Places to eat in Chula Vista

Hidden in the back of a "strip mall" along Bonita Road is a wonderful find. The location is not something you'd see from the street so it appears to attract only a local clientele.

Miso soup is served with each meal. It's light and quite tasty.

My Teriyaki Sliders were of, but my wife's Tempura was some of the best she's ever had. Bento Boxes are only $9.95 for a good sized lunch.

Sapporo and Karl Strauss is served on tap.

Favorite Dish: Tempura is excellent.

Update:

El Torito has moved from Chula Vista to National City. It is located in the Plaza Bonita mall.

A festive and fun place to gather with friends or loved ones! El Torito is a chain restaurant and can be found in many locations throughout California as well as other States.

The budget minded might be interested to know that Happy Hour, Monday through Friday, between 4 and 8 p.m. at El Torito is an economical way to satisfy your hunger. During this time, drinks are less expensive and appetizers--Antojitos--are half price in the bar--Cantina and are quite filling. Later in the evening there is dancing in the Cantina.

The restaurant sections are full most of the time but usually the wait for a table is not long.

The restaurant is located west of I-5 on a quiet street and there is plenty of free parking.

Favorite Dish: Tequila Shooters, Chicken Fajitas, Ceasar Salad, which is not a traditional Ceasar Salad, but rather a signature version with a delicious cilantro-pepita dressing! I like this dressing so much I buy it from the grocery store to have at home.

The Black Angus chain has always been a perenial favorite for steaks. Recently I discovered one at the end of E Street in Chula Vista. Close to the "down town" area there is a surprising array of hotels in the area and a number of restaurants.

Favorite Dish: The filet mignon is one of the best. Mine was done to perfection. The sides were prepared perfectly as well. Wait staff was attentive but not overly so.

Located in the corner of a small shopping area, The Shops of San Miguel," Casa Bella, formerly Villa Capri, is a small, locally owned Italian restaurant with an excellent and ever changing menu. There is a set menu of "regular" dishes and weekly "specials" menu which changes.

The "just right" lighting is great for intimate dining in the small dining room or the brighter Patio Room for more informal dining.

The wine list is well thought out and has a choice for most any palet and wallet. The friendly and knowledgable wait staff are always prepared to make suggestions to accompany the meal.

Favorite Dish: The pastas are excellent, but my favorite is the petite filet. Ive dined in numerous Ruth's Chris, Mortons, and other "signature" steakhouses, but I think the fillet at Casa Bella beats them all.

While searching the Eastlake area for another restaurant I discovered Oggis in a small out of the mainstream area. The main "shopping malls" area across the 6 lane "city street."

Surprisingly Oggis turned out to be a chain with franchise opportunities being sold.

However even more surprising was the quality of the Pizza that I got. It's one of the best I've had since I moved to CA from Boston almost 40 years ago.

The menu is quite lengthy and it will take some time to get to all of the major categories but I'm impressed and will be back. Some ratings on VT's "sister site" rate Oggis only "ok" but those locations appear to be in Orange County, not San Diego.

Favorite Dish: Thus far the Pizza is the best. Done to perfection.

This is a first in Chula Vista, as far as I know. A cute little tea shop that not only sells tea, but also the cups and pots and so many accessories that it's fun just to browse the shelves.

To Be Continued....

Favorite Dish: I haven't actually had tea here or bought anything yet . I thought they were opened til 6 pm so went yesterday to try it out. It was about five when I got there but I was too late. They are closed on Sunday, close at 3 pm on Saturdays. Monday through Friday they are open 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.

I'll give it another try Monday and let you know if it's as good as I've heard.

To Be Continued....

I've eaten at several Rubios and this is the newest store in the Chula Vista area. My sister especially likes Rubio's so I've gone with her when she's in the mood. That's pretty funny because she doesn't really like fish and that is Rubio's signature item.

This one is located at the CV Center and at first the palm thached umbrellas looked pretty funny in this newly renovated section of the mall. I guess i'ts grown on me, as now it looks not funny but, inviting, like a place on the sand at the beach in Mexico! Maybe that was their plan all along. You think?

This isn't exactly a fast food place, but could be if in a hurry. When I think of Rubio's I do think of taking a seat, inside or most likely outside, to eat my meal.

The food and service have always been good and the people working there are fun and friendly.

Favorite Dish: You can order anything you like but for me it's always Fish Tacos. Fish Tacos are a favorite at the beach in Mexico and Rubio's trys to re-create that experience. They have shrimp tacos and the other usual items expected at a Mexican restaurant, but really, the Fish Taco is pretty good if you can't go to Mexico at the time..

Under Construction:

China Little Cafe Express has closed. I don't yet know what will be opened in it's space so until then I will leave this tip for those who are researching for information about this restaurant.

This is the second location for China Little Cafe Express. I found it for the first time across the street from the Chula Vista Public Library in an old little strip mall. The food was delicious and the price was heavenly. $.99 per item. When the strip mall was torn down to make way for the new Police Department, China Little Cafe Express moved to a new and modern building on the corner of Third Avenue and H Street. The price went up ten cents, to $1.09 and the flavor, freshness and choice stayed the same. They are very generous with their servings and it is still one of the best places in San Diego for Chinese flavor.

I always order food to go, but they have a several tables in the very clean establishment and very friendly ladies to serve the food and who will make good suggestions. Besides the buffet style choices, there is a menu to order from.

Favorite Dish: They offer many of the usual items, such as very tasty orange chicken or broccoli beef, fish and spring rolls but one dish that is outstanding in flavor is their green beans in black sauce. Delicious!! I also like their noodles, mushroom chicken and kung poa chicken.

A mix of American, Italian, Asian and seafood can be found on this chain-restaurant's menu. They offer smoking on the outside patio, a full service bar and a festive atmosphere.

During Happy Hour the drinks are less expensive and two dollars are taken off regular appetizer prices as an enticement. Not a bad deal.

This is not one of my favorties, but there is nothing wrong with it or it's food, and there is plenty of near-by parking!

Update:

The place has changed names and owners. Now, it is BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse. It's a big place so great for groups. Sort of a sports bar with TV's everywhere. The service is good enough and the menu is extensive.

Favorite Dish: The convenience of sitting down after hours of shopping is what makes this place worth suggesting. I do know people who frequent BJ's but I'm not one to go out of my way to eat here. I say this, not because of the quality of the food but because it is a big sporty type of place and that isn't really for me. However, there are many people who love these big, sometimes noisey places and would have a great time here. It is nice and comfortable, just not my style.

The menu is extensive and includes both light and heavy dishes, so no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find something that will appeal.

I have stopped here for a rest from shopping or to meet someone for drinks. I order a Bloody Mary. At meal time the Terryaki Salmon is pretty good.

This charming building is one featured on the Historical Tour of Chula Vista. Between the years of 1953 and 1968 this was home to Zontek's Cafe. After 1968, the new owners changed the name to House of Munich and the menu to German cuisine. More than thirty years later another change in name--Edelwiss--and menu--Austrian.

Edelweiss was the first and only Austrian Restaurant in San Diego and along with a fine meal it is a gathering place for Austrians and those wanting to practice the language.

Update:

The restaurant is located next door to the Vogue Theater and opened for lunch and dinner during the week and dinner only on Saturday and Sundays.

Favorite Dish: Besides Austrian specialties, they occasionally offer entertainment and always there are those wonderful Austrian desserts.

Update:

The Germans left, then the Austrians left, now the Thais are here and seem to be doing well. I haven't tried this restaurant yet and have heard mixed comments about it. It seems that people either really like it or really don't like it. Their prices seem to be a bit higher than most so that might come into play here. I've been told that the proportions are a good size. Thai is not a cuisine that I am familiar with, though I've had it a few times.

When I try this out for myself I'll tell you about the experience.

Tucked in a small "mall" on Proctor Valley Road at the corner of Mt Miguel, the shops at Mt Miguel hold a gem for Thai cuisine.

Mea Kwan is open from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

They have a very good selection of the food one typically associates with a Thai restaurant and from what we've tried, all is prepared very well. My wife is especially critical of Green Curry and while this is not the very best she's ever had, it's close.

Favorite Dish: Green Curry with extra vegetables on brown rice is always a favorite. They make it just right.

A Greek all-you-can-eat buffet for one low price. The open dining room arrangement is not a favorite with me, but the food is better than average so I dine here when in the mood for hummus and tabouli.

This is a family owned restaurant and watching the interaction between family members as they work, is pretty entertaining anytime, but on the weekends, lively Greek Dancers put on a very festive show.

Favorite Dish: The buffet includes popular dishes such as Spanakopita, Dolmathes, Moussaka and Lamb.

However, my favorites are the ample Salad Bar, Tabouli, Hummus, Pita bread and Baklava is my first choice of the many delicious items at the dessert bar.

In the heart of downtown on Third Avenue, this family owned and operated Italian restaurant's has been one of Chula Vista's favorite pizza places. This is not fast-food pizza like Dominos--which opened a shop across the street--this is a neighborhood family Italian restaurant . Like Filippis' Pizza Grotto. Both opened their doors in the mid-1950s and have been in competition since. Or maybe not. It seems that each restaurant has it's own loyal clientele.

Okay, just so you know my bias, I was manager of Filippis and Filippis is my favorite.

Favorite Dish: The flavor of the food is different from Filippis, but it's good too. I like the Peperoni & Mushroom pizza, Lasagna and Chicken Parmesan. Beware, the Veal Parmesan comes with french fries instead of pasta--which is how it's served at Filippis.

The building's been there for years, but Talavera Azul hasn't been there very long. They serve breakfast and lunch. The interior decor is restive it's a great place to sit outside on a sunny day having coffee and reading a good book!

Update:

Stella's is out and Talavera Azul is in. Talavera Azul means blue pottery. The decor is a pale blue with lots of pots around the place. The menu is now Mexican and the two most popular items are Chilaquiles and their Cafe de Olla. At least that's what I've been told. I haven't tried either yet.

Another thing I'll have to check on is whether or not they serve dinner. On their web page they say, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Yet, they state their hours as 7:30 am - 2 pm? Interesting.

Favorite Dish: The menu is now Mexican but I haven't seen it yet or tried any of the food. I will let you know my opinion after I've checked it out.

Casa Don opened it's doors more than thirty years ago and I've been going there ever since. It is a family owned and operated restaurant and bar with consistantly good food.

Every ten years or so, the decor is re-done to keep-up with the changing times. In fact the outside tables are a newer addition, convenient for their smoking patrons.

Update:

No more smoking on the patio. Chula Vista passed a "no smoking" law so you have to go out to the sidewalk or parking lot to have a smoke.

Casa Don is a restaurant and full service bar with fast and friendly service. However, they will not rush the pace of a meal.

Also I like their Sunday Brunch.

Favorite Dish: The Margaritas and Mexican Coffee are well made and delicious. Carne Asada is my all time favorite dish, but also I like the Chicken Fajitas and the Chili Rellenos very much. It all depends on my mood at the time.