As a San Diegan, it’s nice to know the best places to get some grub to show friends and family how San Diego's diversity contributes to its beauty.

I have hand-picked the cultural jewels that offer the best dining experience. Here is a list of the top spots to order a great meal, compiled from critic's ratings and recommendations from fellow San Diegans.

Tacos El Gordo. It’s SoCa; you'll run into a taco shop. This is the top ranked taco restaurant in San Diego. Originated in Tijuana, Mexico, El Gordo opened its first U.S. establishment here, in Chula Vista. This place celebrates Hispanic culture in great Southern, with delicious traditional tacos stuffed with different meats from cabeza to the Azteca taco. On top of that, they serve delicious quesadillas and sopes. Even better, carne asada fries are made ready for you to devour.  Another specialty though, is the mula dish, a choice of meat with fresh toppings and cheese served in between two double corn tortillas, only sold at Tacos El Gordo.

Searsucker. In the mood for a gourmet classic? Searsucker is the right fit, presenting amazing seafood orders such as their opah and halibut served with mushroom broth. But the real taste is in their meat, like the juicy rib eye. This establishment serves a delectable lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and resumes with dinner at 5: 30 p.m. until 10 p.m. For smaller portions there is a large variety, such as an order of mussels with a side of chorizo and beer. This restaurant is medium priced; the max you'll spend on an entrée is about 75 dollars, but an average cost is $30. 

Café 21. Homemade and homegrown are the best words to describe a healthy and delicious meal. The same can be said aboutCafé 21, where they serve a grand selection of breakfast items, like customers’ favorite -- cast iron omelets. The tiramisu pancakes is another selection that will definitely get you out of bed and ready for the day. For a nice lunch setting, there is a list of sandwiches from shrimp pesto to rosemary lamb, with an average cost of $15 per visit. The strawberry salad is favored, along with delicious beverages: loose leaf tea, elegant coffee, sangria, and draft beer. If that wasn’t enough, this café includes a collection of premium cocktails, including the San Diego Sunrise. 

PrepKitchen. This Mediterranean-themed treasure is voted the Best of Gourmet Restaurants in San Diego. Besides being a friendly laid-back environment located in the gorgeous residency of La Jolla, it has a fine set of entrees, including a warming order of patatas bravas, delicious tomato and eggplant lasagna, and local shrimp rigatoni. If you want to order simple, then get the cutting board -- a zesty assortment of house carved meats served on a board with cheese. This restaurant has an average of $25 per visit, but it is definitely worth waiting for, especially their tapas (Spanish appetizers) accompanied with a bottle of sangria. You can show up to happy hour during brunch with a fine selection of mimosas accompanied with a hearty poblano torta sandwich. So, the next time you need to relax somewhere, visit PrepKitchen for their delightful seasonal comfort food. 

Punjabi Tandoor. Everyone loves authentic ethnic food. Punjabi Tandoor is the perfect place in San Diego to treat yourself to a diversity of Indian delicacies. Other than the exotic Seekh kebab tandoored in a clay oven, there is a group of curries available: seafood, chicken, and lamb. The friendly environment combines an Indian ambience with Asian fusion. Everyone raves about how criminal it would be to visit and not try their chicken tikka masala and their lamb vindalu. These rich delicacies scream authenticity with, even, their homemade naan. So, if you are missing food from home or you are into trying a new atmosphere of fresh Indian food, then make your way to Punjabi Tandoor and try their refreshing mango lassi, while you’re at it. 

Café Zucchero. If you haven’t visited Little Italy yet, you must try Café Zucchero for the best homemade Italian food --  entrees and pastries. This restaurant is special and unique, as it presents traditional Italian cuisine right past the east coast to San Diego. Customers can’t get enough of the pastries, and I know you’ve heard of those cannolis; try them, they are the best in Little Italy! Or, if you are looking for dinner, there is an assortment of pastas, seafood, and pizzas. Their pride lies in the house-baked goods. Great order to pick up after a long day at the beach. So try it out and mangiare! 

Brian’s 24. There is no 24-hour elegant diner in San Diego classier than or, as customers call it, “the restaurant that never sleeps.” Enter this restaurant and try their large selection of burgers, burritos, soups, desserts and homemade pizzas. The signature dishes that you must try on your visit is the peanut butter burger. This burger sounds ridiculous, but it’s earned great ratings. If you show up late at night, and aren’t in the mood for their late night specials, the fish tacos, bacon waffle, or carne asada fries, treat yourself to their grilled cheese rice burrito. If being the elegant cure to late night munchies wasn’t enough, it offers beautiful patio seating and a dog-friendly environment. Finally something splendid to eat late at night.

I invite you all to try these restaurants if you already haven’t and enjoy what San Diego has to offer, being the greatest city in California.