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San Diego
San Diego's bustling dining scene includes a wide variety of ethnic restaurants, but the specialties here are fresh seafood, Italian food and California cuisine (which is distinguished by local ingredients and the creative fusion of different culinary traditions). The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most popular neighborhoods for foodies of all tastes, while Little Italy is the spot to go for heaping helpings of pasta. Some restaurants offer "early bird specials" if you're willing to dine at 5 or 6 p.m.
Near the Cruise Dock: Anthony's Fish Grotto, a San Diego dining institution, is located directly adjacent to the cruise ships, right on the harbor. It's been voted San Diego's best seafood 13 years in a row. The best place for breakfast is Cafe 222, located between the ships and Horton Plaza, serving reasonably priced omelets, pancakes, waffles and frittatas with a great deal of funky attitude.Little Italy: Indigo Grill, which serves creative northwest and southwest fusion cuisine, is one of the city's hottest restaurants. The Gaslamp Quarter houses the city's largest concentration of eateries for all appetites, but some favorites include Lou & Mickey's (beef and seafood) and Acqua Al 2 Ristorante (Italian).Pacific Beach has numerous casual finds; try the Green Flash for fun beachy food -- ask to sit on the patio. Costa Brava is known for its fabulous tapas. Uptown: The Corvette Diner is a fun, moderate, 50's-esque diner; it's a great family joint. Hash House A Go Go is an amazing amalgam -- hip and trendy yet known for big plates and value prices. Coronado: Anyone who loves baseball will enjoy dinner at McCormick & Schmick's, located in the Omni Hotel at Petco Park, as much for the display of baseball memorabilia as for the dining experience. Guests of the restaurant can wander through the displays in the hotel lobby, too, where they will find Babe Ruth's American League 1932 contract with the New York Yankees, Willie Mays' autographed broken game baseball bat, and other items of interest.