Some of San Diego’s newest eateries have made their way onto the 2009 Zagat restaurant guide's Key Newcomers list.
The eateries that got the nod were all rated on their food, décor, service and cost.
The 2009 edition of the Zagat Survey’s San Diego restaurant guide was just released last month. Based on the reviews of 4,264 surveyors, along with the ratings of the 754,000 meals that they tasted over the past year, the guide rates and organizes local eateries based on a variety of topics.
The best new restaurants in San Diego are:
- Bistro West
- Bite
- Boomerangs
- Burger Lounge
- Café Lavande
- Cowboy Star
- Currant
- Dish
- East Village Tavern
- ECR Grille
- EXY
- Farm House Café
- Frida
- Jai by Wolfgang Puck
- Neighborhood
- Nozomi
- Red Marlin
- Restaurant at the Pearl
- Ritual Tavern
- Sea Rocket Bistro
- Solare
- Spices Bay Thai
- Tabule
- Urban Solace
- Whisknladle
- Zagarella II/Café Pacifica
Along with finding this year’s top new eateries, the Zagat guide also discovered some of the most popular trends in local eating: eco-friendly foods, great burgers and meals that are light on the wallet.
Eating green has become a serious issue in San Diego, with 59 percent of surveyors saying they are willing to spend more for environmentally safe food. Organic foods and locally grown crops have proved key concerns.
Eco-friendly or not, though, San Diegans still want their fair share of meat. Burger joints, BBQ and prime cuts of meat maintain their pull on local tastebuds. With the current state of the economy, it’s no wonder that San Diegans are becoming a bit more price conscious in their restaurant choices. To help with the search, Zagat provides great options for happy hours and low-cost eateries.
The 236-page survey has outlined top picks in each of the categories, along with others that span everything from best brunches to greatest spots for people watching. The guide also lists the city’s best neighborhoods for finding a great meal, naming the East Village and North Park as up-and-coming dining hotspots.
The Zagat Survey has come to be known as a trusted guide for locals and travelers, covering topics like restaurants, nightlife, hotels, airlines and more. Its surveys span more than 100 countries and are updated regularly.
Next time you’re looking for a great spot, be sure to check out the newest chart toppers at Zagat.com.
