San Diego's Best Family-Friendly Dining 2008

Get cozy with friends and family and enjoy an Italian feast at this loved-by-locals restaurant.

Reviews:

• “very dissappointed”
• “FUN FUN FUN "
• “Don’t Go Here!”
• “So-so food”
• “Fun Food”

Tips: If you have a large party, reserve the circular “Pope’s Table.” Special occasion? Request the kitchen table, where diner’s can watch all the behind-the-scenes restaurant action.

Buca di Beppo or email Buca di Beppo

Where festive locals stop by for a tasty meal that will make them want to celebrate with maracas.

Reviews:

• “MANAGEMENT JUST DOESN’T GET IT!”
• “FRIDA Managers are UNPROFESSIONAL! The customer is NEVER RIGHT or RESPECTED!”
• “Very Good Food”
• “The WORST Mexican Restaurant in San Diego”
• “Horrible Manager and Customer Service”

Tips: This is the second Frida installment in California. The original remains open in Beverly Hills.

Frida Restaurant or email Frida Restaurant

Spanish lovely in Balboa Park impresses with good food and better ambiance.

Reviews:

• “Divine!”
• “AMAZING FOOD!!!!”
• “Best service, and great food~”
• “Nice Restaurant in a Wonderful Setting”
• “Great place to treat yourself.”

Tips: Valet service is free after 5pm and a wise alternative to the sometimes confusing and often full lots in Balboa Park.

The Prado at Balboa Park

Retro-themed diner entertains with impromptu singing performances and old-fashioned, soda fountain-style fun at this Hillcrest classic.

Tips: The Balloon Guy, 1950s DJs and other fun performers make weekly appearances.

Corvette Diner

Ever popular Hillcrest mainstay for three meals day serves behemoth portions of “twisted farm food.”

Reviews:

• “Not sure if it’s worth the wait”
• “Breakfast is the most important, and expensive, meal of the day”
• “Hash House a NO NO!!”
• “Arrive very hungry!”
• “Sometimes Less is More”

Tips: Staring down an hour-plus weekend wait? Tell the hostess you’ll be at friendly next door gay bar The Loft. The restaurant will call you when your table is ready.

Hash House A Go Go

Local Mexican food chain offers tasty, stiff margaritas and traditional south-of-the-border menu.

Reviews:

• “Great Mexican Dinning "
• “Good food, great environment”
• “Great deck area for happy hour”

Miguel’s Cocina

Authentic Mexican cuisine served in a hacienda style setting with a lively outdoor bar and popular Sunday brunch.

Reviews:

• “Best Mexican Restaurant in North County”
• “Winning Atmosphere, Food and Service”
• “Delicioso”

Tips: The outdoor cantina offers living-room style sitting, big-screen TVs and uniquefire pits, including a one-of-a-kind fire and water bar top.

Hacienda De Vega

Tourists and locals alike flock to this easygoing mainstay for basic American fare with some upscale twists.

Reviews:

• “Don’t go here unless you enjoy rude service! "
• “Rude without a cause”

Tips: The dining area has a fireplace, which can be great on cooler evenings or mornings before the marine layer has burned off.

The Spot

With live music and traditional fare, this family-owned restaurant transports you to Mexico without ever crossing the border.

Reviews:

• “Absolutely The Tastiest "

Tips: While the homemade hot sauce is delicious with the warm tableside chips, ask for the chipotle sauce – it packs a serious kick.

Fidel’s

University Heights haunt with an “everything goes” menu draws local crowds for weeknight dinners and weekend brunches.

Reviews:

• “Big portions, nice neighborhood place”

Tips: The building used to be a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store.

Park House

Old Town Mexican favorite stands the test of time with traditional menu, mariacchis and casual, colorful patio.

Reviews:

• “Metal in the food??”
• “Worst possible customer service”

Tips: This is the oldest restaurant in Old Town.

La Pinata Mexican Restaurant

Nautical-themed restaurant chain with an upscale atmosphere and award-winning menu of fresh, local seafood.

Brigantine Seafood Restaurant

Mexican, South American and Carribean flavors combine for a seafood-heavy menu served in a warm, Old Town dining room.

Tips: Zocalo is the Spanish word for a traditional gathering place in the heart of the town, and the Zocalo Grill is owned by the same owners of The Brigantine chain, Azul in La Jolla and Miguel’s.

Zocalo Grill

Italian-born husband and wife duo in PB serve family-style Italian favorites with a touch of old-world charm.

Reviews:

• “Best Italian Food outside of Little Italy”
• “Crazy, busy, wonderful, authentic”

Tips: It’s the small, orange house right where Balboa Ave runs into Grand Ave.

Mamma MIA

Cozy restaurant, known for California-style breakfasts, also serves lunch in the heart of La Jolla’s village.

Tips: The fish tacos are to die for and come with fresh papaya and avocado salsa.

The Cottage

Local casual dining chain is famous for warm, garlic breadsticks plus a menu of pizza, pastas and salads. Take-out and catering available as well.

Pat & Oscar’s Restaurants

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