San Diego’s food scene has a large variety of  restaurants and I’m always on the search for independently owned eateries. In fact, my list continues to grow and here are some of my top choices which are sure to please your palate.

Evan’s Deli and Brew

Deciding which sandwich to order will be the hardest part at Evan’s and you might want more than one.

Begin your day at Evan’s Deli for a tasty and juicy cheesesteak sandwich, which will satisfy your sandwich cravings.  Located in a shopping center in Pt Loma, this no frills deli serves a selection of sandwiches loaded with ingredients of your choosing.  I ordered my cheesesteak sandwich with white American white cheese, grilled onions and mushrooms. Each bite was delicious with the hot off the grill sandwich fillings on an Amoroso roll which is a Philly must have. Other sandwiches like the torpedo was stacked with meats and a dressing dripping over  the roll.

Evan's Deli cheesesteak sandwich

Evan’s Deli cheesesteak sandwich

Evan’s Deli & Brew 3944 W. Point Loma Blvd, San Diego,  www.evansdeliandbrew.com  619.758.0646

Bud’s Louisiana Cafe 

Southern food on the west coast with lively flavors and true New Orleans selections.

An old time favorite of mine is Bud’s Louisiana Cafe in Kearny Mesa and anticipation builds looking at the menu.  Located in a commercial area, the restaurant is a stand out with Cajun and New Orleans style food. One of my favorites and consistently good, is shrimp and grits made with their Creole seasonings.  Many mouth watering dishes served are seafood gumbo, red beans and rice, po boy sandwiches and to top it off, beignets. You’ll come away full and satisfied.

shrimp and grits Bud's Cafe

Shrimp and Grits in Creole cream sauce

Bud’s Louisiana Cafe 4320 Viewridge Ave, San Diego, Calif 858.573.2837  www.budscafe.com

Koon Thai Kitchen 

There’s Thai restaurants and then there’s authentic Koon’s Thai.

Stepping into this Thai restaurant is most inviting and even a bit whimsical.  From the bicycle with flowers in the basket to the hanging lights which look like crystal spheres, the atmosphere is set for a relaxing meal.

I arrived before the noon lunch crowd and once seated, the server used her expertise to explain the menu and more importantly, spice levels.  Admittedly, on a day when I felt under the weather, I ordered Pad Kee Mao (flat rice noodles with garlic, basil and fresh chili) and my husband ordered  Yum Pla Tod (crispy fried fish) which was beautifully presented with lime leaves, carrots and mint.  The restaurant has a new line of craft beers brewed to imaginative tastes and to compliment the menu items.  Undoubtably, when we left the restaurant, the healing powers of the food were working!

Yum Pla Tod fried fish

Yum Pla Tod

Koon Thai Kitchen 3860 Convoy St, San Diego, Calif  858.514.8111 www.Koonthaikitchen.com

Pad Kee Mao

Pad Kee Mao

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Fresh out of the oven grain breads and buttered pastries always please at Wayfarer.

Hearty breads and delicate pastries shine at this La Jolla establishment. From the minute it opened in 2018, people lined up to buy freshly baked items from this craftsman style looking house.  Owner Crystal White brought her years of bread making experience to bake exclusively with organic and fresh ingredients. One of the anticipated and popular pastries is the Kouign Amann which is layer after layer of butter swirled around caramelized dough. The bakery has evolved with selling their own pre-made sandwiches and pizzas with the selections changing weekly.  Load up with a box of croissants, fruit filled pastries and a loaf of crusty bread and head to one of the nearby beaches.  Truly, you’ll have the best day.

Assorted pastries

Assorted and tempting pastries

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry 5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, Calif www.wayfarerbread.com

These restaurants are sure to become among your favorites and bring you back time after time.