Posted in Southern California
February 15, 2018
The 10 Southern California Restaurants You Must Try In 2018
If you love the idea of dining your way through Southern California, then this is the restaurant list you’ll want to reference again and again throughout 2018. From casual Mom and Pop eateries to fancy-schmancy restaurants perfect for an elegant date night, this is THE list to check out when you’re trying to figure out where to dine next in sunny SoCal.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Dining is so much more than delicious food at this restaurant modeled after an 18th-century tavern. Step into Hawk's Head Public House and you'll be treated to a colonial experience with servers dressed up in period costume while serving the most delicious comfort food. From pot pie to pot roast and all of your favorite side dishes, this is one place that delivers an extraordinary meal.
If there's only one SoCal restaurant you try in 2018 then let it be the Hobbit Restaurant. More than just a restaurant, this is a true dining experience separated into three acts. You'll start with hors d'oeuvres in the cellar, move on to a multi-course meal in the dining room, and then be treated to an elegant dessert to cleanse your palate.
Looking for a divine plate of Northern Italian food right here in SoCal? Then check out Toscana, which recently made the "100 Best Restaurants in America" list as compiled by Opentable.com. From steaks to pizzas and homemade pasta dishes, this restaurant offers a little something for everyone.
For another restaurant that will take you back in time to the 18th century, make sure to check out Gullivers. With a restaurant theme loosely based on the book Gulliver's Travels, this rustic English pub is a fun and cozy spot to grab a scrumptious meal.
Tucked inside Roger's Gardens in picturesque Corona del Mar you'll find a cozy outdoor eatery that whips up locally sourced gourmet comfort food that's positively to-die-for. The Farmhouse Cafe not only serves mouthwatering meals, but the charming open-air setting will add a touch of magic to your dining experience.
If brunch is your favorite meal of the day then you simply can't miss the magnificent buffet served at 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant. In addition to enjoying a buffet that's loaded with all of your favorite foods including a seafood station, a make-your-own pasta station, and a massive gourmet dessert station, 94th Aero Squadron is also located in a memorable setting as it looks out over Montgomery Field Airport. What a unique place to enjoy an amazing meal!
If you're a long-time resident of Southern California, there's no question you've already heard of Pappy and Harriet's old-time saloon as it's been a wildly popular destination in SoCal since 1982. Located in the in the western-themed town of Pioneertown, Pappy and Harriet's offers a slice of the Wild West in an old-time relaxed roadhouse that serves up loads of fun and tons of tasty comfort food.
Take a day trip to the charming mountain town of Julian and the first thing you'll want to do is dive into Julian's local restaurant scene. If you want to score a gourmet meal with locally sourced ingredients in a chic dining room setting, then Jeremy's on the Hill is where you'll want to be. Owned by a Cordon Bleu graduate, this hidden gem is a local secret that you'll want to make sure you add to your dining bucket list.
The Little Door is an unexpected gem of a restaurant located in West Hollywood. Warm, cozy and secluded are just a few of the words that describe this enchanting SoCal eatery. Whether you're drawn to the exquisite Mediterranean menu or you're dazzled by the romantic ambiance that occupies every space of this restaurant, you simply can't go wrong at The Little Door.
Hacienda de Vega is a divine restaurant in San Diego County best known for its lush outdoor setting and comforting home-cooked Mexican meals. You can choose to dine inside or out at Hacienda de Vega, but there's truly nothing more relaxing than grabbing a seat next to the water feature. Whether you show up on a hot afternoon or a starry night, this dreamy outdoor setting in SoCal is hard to beat.
Which restaurants will you be adding to your 2018 dining bucket list? If you’re curious about the restaurants that made the list last year, take a look at our 2017 restaurant list right over here.
Address: 8885 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123
