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Best of San Diego

Soup and calamari

Made for those who start their meal with a bowl of soup and insist on following it with a plate of calamari.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ly Heng Restaurant image 1
Ly Heng Restaurant image 2
Ly Heng Restaurant image 3
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Cambodian restaurant

Cambodian restaurant offers an elegant and inviting atmosphere with a clean, mom-and-pop feel. Generous portions and flavorful dishes like salt and pepper squid and Phnom Penh dry noodles define the dining experience. The place stays usually uncrowded, allowing for quick seating and service.

Soups feature tender meat and a strong umami flavor from fish sauce. Options include Phnom Penhโ€“style rice noodles in both soup and dry forms, with beef, pork bone, meatballs, tofu, and veggie varieties.

Fried calamari comes out crispy and perfectly seasoned with a touch of lime. Salt and pepper squid offers a flavorful alternative with the right balance of garlic and pepper.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and delicious."

"The broth in their soup is so amazing, it makes your eyes roll back."

"The fried calamari is crispy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Parking is challenging because it's street parking in City Heights.

2

The portions are large, often enough to share between two people.

3

The seafood mix is priced at $20, which is on the expensive side.

02
Surfside Fish House image 1

Casual restaurant with clean, bright decor and a cool San Diego mural creates a welcoming, chill atmosphere. Seating includes outdoor patio and bar options, with a lively vibe that can get noisy when busy. Offers affordable, fresh seafood with a serious focus on quality and variety.

Seafood soups stand out with clam chowder and a rich seafood soup packed with plenty of fresh seafood. Both offer hearty, flavorful options alongside other dishes like fish tacos.

Fried calamari comes with two dipping sauces and tastes delicious. It stands out as a very good dish alongside other seafood options.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the happy hour with $2 tacos and $6 wine."

"I had the best calamari I've ever had, it was so crispy."

"The seafood soup is delicious and packed with seafood."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm with $2 fish tacos and $1.5 oysters.

2

Expect generous portion sizes for the price, especially the kids' shrimp basket.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes at very reasonable prices.

03
Pho Leo & Grill image 1
Restaurant

Spacious restaurant with a modern Asian design and an open kitchen creates a clean and inviting atmosphere. Seating is comfortable with firm cushions and plenty of room for large groups or mobility needs. The vibe is calm and friendly, with a muted energy during quieter times.

Pho soup features a rich, flavorful broth that stands out. Wonton noodle soup includes perfectly cooked egg noodles that add great texture.

Crispy texture stands out in the calamari. It appears as a popular appetizer with a well-liked crunchy coating.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here, especially the pho, is so flavorful."

"The pho soup here is loaded with noodles and flavorful broth."

"The calamari here is amazing and crispy."

Good to know

1

The happy hour deal includes $3 drafts and $5 crispy wings.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with a good selection of food.

3

The portions at Pho Leo & Grill are large, often leading to leftovers.

04
Sardina's Italian Restaurant and Bar image 1

Italian restaurant with warm, inviting atmosphere and lively noise levels that vary between rooms. Decor features Italian style art and a modern, clean interior with two outdoor patios where dogs are allowed. The space balances a family-owned feel with areas suitable for quiet conversation.

Soups come with entrees and include minestrone served lukewarm. Meals often pair soup with salad and bread for added value.

Calamari steak strips stand out with a white sauce that adds rich flavor. The calamari appetizer consistently impresses with great taste and texture.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is out of this world, especially the pasta."

"I thought the calamari steak strips were amazing."

"The staff here makes you feel like family."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm daily with discounted appetizers and drinks.

2

Parking is free but can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant offers a half and half pasta menu for a great price.

05
El Pescador Fish Market image 1

Fish market and restaurant combine with fresh seafood display behind a glass counter. Outdoor patio lined with cacti offers a relaxed coastal vibe and spacious seating options. The atmosphere feels buzzy and inviting, drawing people who appreciate fresh fish and casual dining.

Seafood soups like cioppino stand out with rich flavors. Soups come alongside dishes like ceviche and sandwiches, all tasting fresh and satisfying.

Calamari steak stands out with rich flavor and tender texture. The Calamari Sandwich offers an addictive, satisfying bite with breaded calamari as a tasty highlight.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The calamari is so tender and perfectly cooked."

"The clam chowder soup was pretty good and full of clams."

Good to know

1

El Pescador Fish Market operates on a first come, first serve basis; no reservations accepted.

2

Expect long lines on Saturday afternoons, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

06
Flama Llama image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Peruvian restaurant with authentic flavors and a lively, energetic design featuring hanging plants and an outdoor patio. Atmosphere is cozy with fantastic music enhancing the vibe. Popular for unique cocktails and well-balanced drinks alongside standout dishes like mojo fries and lomo saltado.

Savory wonton soup stands out with a rich, delicious flavor. It pairs well with dishes like Lomo Saltado and plantains.

Tender texture and generous seafood portions define the calamari here. It pairs well with green salsa, adding a fresh kick to the dish.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible, full of flavor and fresh."

"I found the wonton soup to be delicious and yummy."

"The calamari here is super crunchy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

3

Expect a casual dress code; no formal attire needed.

07
Sushi Deli 3 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Lively sushi house with casual local vibe and loud indoor seating that challenges conversation. Multiple seating areas include a shaded outdoor space with casual Japanese decor and a bar area popular for watching sports. Offers affordable sushi with fresh options and generous portions.

Miso soup stands out with minimum salt and a fantastic flavor. It often comes with bento boxes priced at $11 during weekdays.

Crispy fried calamari comes with two dipping sauces, one spicy and one creamy. It has a good crunch and stands out as an addictive appetizer.

People are saying

"I thought the Japanese food here was delicious and inexpensive."

"The miso soup was delicious and had minimum salt."

"I thought the calamari was very good and addictive."

Good to know

1

Sushi Deli 3 has a 90-minute seating limit.

2

Expect a 30-minute wait during peak dinner hours.

3

Parking is limited and may require a short walk.

08
Volare Italian Restaurant image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian restaurant with a cozy, authentic atmosphere and dated interior that feels like a time capsule. The place hosts an eclectic group of local regulars and offers a locals-only secret vibe. It serves excellent Italian food with standout dishes like lasagna and Oso Buco.

Minestrone soup and lasagna soup stand out as flavorful options. Soups often come paired with entrees like veal or salmon, adding variety to the meal.

Italian-style fried calamari comes in a thin, crispy crust with a super tender inside. The portion is generous and the calamari is not greasy, paired with a craveable dipping sauce.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is amazing, just like in Boston or NYC."

"The calamari here is super tender with a thin, crispy crust."

"I found the minestrone soup delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for large parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to all dining bills.

09
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar image 1
American restaurant

Large space with warm lodge-like decor and a dog-friendly outdoor patio featuring heaters and a fire pit. Atmosphere feels homey and lively, suitable for both casual meals and social gatherings. Busy environment often requires reservations, with a mix of bar seating and dining booths.

Chicken tortilla soup stands out with its hearty texture and rich flavor. It draws more attention than the tomato soup and keeps people coming back.

Wok fried calamari stands out with its non-traditional style and can serve as a meal on its own. It differs from typical fried versions and offers a unique take on calamari.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented."

"I loved the hearty chicken tortilla soup."

"The wok fried calamari could be a meal on its own."

Good to know

1

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar allows customers to bring their dogs during Sunday brunch.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger parties.

3

Parking can be challenging, so arrive early.

10
The Grill at Torrey Pines image 1
American restaurant

Outdoor dining overlooks a golf course and sea view, creating a relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere with live music and a bonfire area. The setting feels comfortable and scenic, especially during evening hours. The place attracts golfers, families, and friends gathering for casual meals and drinks.

Roma tomato soup stands out with a rich, comforting flavor. It pairs well with pan-seared grilled cheese featuring perfectly melted cheese inside.

Crispy and flavorful, the fried calamari comes in a generous portion that works well as a side or shared dish. It stands out for its great taste and satisfying texture.

People are saying

"I took in the beautiful golf course view from our outdoor table."

"The tomato soup with grilled cheese is delicious comfort food."

"The calamari here is crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service to avoid long wait times.

2

The average meal cost is around $30 per person, excluding drinks.

3

The restaurant offers a scenic patio for outdoor dining with ocean views.

11
Itacho Sushi - All You Can Eat image 1

Spacious sushi restaurant with well spaced tables and large TV screens showing cultural and sports content. Atmosphere stays pleasant and chill with moderate music volume, supporting easy conversation. The vibe blends a modern, clean style with a fun anime theme, welcoming groups of all sizes.

People are saying

"The bottomless sushi here is delicious and satisfying."

"The soup here is delicious and satisfying."

"I thought the fried calamari was some of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The all-you-can-eat option costs $30, offering a wide variety of sushi.

2

Lunch service does not include a menu on weekends or holidays.

3

Sushi orders come in full rolls of 8 pieces, providing good value.

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