San Diego dining can simply be about satisfying the hunger in the pit of your stomach, or it can be about an entire experience surrounding your senses with food and entertainment. San Diegans are skilled at creating fun times through dining, having adapted some of the wonderful customs from South of the border. San Diego County borders Baja Mexico and many workers in restaurants in San Diego live in Mexico and cross the border daily to go to work. The cultural influences include a more laid back dining experience, later dining, tastier meals and lots of spice to wake up your palate.

Of thousands of restaurants ranging from fast food and chain restaurants to upscale night clubs with live music and live entertainment, you won't go hungry in San Diego.

Some of the chain restaurants that tourists and local San Diegans especially like, you'll find Cafe Sevilla, with live music, Spanish dishes and influence. Cafe Sevilla is a place to socialize as much as dine. The hip crowd doesn't mind it loud. Conversations are often set to the backdrop of strumming guitars. This is where the music plays, cocktails flow, and the food is often shared among friends. 555 Fourth Ave., San Diego CA. Call: (619)233-5979

California Pizza Kitchen is a prominent force in San Diego County. With at least six locations, this is by no means the only place you'll get great pizza in San Diego.  Home to a neighborhood, Little Italy, you'll discover that San Diegans have it pretty good when it comes to eating pizzas. Another popular chain based in San Diego County is Sammy's Woodfire Pizza. If you have a chance to try it out, the pizza is delicious. There are only several California locations outside San Diego County--one is in Torrance and other is in Palm Desert.

Cheesecake Factory locations are throughout the United States, and this popular place doesn't serve it cheap, but the quality and flavor of the foods are great. Opening a menu is like reading a magazine. You would assume that Cheesecake Factory is known for its sweets and deserts, but the food is what keeps people lined up and coming back to the restaurant again and again for more.  Salads, Mexican, Italian, American faire and a whole lot more are all prepared consistently well no matter where you go. 7067 Friars Road, San Diego, CA 92108  (619) 683-2800

Mimi's Cafe generally costs a bit less than Cheesecake Factory. The decor is nice, and the menu serves American sandwich favorites, plus meatloaf, cobb salads and many hot, hearty meals, delivered with your choice of hot muffins or bread. The muffins include carrot raisin, a sweet muffin that tastes like carrot cake, and is a desert in its own right.  10788 Westview Parkway, San Diego, CA 92126  (858) 566-6667

La Jolla < San Diego >Coronado Island