These are some places to eat that are recommended by Kyle and Colleen. The ones that say walk are under a mile away and are a nice walk. Cost is an indication of the price you can except to pay, it ranges from one to four stars which correspond to cheap, medium, higher end, and very expensive.
Breakfast
Cream
4496 Park Blvd, University Heights 619-260-1917 (0.3 mile walk) Cost: *
The closest to the condo. Has great breakfast bagels and all the usual coffee choices. Also has free WiFi and lots of power outlets. Colleen likes the Tomato Pesto Breakfast. Very friendly staff.
Starbucks
1080 University Ave, Hillcrest 619-683-7621 (0.8 mile walk) Cost: *
Obviously they have good coffee, but this one also has healthy and tasty breakfast sammiches.
Brians' American Eatery
1451 Washington St, University Heights 619-296-8268 (0.4 mile walk) Cost: * * *
Heaping portions of typical American breakfast fare. Slightly more expensive than other options.
Lunch
La Posta
3980 Third Avenue, Hillcrest 619-295-8982 (1.2 mile drive) Cost: *
Our favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican food stand. Kyle recommends the Carne Asada Burrito and the Taquito's with guacamole. Open 24 hours a day. Great for those after the bar munchies. Beware of pan-handlers and other interesting people that wander around the area.
In-N-Out Burger
2005 Camino Del Este, Mission Valley (2.1 mile drive) Cost: *
The classic Southern California burger joint. Kyle recommends the Double-Double with grilled onions. Their shakes are awesome as well.
Ichiban
1449 University Ave, Hillcrest 619-299-7203 (0.8 mile walk) Cost: * *
A hole-in-the-wall sushi place that Kyle has been enjoying for 20 years. By far the best price for good quality sushi you'll find. Daily lunch specials and other Japanese options.
Bai Yook Thai Cuisine
1260 University Ave, Hillcrest 619-296-2700 (0.7 mile walk) Cost: * *
Good for Thai take-out. Kyle likes the Green Curry and Pad Thai. Colleen enjoys the Pad Se-Ew and the Spicy Fried Rice. We recommend the Chicken Sa-Tay appetizer as well.
Lalo's
1266 University Ave, Hillcrest 619-294-6810 (0.8 mile walk) Cost: *A contender to La Posta (above) for cheap, good Mexican food that's close. This one you can walk to. Colleen and I liked their bacon and egg breakfast burritos.
Dinner
Old Town Mexican Cafe
2489 San Diego Ave, Old Town 619-297-4330 (3.3 mile drive) Cost: * *
At the heart of Old Town, this restaurant is one of the best. The fresh tortillas are mouth watering goodness. Kyle likes the Chilli Colorado. Even though the place is huge, there can still be a wait. They have their own parking in back.
Fred's
2470 San Diego Ave, Old Town 619-858-8226 (3.3 mile drive) Cost: * *
Just across the street from the Old Town Mexican Cafe. They can usually seat you quickly. The food is great. The shrimp and fish tacos are excellent. Kyle recommends the Surf and Turf taco combo. Colleen likes beer. Sports bar atmosphere.
Sushi Ono
1236 University Ave, Hillcrest 619-298-0616 (0.8 mile walk) Cost: * * *
A very close and most excellent sushi establishment. Top quality sushi for cheaper than what we've found in Minneapolis. The bar is fun and we always seem to meet nice people. A nice evening experience.
Amarin Thai Cuisine
3843 Richmond Road, Hillcrest 619-296-6056 (0.7 mile walk) Cost: * *
Good fish dishes. Pad Thai was a bit oily and sweet for our liking, however, the Mahi Mahi was excellent.
Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant
1220 Cleveland Ave, Hillcrest 619-574-1111 (0.7 mile walk) Cost: * * *
The Chicken Salad was excellent. The Hommos with Shawerma was pretty good (I would have liked it with some spice).
Claim Jumper
5500 Grossmont Center Dr, La Mesa 619-469-3927 (9.6 mile drive) Cost: * * *
A great American restaurant if you want a lot of food. Try their salad bar. Kyle recommends steak, any steak.
Del Coranado Hotel, 1500 Ocean
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado 800-468-3533 (8.3 mile drive) Cost: * * * *
A beach-side classy fine dining restaurant. The waiters are amazing and knowledgeable — ask them to recommend a good wine to go with your meal. Kyle recommends the filet and Colleen liked the seafood. Not cheap!
Taste of Italy
??? University Ave, Hillcrest ??? (?? mile walk) Cost: * * *
This little hole-in-the-wall Italian restaurant has some tasty food and very professional service. Colleen and I were very impressed with it. I had a meatball sandwich and Colleen had a shrimp salad.
Need To Try
These are places we hear are good, but we haven't tried them yet.
Burtrand's at Mr. A's
Downtown.
Puerto La Boca
In Little Italy.