Local restaurateurs are betting big on San Diego, with new ventures planned from La Jolla to Barrio Logan, Oceanside to Coronado, and everywhere in between. Notable openings include Michelin-starred chefs launching new concepts, successful local restaurants expanding to additional locations, and several high-profile global brands making their San Diego debuts.
Below is our comprehensive guide to new restaurants coming to San Diego County in 2025, listed alphabetically. Click each restaurant's name for more detailed information about the upcoming opening.
The Admiral at NTC (Point Loma) - The owner of San Diego's iconic Mister A's restaurant, Ryan Thorsen, is working on a massive, $15 million hospitality venue in Liberty Station, which will encompass a 140-seat restaurant, cocktail bar, bakery, game room, and event venue. The project will be located on a five-acre site in Liberty Station, featuring historic officers' quarters and panoramic views of downtown San Diego.
All Aboard Charcuterie & Provisions (Shelter Island) - This incoming concept will offer a mix of charcuterie boards, grazing carts, and catering services, along with a retail and deli storefront. Customers can expect an array of seasonal cheeses, meats, breads, crackers, and accoutrements, as well as customizable charcuterie boards and themed carts, including dessert-focused options.
A'L'ouest (North Park) - Trust Restaurant Group's newest venture will be a 209-seat French brasserie, located at the corner of University Avenue and 30th Street. From the team known for their new American and Italian restaurants, as well as the Rare Society steakhouse chain, this concept will offer a blend of Parisian inspiration and the group's California roots.
A Lo Fresco (San Marcos) - San Diego's North County is set to welcome A Lo Fresco, a new health-focused restaurant offering globally inspired dishes prepared without seed oils. Owners Emilio and Olga first opened A Lo Fresco as a food truck earlier this year, dishing out a menu of toasts, bowls, tacos, wraps, and more.
Austin NOLA (North Park) - The founder of San Diego's Grind & Prosper Hospitality (Miss B's Coconut Club, Louisiana Purchase, Coco Maya) is teaming up with his corporate chef for the opening of a new globally-influenced bar & restaurant dubbed Austin NoLa by Chef Quinnton Austin in the NIIMA Outpost development. The 2,800-square-foot Southern Creole restaurant will feature Southern-inspired dishes like lobster pizza and oxtail dumplings, with a bar program by Rob McShea.
Avenue Fish & Oyster Company (Coronado) - Avenue Fish & Oyster Company is bringing more seafood to San Diego's Coronado island when it opens in the longtime Leroy's Kitchen space. Led by seasoned San Diego chef Paul Arias, Blue Bridge Hospitality's newest concept promises a menu focused on fresh seafood sourced from local vendors and oysters from around the globe.
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Baby Grand Hotel Restaurants (Coronado) - CH Projects' new 31-room hotel will feature three dining concepts: Fallen Empire - a champagne, oyster and caviar bar; an unnamed omakase restaurant; and a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant-bar named Nighthawk that will be sited in the 6,000-square-foot entry way.
Bar Nice (North Park) - Opening in the space that last housed Aburi Sushi in San Diego's North Park is Bar Nice, an Old World-style French bar from an experienced restaurant operator. Bar Nice will be, first and foremost, a bar with the bar itself designed to be the heart of the space. The team is pulling inspiration from French "institution" style bistros, like Le Bon Georges in Paris, as well as their American counterparts.
Between Us (North Park) - The owner of Thai Time restaurant has taken over the unit that long housed Rip Current Brewing in San Diego's North Park for the opening of this all-day farm-to-table eatery and neighborhood tapas bar. Expect a delectable brunch menu crafted from fresh ingredients sourced from local farms in San Diego and Southern California. As the day progresses, the eatery's ambiance will transition to a cozy taproom and bar, where they will serve an array of tapas and small plates paired with local brews from the area's vibrant brewing community.
Bianchi (Mission Beach) - A high-end pizzeria and Italian restaurant is set to debut in a reimagined space within the historic Bahia Resort Hotel. The property is transforming its former Tangier Bar into a new Italian concept called Bianchi, named after the famed Italian car manufacturer.
Black Bear Diner (Vista) - A comfort food chain with more than 100 locations around the country, Black Bear Diner will bring its second area outpost in San Diego's North County. The new branch will open in the 6,200 square-foot standalone building that last housed Coco's Bakery and offer the signature rustic design and traditional diner menu of breakfast items, burgers, salads and milkshakes.
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The Boatyard (Point Loma) - A new $4.5 million seafood restaurant with an onsite speakeasy from San Diego boating and restaurant industry veterans is opening in the former Fiddler's Green space. The longtime corporate chef of San Diego's Consortium Holdings, Michelin-starred Jason McLeod, is developing a menu featuring seafood, prime steaks, and an extensive wine and cocktail program.
Bock Bar (South Park) - The team behind San Diego's Bottlecraft bottle shop & bar concept is gearing up to open an Old World-style pub and eatery in the longtime Hamilton's Tavern space. In addition to a balanced beer list flowing from 30-40 tap handles and a menu of German-inspired cuisine, it will feature German, Austrian, and Alpine wines, as well as mead, cider, hard seltzer, and kombucha. Bock will also offer entertainment, including pool, shuffleboard, and showcase a selection of local and international sports.
Bojangles (Unknown) - This famous North Carolina-based chain recently signed a franchise agreement to bring their signature chicken and biscuits to California, and the company hopes to open several restaurants in San Diego. Although nothing is set in stone, there is a good chance we'll be seeing at least one branch of the iconic Southern chain unveil in America's Finest City in 2025.
Breakers Café Bar & Grill (Encinitas) - A well-known professional surfer, Benji Weatherley, is opening a new Hawaiian-themed bar & restaurant in San Diego County. Breakers will bring the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands to life, accompanied by family-oriented fun such as live Hawaiian music, outdoor games, and an indoor arcade, as well as a full bar. The 2,300 square-foot indoor/outdoor space will reflect Weatherley’s Hawaiian upbringing, with a design inspired by his mother's famed Volcom House in North Shore Oahua, as well as feature nostalgic nods to the local community, including vintage signs that celebrate the history of Encinitas.
Cherryfish (Pacific Beach) - This new dining project from Dannielle & Carlos Becerra, who also manage Palmy’s next door and Parq nightclub in downtown San Diego, will bring sushi and Japanese fusion cuisine to the building that last housed Swagyu/Isabel's Cantina.
Chick & Hawk (Leucadia) - After years of anticipation and setbacks, Chick & Hawk restaurant, the brainchild of celebrated chef Andrew Bachelier and skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, is finally moving forward in North County. Envisioned as a unique "fast-fine" dining concept, expect elevated fried chicken sandwiches with chef-driven dishes like oysters and globally inspired fare.
China Max (Convoy District) - A staple of Cantonese cuisine in San Diego's Kearny Mesa, China Max will finally reopen soon following a four year closure due to a devastating fire. Now under new ownership, the restaurant will feature a multi-million-dollar remodel that transforms the two-level space. The first floor will serve as the main dining area, while the second floor will accommodate banquets, weddings, and other celebrations for up to 300 guests.
Chick & Hawk (Leucadia) - After years of anticipation and setbacks, Chick & Hawk restaurant, the brainchild of celebrated chef Andrew Bachelier and skateboarding icon Tony Hawk, is finally moving forward in North County. Envisioned as a unique "fast-fine" dining concept, expect elevated fried chicken sandwiches with chef-driven dishes like oysters and globally inspired fare.
China Max (Convoy District) - A staple of Cantonese cuisine in San Diego's Kearny Mesa, China Max will finally reopen soon following a four year closure due to a devastating fire. Now under new ownership, the restaurant will feature a multi-million-dollar remodel that transforms the two-level space. The first floor will serve as the main dining area, while the second floor will accommodate banquets, weddings, and other celebrations for up to 300 guests.
Cork & Batter (Marina District) - More than two years since it was first announced, Los Angeles's BNG Hospitality will bring this baseball-themed restaurant and sports bar to Seaport Village, featuring 8,000 square feet of indoor dining, a 2,800-square-foot courtyard and wrap-around patio. The menu includes burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and pasta.
Crack Shack (Pacific Beach) - The fifth location of this San Diego-based fried chicken chain will open one block from the beach and serve their signature chicken sandwiches, salads, grain bowls, milkshakes and fresh-baked cookies.
CTZN (Solana Beach) - The owners of San Diego's nine-year-old La Clochette Cafe & Bakery are opening a full bar and restaurant concepton the base floor of Sandbox office, retail and residential complex in Solana Beach. Expect a full restaurant with a tapas-centric menu fusing Northern Spanish Basque cuisine with California flavors, as well as an onsite bar serving cocktails, beer, other hard beverages and wine.
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Fish With You (Kearny Mesa) - This China-based seafood stew restaurant chain, which has over 2,000 locations, will open its first California branch in San Diego. The eatery specializes in "suan cai yu," a traditional stew made with white fish and fermented cabbage, seasoned with Sichuan peppercorns and Chinese chili peppers.
Culinary Dropout (Del Mar) - Fox Restaurant Concepts' first California location of their modern American comfort food chain will open in Del Mar Highlands Town Center. The Cheesecake Factory-owned restaurant group operates Culinary Dropout locations across Arizona, Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina and Texas. The concept combines live music entertainment with a bar and restaurant format. Opening 2025. 12875 El Camino Real, Del Mar.
Delah Coffee House (North Park) - A Yemeni cafe brand rooted in Northern California is set to expand to San Diego, marking its Southern California debut with a new location in North Park. Inspired by Yemen's rich coffee history, Delah's signature items include spiced lattes infused with cinnamon and cardamom, traditional qishr brewed from coffee cherry husks, and light roast coffee kettles served with warming candles. Delah Coffee is also known for its pastries, blending sweet and savory flavors such as the cream cheese-stuffed, honey-drizzled Bee Bite. The lengthy menu also includes pour over coffee, teas, smoothies, and other soft drinks.
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Dora (La Jolla) - Italian-born Chef Accursio Lota, a former world pasta champion and the owner of San Diego's popular Trattoria Cori Pastificio in North Park, has announced plans for a new coastal Italian restaurant named to open in UC San Diego's Theatre District. The120-seat Southern Italian restaurant will serve coastal cuisine, including house-made pastas, breads, gelato and Mediterranean-influenced seafood.
Far Corner (Gaslamp Quarter) - This Italian restaurant and neighborhood bar will open in the former Bar Basic Pizza space, featuring three distinct areas including a main room with DJ booth, full-service bar with pizza oven, and luxury lounge.
Far Corner (Gaslamp Quarter) - This Italian restaurant and neighborhood bar will open in the former Bar Basic Pizza space, featuring three distinct areas including a main room with DJ booth, full-service bar with pizza oven, and luxury lounge.
The Farmacy (East Village) - Albuquerque New Mexico's popular The Farmacy restaurant will soon bring Pacific Northwest-inspired brunch fare to San Diego's East Village. Like the original branch, expect a rotating menu of scratch-made, comfort food dishes including sweet & savory waffles, biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, quiche, sandwiches like a Reuben and tuna melt, and more, as well as espresso drinks, craft hard beverages and mimosas.
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Fleurette (UTC) - A new 140-seat, 6,000-square-foot Southern French restaurant from Callie's Travis Swikard and David Cohn will open in La Jolla Commons office park, featuring dishes like roasted sweetbreads, dry-aged duck, and French-style pastas.
Freyja (Carlsbad) - A European-inspired bistro with Nordic flair from Same Same's Jarle Saupstad and Shawn Seaman iss set to open in San Diego's North County. The menu will include seasonal cocktails and shareable plates like steak au poivre and duck à l'orange.
Gladstone's (Downtown) - The Malibu-born seafood chain's San Diego debut will eventually open in the longtime Edgewater Grill space in Seaport Village, featuring classic seafood dishes in a new 9,700-square-foot building with wrap-around patio.
Good Measure (North Park) - A new brunch-focused restaurant will soon replace Atypical Waffle. Good Measure will initially open during breakfast and lunch with future plans to extend into evening hours.
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Good News (Hillcrest) - Marketed as San Diego's first non-alcoholic bar, this space will feature a variety of activities, including live music, trivia nights, and dance events with rotating DJs. Good News is the brainchild of Kaylee and Crystal Clark, two former bartenders who have embraced the non-alcohol lifestyle and are now committed to providing a safe and inclusive space for others to do the same.
Gulfstream (Del Mar) - Los Angeles-based Hillstone Restaurant Group is opening a location of its Gulfstream American seafood house concept in the former Bully's North space in San Diego's North County. The restaurant will feature daily seafood specials and a full bar with a modern, marine-themed space. Highlights from the menu include True Dover Sole, which is flown in from the North Atlantic, Cedar Plank Scottish Salmon, and Vince’s Fried Shrimp. For more terrestrial fare, there is the USDA Prime ‘The Duke’ Filet Mignon and the Classic Cheeseburger with freshly ground chuck steak.
Hacienda Khalo (La Mesa) - Hacienda Khalo will bring an authentic Mexican dining experience to the space that long housed Por Favor Restaurant & Cantina in La Mesa. Designed like a traditional hacienda in Mexico, the incoming restaurant will feature authentic Mexican cuisine, including a tortilla lady making handmade tortillas, a rotating adobada trompo, a variety of steak cuts, and traditional dishes like enchiladas, moles, ceviches, and more, as well as margaritas and mezcalitas.
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Javier's Finest Food of Mexico (Downtown) - San Diego's waterfront dining scene is about to get a major upgrade as Javier’s Finest Food of Mexico gears up to open a new location. Building on the success of its six other locations, including a popular outpost at Westfield UTC mall in La Jolla, Javier's is set to become part of the Research and Development District (RaDD), a transformative life science and retail hub spearheaded aimed at making San Diego's waterfront a destination for both business and leisure.
The Jetty (Ocean Beach) - Industry veterans have taken over the former Voltaire Beach House location in OB to open a new bar and restaurant. The nearly 4,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor venue is expected to feature a gastropub-style menu alongside a full bar serving beer, wine, and cocktails.
J.T. Prime Kitchen & Cocktails (Coronado) - Arizona-based J.T. Prime Kitchen & Cocktails is opening a location in the 3,283 square-foot, bi-level building that long housed Primavera Ristorante in the heart of San Diego's island city of Coronado. Expect a globally-influenced menu with signature dishes like succulent roast pork belly with a Chile de árbol blackberry sauce; homemade short-rib ravioli in a rich gorgonzola cream; and an Australian Wagyu filet with charred vegetables and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. The restaurant will also have a full bar with spirits, cocktails, beer and wine.
La Jolla Food Hall (La Jolla) - A former US Bank space built in 1961 is set to undergo a transformation to become the La Jolla Food Hall, which will house seven eateries. The 7,800-square-foot mid-century building has long been a prominent feature of the Girard Avenue corridor in La Jolla Village.
Le Horse Continental Room (North Park) - CH Projects' luxurious European-style restaurant will finally open at the Lafayette Hotel, featuring prime rib, martinis and table service carts. The menu will delve into the refined culinary innovations that defined luxury dining experiences at prestigious hotels and gourmet establishments in the early 20th century.
Lilo (Carlsbad) - Located just 350 feet from Jeune et Jolie, this 22-seat fine-dining restaurant from Jeune et Jolie's team will feature a prix-fixe tasting menu in an intimate counter-style setting. The restaurant shares its space with sister concept Wildland. a casual concept with a menu of handmade pastas, wood-fired pizza, rotisserie-cooked meats, and an in-house bakery offering fresh breads and pastries.
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LOLA 55 (Point Loma) - The Michelin Bib Gourmand-honored taqueria's third location will open within Liberty Station. The restaurant will serve the same menu of tacos that were made famous at the other two branches, plus additional entrees and specials, as well as a full bar with agave-forward cocktails.
Lucien (La Jolla) - Opening next door to Catania in the heart of San Diego's La Jolla is Lucien, a 30-seat fine dining restaurant helmed by a former chef of NYC's acclaimed Per Se. Expect globally-influenced dishes made with seasonal ingredients and local meats and seafood. There will also be a la carte options available at the restaurant's bar and outdoor patio.
Madi (Pacific Beach) - The second location of Jeff Fink and Matt Sieve's popular Normal Heights brunch spot is opening in the former Rubio's space within the Grand Central retail plaza, home to other popular spots like The Grass Skirt. Like its original location, Madi in Pacific Beach will offer a fresh pastry selection alongside an extensive breakfast and lunch menu. The beverage menu will feature beer, wine, mimosas, low-ABV cocktails, and mocktails.
Madi Diner Concept (Hillcrest) - The Madison on Park will also open this unnamed diner inspired by Sieve's family's 100-year-old Minnesota breakfast eatery. Sited in the long-vacant restaurant unit that last housed a Panera Bread within The Hub shopping center in Hillcrest, expect a menu of fresh pastries and an array of breakfast & lunch dishes, although this new location will have more of a diner vibe.
Manna Korean BBQ (Gaslamp) - This San Diego-based Korean barbecue restaurant Manna Korean BBQ is taking over the Gaslamp Quarter space last occupied by Japanese super chain Gyu-Kaku. Expect a menu centered around signature high-quality beef, chicken, pork, and seafood for tabletop grilling, along with Japanese-style shabu-shabu hot pots. A range of small plates and a full bar with beer, wine, sake, cocktails, and spirits will also be available to complement the dining experience.
Marigold Bagels (North Park) - A favorite at San Diego farmers markets for the past two years, Marigold is gearing up to open its first brick-and-mortar location in the space on El Cajon Boulevard in North Park that was previously home to Bunny Chow South African restaurant and The Barn Brewery before that. The menu is set to include a wide variety of bagel flavors such as Everything, Jalapeño Cheddar, Asiago Cheese, Za'atar, Onion, Poppy, Sesame, and more.
Milk & Cookies (East Village) - An Orange County-based dessert shop chain with five locations will soon open in downtown San Diego. Milk & Cookies specializes in fresh-baked cookies, always served warm, paired with artisanal ice cream made in small batches with all-natural ingredients. The menu also features a variety of milk flavors, including banana, chocolate, strawberry, and orange cream. With over a dozen cookie varieties and eight ice cream flavors, the combinations for a cookie-and-scoop or an ice cream sandwich are practically endless.
Moniker General Outpost (North Park) - San Diego's Moniker Group is opening a new branch of its Moniker General coffeehouse as part of a new development being constructed in North Park. The 2,000-square-foot coffee shop, café and retail concept in the revitalized Waldorf building. Unlike Liberty Station, the new Moniker General will only serve coffee and snacks, not alcohol. There will also be a full retail component with an eclectic variety of goods.
Moniker General Outpost (North Park) - San Diego's Moniker Group is opening a new branch of its Moniker General coffeehouse as part of a new development being constructed in North Park. The 2,000-square-foot coffee shop, café and retail concept in the revitalized Waldorf building. Unlike Liberty Station, the new Moniker General will only serve coffee and snacks, not alcohol. There will also be a full retail component with an eclectic variety of goods.
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Morning Lavender (Solana Beach) - This popular Orange County-based women's boutique and café is set to bring a unique fusion of fashion and food to San Diego's North County. The restaurant concept will likely build on Morning Lavender's café-style offerings in Tustin, known for its popular afternoon tea service, which has made the boutique a favorite for celebrations like birthdays and bridal showers.
Mujer Divina Brunch House (Chula Vista) - Chef Priscilla Curiel is adding a new concept to compliment her birria taco destination Tuetano Taqueria and Mexican coffee house Mujer Divina. Her new breakfast restaurant will offer an array of south of the border brunch staples.
NOBU (Coronado) - A global restaurant chain specializing in upscale Japanese cuisine, Nobu is opening a new San Diego location at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. The renowned Japanese restaurant chain's second San Diego County branch will open at the Hotel del Coronado, featuring signature dishes in a 3,700-square-foot indoor/outdoor space.
NOBU (Coronado) - A global restaurant chain specializing in upscale Japanese cuisine, Nobu is opening a new San Diego location at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. The renowned Japanese restaurant chain's second San Diego County branch will open at the Hotel del Coronado, featuring signature dishes in a 3,700-square-foot indoor/outdoor space.
Nolita Hall Mexican Food Restaurant (Bankers Hill) - The owners of Nolita Hall in Little Italy, Creative House, long ago leased the 7,000 square-foot unit that last housed the PR-fueled Il Dandy/Civico By The Park restaurants. After a substantial remodel, the company plans to launch a new Mexican restaurant concept with a full bar on the base floor the Manchester Financial Centre building that also houses San Diego's iconic French-hued American fusion restaurant Mister A's.
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Nômade Tapas & Records (North Park) - The owner of San Diego's 28-year-old El Agave Mexican Restaurant & Tequileria is opening a new, music-driven dining concept. Named after the Portuguese and French word for "nomad", Nômade Tapas & Records will offer a menu of globally-inspired small plates. The business will be playing records throughout the day and serving small low ABV cocktails, beer and wine.
Odie's Pizza (Oceanside) - Odie’s Pizza is a New York and Sicilian-style pizzeria opening in partnership with Blacktop Restaurant Group, the company behind well-known brands like Board & Brew sandwich shop, Casero Taqueria, and Pure Taco. The incoming eatery will take over the pier-adjacent space that last housed Sublime Tap House and serve Neapolitan and New York-inspired pizza made with 48-hour, cold-fermented sourdough. The menu at Odie's will center around 16-inch New York-style pizzas, as well as square, grandma-style pies. They;ll also serve a selection of wings, salads, milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, and local craft beverages, as well as plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free varieties.
Odie's Pizza (Oceanside) - Odie’s Pizza is a New York and Sicilian-style pizzeria opening in partnership with Blacktop Restaurant Group, the company behind well-known brands like Board & Brew sandwich shop, Casero Taqueria, and Pure Taco. The incoming eatery will take over the pier-adjacent space that last housed Sublime Tap House and serve Neapolitan and New York-inspired pizza made with 48-hour, cold-fermented sourdough. The menu at Odie's will center around 16-inch New York-style pizzas, as well as square, grandma-style pies. They;ll also serve a selection of wings, salads, milkshakes, soft serve ice cream, and local craft beverages, as well as plenty of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free varieties.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ (Escondido) - This Los Angeles-based Hawaiian restaurant chain, which has more than 70 branches, will soon open its first San Diego location. Expect traditional Hawaiian plate lunch dishes like barbecue chicken, chicken katsuk teriyaki chicken, kalbi short ribs, barbecue beef, Kalua pork, grilled fish, crispy shrimp, and more. The restaurant also offers family-size and kids meals, as well as salads, musubi, and soft drinks.
Ophelia's Raw Bar (North Park) - The owner of burger & pizza restaurants The Friendly is opening a new French-inspired concept. Opelia's will feature a menu spotlighting fresh-shucked oysters, caviar, and French champagne, alongside tinned fish and a selection of rotating seasonal crudos.
Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop (La Jolla) - Chef Sebastian Becerra's permanent location for his popular pop-up concept will be an all-day café and bakeshop with Peruvian influences. The menu will feature such dishes as a lomo saltado-inspired breakfast burrito and a lechon sandwich with salsa criolla and huancaina sauce. The establishment will partner with local vendors including Triumph Coffee Club.
Pepino Eatery & Bakeshop (La Jolla) - Chef Sebastian Becerra's permanent location for his popular pop-up concept will be an all-day café and bakeshop with Peruvian influences. The menu will feature such dishes as a lomo saltado-inspired breakfast burrito and a lechon sandwich with salsa criolla and huancaina sauce. The establishment will partner with local vendors including Triumph Coffee Club.
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Pepper Lunch (Unknown) - This Japanese fast-casual restaurant chain, which has more than 500 locations in 15 countries, has announced it will open several outposts in San Diego. At Pepper Lunch, customers are served raw meat and vegetables on a scorching hot cast-iron Teppanyaki griddle, allowing patrons to cook their meal to their desired level of doneness right at the table. The company has signed an agreement to bring up to five locations to San Diego.
Pizza Kaiju & Yoshuku Diner (Barrio Logan) - After spending the past few years operating inside a local food hall, Pizza Kaiju is set to expand with the opening of its first full-service restaurant. In addition to both New York-style and Detroit square slices and whole pies, the new location will house Yoshuku Diner, which will a style of Western-influenced Japanese cuisine. Diners can expect dishes like tonkatsu, omurice, Japanese curry, and Japanese-style pasta. There will also be multiple taps for beer and other hard beverages, as well as a selection of wine and sake.
Pizza Kaiju & Yoshuku Diner (Barrio Logan) - After spending the past few years operating inside a local food hall, Pizza Kaiju is set to expand with the opening of its first full-service restaurant. In addition to both New York-style and Detroit square slices and whole pies, the new location will house Yoshuku Diner, which will a style of Western-influenced Japanese cuisine. Diners can expect dishes like tonkatsu, omurice, Japanese curry, and Japanese-style pasta. There will also be multiple taps for beer and other hard beverages, as well as a selection of wine and sake.
Portillo's (Unknown) - Iconic Chicago-based fast-casual chain known for its legendary hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, Portillo's is believed to be setting its sights on San Diego County as part of a bold national expansion plan. Portillo's executives likely identified San Diego as a strategic market that aligns with their broader vision of becoming a household name nationwide due to the region's affinity for fast-casual dining combined with its status as a major tourist destination.
Relic Bageri (East Village) - This artisanal pop-up bakery will soon open a brick-and-mortar location in the space that last housed Black Market Bakery in San Diego's East Village. Their popular offerings include double pain au chocolat, dark chocolate-caramel-espresso tarts, cardamom buns, and saffron grapefruit kouign amann, as well as savory items like the Panisse/Romesco/Manchego croissant, combining a croissant base with tomato-based Romesco sauce, chickpea fries, and Manchego cheese. The new space will feature artisan pastries, breads, and sandwiches, as well as plated lunch dishes and gradually expand into a full-service restaurant offering dinner, along with beer and wine.
Relic Bageri (East Village) - This artisanal pop-up bakery will soon open a brick-and-mortar location in the space that last housed Black Market Bakery in San Diego's East Village. Their popular offerings include double pain au chocolat, dark chocolate-caramel-espresso tarts, cardamom buns, and saffron grapefruit kouign amann, as well as savory items like the Panisse/Romesco/Manchego croissant, combining a croissant base with tomato-based Romesco sauce, chickpea fries, and Manchego cheese. The new space will feature artisan pastries, breads, and sandwiches, as well as plated lunch dishes and gradually expand into a full-service restaurant offering dinner, along with beer and wine.
Roppongi Restaurant & Sushi Bar (La Jolla) - A decade since its abrupt closure in Southern La Jolla, Roppongi will revive in its original space. A smaller location of Roppongi was also promised for the space next to the Toasted Gastrobrunch outpost within the Pier South $28 million boutique hotel in Imperial Beach.
Rosacre (La Jolla) - Known for his design work on many San Diego hotspots, including Polite Provisions and Raised By Wolves, Paul Basile is opening a swanky new bar & restaurant in the heart of La Jolla. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant bar will include an upstairs Garden Bar featuring a sky light with views of the main dining room, as well as frequent live music performances and a 12 seat sushi bar.
Rosacre (La Jolla) - Known for his design work on many San Diego hotspots, including Polite Provisions and Raised By Wolves, Paul Basile is opening a swanky new bar & restaurant in the heart of La Jolla. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant bar will include an upstairs Garden Bar featuring a sky light with views of the main dining room, as well as frequent live music performances and a 12 seat sushi bar.
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Roscoe's House of Chicken'N Waffles (Barrio Logan) - Nearly a decade in the making, the L.A. soul food chain's first San Diego location may finally open this year. If (and when) it ever unveils, the outpost will feature a 6,000-square-foot restaurant with a rooftop dining deck and its own parking. The menu will be similar to other locations, with soul food classics like fried chicken, waffles, grits, and gravy.
Round 1 Bowling & Arcade (Escondido) - Japan-based entertainment venue chain Round 1 Bowling & Arcade is moving forward with a massive three-level location at a former Nordstrom in San Diego's North County. Following the successful launch of its first area location in 2024, the company will open a comprehensive entertainment hub featuring bowling, karaoke, Japanese arcade games, trampolines, billiards, darts, batting cages, roller skating, ping pong, and more.
Rustic Root (Solana Beach) - San Diego's RMD Group of bars & restaurant is venturing northward with an incoming location of its Rustic Root American eatery set to open in North County's beachside community of Solana Beach. Originally founded in downtown San Diego in spring 2015, Rustic Root offers a menu of "New American" comfort food cuisine with a California cuisine, complimented by a full bar with craft cocktails, local beer and a curated wine list. Unlike the original branch, the Solana Beach location will not have a rooftop area.
Schmackary's Cookies (Unknown) - New York City’s award-winning dessert shop has completed a franchise agreement to bring multiple locations of the brand to San Diego. Most recently, the company made a grand appearance on Hulu’s Only Murders in The Building as a core part of the plot, making them a household name nationwide.
Shorebird (Downtown) - As part of the Port of San Diego's continued revitalization of Seaport Village, a location of Shorebird restaurant, which has branches in Newport Beach and Sedona, will bring its coastal flavors and relaxed vibes to San Diego.
Sixth & G (East Village) - Through company struggles, Rise & Shine Group is repurposing one of its several failed Fig Tree Cafe locations to become a new, 80-seat breakfast concept.
Sixth & G (East Village) - Through company struggles, Rise & Shine Group is repurposing one of its several failed Fig Tree Cafe locations to become a new, 80-seat breakfast concept.
Slice House (Little Italy) - One of San Francisco's top pizza makers, Tony Gemignani is opening up to four locations of his Slice House pizzeria concept around San Diego. The first branch will install on the base floor of the new 2100 Kettner mixed-use building in Little Italy. Like other locations, expect the restaurants to serve a menu of New York, Sicilian, Grandma, Detroit, and California style pizzas by the slice and whole pie, along with house made pasta, seasonal salads, meatball subs, desserts and more.
Snake Oil Cocktail Company Bar & Restaurant (Downtown) - San Diego-born beverage catering and mixology experts are opening a full-service bar & restaurant at San Diego's incoming Manchester Pacific Gateway high rise currently under construction on downtown's bay front.
Social Syndicate Ferry Landing Restaurant (Coronado) - San Diego-based hospitality group Social Syndicate, known for establishments such as Wonderland Ocean Pub in Ocean Beach, has received approval to open a large-scale restaurant, bar, and event venue at the Coronado Ferry Landing. The new venue, which will be similar to Monarch Ocean Pub in Del Mar, will be a single-story, 7,500-square-foot restaurant with seating for 300 people, featuring both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The outdoor area will offer approximately 7,500 square feet of seating with stunning views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline. The interior will include a central bar and event area, perfect for corporate gatherings, weddings, and other functions.
Society North (Escondido) - Pacific Beach's decades-old Society bar, restaurant and pool hall is opening a new location in San Diego's North County city of Escondido. The incoming business will start out as a full restaurant with shareable plates, burgers, pizzas and more, as well as a bar serving beer, wine and other hard beverages and eventually take over the neighboring space that was the former home of Windsor Corporation and use that as the gaming area with a couple pool tables, arcade games and ping pong.
Sostot (La Jolla) - Solstot is an incoming restaurant from Kyounga Kim that will open later this year in the space that last housed Crispy Chicken N' Tomato and Padadak Korean Chicken within the plaza off Villa La Jolla Drive. At Sostot, diners can expect an immersive culinary experience that highlights the rich flavors and textures of Korean cuisine. Named after the traditional stone pot used to cook its signature dishes, Solstot will specialize in "dolsot-bap," a beloved Korean dish where rice is cooked and served in a hot stone pot and topped with a variety of ingredients ranging from marinated meats to fresh vegetables, eggs, and savory sauces.
Sonny's (University Heights) - San Diego is set to welcome a nostalgic slice of New York City with the upcoming opening of this pizza concept from the team behind Madison on Park and Madi. Paying homage to the iconic NY-style pizzerias of the 1980s, expect a 3,500 square-feet restaurant with an additional 500-square-foot outdoor patio, and a menu of Neapolitan-meets-NYC wood-fired pizzas, Italian appetizers and entrees, salads, rotating soft-serve desserts, and grilled items prepared on an outdoor grill. The bar program, led by Danny Kuehner, will showcase an eclectic mix of amaro-focused cocktails, wines and locally-produced hard beverages.
Sonny's (University Heights) - San Diego is set to welcome a nostalgic slice of New York City with the upcoming opening of this pizza concept from the team behind Madison on Park and Madi. Paying homage to the iconic NY-style pizzerias of the 1980s, expect a 3,500 square-feet restaurant with an additional 500-square-foot outdoor patio, and a menu of Neapolitan-meets-NYC wood-fired pizzas, Italian appetizers and entrees, salads, rotating soft-serve desserts, and grilled items prepared on an outdoor grill. The bar program, led by Danny Kuehner, will showcase an eclectic mix of amaro-focused cocktails, wines and locally-produced hard beverages.
Spill the Beans Coffee & Bagel (Ocean Beach) - Verant Group's fourth location of its morning-focused eatery will open in a former bank building on OB, serving coffee drinks, fresh-baked bagels, and breakfast items with outdoor seating for 50.
Starlite (Middletown) - Earlier this year, San Diego's Consortium Holdings hospitality group (The Lafayette, Polite Provisions) closed Starlite in Middletown after purchasing the beloved bar & restaurant in late 2022, and the company has been in the process of totally overhauling the concept. The restaurant is anticipated to become an old-school steakhouse-style bar & restaurant with a menu centered around dry-aged meat and a continued focus on craft cocktails. Opening mid-2025. 3175 India St., Middletown.
Stella Jean's Ice Cream + Pop Pie Co. (South Park) - The 1,600 square-foot space that last housed South Park Brewing has been leased to become a new area outpost of Pop Pie Co. Like other branches, expect an array of savory and sweet pies, side dishes, coffee drinks, and a lineup of Stella Jean ice cream.
Stella Jean's Ice Cream + Pop Pie Co. (South Park) - The 1,600 square-foot space that last housed South Park Brewing has been leased to become a new area outpost of Pop Pie Co. Like other branches, expect an array of savory and sweet pies, side dishes, coffee drinks, and a lineup of Stella Jean ice cream.
Swan & Fox (Oceanside) - Chefs Nicholas Webber and Jacob Jordan, who formerly cooked in the kitchen at San Diego's three-Michelin-star Addison, are opening a regional Chinese food restaurant with French-influence in San Diego's North County. Expect dishes like clam rangoons, Japanese milk bread with ginseng pink peppercorn butter, smoked lamb rack cured in fermented black bean, Aka yi mein noodles with duck ragu. The restaurant will also eventually introduce a sister take-out concept dubbed Pagoda, that will serve value-oriented Chinese-American dishes like fried rice, orange chicken, and beef with broccoli.
Tacos El Franc (Chula Vista) - One of Tijuana's most popular taco shops, Tacos El Franc is finally opening a San Diego location. Like the original location, expect the delicious scent of a gigantic, skewered trompo of adobada marinated pork to draw in crowds of hungry patrons when this spot swings open. The menu will include an array of grilled tacos on handmade corn tortillas, tortas, quesadillas and mulitas, with the addition of new items like pozole & menudo soups for those weekend hangovers and burritos to give the spot that San Diego style. Tacos El Franc San Diego will also serve a lineup of beer, micheladas, sangria and Mexican sodas. Opening early 2025. 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd., Ste. 1108, Chula Vista.
Tigerlily & Nine Sons (Gaslamp Quarter) - Local celebrity chef Lauren Lawless has Michelin star aspirations with the upcoming debut of a brand-new Asian tapas bar with an onsite dragon-inspired speakeasy in the space that last housed Madam Bonnie's in downtown San Diego. The food menu will include inventive dishes such as lobster corn dogs with kimchi and caviar, lamb lollipops served on a sizzling rock with crying tiger sauce, crab and pancetta fried rice, and Wagyu tartare on crispy rice, torched tableside.
TNT Pizza (Chula Vista) - Founded as a pizza pop-up at the start of the pandemic, TNT Pizza has taken over the 2,500 square-foot unit previously occupied by Attitude Brewing Company on Third Avenue in the heart of Chula Vista. The new location will take stylistic cues from the nostalgic mom n' pop slice shops of 1970s NYC. Expect a menu regional pizzas and rotating specials, as well as salads, stromboli, deep fried calzones, some desserts, an ample array of vegan and gluten free options, and beer & wine.
Tigerlily & Nine Sons (Gaslamp Quarter) - Local celebrity chef Lauren Lawless has Michelin star aspirations with the upcoming debut of a brand-new Asian tapas bar with an onsite dragon-inspired speakeasy in the space that last housed Madam Bonnie's in downtown San Diego. The food menu will include inventive dishes such as lobster corn dogs with kimchi and caviar, lamb lollipops served on a sizzling rock with crying tiger sauce, crab and pancetta fried rice, and Wagyu tartare on crispy rice, torched tableside.
TNT Pizza (Chula Vista) - Founded as a pizza pop-up at the start of the pandemic, TNT Pizza has taken over the 2,500 square-foot unit previously occupied by Attitude Brewing Company on Third Avenue in the heart of Chula Vista. The new location will take stylistic cues from the nostalgic mom n' pop slice shops of 1970s NYC. Expect a menu regional pizzas and rotating specials, as well as salads, stromboli, deep fried calzones, some desserts, an ample array of vegan and gluten free options, and beer & wine.
Top Golf (Harbor Island & Sorrento Valley) - The driving range and entertainment venue chain is planning two locations for San Diego County, but who knows if they'll open within the year. Topgolf is a redesigned driving range that uses microchip technology inside golf balls to make driving balls its own unique game. The company is now owned in part by Carlsbad's Callaway Golf Company and currently operates nearly 60 locations, most of which also house an event space, restaurants, bars, and multiple entertainment rooms.
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream (La Jolla) - Known for its wild flavors like Kraft Macaroni & Cheese and Hidden Valley Ranch, Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will soon open its first San Diego scoop shop at Westfield UTC mall.
Vále Bodega (Solana Beach) - The team behind the popular Valentina Mediterranean bistro in Encinitas is set to expand its culinary offerings with the launch of a new sister restaurant. Vále Bodega is a new venture spearheaded by Mario and Morgan Guerra, founders of The Leucadia Co., a restaurant group that also operates other well-known local spots like Hamburger Hut, Corner Pizza, and Jaguar Paw. The new restaurant, sited next door to Rare Society steakhouse, will be an intimate space, with seating for just over 20 guests and no outdoor dining area.
Vulture & Dreamboat (University Heights) - After several years developing the concepts, the owner of vegan restaurant and cocktail destinations Bar Kindred and Mothership is in its final stages of two incoming plant-based restaurants, which will open in the center of University Heights. Vulture will offer mid-century American continental fine dining, while Dreamboat as a 10-seat micro-diner, both entirely plant-based.
Vulture & Dreamboat (University Heights) - After several years developing the concepts, the owner of vegan restaurant and cocktail destinations Bar Kindred and Mothership is in its final stages of two incoming plant-based restaurants, which will open in the center of University Heights. Vulture will offer mid-century American continental fine dining, while Dreamboat as a 10-seat micro-diner, both entirely plant-based.
Wildflour Delicatessen (Point Loma) - San Diego native chef Phillip Esteban is gearing up to bring his modern take on an California delicatessen to Liberty Station. This multi-concept venue will offer sandwiches, cured meats, fresh-baked bread, and a full bar with natural wines.
The Wine Girl (Gaslamp) - The popular wine bar with locations in Scottsdale, AZ, and Napa Valley will be opening a new location in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego outpost will feature rotating wines on tap, a reserve bottle/by the glass list, locally crafted beers, spritzers, and other libations, along with a frequently-changing food menu.
Wings Army (Ocean Beach) - An award-winning chicken wing restaurant based out of Mexico, Wing's Army will soon open its first California location in the 3,736 square foot space that previously housed Ocean Beach's controversial Starbucks. Like other branches, the menu will include chicken wings with various sauces, as well as fries, nachos, quesadillas, burgers, chicken sandwiches, ribs, and desserts. The San Diego location will also have a beer and wine license.
Do you have any hot tips on future restaurant openings or any other San Diego County news? Shoot us an email to [email protected].
Originally published on January 1, 2025.
Originally published on January 1, 2025.
