A bite of San Diego
The USD Vista staff weighs in on their favorite spots in San Diego
Lizzy Jennings / A&C Editor / The USD Vista
In this week’s edition of “A bite of San Diego,” The USD Vista editors are weighing in on their favorite local spots to eat. Fallen into a food rut? Looking for something new to try? From Asian to Italian food, the wide range of recommended restaurants means you’re sure to find something you’ll love on this list.
Kaia Hubbard, Editor in Chief: Cafe Bar Europa
873 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109
The weekly roundup begins with the recommendation of our beloved Editor in Chief, Kaia, who is particularly fond of Cafe Bar Europa. Contrary to the name, this unique tapas restaurant is open to all ages, and located in North Pacific Beach, and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and extensive menu.
The restaurant’s mission is to reconstruct the bohemian and relaxed vibes found in restaurants and cafés across Southern Europe. In fact, that is one of the reasons Kaia loves Cafe Bar Europa so much; “they have everything one can dream of, including live music,” said Hubbard. Come for dinner and live music or catch up with friends and enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant over a plate of shareable tapas dishes.
The extensive menu was designed with the cultural influences of the Western Mediteranean in mind, drawing on flavors from Southern Spain, Italy, and France with dishes like bocadillos, a Spanish-style sandwich with manchego cheese and jamón, and ratatouille, a sauteed medley of vegetables. This staff pick is the perfect place to try something out of the ordinary, and discover new flavors and cuisines. Cafe Bar Europa offers street parking only, and prices for dishes range from below $10 for tapas and appetizers to $44 for the shareable paella.
Alee Pingol, Art Director: Manna KBBQ
4428 Convoy St #210, San Diego, CA 92111
Next on the list is Art Director Alee Pingol’s recommendation for an especially delicious Korean barbeque spot on Convoy Street. Manna KBBQ is an all-you-can-eat Korean barbeque restaurant where diners prepare their own food at a table-front grill.
This unique type of dining experience is highly personal, and places an emphasis on the art of cooking and eating. KBBQ has only recently become popular in the United States, but the trend has taken off with restaurants opening across the country. USD students are especially lucky to have Manna so close by, as it is a great example of authentic Korean BBQ. Editor Pingol is fond of this particular Korean barbeque restaurant because of their comforting and welcoming atmosphere.
“I love the fast service and all the delicious options,” says Pingol, who frequents Manna KBBQ often. The restaurant serves its food impressively fast, and customers have the option to press a tableside button to get the attention of the staff.
The restaurant’s strip mall location means parking is available, but Convoy Street is known to have especially difficult parking. Grabbing an early dinner or Ubering is recommended. The various options at Manna KBBQ range in price from $22 to $35 for the all-you-can-eat entrees, and $10 to $35 for a variety of side dishes. With delicious all-you-can-eat KBBQ and amazing sides, this restaurant is a gem on Convoy Street.
Cat Silvey, Feature Editor: Monello
750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101
The recommendation list would be at a loss without a classic Italian restaurant, and Feature Editor Cat Silvey’s choice provides just that. Monello, in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, is her absolute favorite spot because they serve up authentic Italian dishes with a great atmosphere.
“I love the gnocchi there, and you can order pasta mixed tableside in a cheese wheel,” Silvey said. This attraction has made the restaurant especially noteworthy, as it combines delicious food with an exceptional dining experience.
With an eye for detail and a focus on the classics, Monello’s menu, for both lunch and dinner, is packed with pasta options, housemade daily, and a variety of cheeses and meats. Opt for a cheese board or sample the various appetizers.
There are a variety of classic pasta dishes, but Monello also gives diners the option to construct their own pasta creations. The menu is truly so extensive that even the pickiest of eaters can find something to love. Parking in Little Italy is known to be a nightmare, especially with only a few street spots available, so we recommend Ubering or getting to the neighborhood early. Monello’s wide price range, from $9 for appetizers to $29 for main courses, also means there are options for everyone, regardless of budget.
Lizzy Jennings, A&C Editor: Little Lion Cafe
1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
Finally, the list is rounded out with my own personal favorite, the lovely Little Lion Cafe. Little Lion Cafe is a tiny gem in the Point Loma neighborhood, situated right at the start of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The atmosphere and aesthetic of the cafe is picturesque, with flowers decorating every table and the ocean breeze constantly blowing.
The spot has become increasingly popular, and is exceptionally tiny with only about six tables indoors and two outdoors. Even when there is a long wait at the restaurant, patrons can always take a stroll around Sunset Cliffs and enjoy the beauty of the restaurant’s location to pass the time. The well-designed menu is populated by a range of health-conscious dishes and is especially popular for brunch.
The restaurant is always serving trendy favorites like the delicious chia seed pudding or the popular superfood bowl. Though there is a clear emphasis on healthier options, Little Lion provides sweeter options like pastries and pancakes for those looking to indulge.
A recommended, and popular, dish is the ever-changing poached egg special, which is updated daily and incorporates a range of delicious ingredients like sundried tomato and smoked salmon. Little Lion is also known for its unique coffee drinks, like its Tumeric and Vanilla Bean lattes. Parking is limited to the street, but spots in Point Loma are usually available and easily found. Prices range from $9 to $15 for a majority of the menu’s many options, keeping this trendy spot on budget.