San Diego Food Events and Special Seasonal Treats
San Diego has always been a unique melting pot of cultures, and nowhere is this better demonstrated than in our local food scene! No matter what piques your palate, chances are the menus of “America’s Finest City” can satisfy those cravings. So if you’re in the mood to get out there and sample some local flavor, you’ll discover countless San Diego food events and festivals dotting the area’s calendars. Here are some of the best.
Best Stops For Treats
Finding Fall “Basics”
(Photo: @grantgrill)
Okay, sure — we’ve all heard the jokes about the ubiquity of pumpkin spice everything, and the people who love it. But the simple fact remains that there’s just something cozy and comforting about that familiar autumnal blend of flavors. Good thing San Diego offers us so many opportunities to experience it! From the extensive menu of fall drinks at local faves Better Buzz Coffee, to Grant Grill’s famous “Smashing Pumpkin” martini, to a tasty slice of the real deal at Pop Pie Co., lovers of fall’s tastiest treats can indulge just about anywhere. Looking for suggestions? Here are some great places to start.
Azucar Bakery (2.1 miles)
(Photo: @iloveazucar)
San Diego’s favorite Cuban bakery offers a seriously scrumptious menu of both year-round and seasonal favorites, including the guava-and-cream-cheese pastries that are always popular in our office. Their Carrot Crazy carrot cake is a fall favorite soaked in cinnamon syrup and covered in cream-cheese mousse, and their fresh-baked pumpkin loaf isn’t just delicious, it’s also dairy-free. Azucar also offers a full coffee menu to warm you up on those brisk mornings.
4820 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
Monello (5.7 miles)
(Photo: @lovemonello)
At Monello, they’re fond of saying their cuisine is “timeless, not trendy.” And this commitment shows in the imaginative menu options. If you’re searching for fall treats in San Diego, you can’t go wrong with their much-lauded gnocchi di zuccha (made with butternut squash), or the calzone Monello, a traditional filled pastry brimming with a delectable abundance of mushrooms, prosciutto, and fontina cheese.
750 West Fir St. San Diego, 92101
Lestat’s (7.1 miles)
(Photo: @lestatscoffee)
Fun, funky and forever fresh, the city’s trio of Lestat’s locations have built a reputation for being a great place for studying, hanging out with friends, and taking in up-and-coming local entertainment. When you go, expect ample outdoor seating, a colorful cast of characters, and consistently excellent coffee and baked goods. Lestat’s also offers a favorable schedule for late risers — every location is open until midnight. So there’s never a bad time to stop.
1041 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
Café 222 (6.9 miles)
(Photo: @cafe222sd)
The unique signature flavors of the season are on full, brilliant display at this Gaslamp eatery. Of particular note is their famous, deliciously decadent Pumpkin Waffle. It’s a fluffy, fantastic, and cloud-light breakfast staple that is such a crowd-pleasing favorite, owner Terryl Gavre once shared the recipe with Gourmet Magazine. But you can stop in for the real deal yourself.
222 Island Ave, San Diego, 92101
Awesome Events
14th Annual San Diego Beer Week (Nov. 4 – 13)
(Photo: @sdbrewers)
With more than 150 breweries in and around the metro, San Diego has swiftly become one of the country’s premier craft beer capitals. Aficionados of micro, small-batch and craft brews can sample some of the city’s best beers at this county-wide 10-day festival, as well as a deep selection of other regional brews, and even international varieties. Live music, some of the city’s most popular food trucks and plenty of surprises will also keep things lively.
West Coast Taco & Beer Festival (Nov. 5)
(Photo: @hillarystarbright)
What could be better than an entire festival centered on tacos, beer, and live music? The touring West Coast Taco & Beer Festival ends its 2022 season with a stop at Spanish Landing Park early this month. As you might be able to guess from the name, there will be no shortage of irresistible food and locally-crafted brew on hand. And with entertainment from great musical acts like Spaceface, Hooveriii and Twin Ritual, you’ll want to dance the night away as you enjoy the menu.
3900 North Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101
San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival (Nov. 9 – 13)
(Photo: @sdbayfest)
People may not think of wine when they think of San Diego, but you’d be surprised at how many great wineries and tasting rooms we have in the city! The varied terrain, endless sunshine, and rich soil of areas like San Pasqual Valley, Rancho Bernardo, and Julian mean the wineries in the area are creating some impressive bottles worth checking out. San Diego celebrates this amazing wine culture at the San Diego Bay Wine and Food Festival. Expect great food, entertainment, and vintage bottles aplenty.
Embarcadero Marina Park North, 400 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
Thanksgiving Day Dinner Cruise (Nov. 22)
Local seafaring stalwarts Flagship Cruises are bringing back their ever-popular Thanksgiving Day dinner cruises for 2022. This treasured tradition invites passengers to board a picturesque cruise across San Diego Bay, as well as enjoy a chef-prepared three-course meal featuring turkey, gravy, stuffing, potatoes and all of the timeless trimmings. So hop aboard, enjoy the scenery, and give thanks while you set sail.
990 North Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101
Thanksgiving Dinner at Firefly Eatery & Bar (Nov. 24)
(Photo: @danamissionbay)
Looking to celebrate the harvest feast in style? Come and see us at The Dana’s own Firefly Eatery & Bar! We’re bringing back the popular perennial favorite this year, fraturing roasted turkey, chive mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings. So come down, and bring the whole family for an effortless holiday meal you’ll never forget. Due to demand, seating is limited to Dana guests only. Please call us at (619) 225-2117 to make a reservation.
The Dana is Your Foodie Fest Home Base
Hungry for food-venture? San Diego is the place to be, and The Dana is the spot to stay. Take a look at our amenities, spaces and special offers, and plan your visit today.