, bartenders mix up some of the best margaritas in the
city. Sizzling platters of grilled steak, chicken and vegetables fly over the
heads of diners eager to taste the eatery's namesake. But fajitas aren't the only
specialty the restaurant offers: its Mexican-style seafood is fresh and tasty.
Las Fajitas' Camarones al Chipotle features a bounty of large shrimp bathed in
a creamy sauce of onion, garlic, green tomatillo, and of course, chipotle chilies.
Rounded out by rich guacamole, rice, beans and warm tortillas, the dish is deliciously
savory and reminiscent of old-world Mexico . Make a reservation to enjoy Las Fajitas'
food al fresco on the restaurant's sidewalk patio. Candelas,
a handsome and romantic Mexican hideaway in downtown San Diego , is located near
the Radisson Harbor View . Traditional Mexican ingredients combine with French
preparation techniques to create delightfully unexpected dishes. Candles illuminate
the small dining room and bar, making the dining experience pleasantly intimate
and sophisticated. Forget about the burritos and tacos of American Tex-Mex grill-and-bars
– the chefs at Candelas whip up modern, imaginative creations like cream of black
bean and beer soup. One of the best appetizers is the Estructura de Agucate, layers
of avocado, crab, shrimp, scallops and parsley drizzled in a mango and basil vinaigrette.
Make sure to try Candelas' signature Langosta Baeza, a lobster served in its shell
with mushrooms, bacon, tequila and jalapenos. With its stylish atmosphere and
gourmet cuisine, Candelas is the perfect place to discover just how unique Mexican
cuisine can be. Italian food
is hugely popular in San Diego and there are a variety of cafes and restaurants
around the city that serve quality pasta and pizza. Located in Pacific Beach near
the Holiday Inn Express Mission Bay , Caffe Bella Italia serves up contemporary
Italian dishes, such as Neapolitan-style macaroni mixed with sausage and artichoke
hearts in a tomato sauce. A grilled focacia sandwich paired with a salad of mixed
greens makes a filling lunch. If you come for dinner, save room for dessert: Caffe
Bella Italia's tiramisu is one of the best San Diego has to offer. Families and
singles flock to Piatti Ristorante, near the Hyatt Regency La Jolla , for brick
oven pizzas, flavorful pastas, and juicy grilled meats. The rotisserie chicken
is one of the most ordered entrees, along with the pappardelle fantasia, a bed
of noodles accented with shrimp, arrugula, and tomatoes. Show up early on the
weekends to score a table on Piatti Ristorante's tree shaded patio. More-->> |
