As October unfolds, San Diego is abuzz with tantalizing new culinary offerings. From ghost kitchens transformed into permanent locations to beloved breakfast spots expanding their reach, this month’s restaurant openings promise a mix of innovative flavors and vibrant dining experiences.
In the heart of East Village, October 14 marked the debut of Relic Bakery, a bright new café with outdoor patio seating.
Co-owners Samantha Bird and Derek Hadden previously built their concept from a pandemic pop-up in North Park to a ghost kitchen in Miramar before establishing their first brick-and-mortar location.
Their menu showcases a variety of baked goods, including wood-fired sourdough, focaccia, and pastries like the double pain au chocolat and baklava Danish.
Bird, who has honed her skills in bakeries across the Czech Republic, France, and Denmark, envisions a “bread wall” that will offer an even broader selection of artisan loaves, including dark rye in the future.
Hadden complements the bakery’s sweet offerings with savory dishes, such as a Mary’s chicken thigh roulade and lamb rillette wrapped in pastry.
The café operates Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with hopes to extend hours and possibly host pop-ups at their former Miramar location soon.
Just a few blocks away in the bustling Gaslamp Quarter, a Tijuana favorite has crossed the border.
The popular taqueria, Tacos El Franc, celebrated its U.S. opening, renowned for mesquite-grilled steak street tacos and tortillas made to order.
Patrons can enjoy late-night counter pickup or dine in, enhancing the vibrant nightlife atmosphere of this downtown area.
Unique to the U.S. location, the menu features beef tallow fries topped with various proteins, and hearty agua frescas such as horchata.
Plans are already underway for more Tacos El Franc locations across San Diego, according to co-owner Roberto Kelly.
Meanwhile, Pacific Beach welcomed a second branch of Madi’s, a beloved breakfast and lunch locale previously anchored in Normal Heights.
This sunny coastal spot features a spacious 2,600-square-foot dining area, complete with ample indoor seating and multiple outdoor patios designed by the same husband-and-wife team behind Madi’s earlier restaurants.
Famous for its brunch items, the Pacific Beach menu maintains favorites like the Mediterranean breakfast while introducing exclusive offerings.
Customers can now delight in crispy Baja fish tacos with batter-fried mahi mahi or a refreshing Surf Shack Poke Bowl, combining ahi tuna and a bright medley of flavors.
Those seeking a taste of summer will find the watermelon mimosa a perfect complement to their meals.
In Carmel Valley, Zen Modern Asian Bistro is making waves at the Sky Deck food hall, taking over a 2,225-square-foot space.
This new venture by Ethan Yang honors his father, Henry Yang, who has ingrained influences in the family’s culinary journey.
Among the highlights are succulent Taiwanese beef noodle soup, flavorful Sichuan dumplings, and char siu pork glazed in a delightful sweet soy sauce.
Cocktail aficionados will appreciate the ube drink, skillfully mixing dark rum with taro, lime, and pineapple, alongside creatively infused Old Fashioneds.
Over in Ocean Beach, the Azakie brothers have expanded their successful Mary’s Salads with a brand-new location.
Famed for their fresh and creative salad options, the Ocean Beach menu includes a Kale Caesar salad and the Santa Fe salad, featuring a hearty mix of greens, avocado, and crunchy tortilla chips.
Customers can also customize their salads or try grain bowls like the Mediterranean, which boasts house-roasted chicken and yogurt garlic sauce.
The Gold Coast soup, a coconut milk and turmeric chickpea dish, is not to be missed.
In La Jolla, Daffodil Café opened its doors in the La Jolla Commons, creating a cozy breakfast and lunch spot.
Owner Lauren Passero-Brookes has enlisted chef Sarah Palomares, previously of Nobu and Little Lion Cafe, to lead a diverse menu.
Diners can explore dishes like coconut chia pudding, unique veggie sandwiches, and a Commons smash burger featuring flavorful Hatch chile cheddar.
The café’s concept is full of inventive meals that reflect a modern sensibility, drawing a crowd from nearby office buildings.
Meanwhile, La Mesa has welcomed a fresh taste of Sonoran cuisine with Hacienda Cazadores.
Situated in the former Por Favor space, this restaurant embraces authentic regional dishes including enchiladas Sonorenses, spiny lobster in mojo de ajo, and a hefty parrillada Sonora for two, offering diners an engaging shared experience.
For an interactive dining moment, the chefs prepare fresh salsa right at the table using a volcanic stone mortar, bringing a vibrant element to the meal.
Bay Park is now home to Romanello Cucina Romana, showcasing classic central and northern Italian flavors in a reimagined space that previously housed La Pastaia.
Here, visitors are treated to signature dishes like cacio e pepe and pappardelle Bolognese, in addition to bread straight from a custom Italian oven that prepares Roman-style pinsa with various toppings.
Co-owner James Pasquali is excited to introduce true Italian culinary traditions from his Roman roots to the local community.
Lastly, Mira Mesa has celebrated the arrival of Nick the Greek, a popular fast-casual Greek restaurant that recently opened its second San Diego location.
Husband-and-wife team Gary and Mirna Tully acquired the J Street spot and have plans for further expansion into neighboring areas.
Must-try menu items include a chargrilled beef and lamb gyro pita, refreshing Greek salads, and hearty souvlaki plates.
While the Mira Mesa outpost does not serve liquor, beer is available at their downtown counterpart.
From East Village to Gaslamp, and from Ocean Beach to Mira Mesa, San Diego continues to thrive as a culinary hub with these exciting new restaurant openings, each contributing its unique flavor to the city’s vibrant dining scene.
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