Here’s how I’d do it:
Friday: Grab & Go, Then Hit the Road
Start your weekend with a proper breakfast. I always recommend Lodge Bread Company—they have locations in Pasadena, Woodland Hills, Beverly Hills, and Culver City. Whether it’s their savory breakfast sandwich or one of the best cinnamon rolls in LA, it’s a road trip-worthy stop before you even hit the freeway.
Have a little extra time? Detour to The Ecology Center in San Juan Capistrano (open 9am–3pm, Wednesday through Sunday). Enjoy coffee, pastries, and fresh farm-to-table bites in a beautiful open-air setting. Trust me—nothing hits like real food eaten on a farm, not in a drive-thru.
Arrive in San Diego & Unwind
Once you arrive, check into your hotel or vacation rental. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, here’s my favorite tip: book a private chef for your first night. (Yes, I know someone fabulous!) Settle in, pour a glass of wine, and let the restaurant come to you. It’s the perfect way to start your stay relaxed and well-fed.
Saturday: Croissants, Markets & Coastal Adventures
Kick off your morning with Izola Bakery in downtown San Diego. Their croissants—96 layers of buttery bliss—are architectural wonders, and they’re baked fresh throughout the day.
After breakfast, hop on the ferry to Coronado Island for a scenic stroll or beachfront lunch at the iconic Hotel del Coronado.
Prefer something more local? Visit the Tuna Harbor Dockside Market, where you can meet San Diego fishermen and pick up some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever find—think uni cracked open to order.
Dinner to Remember: Anime or Kingfisher
San Diego’s restaurant scene is seriously leveling up. With so many incredible places to choose from, I’ve narrowed it down to two standout spots that combine stunning ambiance with exceptional cuisine.
Anime – A sleek, Asian-influenced West Coast steakhouse with major wow factor. Expect a tour of bold, globally inspired dishes like crispy pig ears, Australian wagyu, uni, and cocktails as beautiful as they are delicious.
Kingfisher – Located in historic Golden Hill, this Vietnamese-French fusion restaurant is pure magic. Soulful dishes, bold flavors, and a dazzling art deco space paired with a creative cocktail program make for an unforgettable night out.
After-Dinner Vibes: Lou Lou’s or The Lafayette
Still in the mood to explore? Stop by The Lafayette Hotel for vintage bowling lanes and expertly crafted cocktails, or grab a seat at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room & Supper Club. With moody lighting, a clamshell stage, and old-school lounge vibes, it’s part speakeasy, part transportive experience—and open to the public most nights.
Sunday: Sleep In, Then Fuel Up
Soak up your last day in San Diego with a slow morning and something satisfying. Grab a breakfast burrito from Lucha Libre Taco Shop for the ride back, or swing through Pipes Café in Cardiff-by-the-Sea. It’s casual, local, and a bit legendary. (Don’t tell anyone I told you.)
See You in San Diego
Whether you’re coming for the croissants, the cocktails, or the calm of the coast, San Diego is ready to spoil you. And if you’re looking for a private dining experience that brings the restaurant to you—I’d love to cook for you. Let’s make your weekend getaway even more delicious.
