Our Favorite Restaurants in San Diego...Plus How to Eat Out for Less!What's around? We've GOT to eat now! Below is a guide of our favorite eateries to choose from in case you find yourself nearby. (Oh, and before we get to that, check out these ways to save on eating out, including Groupon and Living Social deals and Kids Eat Free deals. BALBOA PARK Here's the Prado address: 1549 El Prado, Suite 12, San Diego, CA 92101
Las Olas - In Spanish, "Las Olas" means "the waves" and that's the huge draw at this oceanfront restaurant in Cardiff by the Sea. This charming Mexican restaurant serves delicious fish tacos and has a friendly wait staff. Las Olas' address: 2655 Highway 101, Cardiff by the Sea, 92007
CORONADO
Click here for favorite restaurants in Coronado.
LA JOLLAWhisknladle Restaurant - This trendy neighborhood bistro in La Jolla celebrates local foods, fresh ingredients and casual dining at its best! The restaurant has created a truly welcoming space that your family will enjoy dining in during your day in La Jolla. Here's a sampling of their menu: Lunch menu: Grilled Fish Tacos served with slaw and house potato chips, $13 Dinner menu: Whisknladle Burger with onions, gorgonzola, bacon and egg, $16 Brisk Chicken with saffron risotto, $21 Here's the Whisknladle address: 1044 Wall Street, San Diego, CA 92037
The Brockton Villa Restaurant - You can't beat the view and the food at this cozy restaurant in La Jolla Cove. There are a lot of stairs so get ready to hike up with your stroller if you've got one. But the food is well worth it and at least you can enjoy the view as you wait for your table. Classics include the Coast Toast, their famous french toast similar to a souffle, extra rich with a hint of orange, $10.50. For lunch, try the Bleu Spinach Salad for $9 or the Grilled Salmon BLT for $12. Want to know where to find them? Go to 1235 Coast Blvd., La Jolla 92037 or go online to www.brocktonvilla.com. Check out the view from Brockton Villa:
MISSION VALLEY Benihana - This Japanese steakhouse cooks your food right at your table. Your chef will entertain you as he serves chicken, steak and seafood dishes right on your plate. Your kids will love watching him make a steam volcano out of onions, flip shrimp tails into his chef's hat and make his utensils sound more like drumsticks. An extremely delicious and hilarious meal!
There's seating for 8 around each cooking area, so be prepared to meet some other people during your meal if you have less than 8 in your party. Try going for lunch, the menu is essentially the same and less expensive.
Here we are celebrating my dad's birthday. Benihana's is located at 477 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego 92108 You've got to try the fried rice. It is so good!
Todai - If your family likes sushi or buffets (or both!), you're in luck! This upscale all-you-can-eat Japanese seafood buffet restaurant features more than 40 different kinds of sushi, more than 15 salads and hot entrees including teriyaki chicken and salmon, and over 20 different cakes and fruits. Your kids don't have to like Japanese food to find plenty to eat here. Don't come for dinner - it's too expensive and who can eat that much food anyway? Come instead for lunch and eat to your heart's content and then walk it off! As you can see in this picture, the decor is "under the sea" and when you walk in the entrance, it's like you're walking into the mouth of a whale. All part of the plan to get your kids to eat seafood!
2828 Camino Del Rio South San Diego 92108
Check out These Family-Friendly Spots Throughout San DiegoBJ's Restaurant and Brew House - There are 2 reasons that BJ's makes the list: those delicious Chicago style deep dish pizzas and BJ's Famous Pizookie. The pizookie is a freshly baked cookie topped with 2 scoops of vanilla bean ice cream and served hot in its own dish. Choice of chocolate chunk, white chocolate macadamia nut, peanut butter or oatmeal raisin walnut. You just can't go wrong! BJ's has two locations in San Diego: 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa 91941. Plus, 8873 Villa La Jolla Dr., La Jolla 92037. Chick-fil-A - This is a fast food chain with heart! We love this family and values oriented restaurant that has perfected the chicken sandwich.
See why we were so happy when Chick-fil-A restaurant arrived in San Diego!
It's Mexican fast food at its finest! The portions are huge. One burrito will fill you up for several hours so you can see all of San Diego without stopping for more snacks! Here's more about Chipotle...
In-N-Out - A must for the family! Absolutely the best fast food burger you'll ever taste. I had to write a whole page about it. Click here for my review of In-n-Out.
Islands - So maybe you wanted to vacation in Hawaii, but the closest you could get was San Diego. You can hang loose here too! Just stop by Islands for fine burgers and drinks in a Hawaiian setting. As they say, "mainlanders welcome." The casual atmosphere and kids menu is perfect for the family. And the food is delicious! My favorite burger or chicken sandwich is the Hawaiian, served with pineapple, teriyaki sauce, lettuce, tomato, onion, swiss and mayo. Mission Valley: 2441 Fenton Parkway, San Diego 92108 (located in the same shopping center as Costco) On the Border - This Mexican Grill and Cantina has a casual, colorful, upbeat ambiance and the food is really good for a chain restaurant. Here's On the Border's location: 1770 Camino De La Reina, San Diego 92108.
Original Pancake House - If you love breakfast, you will LOVE the Original Pancake House. This place is our absolute favorite for breakfast. Whenever my husband's family from the East Coast comes for a visit, we head for the Original Pancake House. You've never tasted an omelette or dutch baby so good!
Click here to see menu items from the Original Pancake House.
Romantic Dining for 2If you have someone to watch the kids, and you're ready to spend some dough, we recommend these fine restaurants.Primavera Ristorante - Italian. 932 Orange Ave. Coronado CA 92118 $25-$50 Busalacchi's on Fifth - Italian. 3683 5th Ave. San Diego CA 92103 $25-$50 Donovan's - Steakhouse. 4340 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla 92122 
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CARDIFF BY THE SEA
Chipotle - Build your own perfect burrito, taco or bowl out of marinated chicken, steak, carnitas (pork), barbacoa (shredded beef), or vegetarian style. Using fresh, delicious ingredients, your meal will be made to order right in front of your eyes.
