Abbie on: Lists, Lists, Lists, Lists

Abbie On: liking restaurants that don't have websites (or it's just a lucky trend we stumbled upon with this entry).

Abbie Berry

I love to eat. Who doesn’t?

My favorite places for grub in San Diego:

1. Turf Supper Club - 1116 25th Street, San Diego, CA 92102

I love the Turf Club. The place is usually pretty busy and you may have to wait for a table but it is so worth it. The drinks are tall and strong. The service can be questionable but I go in with low expectations. The menu is limited. Steak, Chicken, Burger, Mushroom or Salmon and you grill it yourself on the community grill. The only other edible menu items available are garlic bread, a small salad and cheesecake for dessert.

The place is decorated with artifacts from the race track. The booths are tiny and cozy. The food is tasty (and I make a mean steak). The jukebox is always going strong and the last three times I was there, I heard Prince’s Purple Rain. Grab a few friends who like to grill and head over tonight.

2. Mamma Mia - 1932 Balboa Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

This place is run by an authentic Italian family. They must be a family of seven or more. They run around the place speaking Italian and barking orders. If you call to make a reservation, you may find that you still have to wait for your table.

The restaurant looks like a little house. They also have a small patio on the side of the building. Plan ahead: You need to bring your own bottles of wine. The service is terrific. The owner treats you as if you are a guest in his home. All of the women are “Bella” to him and don’t forget the kisses on the cheeks! The food is scrumptious. Enough said. Don’t forget to try the Tiramisu.

3. Ono Sushi -1236 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Ono Sushi is trendy and right in the heart of Hillcrest. They recently remodeled their bar to make it more spacious. You can sit at the sushi bar, at the cocktail bar (which has a small adjoining patio) or in the restaurant. If you’re sat in the back room, there are two special tables where you can cuddle up with your date. They even have pillows for you. If cuddling up at dinner sounds good to you, this is the place to try it. The service is great. Some of the staff has been there for years. This is the best sushi in San Diego. Make sure to order the Ono Sushi Roll. I also love the seaweed salad. In fact, I want some right now.

4. Lotus Thai – There are two locations: 906 Market Street, San Diego 92101 and 3761 6th Avenue, San Diego 92103

I can go to this place one a week and never get sick of it. Both locations have a beautiful interior. I personally feel that the service is better at the downtown location and the food is better and more consistent at the Hillcrest location. I prefer to mix it up. The appetizer platter is the way to go. The soups are yummy as well. My boyfriend loves the Lemongrass chicken and you can always go with the classic Pad Thai. The atmosphere is peaceful and you can’t go wrong dining with a big group or on a date. Try the chai iced tea.

5. Pepe’s Italian – 1830 Sunset Cliff’s Blvd., San Diego, CA 92107

Another family run restaurant. My first visit was probably nine years ago. At that time, they served the entrées on paper plates and the beverages in paper cups. The plates are now plastic but the food is the same. When you walk in, you seat yourself. The place is small but quaint. Pepe’s in owned by a family and the mother is an artist. The walls are decorated with her paintings of beach scenery. The menu varies from pizza to pasta to specialty items. I suggest the beef ravioli. They aren’t open every day, so make sure you call ahead before you head over. (619) 221-1926.

Yummy.

For me.

*Photo Courtesy of Pepe's Italian Webpage*