Kingfisher

Kingfisher is one of the buzziest places in town that you’ll definitely need a reservation for. Located in Golden Hill, one of San Diego’s lesser-touristed and underrated neighborhoods, you’ll find beautifully-plated food that incorporates flavors from all over Southeast Asia. Go for some mussels in coconut and Thai basil broth, wild mushroom congee laced with crispy garlic, and smoked dry-aged duck with rice noodles, crunchy lettuce wraps, and nuoc cham chimichurri. 

The dining room is anchored by this oval-shaped bar and a large, golden sculptural light fixture, as if your best design-savvy friend had a blank check to execute one of their many Pinterest boards. They also have a small, quieter outdoor patio that’s great for dates and dinners when you just want to gossip with your closest friends.