The San Diego Union-Tribune has been featuring local leaders and interesting people in various communities once a week and asking them about their favorite places to visit around where they work or live.
The weekly series, Handpicked By Locals, is a platform where readers can discover new places to explore. Here are the 17 dining options — and the reasons they were chosen — that were featured in this series from the people highlighted during the first four months of 2026.
The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro, Ocean Beach
They have a wide wine selection as well as a very large food menu. It’s like a little wine shop with a restaurant inside. We are affectionate to 3rd Corner because it’s right around the corner from our sister restaurant, Elvira, so it’s like a go-to place after we are done with our jobs for a glass of wine and a charcuterie board. I also go there very often with my friends. I just like the vibe.
Cesarina Mezzoni, co-owner of Cesarina and Elvira
Clayton’s Bistro and Bakery, Coronado
Clayton’s Bistro and Bakery is home away from home. I not only dine there with my husband, my friends and solo self, but also hold Arts Commission meetings there! I’ve even done Zoom meetings in the back outdoor section, using the salt and pepper shakers to prop up my phone. They have three separate eating areas and outside tables with umbrellas in the front, so you can people-watch all the happenings on Orange Avenue, which is Coronado’s main street. The specialty coffees are always fun and creative, and they add lots of seasonal new menu offerings, so the food choices never get boring.
Dawn Richards, chair of the Coronado Cultural Arts Commission
Barbusa, Little Italy
Favorite dining spot is in Little Italy, downtown San Diego, a place called Barbusa. Super nice, amazing Italian food, and it’s a family-owned restaurant. Shout out to the Busalacchi family.
Dominik Mysterio, professional wrestler
Cowboy Star, East Village
From the cushy, whimsically decorated bar stool to the long-time staff and the phenomenal happy hour menu featuring some of their best wines at a price you won’t believe. The vibe is friendly, the cuisine is top-notch and even the french fries rock!
Robyn Spencer, owner of The Mob Squad
Curbside Eatery & Drinkery, La Mesa
It’s a cute restaurant where you can sit outside on the curb in the La Mesa Village and an everybody knows your name-type of place. It’s a women-owned small business that celebrates all the holidays with special events like Mardi Gras and Saint Patrick’s Day. The burgers and parmesan fries are good there, and mine and Andrea’s favorite thing to get is the poke nachos.
Deanne Ross, co-owner of ACT II Boutique
Forchettina, Encinitas
I just discovered Forchettina, run by a lovely couple originally from Sicily. Their pizzas and other Italian food are homemade and absolutely delicious. And mostly what I enjoyed was the owners. They came out and talked to the guests in the dining area, and they made everyone feel at home. The people who work there are just really, really welcoming.
Tomoko Kuta, chief operations and advancement officer at the San Diego Botanic Garden
Kin Len, North Park
My go-to North Park spot that consistently delivers is Kin Len on 30th. Their menu is different from other Thai restaurants, the environment is super casual and fun, and I love their beer selection. My must-orders are the tom yum wings, they’re magical, the papaya salad, the hat yai chicken and curry, my favorite, and the basil beef and mango sticky rice if there’s still room. While I love the burgers at The Wise Ox and the falafel at Falafel Heights and so many dishes at Mabel’s Gone Fishing, Kin Len has a special place in my heart.
Paola Capó-García, poet, educator and San Diego’s current poet laureate
Mujeres Brew House, Barrio Logan
Mujeres Brew House is always a favorite in Barrio Logan. After seeing great art at Bread and Salt, nothing better than to enjoy the great beer and food vendors at Mujeres Brew House.
Ethan van Thillo, founder and executive director of Media Arts Center San Diego
Pastries are displayed at the front counter at O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe in Poway on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Baker Ernesto Soto sprinkles flour over loaves of sourdough bread dough before putting the rack into an oven for baking at O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe in Poway on Monday, September 29, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Loaves of freshly baked sourdough bread at O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe in Poway on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Bread pudding and strudel pastries at O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe in Poway on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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Pastries are displayed at the front counter at O’Brien’s Boulangerie Bakery and Cafe in Poway on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
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O’Brien’s Bakery, Poway
They have the most delicious pastries, and since I love baked goods, it’s always exciting to pick out something new to try each time I visit. They also serve a wonderful breakfast along with great coffee. The lavender latte is a must-try. The bakery itself is incredibly cute, with a cozy vibe and comfortable seating both inside and outdoors, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy your meal. And the moment you walk in, you’re greeted by the irresistible smell of fresh bread baking. It’s truly one of my favorite spots.
Christy McBride, manager of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts
Prey Brewing, Vista
I love going to Prey in downtown Vista. The cocktails are super well done, the food is excellent, and the happy hour doesn’t disappoint. Downtown Vista has changed a ton growing up here, and Prey is another great addition to the community.
Mike Stevenson, co-founder and head brewer at Culver Beer Company
Sultan Baklava, El Cajon
This is a locally owned business that brings authentic Turkish desserts to the heart of El Cajon. It’s a quick walk from my work, providing a little escape during the workday. They serve delicious baklava, cakes and savory pastries, plus handcrafted coffees and teas. Sometimes we get their desserts for our artists who are performing at the venue, and they’re always a big hit.
Paris Landen, general manager of The Magnolia
Sushi House, Chula Vista
Sushi House is a small, family-run sushi restaurant with delicious food and great prices. I always get the island roll. It has fresh salmon, avocado on top and fried shrimp inside as well.
Cynthia Licona, education manager at the Living Coast Discovery Center
Tacos Mike, Tijuana
I honestly have too many, but lately I’m always stopping by Tacos Mike, an unassuming puesto right outside of an auto repair shop that serves the best tacos de milanesa y chile relleno.
Itzel Islas, freelance graphic designer and illustrator
Teri Cafe, Oceanside
I have eaten at Teri Cafe in Oceanside since high school. It has a Japanese and Hawaiian fusion menu. The food there is all good and fresh.
Nia Jax, professional wrestler
The Bistro at the Strand, UC San Diego campus
So like the Bistro, for example, I say, this is where you can get world-class sushi at street prices. You will not find better sushi. And we have chefs who are like really top-notch.
Pradeep K. Khosla, UC San Diego chancellor
The Living Room Coffeehouse, College Area
The Living Room Coffeehouse is a popular hub for students because of the warm, cozy ambience and the delicious drinks. My favorite drink is a strawberry matcha, but they have amazing options to choose from. Whether you need to catch up with a friend or get some work done, this is a great spot to support.
The Original Pancake House, Ranch Bernardo
This spot has become a favorite for the Hansson family for breakfast on the weekends. The service is always fantastic, and the food is consistently delicious. I highly recommend the strawberries with the house-made whipped cream.