Affordable dining within ten miles of downtown San Diego is difficult to come by. The ridiculous real estate prices mixed with influx of trendy, young and successful people from around the world has led to a dramatic increase in menu prices. Some quality restaurants are still affordable. These are my favorites from five years of living on the inside.

Mama Testa
Mexican
1417 University Ave # A
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-8226
http://www.mamatestataqueria.com/

Mexican restaurants in San Diego are a dime a dozen, but few have the authentic tacos of Mama Testa with the cleanliness that deserves a DHEC “A” food inspection rating (or so I think, I haven’t been in the kitchen). The fresh salsa bar features more than ten varieties from mild to “wicked” spicy. I recommend the Asi Yasado grilled chicken tacos.

Blue Water
Seafood
3667 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 497-0914
*no website*

First in line in Middletown’s eclectic row of domestic and international restaurants is Blue Water Seafood. Their menu is printed on paper like most fresh fish restaurants and prices range from $8 to $25 depending on your choice of fish and presentation. Dining is very casual; you order at a cash register and the food is brought to you on plastic plates. It’s honest; why does good fish always have to come with a huge price tag, anyway? I recommend the shrimp tacos.

Mama’s Bakery & Lebanese Deli
Lebanese
4237 Alabama St
San Diego, CA 92104
(619) 688-0717
http://mamasbakery.net/

Mama’s is a little difficult to find. Located off El Cajon in North Park, this house turned restaurant has a very fun and casual feel to it. Like Blue Water, you order at the front then seat yourself. The outdoor patio is the only available seating option, but they have a heater for colder winter nights. Everyone I take to Mama’s enjoys in immensely. I recommend the Chicken Shwawarma wrap and the almond baqlawa squares for dessert.

Sushi Fix
Japanese
1608 India St # 101
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-7878
http://www.sushi-fix.com/

Few sushi bars roll with the fresh ingredients we expect for the price we pay. Most restaurants use either the new trendy decor or the authentic Japanese style, but rarely the casual seat yourself approach. Sushi Fix is another “order from the register, we’ll call your number” kind of place, yet the fish is fresh and the sushi is delicious. There’s nothing quite like their fried banana and chocolate dessert, sometimes free if you order enough sushi. Look for $5 off and free California Roll coupons in the quarterly magazines that come in the mail or online.

Bronx Pizza
New York Style Pizza
111 Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 291-3341
http://www.bronxpizza.com/

Eh Tony, make me a pizza! Authentic New York style, thin-crust pizza and a no BS attitude. Always busy but always on time. They only have (need) one size pizza, and it’s huge. No onsite parking, but they just started delivery. You can also dine in and order by the slice.

Bread & Cie
French Bakery and Cafe
350 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 683-9322
http://www.breadandciecatering.com/

C’est bon, merci. Bread & Cie is our friendly neighborhood bakery that serves delicious sandwiches on fresh homemade bread. They also have a variety of desserts and pastries to choose from. Bread & Cie is also a nice place to meet with friends for a coffee during the mid-morning hours. Bon appetite!

World Curry
Indian/Island Curry
1433 Garnet Ave
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 270-4455
http://www.worldcurry.com/

On upper Garnet Avenue near the Play It Again and on the same block as Longboard’s grill is World Curry, the international curry super station. We visit here at least once a month and have settled on the Mango Frappe, Garlic Naan bread, panang vegetable curry and spinach chicken curry. If you like your curry spicy, they dare you try the Phall Curry. Eat it in 30 minutes and your name goes on the wall permanently. Fun and fast but delicious.

Hash House A-GoGo
Breakfast
3628 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 298-4646
http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

Do not show up at Hash House A-GoGo past 7:30 am on a weekend. You have been warned. This place is packed, and for good reason. The hashes and scrambles are fantastic; I’ve never had a bad meal here. Come hungry or split your plate with another person because the portions are huge.

C-Level Lounge
Seafood Lounge
880 Harbor Island Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 298-6802
http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/islandprime/

Next door to the famous Island Prime steakhouse is C-Level lounge, a Cohn owned gem on the San Diego bay. At happy hour, C-Level is difficult to beat with its stunning views, $5 appetizers, and fun drink specials. I recommend the lobster BLT and lobster bisque entree as well.

Goldfish Point Cafe
Sandwich and Coffee
1255 Coast Blvd S
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 459-7407
http://www.goldfishpoint-cafe.com/index.html

This Euro style panini cafe in La Jolla Cove hosts a spectacular view of the bluffs, ranging from Scripps pier to Del Mar. Stop by for an cappuccino, play a board game, order a panini or just relax and soak in the vibe. Parking can be rough, but just try to remember that you are not in Europe.

Tags: breakfast, cafe, downtown, french, hillcrest, la jolla, north park, pizza, restaurants, san diego, seafood