Villa Manila

500 E 8th St
National City, CA 91950

Ryan L. writes: My girlfriend and I absolutely LOVE this place.  I've noticed that they upped the prices slightly, but damn you get a lot of food!

Our staples are Shanghai Lumpia (appetizer, $6.75), Pancit Bihon ($8.50ish), Lechon Kawali ($8.95), and either steamed…

Valerio's City Bakery

1631 E 8th St
Ste 1
National City, CA 91950

Snake Rattle and Roll P. writes: I love Valerio's --- for so many reasons.   This is the only location I've ever been to and actually, I didn't even know they had other shops.  I'll have to try those.  My best friend as a kid was this Filipino girl named Denise and her family…

UFO-Upholstery Fabric Outlet
Neighborhood: National City

1918 Roosevelt Ave
National City, CA 91950

mario p. writes: i just came from ufo and they rock. i had a couple rips in the seams on my sofa cushions. the guy took them straight to the back to fix. he came back and told me they fixed all the seams on the cushions because they weren't done properly.

all for…

George's Wonderful World of Cakes
Neighborhood: National City

1519 Highland Ave
National City, CA 91950

Merrily C. writes: Today I went and tried the infamous strawberry pie at George's. The last time I went there, they were all out. But driving by, I saw their sign which said they had some.

A single strawberry pie costs $13. I know that's not outrageous, but its one of…

L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Neighborhood: National City

1860-B Sweetwater Rd.
National City, CA 91951

Laura M. writes: The L&L in National City is the best place to eat.  They messed up on my food once, but they always make sure in the end that I am satisfied.  There Lau-Lau on Fridays make me feel like I'm at home.  The workers are wonderful, they are very…

Greek Sombrero

12891 Hwy 94
Spring Valley, CA 91976

Megan M. writes: Greek and Mexican food all under one roof (and no, the food court at the mall doesn't count), do I even need to go on? The food is always amazing but don't miss out on the gyro, the owner is from Greece, so trust me, he knows what he's doing. Its a…

Spring Valley Inn
Neighborhood: Spring Valley

9034 Campo Rd
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Sarah S. writes: My boy is a classy dude.
He takes me to classy places with classy music and classy decor.
And I as I walk into the door of Spring Vally Inn, I knew he had out done himself this time.

The first room is adorned with a dilapidated pool table, a dart…

Roger's Barber Shop

8365 Paradise Valley Rd Ste 10
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Max. D. writes: Well I decided to check this place out, being from San Francisco I am always weary of people claiming to know how to fade. The place is a little hard to find because it's in the middle of a street mall across the street from 7-11. The shop itself has…

Sarita Mexican Food

9906 Campo Rd
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Miss Josephine Z. writes: My Dearest Sarita,

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach.

Your flavorful seven sea soup with adorable little crabs, mussels, octopus, and other fresh seafood.
The amazingly enormous…

Ranas Com
Neighborhood: Spring Valley

9683 Campo Rd
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Aida B. writes: hands down the most authentic joint around, the mole is to DIE for...seriously, no joints in san diego, much less old town, can stand up to their freshly made mole...and everything else rocks...they even have pulque!!!

Skyline Wesleyan Church
Neighborhood: Spring Valley

11330 Campo Rd
Spring Valley, CA 91977

jane c. writes: Skyline seems like a superchurch, what with it's four services and large auditorium, but it really is a place for families who want to get to know the Lord in a close way.  The church is diverse as far as age and race and it's easy to fit in.

The…

Hahbi'Ru
Neighborhood: Spring Valley

9202 Lamar St
Spring Valley, CA 91977

Jolt G. writes: Hahbi'Ru is familiar to RenFaire attendees. They are a 16 member troupe of Middle Eastern dancers and musicians. John Compton and Rita Alderucci are the co-directors of the Hahbi'Ru Dance Ensemble. Hahbi'Ru gives their public a complete experience,…

Taste of Italy

2512 Jamacha Blvd
Rancho San Diego, CA 92019

J. V. writes: The food is so delicious.  I have had their linguine with clams in the red sauce and it was so rich and creamy.  My mouth is watering thinking about it.  Their calamari is also delicious.  Service was great and seating was prompt even on a busy…

Chinaberry Outlet Store

2780 Via Orange Way Ste B
Spring Valley, CA 91978

Shelly V. writes: Chinaberry is an absolutely fabulous book seller that puts out the most informative and highly selective children's book catalog I've ever seen. They sell only the good stuff. This is the outlet store where you will find all the discontinued,…

Nature's Whisper School of Yoga

PO Box 1303
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: Nature's Whisper School of Yoga is owned and run by seasoned yogini Jolie Cash, a native of San Diego. With eight years of teaching experience under her belt , she offers one of the most comprehensive and well-planned R.Y. T. 200 hour teacher…

Cardiff Family Chiropractic

2051 San Elijo Avenue
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: This is a very special place. After finding them during a demo at local surfing classic, my views about chiropractic were changed forever. Dr. David Revivo is truly in a class by himself. Besides the fact that his office is primarily decorated in his…

Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library

2081 Newcastle Avenue
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: Just as sweet as they come. This little library has a great vibe. The computer stations are always full as the modern structure is bright and airy unlike old stuffy Libraries from my childhood days. They have a great kid's section and hold events for…

United States Post Office

2027 Newcastle
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: This is the cutest little post office with the nicest postal workers. Russ and Eve have been here for years and they know the locals names which is cool. Makes you feel like you live in a small town. They aren't opened on Saturdays and don't have all…

Cardiff by the Sea Barbers

112 Aberdeen Dr
Cardiff, CA 92007

Holden C. writes: The best barbershop up in North County Coastal.  I work up in Encinitas therefore as a consumer I have needs to be satisfied, and getting a haircut is one of them.  The barbers name is Emilio....owner of cardiff barbers.  He is the most…

Starbucks-by-the-Sea Coffee

2081 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: Okay another review about Starbucks probably won't change your opinion or rock your world any, but either way this location has a little bit more to offer. Situated right smack in the courtyard of Cardiff Plaza's Seaside Market, this Starbucks has…

Kiwi Jump Company

Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: Kiwi Jump company provides the best "jumpies" around . They serve all of North County San Diego and have a great selection such as Sponge Bob, Spiderman, Dora and more. You can also get a cool tropical jumpie and others that have slides attached.

The…

Charlie's by the Sea

2526 S Highway 101
Cardiff, CA 92007

Aubrey T. writes: Who says a girl can't have the cake and eat it too? You can have cute surfer guys, seagulls, seals and mahi mahi, all at once, isn't that nice?

Here's the deal, their $11 mahi mahi salad is already the most expensive breakfast item if memory works.…

Beach Combers Salon

2019 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff Town Square
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: This is a great and reasonably priced all inclusive salon. Owner and run by husband and wife team, Binh and Jade, two lovely people that take pride in their work. They even offer you drinks while you're getting done whatever that is. They open at…

Surfside Creamery

2031 San Elijo Avenue
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

David G. writes: Not to be confused with a lowly "ice cream parlor," this is a creamery folks.  Expect fantastic and unique ice creams, for a somewhat elevated price.  When the urge for ice cream hits, the price is well worth it.  The banana is something from a…

Dancing Brush Studios

1770 Rubenstein Drive
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007

Julie G. writes: Dancing Brush Studios is the collective of  contemporary Zen painter Rosemary KimBal and printmaker/photographer Raymond Ellstad. This home-based studio and workshop houses many of their works and workshops in calligraphy, Zen painting, Feng Shui to…

Seaside Cleaners & Laundry

2089 San Elijo Ave
Cardiff, CA 92007

Rachael M. writes: Always friendly & quick service.

Del Mar Farmer's Market
Neighborhood: Del Mar

El Camino Del Mar at 10th Street
Del Mar, CA 92014

Mick G. writes: A great little Farmers Market.

I do not get to visit often, but my parents attend every week and all the vendors know them and save them what they like to make sure they are taken care of.

A wide selection of produce, and the usual arts and crafts that…

L'auberge Del Mar Resort & Spa
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Avery J. writes: Amid a sea of 200 well-coiffed, impeccably-groomed, designer-clad Del Mar snobs, I bravely set foot, solo, into the scene that was the Grand Re-Opening of L'Auberge Del Mar on Friday afternoon.

My only armor was in the form of my Ray-Bans to shield…

Sumbody
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Julie G. writes: For what it is, this is a lovely shop presented in a pleasant and gracious manner. They sell skincare similar to the lines of Origins and Aveda in that they contain no chemicals or preservatives such as parabins and petroleum-based additives which by…

Papyrus
Neighborhood: Torrey Pines

3485 Del Mar Heights
Del Mar, CA 92014

Amanda S. writes: This store is so great! I have to limit my visits so I don't go broke.   They have awesome gifts and all kinds of dishes, home goods, etc. They also have furniture as this store is a kind of pilot for Papyrus.  Some of the things are a bit pricy but…

Rusty Surfboards Del Mar

201 15th St
Del Mar, CA 92014

Julie G. writes: Rusty Surfboard shop in Del Mar features surfboards and other items for surfing by the brand Rusty. Rusty is actually a well-known surfboard shaper whose products grew out of his great designs and dedication to the sport. You can identify a Rusty…

Bruegger's Bagels
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1435 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Miki M. writes: Bruegger's bagel stand opens early in the morning. Offers all kinds of bagels, and other sandwiches- a very large menu. So far I have only tried the Poppy Bagel with Salmon, Onions and Capers. It was finger lickin' good! The guy at the counter is…

Epazote
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

margot b. writes: I would love to give this place five stars for one reason only: it is THE spot where I first laid eyes on my husband. Apparently it has changed into a steakhouse but back in the day it was above average to very good tex mex type cuisine... but mostly…

Paradise Grille

2690 Via de la Valle
Del Mar, CA 92014

Wasabi Bratwurst .. writes: This Del Mar venue has a large bar, a beautiful outdoor patio with fire pit, and a plush lounge area.

Banana Republic
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Pearl L. writes: My favorite Banana Republic store.  Okay, so I love this store because of its location and close proximity to the beach, but I also adore the artwork, organization, and cleanliness of this one.  
Whenever I go in, there is always someone there who…

The Shoe Cellar
Neighborhood: Del Mar

1555 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, CA 92014

Julie G. writes: The Shoe Cellar has several locations in SoCal. including this one in the upscale Del Mar Plaza in downtown Del Mar. Surprisingly their prices are reasonable for what you get. I love the selection of shoes. I recently bought a pair of fancy, velvet,…

Anthony's Shoe & Luggage Repair

12925 El Camino Real
Del Mar, CA 92014

Julie G. writes: Anthony's is one of the last great cobbler shops. The store looks like an original with shoes all over the place and the aroma of polish in the air, but the wheels are always churning here fixing a heel or two. The need for luggage repair is also…