5 Hidden FOOD Gems in San Diego, California 🇺🇸

Рет қаралды 328,264

2 жыл бұрын

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San Diego, California - If you're looking for new things to do in San Diego, try out these delicious hidden gems. From breakfast and pies to ramen and ice cream, I travel around for the day to try some of the best places to eat in San Diego.
We start off the day in Ocean Beach near Sunset Cliffs to try one of the best breakfast places in San Diego, The Little Lion Cafe. Serving up Belgium-inspired breakfast dishes, The Little Lion Cafe is ran by two sisters in a small little restaurant hidden away in Ocean Beach.
Next, it's a 25 minute drive on the 8 to La Mesa for deli sandwiches and baked goods at D.Z. Akin's, one of San Diego's favorite delis. D.Z. Akin's is a true New York Deli experience and the main attraction here is definitely the Ruben sandwich. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch, and leave with a few boxes of baked goods.
One of my favorite things to do in San Diego is hangout in the North Park neighborhood, and the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop has been serving up comfort food since 1938. Straight forward American classics that will warm your soul and make you want to watch Christmas movies for the rest of the day. If you have the chance, you have to add the San Diego Chicken Pie Shop to your "best places to eat in San Diego" list.
For a completely different dining experience, head over to Hillcrest for one of the best bowls of Ramen in San Diego, California. Izakaya Masa is hidden towards the back of a shopping plaza, and they serve traditional Japanese dishes like Ramen, Sushi and Takoyaki. If you're craving Ramen or Sushi in San Diego, give Izakaya Masa a shot.
Last but certainly not least, An's Dry Cleaning in Normal Heights / North Park is perhaps the greatest hidden gem on the list. It actually looks like a Dry Cleaners from the outside, but inside, it's an artisan ice cream shop. Probably the best Ice Cream I've had in San Diego. Try their bold flavors which rotate every two weeks!
These are 5 Must-Try Hidden Food Gems in San Diego that I would highly recommend. If you have any other fun things to do in San Diego, California tips for me, be sure to leave them in the comments.
Thanks for watching!
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WHO AM I?
Hi! My name is Gareth Leonard, an American Travel KZfaqr with a passion for slow, meaningful Travel. I have spent the past 12+ years traveling around the world while creating travel vlogs to help inspire and educate people to “Travel Deeper.”
If you enjoy my work, please subscribe to this channel and turn on the notifications bell to stay up-to-date with my travel deeper adventures.
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#TravelDeeper #travelvlog #SanDiego #California #ThingsToDoInSanDiego

Пікірлер: 574

@GarethLeonard 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you all so much for watching (and commenting)! 🙏NEXT WEEK'S EPISODE: A Solo Trip to Yosemite, ⛰ THEN: Filipino Food Festival in San Diego 🇵🇭 AFTER: Exploring Mexico's Quintana Roo Region! 🇲🇽 p.s. New videos are now scheduled EVERY WEEK for the rest of the year, so please subscribe and hit that notifications bell for updates! 🔔❤

@GarethLeonard 2 жыл бұрын

@@rosaura3208 I can’t wait to share my adventures from Yosemite, it was so incredible!! 🙏🏔

@playbonsai7218 2 жыл бұрын

👌🏽

@dozer11 2 жыл бұрын

Was the Filipino Food Festival the one in the waterfront park in downtown where Apl from the Black Eyed Peas performed? That was fun until a lot of vendors ran out of food. Lol Hope you can make it to the night market off of Miramar Road called the SD Kollective San Diego Food Fest. It’s free and happens every last Saturday of the month I think?

@rich8381 2 жыл бұрын

@@GarethLeonard do you actually eat all of that food in 1 day, or just try a few bites of each?

@brunoshampter324 2 жыл бұрын

we live here thank you for the suggestions!

@hannahkoppers3596 2 жыл бұрын

What I love about the Pie Shop besides the food is they employ mostly older folk who have worked there for EVER. It’s a real family over there

@johnwhitehead1616 2 жыл бұрын

I am the grandson of Mr Whitehead the original chicken pie shop owner your interview was spot on and brought up a lot of childhood memories thank you

@garyleibitzke4166 Жыл бұрын

I lived in the San Diego area from 1975 until 2021. San Diego regularly got disrespected for it's food. The whole food scene in San Diego is a wonderful mix of just about any type of cuisine you can imagine.

@concentratecorner1744 Жыл бұрын

ive never heard us get disrespected for our food lol

@benvaughn2367 Ай бұрын

I moved to SD in 2011, and holy hell has it evolved while still maintaining the vibe of SD. Great restaurants, the coolest bars, and great food to be had anywhere you go

@ebbycheri 2 жыл бұрын

San Diego born and raised!! I smiled the whole time watching this. You hit some great spots!

@malcorub 2 жыл бұрын

I'm Mexican and people always rave about SD's Mexican food and that is all well and good...... BUT what I appreciate even more is SD's Asian cuisine, it is some of the best in the US apart from SF and LA.

@neilthecellist 2 жыл бұрын

Can confirm, am Chinese. the Chinese food is subpar in Portland OR and is a major reason why I moved back to San Diego. Don't even get me started on the Mexican food. Mexican friend just moved to Portland OR in January 2022 from Austin TX. He's already trying to move back to TX.

@davidolmos6335 Жыл бұрын

Any good Asian restaurants you recommend in SD? I lived there for 2 years and Yelp and KZfaq were not what they are now. Outside of Filipino cuisine, SD didn't seem to have good Asian food when compared to LA and Orange but that was from my point of view at the time.

@iwatcher69 Жыл бұрын

I'm Asian and i absolutely love the Mexican food culture in SD. Sometimes i'll take a cruise down to TJ or even as far as Ensenada and just enjoy the culture and food.

@pavelromanenko3718 Жыл бұрын

With reference to Mexican food in San Diego. I still go to Tijuana when I want Mexican food. I have not had really good Mexican food on this side of the border no matter what people tell me.

@nedludd7622 2 ай бұрын

@@davidolmos6335 There are several good Korean restaurants around town. Some in suburbs like Mira Mesa. Another is in North Park

@ArmandGilbert 4 ай бұрын

DZ Akins and the CHICKEN PIE SHOP! Classics...

@dw2064 5 күн бұрын

CHicken Pie Shop has been my favorite for man years. Yet they have gone down hill. It might be the prep cooks fault. Watch out for the bones in the shredded chicken. I found two called restaurant and they said its not unusual. Why because manager claims they do everything by hand and it's random. The pie only contains shredded chicken and gravy mixed together no veggies inside. I won't be going back real grossed out.

@shelbymartin9424 2 жыл бұрын

First of all, you are adorable! Secondly, I cant believe I watched you cruising around eating for 25 mins on this video. And finally, awesome recommendations! Supporting small businesses is SO important. Thanks for encouraging us to discover these little family labors of love. Good stuff!!

@GarethLeonard 2 жыл бұрын

First of all, thank you!! Secondly, I have so much fun eating but the best part about doing these videos is most definitely the stories I get to hear from the people who have made these great establishments! 🙏

@kirkfleming1041 2 жыл бұрын

Excellent food tour video! It's so refreshing to see a tour of unique family-owned restaurants instead of the same chain restaurants that are featured on so many other food tour videos. Thanks so much!

@aileenbatac51 2 жыл бұрын

LOVE LOVE LOVE how much you showcase our beautiful city and all its great gems! All the places you went to are amazing and surprised that most people haven’t been to them.

@leaheredia 2 жыл бұрын

As a native San Diegan I am always so proud of our depth and diversity of amazing cuisine. You chose some iconic spots and some truly hidden gems that I might be a little upset that the secret is out on. 😆 They deserve to be shared though. Loved this!

@chriskelly9013 2 жыл бұрын

Native San Diegan here. Showed my granddaughter the Japanese restaurant you found and now she wants to go. She was in Japan with her mom in 2017 and loves the food. Little Lion is also new to me. Thanks.

@benvaughn2367 Ай бұрын

I've lived in SD for 12 years, also worked for a Japanese restaurant group for ten years. Izakaya Masa is by far the favorite place for the OG Japanese sushi chefs.

@annierossi6840 13 күн бұрын

What is the NAME of the japanese resturant? He doesn't say and only vaguely described it's location.

@endermetal 2 жыл бұрын

Great vid, but categorizing DZ Akins as a "hidden gem" is a bit of a stretch considering how insanely busy it is with their giant sign next to the 8 freeway lol 🙂. My vote for the best San Diego hidden gem is Awash Ethiopian restaurant; it's literally a hole in the wall in the back of a convenience store.

@mrn13 2 жыл бұрын

Injera!

@brookedruen1489 2 жыл бұрын

Yees Awash is incredible! Glad there's someone here representing

@hodl4life120 2 жыл бұрын

Shhhhhh don’t tell my secrets

@garrettlees7497 2 жыл бұрын

Have you been to Dao Fu?

@vivianamartinez386 2 жыл бұрын

Love this. Will definitely go to all of these places next time I'm in SD. The love and dedication that everyone in this video (including you) puts into what they are doing is fantastic.

@billyd647 2 жыл бұрын

Wow what an amazing list of places! You looked like you totally enjoyed yourself!!!! Thanks for the video.

@shriekeefx 2 жыл бұрын

DZ Akin's and the Chicken Pie Shop are two of our favorite places to eat. Seriously worth a visit.

@brandonmoore2237 2 жыл бұрын

Epic food tour, man! Those breakfast dishes, man...my mouth definitely watered watching you try them! Love the diversity in San Diego's food scene. Definitely have to make it out there someday.

@yannickgoburdhun9084 2 жыл бұрын

WOW - All these places looks very exciting with loads of great dishes to be tasted soon !!!

@justlookin00 2 жыл бұрын

BEST. VIDEO. OF. SAN DIEGO. EVER!!!!!!!! Going back in a couple weeks, and you KNOW I'm hitting up a few of these... Thanks dude!👍

@jcdizon612 2 жыл бұрын

Love this video Gareth! Can’t wait to go back to SD and try all these places with my fam!

@maritesmacasadia118 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this Gareth !! Can’t wait to check these places out . Yum 😋

@10nicolem 2 жыл бұрын

Love your channel. My husband and I are originally from northeast PA and just moved to San Diego. I TOTALLY know what you mean about that feeling after being out all day in the cold sledding. Nothing works up an appetite quite like it. I will defnitely add these places to my (long) list of things to try in the area. Thanks!

@CarloS-ii6hr 2 жыл бұрын

Great video again Gareth. Keep up the great content! Cheers from LA

@naterplater 2 жыл бұрын

Appreciate this list, you highlighted some of my favorite places and I learned about the little lion and the japanese restaurant. Great stuff!

@artsy_nemo7443 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much Gareth!! I’m so exited to go to all these places. I just moved here from Puerto Rico and definitely wanted to find some gems. Amazing!

@elizabethherrera4847 Жыл бұрын

loved this episode, cant wait to try some of these joints, Im a San Diego native and learned about a few new spots!

@Oksana-1024 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for letting us know about this unique and charming places. We're going to SD soon for a family vacation and I'm so happy I found this video. Special thanks for listing info about all the restaurants in the Description, so we don't have to pause the video and right everything down🙂

@monicameza8944 2 жыл бұрын

I am happy watching this man eat, the way he enjoys everything , that's awesome . What life is all about . The places look amazing . Everything looked scrumptious . Yummy . That Ding Dong moment took me to grade school .

@aroundtheworldinaprildays 2 жыл бұрын

Everyone's so nice in all the places you've been to! No wonder their food is great.

@mortalsavage5213 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you Gareth for sharing! I live in San Diego and will have to check these places out! 🤙👍🙏

@GarethLeonard 2 жыл бұрын

My pleasure, thanks for tuning in! 👊

@colinchampollion4420 Жыл бұрын

@@GarethLeonard ~ make videos shirtless ~Especially if your eating outdoors😈😋 you are a Handsome-sexy dude and shirtless will make you feel more naturally manly plus you have a nice tan 😈😋 ! ! !

@maryannel89 2 жыл бұрын

Izakaya Masa is truly a hidden gem in SD. Thank you for featuring my favorite restaurant in SD. 🙏👌

@jmichel70 2 жыл бұрын

Keep them coming. Great stuff

@sdericmonty 2 жыл бұрын

You can tell you’re not a local if you call DZ Akins and chicken pie shop “hidden” haha

@ecawesomexp 2 жыл бұрын

lmao right i can't forget those damn commercials if I wanted to

@AlbinoAxolotl 2 жыл бұрын

No kidding!

@mikey05 2 жыл бұрын

Omg, that DZ Akins commercial!! Hhaha

@raramcgee4982 2 жыл бұрын

Seriously 😳🤣

@sdericmonty 2 жыл бұрын

@@mikey05 “SCORE!” Haha

@Babypapayaproductions 2 жыл бұрын

They all look great and I love that you take big bites and are honest. I’d say either the Japanese or the Chicken Pie place

@ed_leonardi 2 жыл бұрын

I Will definitely be checking out, thanks Gareth!

@andrew-ir7fy 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. All 5 of these places all the food look so good!

@jpwoelfling 2 ай бұрын

I lived in the San Diego area from 1984 until 2004. First in the Navy and then working for several Doctors at Alvarado Hospital. I probably went to DZ Akins for lunch 3 times a week. Now that I live in Virginia, I really do miss that place.

@maudievillareal3630 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing. I would surely visit these hidden gems.

@serenagillis 2 жыл бұрын

Fun video, glad to find this channel. 🤗

@telmagazio 2 жыл бұрын

Really wanna try all of them. Living in San Diego for almost 4 years now and just got excited about these real gems you show to us. Thank you so much.

@GarethLeonard 2 жыл бұрын

I love to hear that Telma, send me a message after you try them all! 😅

@ButtSauce666 2 жыл бұрын

Really reccomend the pumkin cream cheese gelato at Ans dry cleaning It was amazing tonight

@HIPPIETHUG92109 Жыл бұрын

Excellent choices

@wendyedmond1425 2 жыл бұрын

I found this video a couple of months ago while planning our trip to San Diego. Today, ( our first stop) we ate at the Chicken Pie Shop! Wow! I ordered the Neighborhood Grind with Country Gravy and my husband ordered their fried chicken (cooked to order). Both were amazing. We left with their to go giant Cinnamon Roll. Everything was so delicious! Can’t wait to try some of your other choices❣️❣️

@PriscillaTalksSports 2 жыл бұрын

San Diego native here, thank you for sharing these true local hidden gems. 🤍

@OceanSwimmer 2 жыл бұрын

Gareth, My daughter discovered Farmers Bodega in downtown San Diego 2 weeks ago: We had dinner on a Wednesday, and EVERY SINGLE THING we ordered was terrific. We had to share bites because our dinners were quite different and we repeated the phrase, "Oh my God! Try this!" Their wine list is great, and the service impeccable. I give them a 15 out of 10. Yes, they are that good. The ambience is nice and quiet. Check it out!

@jhdct94 2 жыл бұрын

This is probably one of my favorite videos of yours! I teared up when you went into San Diego Chicken Pie Shop. I used to go there with my grandma before she passed. They have great food. So excited to try D.Z Akin’s. Never knew they had so much to offer. I will definitely have to try An’s Dry Cleaning too for that goat cheese, fig and balsamic vinegar flavor. Keep videos like this SD specific one coming. ❤️ 🌎

@robertpellegrino7963 2 жыл бұрын

Me Too! My dad's favorite place you would go a lot I miss him so much

@surfwalez8556 2 жыл бұрын

Great stuff, thanks

@HeatherDGAF912 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this hidden gem. We must try all of these.

@iwatcher69 Жыл бұрын

ok, i'm checking out this place!!! Thanks for sharing!!

@deiryperez4926 2 жыл бұрын

Loved this!

@steveavery167 2 жыл бұрын

Great video. Keep these coming. I’m new to the area and dying to find the local favorites!

@boobiesmgee Жыл бұрын

Great picks! As an SD native, it's great to see some shining family-owned places being featured!! LOVE Little Lion Cafe and Izakaya Masa!! Also, the lifelong memories from the Pot Pie shop :) Such palpable heart and soul shine through, you can really taste the love from these places. Recommend: Fairouz Cafe & Gallery in Sports Arena. Don't be thrown off by the strip mall, it's an incredible place run by a husband and wife. The husband used to be a lawyer, but gave it up to be a painter, and his artwork is all over the restaurant. The food and drinks are amazing! 10/10

@lancelessard2491 2 жыл бұрын

My grandma, her sister and her friend moved to San Diego in 1940 to find work. They used to go to the Chicken Pie shop and have the chicken pie dinner for 35 cents. It was good food at a low price, which they needed since they were house maids back in those days. It's still the same recipes as back then and still a great value, but the prices have gone up some.

@Kiwislinger 2 жыл бұрын

love my city!!! great vid like always!

@ileanacastro9676 2 жыл бұрын

Add so much more of your adventure it's so awesome

@alexiabuenrostro5092 2 жыл бұрын

Love this SD videos❤️👌

@user-dj7gc1wo7b 2 жыл бұрын

You are amazing! Great job!

@dizzle639 2 жыл бұрын

Favorite episode by far!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

@virgilsantaclara 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the awesome vid , miss my taxi days in OB and the cafe in Balboa , keep up the great werk agape

@laurenstrasser 2 жыл бұрын

Tried DZ Akins last week after watching your video. OMG YUM! Thanks for the rec!

@claudiafelix8604 2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Great video! Im trying All Of em 😍😍😍😍

@D_really_T 2 жыл бұрын

First video I’ve seen of yours, I’m new to San Diego and I’m putting all these places as a must try

@gram1903 2 жыл бұрын

I am so glad I follow you! I just randomly ended up in San Diego (long story) and needed recommendations. THANK YOU SIR!!!

@ejude83 2 жыл бұрын

As an east coast transplant, too, I LOVE DZ Akins! The Rubens are my favorite, but no one can even get near explaining how delicious DZ Akins’ matzo ball soup is - literally indescribable! Crystal clear broth and, of course, the matzo balls are delicious, but the flavor of the carrots…! How do they even make a carrot taste that good? Ya gotta do DZ Akins if you’re ever in San Diego.

@dozer11 2 жыл бұрын

I’m a San Diego native and love your choices here! Also, not food related, but I’m happy that your audio is better than the vast majority of foodie content creators. So frustrating to hear bad audio these days when there are so many tools and options that don’t break the bank.

@elainelomibao3222 2 жыл бұрын

As always great content! shout out from a local San Diegan!!

@MrTubbz310 2 жыл бұрын

Dope video!!!

@arielruting2398 2 жыл бұрын

KZfaq algorithm did me good tonight! Love the content!

@StellaHotMess 2 жыл бұрын

I keep meaning to try an's dry cleaning and definitely plan on checking out izakaya masa very soon!

@carlosmendoza8312 2 жыл бұрын

Gareth, Mouth watering from beginning to end. Great call on DZ Akins, been going there for years. All time best deli anywhere. Cheers.

@suzanneandrade7736 2 жыл бұрын

OMG I go to San Diego all the time looking for new places to eat. Gonna go to Deli but want to try the Pot Pie. The icecream looks amazing. Can't wait for my next day trip. You have some of the best videos. Thank you!!!!

@andisupergan5226 2 жыл бұрын

love your videos! I am born and raised in San Diego but it's such a big city I'm glad you are finding smaller restaurants to help support. have you tried piazza 1909? It's in La Jolla, I highly recommend the bruschetta and the Margherita pizza. Brent is the owner and such an awesome person!

@christopherpalacios8651 2 жыл бұрын

My boyfriend and I went to San Diego for new year and Izakaya Masa was definetly one of our favorites, specially the desserts, great place, great vibe and great food, If you also love chinese drypot, Sizzling Pot King is a MUST.

@elgamerdiablo9966 2 жыл бұрын

amazing video !

@jodischnoebelen7993 2 жыл бұрын

I love that you do the happy mouth dance when you try things.

@oughkaye 2 жыл бұрын

It’s been years since I’ve been to the The Chicken Pie Shop! Great overall picks. Thanks for sharing. I look forward to trying the The Little Lion!

@samonek7268 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely will try An's Dry Cleaning when in SD. Great video- thanks!

@evacondezdejesus4907 2 жыл бұрын

I want to try them all...looks so delicious 😋

@bridgetkaluzny8602 2 жыл бұрын

Spot on! These are my favs, I always go for the hidden gems. Izakaya Masa is actually where many people from Sony go for authentic Japanese food, it's the real deal.

@joymarneri7391 2 жыл бұрын

Thank for all the info in your video , my wife and I will surely go these places

@tylertremelling8960 2 жыл бұрын

Definitely have to get try the Seafood Salad at Little Lion it's amazing!!

@Latnman101 2 жыл бұрын

I just love this man!

@Samhain2323 Жыл бұрын

We came all the way from Phoenix AZ to try this place !!! Great video !!! D.Z. Akins !!!

@elladee2311 2 жыл бұрын

Yum! Eggs Benedict my favorite breakfast dish ever (hollandaise sauce is made of magic). Enjoyed this video, thanks for sharing!

@dp-ub1nu 2 жыл бұрын

Good Stuff bro .

@lawrenceakini9507 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Great KZfaq video.

@mosaya100 2 жыл бұрын

Amazing 👍

@ofwkempertv 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this Video

@kaceeloo1602 Жыл бұрын

Okay, Gareth--Here's the deal. You have to keep doing these videos because they are awesome, in-your-face, spontaneous and upbeat; every one of your videos that I've seen so far. I just discovered your vids a few weeks ago but I'm catching up on all of them. I am a native SD since '73 and moved away in 2012. I soooo miss everything SD has to offer in the way of foodie joints and hidden gems! Even though I can't smell or taste your visits, I can still enjoy the places you visit! Some of the places you showcase its nice to take a trip down memory lane. Keep on doing these vids! And for all of the decadent foods you eat I'm sure you have a mean workout to match as you are looking fit and trim in San Diego! Thanks for the YT food shows!

@BloomByCC 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much!

@berityoung9307 2 жыл бұрын

Literally drooling over the food at DZ Akins!

@keithlindland1800 2 жыл бұрын

Man do you have fun,nice to see ur best places.

@mario714619 2 жыл бұрын

Hey man you need to check out antonellis deli in el cajon,tacos el panson in city heights on el cajon blvd,bongiovannis italian restaurant has good pizza too in el cajon highway 80

@edwardcass1665 2 жыл бұрын

Antonellis is a staple... Overrated but a staple none the less. Go for the weird Disney art interiors stay for a sando but as soon as they call your number gtfo

@jakehammer1107 2 жыл бұрын

I’ll be checking this list out soon…

@amandatempleman1160 2 жыл бұрын

Dude, I love San Diego. I live in Palm Desert and pop over there all the time, thanks for the video, i'm definitely gonna try these out!

@01melg 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing these hidden gems. Born and raised SD and I’ve only heard of 1/5. Looking forward to trying them all. Question is: how the heck do you put all this food down in one day?

@justagirlsd3000 2 жыл бұрын

😂

@ginabowers6271 Жыл бұрын

Lol