Wolf in the Woods
Mission Hills · 1920 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103
A tiny, European-style wine bar and small plates spot on a quiet, tree-lined street in Mission Hills. The menu leans New Mexican and Spanish, with Hatch chiles showing up all over it. It’s intimate and cozy, the kind of place that feels more SF or New York than San Diego. Maybe that’s why I love it? I went two years in a row on my birthday, it did not disappoint. Fun fact, I accidentally lit my hair on fire in one of the candles my first time there (it sizzled for a couple seconds)…
What I would order: Sweet corn & pinon soup (photo below) is a favorite, and I especially love how they can make a brussels sprouts salad taste so good.
Cesarina
Point Loma · 4161 Voltaire St, San Diego, CA 92107
A charming neighborhood Italian spot run by three Italian natives, with a pasta “factory” right in the dining room where you can watch them make it fresh. You can mix and match their homemade pasta shapes and make your own dish. I personally prefer their signature pasta dishes. Pro tip: definitely make a reservation ahead of time! Parking can be tight on the street and neighborhood as well.
What I would order: Paccheri Vodka and Scampi (comes with a langoustine on top!).
Kettner Exchange
Little Italy · 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
A stylish, two-level spot in Little Italy, known for its rooftop with cabanas and great cocktails. The menu is shareable small plates, so plan on two or three per person. It’s a fun pick for a date night or a night out with friends. Pro tip: can get pretty loud on the weekend evenings.
What I would order: Caesar Twinkies, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Duck Meatball
The Fishery
Pacific Beach · 5040 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
This spot is special to me since this is where I met my partner on our first date! I am a lover of seafood, and this spot does everything really well. A PB staple for seafood lovers. It’s attached to its own seafood distributor, so the fish is about as fresh as it gets. It has a classic, polished seafood-tavern feel, plus a market where you can grab fish to cook at home.
What I would order (seasonal menu): Miso Black Cod, Pacific Swordfish, any of their cold appetizers (aguachile, albacore tataki)
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