It may have 70 miles of sandy beaches, but California's second largest city offers so much more than just sunny days at the seaside. This is a place that teems with energy and personality. Waking up is not hard to do in San Diego, where breakfast choices are aplenty. Be sure to bring some green to the cash-only Rose Donuts. Over at Donut Bar, the menu changes daily—with Friday and Saturday nights featuring beer and donut pairings for a sugary spin on happy hour. It's hard to beat Breakfast Republic, where s'mores French toast and egg-shaped chairs promise to boost anyone's daybreak. Snooze: an AM eatery is a standby for breakfast, lunch and morning cocktails; while Café 21 tempts with unusual variations on pancakes—from tiramisu to Japanese.
Downtown's Little Italy is a paradise for foodies with a penchant for pasta. Wake up with an espresso at Caffe Italia, tucked inside the Pensione Hotel, or come on Sundays for a wonderful waffle-bar brunch. From its basket-encased bottles of Chianti dangling from the ceiling to the red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Filippi's Pizza Grotto is classic red-sauce cooking. Lasagna lovers however may head to Mona Lisa Italian Foods, a family-owned deli/restaurant, which also boasts everything from manicotti to Marsala. Meanwhile, Davanti Enoteca's menu flaunts a Tuscany-meets-Napa flair, and Civico 1845 serves up a modern approach to mama's favorites—including vegan-friendly hits—on their open-air patio. Of course, no visit to Little Italy is complete without a stop at Pappalecco for outrageously good gelato-stuffed croissants or cookie sandwiches.
The Gaslamp Quarter is where Victorian-era structures sit side by side with some of the most popular restaurants and bars around. Speaking of which, Mariscos El Pulpo plates up Mexican-style seafood along with the namesake octopus. Not far from Petco Park, Tin Fish is a casual stop for tacos, just as Mezé Greek Fusion has a funky menu of Greek and American eats. If burgers float your boat, then kitschy-chic Hodad's is your best bet. San Diego city's myriad global cuisines mean you can take your pick from Asian restaurants lining Convoy Street. Old Town, appropriately named, is widely considered the birthplace of California and marks the first Spanish settlement in the western U.S. Vibrant and festive, this 12-acre expanse is the ideal place for Mexican plates. Case in point: rural and lively Cafe Coyote, with traditional south-of-the-border cuisine and a notable selection of tequilas.
Tomos Parry’s London: Top Picks From a Culinary Trendsetter
The chef behind Brat and Mountain reveals all on where he’d go for a celebration, a night out and more.
A Guide to Belleville, the Paris Neighborhood That Defies Trends
Belleville, often hailed as one of Paris' trendiest neighborhoods, actually remains deeply rooted in its heritage. This eclectic pocket of the city blends a rich history, from its days of socialist anarchism, with a vibrant mix of cultures. Its unpolished streets are alive with authentic global flavors, making Belleville a must-visit destination for food-lovers.
Time Out in the Alps – 7 Hotels Combining Wellness with Winter Adventures
Whether you're travelling alone, in a couple or with family, discover our most luxurious spots to indulge in relaxation while also trying out some unique winter activities.
Before You Book: Ace Hotel, the First-Timer's Home Base in Kyoto
With just enough time to plan a trip before cherry blossom season this spring, we're taking a closer look at one of the best hotels in Kyoto. Once you’ve found your sea legs in Japan, you might try a hyper-traditional ryokan. Until then, consider the One Key Ace Hotel.