San Diego's Top 5 New Restaurants of 2015

2015 is coming to an end, and with it comes a list of our favorite new San Diego restaurants of the year! Each of these 5 new establishments opened within the last 12 months, and each is absolutely worth a visit. We’ve compiled a variety of different types of restaurants: upscale, casual, and even brunch favorites. These new restaurants are all located within the immediate San Diego area.

Water Grill in San Diego

Water Grill is a restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter area of Downtown San Diego. This new restaurant opened in 2015, however, it is the third Water Grill to open in Southern California; the other two locations are in Los Angeles and Santa Monica. Water Grill serves high-quality seafood, including a raw bar, chilled shellfish, and various fish dishes. This new restaurant is well-lit and has a natural ambiance, complete with wood decor and plush red booths.

Bracero Cocina de Raiz in San Diego

Bracero Cocina de Raiz is a Mexican restaurant located in Little Italy, downtown. This restaurant opened over the summer and has quickly become a San Diego favorite due to its delicious food and homely yet rustic atmosphere. The dining area is decorated with wooden tables and hanging lights. The kitchen is run by chef Javier Plascencia, and the menu includes a variety of complex street tacos, adventurous small plates such as Wood Grilled Octopus, and large family-style meals. 

Backyard Kitchen and Tap in Pacific Beach

Backyard Kitchen and Tap is an American bar and restaurant located in Pacific Beach. Backyard Kitchen and Tap is a relaxed, casual venue with a quaint outdoor seating area and rustic, wooden decor. The indoor bar offers a selection of TVs for patrons to watch sports games on. Some of the food that the Backyard Kitchen and Tap offers includes Smoke Beef Ribs, Three Meat Mac ’n’ Cheese, and Steak and Frites. Backyard Kitchen and Tap does take reservations.

Breakfast Republic in North Park

The Breakfast Republic is a fantastic new restaurant located in North Park that serves a variety of American classic breakfasts. This restaurant is purely a brunch destination; it’s open every day from 7am-3pm. The Breakfast Republic offers a range of savory brunch foods, such as their selection of Benedicts, omelets, and scrambles. They also offer some sweeter brunch favorites, such as pancakes and French toast. The Breakfast Republic also offers both alcoholic brunch cocktails and a selection of coffee drinks.

Balboa Bar and Grill in San Diego

The Balboa Bar and Grill is located near the north end of downtown, and it is the perfect casual dining spot. This restaurant offers a range of burgers, sandwiches, and comfort-food side dishes. What makes the Balboa Bar and Grill stand out, however, is the atmosphere. Unlike the some of the classic, upscale restaurants that premiered in 2015, the Balboa Bar and Grill offers a casual, relaxed vibe. Every Friday and Saturday night, you can catch live music starting at 10 pm, making this new restaurant the perfect place to relax on the weekend.