I enjoyed my meals in San Diego. Most restaurants in the Downtown area are expensive but I think well worth the price.
The Fish Market
750 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
PH: (619) 232-3474
Panko Calamari; Louise Shrimp Salad; glass of Chardonnay. $29.86
Anthony's Fish Grotto
1360 N. Harbor drive
619-232-5103
I had a late "snack" of their clam chowder and a couple of glasses of wine. Although I asked for their "house" wine, they were expensive. $20.70
Busters Beach House
807 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: (619) 233-4300
I ordered the 1/2 stack of pancakes, which I could eat only 1/2 of that! With some hot tea, my meal came to $10.
Charlie's at Cardiff by the Sea
Jeff and I shared their chicken quesadillas and had a round of drinks. $15.
Dussini's
275 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 233-4323
Dinner was excellent. I ordered a glass of white wine and their ragu Bolognese. The prices were very reasonable. As my starter, I had some delicious olive bread, sourdough bread, and flat bread with olive tapenade, a sweet butter, and hummus. (I could have had that as my meal! I could eat only 1/2 of my meal and took the rest back to the hotel. $27.27.
Old Town Mexican Cafe
2489 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110
Tel: (619) 297-4330
I sat at the bar, as the wait was at least 45 minutes to an hour. I enjoyed one of the house specialties: Pork Carnitas served with tortillas, cilantro, onion, avocado, tomatoes and beans with shredded cheese on top. Also, wedges of lime were included to squeeze on the food. I also enjoyed the 1800 Cadillac margarita, made with 1800 Reposado Tequila and Grand Marnier. Approx $20.
Fresh Seafood Restaurant
1044 Wall Street
La Jolla, CA 92037
Potato Leek soup; Coriander Crusted Mahi Mahi served with a shrimp risotto and port reduction ($25.95). Pat ordered the White Prawn Crusted Seabass served with spinach. With a couple of glasses of wine (Campagnola) and tip, my meal came to $58.27.
Miguel's Cucina
2912 Shelter Island Drive
619.224.2401
Chicken quesadilla Suprema with avocado, melted cheese, and sour cream (very good and quite filling). They also serve with their tortilla chips a white cheese dip, salsa, and pickled carrots. $11.
Star of India Express
Horton's Plaza
Store e-22 (food court)
Telephone: 858-453-5300
Chicken tikka kabab; Ground beef dish with peas and carrots; basmatti rice and nan; two beef Samosas; bottled water. $11.29.
Andre's Cuban Restaurant
1235 Morena Boulevard
Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef simmered with onions, green peppers and tomatoes in a delicate wine sauce. Served with rice and Cuban style black beans. They also served some bread, which was drizzled with olive oil and garlic. I had a glass of house red wine. $23.88.
Dakota Grill and Spirits
901 Fifth Avenue
619-234-5554
I dined here with friend Melissa, who flew in from Hawaii. We started our meal with the Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops (3 huge scallops) with sautéed wild mushrooms drizzled with a balsamic reduction. They were delicious and perfectly cooked ($10.95). For our entree, we ordered the Mixed Rotisserie for Two, consisting of a pork prime rib, half chicken, and beef tenderloin (cooked rare - perfect), served with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans ($42.95). I thought this was a very good deal compared to the other very expensive menu items for 1 person. Along with two glasses of wine and tip, my bill came to $49.51.
San Diego Pier Cafe
885 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
619-239-3968
Cup of clam chowder (not much, if any, clams in the soup, although a good flavor); Salmon Coronado (a chef specialty): Grilled fresh salmon filet over avocado tomato salsa with white wine sauce and fresh basil. Served with rice. The sourdough rolls (3) were huge. I also had a glass of Chardonnay. This meal was probably one of the better-priced meals and it was very good. $40.31.
Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge
801 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
Tasty Haole Mai Tai. $8. The bartender paid for my drink, so I tipped him well.
