Best ethnic restaurants in San Diego?

I'm glad we both have good taste, karaethon! I think I've read a number of your posts with interest and probably tried restaurants you've recommended.

As for Minh Ky, I say the place is more Chinese-Vietnamese with a heavy emphasis on noodles/soups. My faves are the duck noodles, wonton noodles and the spicy curry noodles (broth on the side).

Esqo in San Diego

Best ethnic restaurants in San Diego?

Italian - Bencotto, Arrivederci
Thai - Sab E Lee, Siam Nara
Vietnamese - Minh Ky
Chinese (Taiwanese) - Mama Liang's
Japanese (Sushi) - Kaito
Japanese (Ramen) - Yakitori Yakyudori
Korean (BBQ) - Dae Jang Keum
Mexican (tacos) - Tacos El Gordo

Esqo in San Diego

State of Thai in SD

The best "new: Thai restaurant in my book is Siam Nara in Mira Mesa (Seafood City shopping plaza). While not as homey and authentic as Sab E Lee, Siam Nara offers a great overall Thai experience in terms of quality (deliciousness) of food, atmosphere and price (great value). My favorite dishes are the beef salad and curries. Desserts are wonderful too (mango sticky rice and homemade coconut icecream). However, I was slightly disappointed in the Drunken Noodles, which were not as flavorful as the other dishes. If they can correct that, Siam Nara will be topnotch.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/siam-nara-san-diego

Esqo in San Diego

If not Kaito or Sushi Ota, then...

Toshi-San in La Jolla. Great sushi, no hype. I believe Toshi was a former sushi chef at Ota.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/toshi-san-sushi-and-shabu-shabu-la-jolla

Esqo in San Diego

I surrender... just give me chow fun

Minh Ky on El Cajon Boulevard is the place for Chow Fun (or noodles in general, both dry and in soup). I usually get the beef chow fun with chinese brocoli. The noodles have an incredible smoky flavor that I haven't found anywhere else in SD.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/minh-ky-chinese-restaurant-san-diego

Esqo in San Diego

Uni in San Diego?

CGFAN - I find your posts very informative. Could you explain the concept of "tane" further? Thanks!

Esqo in San Diego

N.County Thai

Lotus Thai Bistro in Carlsbad (no relation to Lotus Thai in Gaslamp) is hands-down one of the best "traditional" Thai restaurants in San Diego -- not just North County.

http://www.lotusthaibistrocarlsbad.com/

Esqo in California

Sushi Grade fish in San Diego

I think Catalina Offshore provides fresh fish to most (if not all) of the finer sushi places in town. It's open to the public and you can buy fish for yourself, but they only sell large pieces. My wife and I bought a beautiful cut of tuna from there for a sushi party we were hosting but we ended up not finishing it and throwing some away -- which was a travesty.

Esqo in San Diego

best thai in San Diego?

I've said it before in another thread and I'll say it again -- Lotus Thai in Carlsbad is hands-down the best Thai I've had in SD. Complex flavors, fresh ingredients, and great menu. Not just the run of the mill Pad thai type stuff, although they do offer it and it is good. If you're lucky, they'll have fresh coconut icecream (they make it in-house), which is a great way to top off your meal.

This restaurant has no affiliation with the Lotus Thai in downtown.

Esqo in California

Best of San Diego 2007

Wow, I never would have thought someone would recognize Ichiro on Convoy -- I thought I was the only one who liked this place. The sushi at Ichiro is top-notch -- almost up to par with Sushi Ota. The chef whom you are referring to is Yasu -- He'll do a wonderful Omakase (chef's choice sushi menu) for you and he's got a unique charm and personality that'll bring a smile to your face (definitely not the prototypical stern and serious sushi chef). Oh yeah, Yasu introduced me to the joys of Uni (sea urchin) so definitely try it there.

Esqo in San Diego

looking for humboldt fog in san diego

Don't know if you want to sit down and dine, but Extraordinary Desserts has a great selection of cheeses (I think I've seen the Humboldt on the menu). Plus why not have some great dessert and wine with your cheeseplate.

Esqo in California