The Big Kitchen
Is at grape and fern in the neighborhood of south park located southeast of balboa park, (http://www.bigkitchencafe.com/). this restaurant is so named because the kitchen is bigger than the rest of the restaurant. "judy the beauty on duty" is usually there serving up great food mainly breakfast, but also lunch, with a cheerful attitude. take time to appreciate the bumper stickers and celebrity posters on the walls - whoopi goldberg once worked here. to get there, start in north park and travel south on 30th street which will become fern street until you get to grape street.
Kensington Grill
4055 adams ave, +1 619 281-4014. call and make reservations because this place can fill up fast. it has a full bar and both indoor/outdoor seating. make sure you have plenty of cash because even though it is really good it is also pricey.
Ponces Mexican Restaurant
4050 adams ave, +1 619 282-4413. ponces has been recently renovated, offering a new bar and better seating but it still offers some of the best american mexican food in san diego. not authentic mexican food, but good american mexican food. get there with enough time to wait and if you don't want dine in call for take out.
Zia Gourmet Pizza
3311 adams ave, +1 619 284-4320, (http://www.ziagourmetpizz...). zias is home to some of the most unique and tastiest pizzas in all san diego. you can order by the slice or a whole pie. the types of pizza range from the traditional cheese three types to the most famous, eggplant cranberries, walnuts, yogurt, and eggplant. all food served is kosher and halal and there are vegan options as well. the owner and head chef constantly walks around and asks how everything tastes.
Just Fabulous
4116 adams ave, +1 619 584-2929, (http://www.justfab.com/). for some really good desserts come here. they also serve a very good breakfast and lunch.