The Craving: What’s New in San Diego’s Food & Cocktail Scene

Puffer Malarkey’s Bluefin Tuna Tasting Returns for Peak Season

Peak bluefin tuna season means one thing in San Diego: Puffer Malarkey Collective’s annual tasting menu is back. Chef Aidan Owens and Tara Monsod know exactly when to capitalize on the best local catch, and their three-course bluefin experience at Le Coq, Herb & Sea, and Herb & Wood proves it.

The $65 menu showcases weekly deliveries from San Diego fishermen, with standout dishes like Aidan’s Tuna Agnolotti with au poivre and Tara’s Tuna Wellington. What we love about this approach is the commitment to truly local sourcing—we’re talking fish that was swimming in our waters just days before it hits your plate.

The best part might be the occasional tuna delivery that comes straight through the dining room. It’s the kind of theatrical moment that reminds you exactly how fresh this fish is, and honestly, it adds to the whole experience of celebrating what makes San Diego’s seafood scene special.

📆 Every Thursday starting June 26, through tuna season
📍 7837 Herschel Ave, La Jolla | 131 W D St, Encinitas | 2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego

Lionfish and Casamigos Team Up for Four-Course Tequila Experience

When Lionfish’s Executive Chef JoJo Ruiz decides to craft a tequila pairing dinner, we pay attention. The downtown spot is hosting an exclusive Casamigos collaboration that sounds like exactly the kind of elevated night out we’ve been craving.

The evening kicks off with a Casamigos Cristalino toast and tequila-cured kampachi amuse-bouche, then moves through four thoughtfully paired courses.

We’re talking bluefin tuna tartare tostada with a Casamigos Blanco cocktail featuring mango foam, octopus al pastor paired with a smoky mezcal creation, and charcoal-grilled wagyu striploin alongside an Añejo cocktail with coffee liqueur and mole bitters.

The finale? Tequila-lime tres leches with Casamigos-laced milk soak and mezcal whipped cream.

At $100 per person including tax and gratuity, it’s positioned as a special occasion dinner rather than a casual night out. But given Lionfish’s reputation for coastal cuisine and the level of detail in each pairing, it feels like the kind of experience that justifies the splurge.

📆 Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM
📍 435 Fifth Avenue San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets on Eventbrite
ℹ️ More info here

CUCINA Urbana Turns Sweet 16 With $16 Throwback Menu

Sixteen years ago, Tracy Borkum made a gutsy move that would reshape San Diego dining. She literally sold her fine dining furniture on the sidewalk and launched CUCINA urbana right in the thick of the Great Recession.

Her gamble? Ditch the white tablecloth formalities, lead with killer design, and build something around farm-to-table warmth with everything under $20.

That bold pivot didn’t just survive—it thrived. CUCINA urbana helped define what San Diego dining became post-recession, grew into a 10-restaurant empire across SoCal, and snagged one of California’s first Michelin Bib Gourmand awards (which they still hold today).

Now they’re celebrating their “Sweet 16” the CUCINA way—by giving back to the community that supported them. Throughout June, they’re rolling out a $16 throwback menu packed with cult classics, brand-new dishes, and sommelier-selected wines.

Yes, you read that right—$16 bottles of CUCINA-quality wine to take home. The special menu runs Sunday through Wednesday at all San Diego and Orange County locations.

📆 Throughout June, Sunday–Wednesday
📍 Available at Bankers Hill, Del Mar, Newport Beach, and Irvine

Coin Haus Brings Back Monday Night Arcade Vibes

Sometimes the best Monday night cure is exactly what you’d expect: cheap games and good beer. Coin Haus in La Mesa Village gets this completely, which is why they’ve launched Summer Mondays with unlimited arcade play for just five bucks.

We’re talking classic arcade heaven with Game of Thrones Pinball, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Pac-Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Duck Hunt. Plus, with 50 beers and ciders on tap through their self-pour system, you can sample whatever catches your eye while you’re dominating the high scores.

The genius move? They’ve partnered with Surf Rider Pizza Co. across the street, so you can order food and have it delivered right to your table inside Coin Haus. It’s the kind of seamless setup that makes a Monday night feel way less like a Monday night.

📆 Every Monday through September 1, 6 PM–10 PM
📍 8361 Allison Ave, La Mesa
ℹ️ More info here

The Marine Room’s High Tide Dinner Series Returns With New Chef

The Marine Room’s High Tide Dinner Series is back for summer 2025, and this time it’s led by newly appointed Executive Chef Ananda Bareño.

For those who haven’t experienced this La Jolla tradition, it’s one of those rare dining experiences where nature provides the entertainment as waves crash against the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Chef Bareño has structured two distinct experiences around the tides. Rising Tide Dining offers à la carte options or a three-course menu for $125, letting you watch the tide roll in.

High Tide Dining includes a four-course dinner, live music, and sunset toast for $165, or you can upgrade to the Chef’s Table Experience for $250 with sommelier pairings and additional courses.

The timing is everything here—they’ve scheduled the series around the full moon and La Jolla’s highest tides. It’s the kind of experience that reminds you why some restaurants become destinations beyond just the food, though with Chef Bareño’s coastal approach, the culinary side should hold its own against the dramatic setting.

📆 June 23–25, July 22–24, August 20–22
📍 1950 Spindrift Dr, La Jolla
🎟️ Reservations can be made here
ℹ️ More info here

The Gondola Company Partners With Pure Bliss for Elevated Group Cruises

The Gondola Company has always nailed the romantic cruise game, but their small group offerings deserve more attention. This summer, they’re making it even easier to gather up to six friends for something that feels special without requiring a major event to justify it.

The real game-changer is their new partnership with Pure Bliss Picnics, which adds a curated dining element to the experience.

For $59, you can upgrade any cruise with options like The Mediterranean Picnic (hummus, pita, Persian cucumbers, and seasonal fruit) or The Elegant Charcuterie Board with fine cheeses and cured meats. There’s also The Fruit & Dessert Picnic for those who want to lean into the sweet side.

What we appreciate is that this fills a specific gap in San Diego’s group activity scene. It’s more elevated than a basic harbor cruise but less formal than a full dinner cruise. Plus, when you’re floating around the bay with a proper charcuterie spread, it’s hard not to feel like you’re doing summer right.

📆 Available this summer
🎟️ Picnic add-on for $59 | Specialty Picnic Gondola Ride from $550 | Book here
ℹ️ More info here

Top of the Hyatt Goes Full Dive Bar (40 Floors Up)

We never thought we’d see the day when one of downtown’s most upscale rooftop spots would embrace dive bar vibes, but here we are—and honestly, we’re kind of obsessed with the concept.

Top of the Hyatt has transformed into “Dive Bar in the Sky” through August, and it’s exactly the kind of unexpected twist our summer nights needed.

Picture this: all the neon lights, vintage arcade games, and dive bar charm we love, but with those incredible panoramic views of San Diego and Coronado Island that only a 40th-floor perch can deliver. They’ve even thrown in a free photo booth because apparently they know us too well.

The cocktail menu gets the reimagined treatment—think elevated takes on dive bar classics that actually taste as good as the view looks. Add in summer theme nights with trivia, karaoke, and live music, and we’ve got ourselves a high-altitude hangout that’s way more fun than it has any right to be.

It’s the perfect excuse to hit downtown when we want dive bar energy but also want to feel fancy about it.

📆 Now through August 1
📍1 Market Place, San Diego

Café Madeleine Opens Third Location With Latin Twist in Barrio Logan

Café Madeleine is celebrating their 15th anniversary by expanding into Barrio Logan with a new concept called simply “Madeleine,” and the twist makes perfect sense for the neighborhood.

Founder Christine Perez and her son Dante Angotti are building on what works—breakfast, crepes, paninis—while adding Latin influences that reflect Perez’s Los Angeles upbringing.

The menu gets interesting with dishes like serrano ham benedict, crepa con rajas, and tortillas española alongside their classic French-inspired offerings.

They’re also introducing sangria spritzers, which feels like exactly what Barrio Logan needed. The combination of their established pastry game and Illy coffee with these new Latin touches should create something that feels both familiar and fresh.

After building a strong following in South Park and North Park over the past 15 years, this Barrio Logan expansion shows they understand how to adapt their concept to different neighborhoods while keeping what makes them special.

📍 1776 National Ave, Barrio Logan
ℹ️ More info here

Spill the Beans Finally Opens Drive-Thru in Ocean Beach

After years of anticipation, Spill the Beans has officially opened their fifth location in Ocean Beach, and this one comes with something new: their first-ever drive-thru. Located at the corner of Newport Avenue and Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, it’s positioned perfectly for those pre-beach coffee runs we’re always trying to optimize.

The 900-square-foot space features a walk-up window with outdoor seating for about 50, plus that drive-thru option that honestly feels overdue for a brand this popular.

Their signature bagels, made with just five ingredients and boiled in agave syrup, remain the star attraction. We’re talking creative flavors like Sundried Tomato & Cheese and Bacon & White Cheddar, plus artisan butters and handmade cream cheeses like White Truffle & Parmesan and Bananas Foster.

Beyond bagels, they’re serving up “bagel sandos” like the San Dieggo with two over-medium eggs and peppered bacon, plus lunch options like the B.B.L.(t).

The drink menu covers everything from cold brew to matcha, with oat, almond, coconut, and macadamia milk alternatives.

📆 Now Open | Hours through June 30: 7 AM–2 PM | 6 AM–8 PM starting July 1
📍 4805 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach
ℹ️ More info here

Breakfast Republic Celebrates 10 Years With Birthday Pancakes

It’s wild to think that Breakfast Republic started as one quirky North Park café and has now grown into a Southern California breakfast empire with locations from San Diego to LA.

To mark their 10th anniversary, they’re bringing things back to where it all began with a special Birthday Pancakes dish available only at the original North Park spot.

The anniversary treat is exactly what you’d expect from a place that’s never taken itself too seriously: vanilla buttermilk pancakes loaded with Funfetti and buttercream, served with an actual candle for $10.

What’s impressive is how they’ve maintained their playful identity while scaling up. The egg-centric décor, creative brunch classics like Breakfast Bacon Mac N’ Cheese and Crab & Crawfish Cake Benedict, and those Pancake Flights still feel authentically Breakfast Republic.

Ten years later, they’re still the same spot that figured out how to make breakfast fun without being gimmicky.

📆 June 26–July 31
📍 2730 University Avenue, North Park (original location only)
ℹ️ More info here

Estancia La Jolla’s New Chef Brings Global Flair to Both Restaurants

Estancia La Jolla just brought in Executive Chef Katie Weber, and she’s already making her mark across both of the resort’s dining spots. Her approach blends global influences with local ingredients in a way that feels fresh without trying too hard to reinvent everything.

Mustangs & Burros

At Mustangs & Burros, she’s leaning into that refined Baja fusion with dishes like Peruvian Ceviche and Hoja Santa Roasted Mexican Seabass alongside a massive 32oz Creekstone Tomahawk for those ready to commit.

The Local Seafood Molcajete and Braised Barbacoa Lamb Shank show she’s not afraid to go bold with flavors and presentation.

The Palma Bar & Grill

Over at The Palma Bar & Grill, the vibe shifts to coastal California comfort with globally inspired touches. The signature Estancia Wagyu Burger and Smoked Tofu BLT hit those familiar notes, while the Market Fish Ceviche and tropical fruit with house-harvested Estancia honey add some unexpected elements.

The cocktail program includes a House-Made Kumquat Aperol Spritz and La Palma Pineapple, which sound perfect for poolside sipping.

📍 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla
ℹ️ More info here

Summer Vibes at Mission Bay Just Got Better

As the weather heats up, we’re looking for ways to soak up the season without venturing too far from home. The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay & Marina has us covered with events and entertainment that work for all ages.

The Rhythms of the Pacific Luau kicks off with an island-inspired celebration every Wednesday and Saturday through August. Sip signature Mai Tais before diving into a Hawaiian buffet featuring Kalua Pork, Ahi Poke, and Pineapple Upside Down Cake. The night comes alive with traditional hula, live music, and fire dancers.

June also brings a new Bayside Biergarten every weekend through August. Think German beer garden vibes with traditional brews, hearty bites, pop-up vendors, oversized games, and a sandbox for kids.

📆 Luau: Kicks off June 4, Wednesdays & Saturdays | Biergarten: Saturdays & Sundays
📍1441 Quivira Road, San Diego
🎟️ Tickets for the Luau start at $85 | Get yours here

Thursday Night Supper & Jazz at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room

Start the weekend off a little early on select Thursday nights as Lou Lou’s Jungle Room transforms into a Supper Club, bringing back the nostalgic pastime of dinner and a show.

Since opening over a year ago, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at The Lafayette Hotel & Club has welcomed tremendous talent, including entertainers like John Waters, Jon Foreman, Ty Segall, Paco Versailles, and more.

Chef José Cepeda, known for his creations at the Oaxacan-inspired Quixote, has taken over the Supper Club menu to ensure your dinner matches the talent on stage.

The menu changes often, and includes Cepeda’s take on classics with a modern twist by drawing inspiration from different cuisines and techniques. Supper Club offers a four-course prix fixe menu, and you can choose a meat, fish, or vegetarian experience. And don’t forget to save room for the legendary cocktails!

Upcoming Supper Club dates feature the incredible local talent Gilbert Castellanos:

• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on July 10 at 7 PM
• Gilbert Castellanos & The New Latin Jazz Sextet on July 25 at 7 PM

Take a trip for the night to a 1920s Jazz Club with its original cast clamshell stage, intricate pattern tapestries, and mood lighting. Supper Club Thursdays are a one-of-a-kind experience in San Diego! 

Rooftop Vibes & Golden Hour Grooves at Borrego

Borrego Rooftop Kitchen + Cocktails is turning up the volume on your summer Fridays with the launch of Sunset Sessions—a weekly rooftop music series.

The series features two DJ sets, plus a complimentary sunset toast for the 21+ crowd. Expect signature sips like the Brushfire (mezcal, palo santo agave, grapefruit) and rooftop bites like ceviche and loaded asada fries, all with skyline and sunset views from the 9th floor of Hotel Indigo.

📆 Fridays starting May 24, 5 PM–9 PM
📍 509 9th Ave, San Diego

Sinatra Under the Stars

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is bringing back the golden age of supper clubs with an evening that feels like stepping into a classic film. We’re talking about dining under the stars while jazz vocalist Jonathan Karrant channels the smooth sounds of Sinatra and other crooner legends.

The setting alone is worth the trip—imagine twinkling lights overhead, the soft clink of martini glasses, and melodies that transport you straight to a 1950s nightclub.

The three-course menu is designed to complement the sophisticated vibe, and honestly, it’s the kind of night that makes you remember why San Diego’s dining scene is so special.

Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or just want to feel fancy on a Thursday night, this supper club delivers that old-school romance we all secretly crave.

📆 Thursday, June 26, 6:30 PM–10 PM
📍 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego
🎟️ $165 per person (excluding tax, gratuity, and alcohol) | Get your tickets here

Saint Coco Coffee Bar Crosses the Border to North Park

North Park is getting its first taste of Saint Coco Coffee Bar and we’re here for this cross-border expansion. The Tijuana-based brand has built a solid reputation with seven locations south of the border, and now they’re bringing that energy to University Avenue.

What caught our attention is their approach to design—they’re blending minimalist aesthetics with Mexican influences in a way that should feel right at home in North Park’s eclectic neighborhood scene.

It’s not trying to be another generic coffee shop, and the fact that they’ve already proven themselves in Tijuana gives us confidence they understand how to create a space people actually want to hang out in.

The timing feels perfect too. North Park has always been good at embracing businesses that bring something different to the table, and a successful Tijuana coffee concept expanding north is exactly the kind of authentic cross-cultural addition the neighborhood does well.

📆 Opening July 2025
📍 3918 Arizona Street, North Park
ℹ️ More info here

Grand Social is Back at The Grand Del Mar

Grand Social is back and better than ever. It’s your invitation to soak up the San Diego sunshine, indulge in decadent bites and cocktails, and enjoy the communal vibe of the Grand Del Mar’s top summer event.

This season, they’re introducing an exciting lineup of themed evenings—from the fiery flair of Havana Night to the nostalgic beats of 90s Mix Tape Night, the smooth sounds of Jazz Night, and the beachy bliss of Surf & Tiki Night.

Whether you’re dancing under the stars or just vibing with friends, it’s the kind of night that feels like a mini getaway—no passport needed.

📆 Weekends
📍 5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego
🎟️ Book here

White Sea Bass Dinner + Ocean Film Night at Vistal

Vistal at the InterContinental San Diego is hosting a special four-course White Sea Bass Dinner—perfectly timed with peak sea bass season in SoCal. The evening includes a 10-minute exclusive cut of Ghosts of the Pacific, an award-winning documentary by ocean filmmaker Mike Raabe, plus a live demo and Q&A.

While you sip and learn, enjoy tray-passed apps followed by a standout menu from Chef Fabian Aceves: White Sea Bass Crudo, Bincho-Grilled Sea Bass with squid risotto and uni, and Sourdough-Crusted Sea Bass with Ridgeback shrimp and rock crab. Dessert is a Tamai Farms Strawberry Pavlova.

At $95 per person, it’s a thoughtfully curated dinner-meets-documentary experience that celebrates sustainable seafood—something Vistal takes seriously.

📆 Friday, June 27, 6:15 PM
📍 901 Bayfront Ct Suite 1, San Diego
🎟️ Get your tickets here

Patrick’s Gaslamp Launches $10 Craft Cocktail Menu

Patrick’s Gaslamp just made happy hour a whole lot happier with their new craft cocktail menu where every single drink is $10. For a Gaslamp spot, that’s the kind of pricing that actually lets you stay for more than one round without checking your bank account.

The lineup hits all the right notes, from the Dublin Old Fashioned made with Tullamore D.E.W. Irish whiskey to the Espresso Yourself Martini with Cutwater vodka and Borghetti espresso liqueur.

But the real standout might be the Merrill-Mania Margarita, their tribute to Padres superstar Jackson Merrill, mixing Cutwater blanco tequila with pineapple juice and jalapeños for that perfect sweet-heat combo.

What we appreciate most is that they’re not cutting corners on ingredients or presentation just because the price point is accessible. These are legitimate craft cocktails that happen to be reasonably priced, which feels like a rare find in the heart of downtown.

📆 Available daily
📍 428 F St, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

The Overlook at Odysea Brings Italian Summer Vibes to the Bay

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront just launched something we didn’t know we needed but absolutely do. The Overlook at Odysea is their new summer-long pop-up that’s basically designed around the perfect Aperol Spritz moment, complete with sweeping bay views that make every sip feel like a vacation.

This outdoor lounge captures that Italian aperitivo vibe with colorful umbrellas, plush pillows, and cozy firepits scattered across the patio.

Beyond the Aperol Spritzes and Miraval wines, they’ve added bocce courts because apparently they really want us to embrace the full Mediterranean experience. The setup works whether you’re catching a Padres game nearby or heading to a Rady Shell concert afterward.

The Aperol promo team is bringing extra energy on July 4 and August (National Spritz Day, naturally) with giveaways like sunglasses, hats, and flip flops. It’s the kind of thoughtful touch that makes a good spot even better, especially when you’re already sitting waterfront with a drink in hand.

📆 Running through September 7 | Special Aperol events: July 4 & August 1
📍 1 Park Blvd, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

Jitters Coffee Pub’s Summer Bash Celebrates Fresh New Vibes

We’re always here for a good community celebration, and Jitters Coffee Pub is throwing exactly that. The beloved Oceanside spot is marking their fresh renovation and expanded vision with an all-day Summer Bash that feels like the neighborhood party we’ve all been waiting for.

After three decades of serving the community, Jitters has partnered with culinary pro Felix Alcaide from One Kitchen Collaborative and local Grammy winner Jason Mraz to breathe new life into the space.

The result? Extended hours, a reimagined menu, and a packed event calendar that includes everything from live music and comedy nights to DJ sets and Taco Tuesdays.

This isn’t just about better coffee (though we’re sure that’s happening too). It’s about creating that perfect third space where the community can gather, connect, and actually have somewhere to go between home and work.

The newly renovated space and parking lot will be buzzing with energy, and honestly, we can’t think of a better way to kick off this new chapter.

📆 Saturday, July 12, 12 PM–5 PM
📍 1411 Morena Blvd, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here