San Diego, December 27, 2025
San Diego is set to experience a major culinary transformation with the expected opening of 28 new restaurants across the county. This growth reflects a vibrant gastronomic culture that offers diverse dining experiences from fine dining to casual eateries. Key projects include Social Syndicate’s waterfront development, which will showcase Baja-inspired seafood, and Orexi in Little Italy, serving Mediterranean-Californian cuisine. As local restaurateurs rise to meet growing demands, these new establishments promise to enhance the city’s culinary landscape and economy.
28 New Restaurants Boost San Diego’s 2026 Culinary Scene
Exciting Developments in Gastronomy
San Diego’s culinary scene is poised for significant growth in 2026, with 28 new restaurants set to open across the county. This influx of establishments brings diverse dining experiences, ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, and showcases the city’s vibrant gastronomic culture.
The potential for entrepreneurship and innovation in San Diego’s hospitality sector remains strong, as local restaurateurs respond to the growing demand for unique culinary offerings. The anticipated openings reflect not only personal achievements by business owners but also a favorable environment for economic growth, aided by reduced regulatory hurdles that can stifle new ventures.
Notable Openings
Social Syndicate’s Waterfront Development
Social Syndicate has received approval for a large-scale waterfront concept at the Coronado Ferry Landing. This project will include a 7,200-square-foot indoor restaurant with seating for 300 and an additional 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. Inspired by their Monarch Ocean Pub, the menu will emphasize Baja-inspired seafood, craft cocktails, and local beers. Construction is set to begin in approximately 90 days, with completion expected in mid-2026.
Orexi in Little Italy
Slated to open in fall 2025, Orexi will offer globally inspired, locally sourced Mediterranean-Californian cuisine. Located within the newly constructed Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy, Orexi plans to feature rotating seasonal menus, house-made spreads, shared plates, and a selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.
Fallen Empire at The Baby Grand Hotel
Opening in winter 2025, The Baby Grand Hotel in Coronado will introduce three distinct dining options: Fallen Empire, an oyster and caviar bar; an omakase venue; and an al fresco bar and dining area. This establishment promises to blend coastal elegance with a distinctive design aesthetic.
Additional Openings
- Leu Leu in Encinitas
Opened in February 2025, Leu Leu features globally inspired cuisine in a chic 60-seat setting. - JOEY Restaurants and Telefèric Barcelona at Westfield UTC
These new additions are part of the shopping center’s expansion and are anticipated to open in 2026. - Sugarfish in Little Italy
This popular Nozawa-style sushi restaurant plans to expand to San Diego, with a projected opening in spring 2026. - Flecha Cantina in 4S Commons Town Center
Set to launch in 2026, actor Mark Wahlberg plans to open this Mexican cuisine restaurant at the former site of Miguel’s Cocina in 4S Ranch. - Romanissimo Cucina Italiana and Bhatti Himalayan Grill
Recently opened, these restaurants introduce new international flavors to San Diego’s dining scene.
Ongoing Culinary Evolution
San Diego’s dining landscape continues to evolve with contributions from both local entrepreneurs and national restaurateurs. The city’s diverse range of culinary offerings caters to a variety of tastes, blending traditional cuisines with innovative fusion concepts. The expected openings in 2026 not only reflect a strong commitment to enhancing the city’s gastronomic appeal but also signify a positive trajectory in the San Diego County economy.
Key Characteristics of San Diego’s Upcoming Restaurants
| Restaurant Name | Location | Concept | Projected Opening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Syndicate’s Waterfront Development | Coronado Ferry Landing | Baja-inspired seafood, craft cocktails, local beers | Mid-2026 |
| Orexi | Little Italy | Mediterranean-Californian cuisine | Fall 2025 |
| Fallen Empire at The Baby Grand Hotel | Coronado | Oyster and caviar bar, omakase, al fresco dining | Winter 2025 |
| Leu Leu | Encinitas | Global-inspired cuisine | February 2025 |
| JOEY Restaurants and Telefèric Barcelona at Westfield UTC | Westfield UTC | Globally inspired cuisine, Spanish tapas and paellas | 2026 |
| Sugarfish in Little Italy | Little Italy | Nozawa-style sushi | Spring 2026 |
| Flecha Cantina in 4S Commons Town Center | 4S Ranch | Mexican cuisine | 2026 |
| Romanissimo Cucina Italiana and Bhatti Himalayan Grill | San Diego | Italian and Himalayan cuisine | Recently opened |
Conclusion
As San Diego prepares to welcome these 28 new restaurants, the local community is reminded of the importance of supporting small businesses that greatly contribute to the economy. Each new establishment represents not only culinary creativity but also a pledge to enhance the city’s cultural landscape. Encouraging sign-ups at local eateries and staying informed about the growing San Diego culinary scene is vital for fostering continued innovation and business resilience in the face of challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the most anticipated new restaurants opening in San Diego in 2026?
San Diego’s culinary scene is set to expand significantly in 2026, with 28 new restaurants slated to open across the county. These establishments promise to offer a diverse array of dining experiences, from fine dining to casual eateries, reflecting the city’s vibrant gastronomic landscape.
Can you provide more details about Social Syndicate’s waterfront development?
Social Syndicate has received approval to develop a large-scale waterfront concept at the Coronado Ferry Landing. The project will feature a 7,200-square-foot indoor restaurant with seating for 300, complemented by an additional 7,500 square feet of outdoor space. Inspired by their Monarch Ocean Pub, the menu will focus on Baja-inspired seafood, craft cocktails, and local beers. Construction is expected to begin in approximately 90 days, with completion anticipated in mid-2026.
What is Orexi’s concept in Little Italy?
Scheduled to open in fall 2025, Orexi will offer globally inspired, locally sourced Mediterranean-Californian cuisine. Located within the new Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown Little Italy, the restaurant will feature rotating seasonal menus, house-made spreads, shared plates, and handcrafted cocktails and mocktails.
What are the dining concepts at The Baby Grand Hotel?
Set to debut in winter 2025 in Coronado, The Baby Grand Hotel will feature three distinct dining concepts: Fallen Empire, an oyster and caviar bar; an omakase venue; and an al fresco bar and dining area. The design reflects coastal elegance with a touch of maximalist flair.
Which other new restaurants are opening in San Diego in 2026?
Additional anticipated openings include Leu Leu in Encinitas, JOEY Restaurants and Telefèric Barcelona at Westfield UTC, Sugarfish in Little Italy, Flecha Cantina in 4S Commons Town Center, and Romanissimo Cucina Italiana and Bhatti Himalayan Grill.
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