Our city is known for many things, and food is certainly on the list. In 2021, our culinary scene stepped up its game. We’re looking back at some of the exciting restaurants our city welcomed this year. If you missed them, don’t worry — they’re sticking around for 2022.

🍽️ El Avocado | 1025 Prospect St. #130, La Jolla

The year began with exciting news for plant lovers. El Avocado offers a menu filled with plant-based meals + treats. Whether you’re in the mood for a salad, sandwich, or smoothie, you can find plenty of great meatless options here.

🍽️ Cerveza Jack’s | 322 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp

Downtown San Diego got a little more comfortable with the addition of Cerveza Jack’s — a fusion of Southern comfort food + SoCal flavors. Whether you’re looking for tacos or jambalaya, this restaurant blends both beautifully.

🍽️ Ember & Rye | 7447 Batiquitos Dr., Carlsbad

Celebrity chef Richard Blais opened his steakhouse concept with an upscale atmosphere and one-of-a-kind food and drink. Swing by this restaurant in the Park Hyatt Aviara for lunch, dinner, or snacks + end the experience with a one-of-a-kind Steak Cake.

🍽️ Samburgers | Little Italy Food Hall, 550 W. Date St.

YouTube star Sam the Cooking Guy is stacking burgers with his over-the-top Little Italy eatery. Located in the neighborhood’s food hall, you can pair your meal with a fun drink or decadent dessert — if you’re not too full.

🍽️ Swagyu Chop Shop | 966 Felspar St., Pacific Beach

We’ve got beef in Pacific Beach. Chef Steve Brown is trained and specializes in premium cuts of meat, like Japanese Hyogo Kobe Beef + A5 Wagyu. The location is Swagyu’s third in California (joining Imperial Beach + Poway) where you can grab a meal or just buy the meat to grill at home yourself.

🍽️ Pink Rose Cafe | 8209 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa

Owner Nadia Zamora opened a café centered around a love for coffee + all things pink. Here, you can grab a latte or mocha coffee, but the restaurant itself is the real event. You’ll find pink wall-to-wall, along with many opportunities for the perfect picture of your coffee.

🍽️ Callie, 1195 Island Ave., East Village

After a decade cooking in NYC, chef Travis Swikard moved home to San Diego and opened a restaurant with Greek, Italian, Moroccan, Spanish + Middle Eastern inspirations. Callie is a scenic spot in East Village using local ingredients to create international flavors found on the land + sea.

🍽️ Verbena Kitchen | 3043 University Ave., North Park

If you can’t take the heat, head to Verbena Kitchen. Head executive chef Ronnie Schwandt only has two burners in the back, but that doesn’t stop him from crafting a full menu with local flavors. These one-of-a-kind meals can be paired with their uniquely designed drinks from their menu.

🍽️ Pacific Catch | 4575 La Jolla Village Dr., Ste. 1160, La Jolla

Located in Westfield UTC, this seafood restaurant offers bowls, sandwiches + tacos. If you’re looking to try some new seafood flavors in the middle of a shopping trip, Pacific Catch has fun options for the whole family — including a dog-friendly patio.

🍽️ BBQ Chicken | 4344 Convoy St., Convoy District

Whether you’re new to Korean BBQ or a longtime fan, you’re likely to enjoy a trip to this restaurant. The chain is growing in the U.S., and the Convoy location allows you to hop on trend early. You can pick your level of spice, and learn why the whole world loves Korean BBQ.