New Dining Destinations Open Across San Diego

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Explore the new dining destinations showcasing diverse cuisines in San Diego this April.

News Summary

San Diego’s culinary landscape is evolving with several new dining destinations debuting this April. From rooftop bars to wine bars and fusion cuisine, food lovers can explore exciting options like Dive Rooftop Bar in Coronado, Culinary Dropout in Del Mar Highlands, and more. Each restaurant offers unique menus and atmospheres, offering a vibrant dining experience for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking to enjoy drinks with a view or indulge in innovative dishes, San Diego showcases a diverse range of culinary delights this spring.

San Diego, CA – This April, the culinary scene in San Diego is buzzing with excitement as a host of new dining destinations make their debut. From rooftop bars to wine bars and fusion restaurants, food enthusiasts in the area have plenty of new options to explore.

Dive Rooftop Bar Opens in Coronado

Coronado has welcomed its first rooftop bar and restaurant, Dive, which is located atop the Bower Coronado hotel. Open daily from 7 a.m. to midnight, Dive offers a vibrant atmosphere complemented by a diverse menu. Signature cocktails include the refreshing Tiki Temptress, made with rum, pineapple, and orange juice. Breakfast favorites such as cronuts are available, and the daytime selections feature dishes like baja fish tacos, yellowtail crudo, and wagyu sliders. The restaurant is located at 1417 Orange Ave., Coronado, CA 92118.

Culinary Dropout Launches in Del Mar Highlands

Del Mar Highlands Town Center is set to welcome Culinary Dropout, an American comfort food restaurant, on April 30. This will be the first California location for the popular eatery, which will feature a spacious bar, cozy booths, and an outdoor patio with live music. Guests can look forward to a hearty menu that includes soft pretzels with provolone fondue, burgers, chicken cacio e pepe pasta, and roasted salmon, with a happy hour available on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. The address for Culinary Dropout is 12875 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130.

Little Victory Wine Bar Opens in Carlsbad

On April 9, Little Victory Wine Bar opened its doors in Carlsbad Village, marking the second venture for owners Jeremy Simpson and Kirsten Potenza, who also operate the Little Victory Wine Market. The bar offers a menu crafted by chefs Kelly and Elliott Townsend, showcasing Southern California ingredients influenced by Italian and Scandinavian culinary techniques. Featured dishes include house-cured fish, beef tartare, and Basque cheesecake, all available at 505 Oak Avenue, Suite B, Carlsbad, CA 92008.

Brisa: Latin American and Japanese Fusion in Little Italy

Lovers of fusion cuisine can experience Brisa, which recently opened in Little Italy. This restaurant merges Latin American and Japanese flavors, offering an array of sushi rolls alongside unique dishes like passionfruit ceviche and smoked pork chuleta. Cocktails, conceived by co-owner Jennifer Reinhart, feature refreshing tropical drinks. Brisa is open from 4 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, with brunch served on Saturdays at 2101 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101.

Tom’s Watch Bar: A Sports Enthusiast’s Haven

Sports fans can rejoice as Tom’s Watch Bar has opened in the Gaslamp Quarter, just a stone’s throw from Petco Park. This venue is equipped with large screens for a premier sports viewing experience, offering a menu that includes burgers, wings, macaroni and cheese, and prime rib dip. Located at 815 J. Street, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92101, it is perfect for cheering on favorite teams with friends.

Fine Dining Experience at Lilo in Carlsbad

On April 17, Lilo, a fine dining restaurant, opened its doors in Carlsbad under the direction of chef Eric Bost. The restaurant offers an exquisite 12-course tasting menu featuring high-end dishes, including a littleneck clam served with Buddha’s hand and Kaluga caviar tartlet. Lilo accommodates just 22 diners around an open kitchen, providing an intimate dining experience complemented by a curated selection of wines and cocktails.

Upcoming Openings and Events

Itacho Sushi is set to replace Mikami Revolving Sushi and Bar in Clairemont, with an expected opening in mid-May. This new establishment will feature an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi and seafood menu with three pricing tiers offering options for lobster, wagyu, sashimi, and ikura, located at 7319 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92111.

Additionally, some notable events include Celebrate the Craft at The Lodge at Torrey Pines on April 27, showcasing Southern California chefs and food artisans, and the James Beard Award Winners Food & Wine Festival at the Rancho Bernardo Inn from May 2-4.

Finally, Sushi Yorimichi plans to open a second location in Linda Vista in mid-July 2025, following the success of its original spot nearby. This location will continue to serve sushi rolls, ramen, and traditional appetizers with weekday happy hour specials at 5299 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92110.

Closure in Encinitas

In contrast, the Craftsman Tavern in Encinitas has announced its closure as of April 18 due to unsuccessful lease renewal negotiations, as stated by owner Dario Novo via social media.