Eclectic and innovative are accurate ways to describe some of San Diego’s best restaurants. The past 10 years have seen an incredible growth period for local restaurants and bistros as they adapt to ever-changing populations, cultures and taste buds. Traditional restaurant fare like cob salad and chicken-fried steak are taking the backseat to new, unique delicacies that are catching eyes and making headlines.

San Diego has not always been considered a top dining destination. Competing with cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, which are known for their long list of five star restaurants and world cuisine, San Diego has seemingly struggled to appease its own local population.

“With an influx of talented chefs to San Diego, we’re finally starting to see a break in the copycat mold with more original menu items with international flair,” said Frank Sabatani Jr., San Diego food writer and Gay & Lesbian Times restaurant critic. “There’s more to our city than the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.”

Ranging from resort-style restaurants to mom and pop eateries, the San Diego restaurant scene is maturing to a new level of taste, style and sophistication.

“We’ve finally inched away from such hackneyed items like garlic mashed potatoes, sesame-crusted ahi and towering vertical presentations created by over garnishing,” Sabatini said. “Gourmet versions of mac-and-cheese, however, have become ridiculously pervasive, and it’s just a matter of time before foodies start turning their forks away from them. But overall, local chefs are more willing to experiment lately with different types of fish and seasonal vegetables, plus game meats and lots of clever sauces and foams, for example.”

The San Diego dining experience has also gained prestige in its ability to serve a wide variety of guests. Waitpersons are more educated about food pairings, the various dishes offered by their establishment and how to aid their guests in picking that perfect appetizer or entrée.

“There’s been a noticeable improvement in the quality of service,” Sabatani said. “Wait staff have become generally more intuitive to the needs of customers and tend to show a deeper knowledge about how the food is constructed and what wine pairs best to the meals.”

Competing with world-renowned restaurants in Chicago and New York for status as an American dining destination requires attention to detail and intimate knowledge of the field.

“It is a standard that must be upheld and continuously beefed up if San Diego is to become a true dining destination,” Sabatani said.

From Italian to Spanish to Asian-fusion, San Diego certainly has it all, and is known for more than just excellent food; also five-star service, creativity and an overall enjoyable dining experience.

A Gaslamp favorite, Stingaree restaurant and nightclub, continues to reinvent itself with worldly dishes, glamorous seating and a hip atmosphere. This three-story restaurant, nightclub and elegant bar is known for its Oasis Rooftop Lounge, a gorgeous granite sunken-top bar and extensive candlelight to illuminate the low cocktail tables. World-class Chef Antonio Friscia has created a chic, gourmet menu, featuring delicacies like jumbo shrimp cocktail with Absolut Peppar cocktail sauce, pappardelle with spring lamb sugo, and the peach cream and strawberry coulis napoleon. Weekday warriors will appreciate their happy hour, Stingaree’s Bliss at Six; the menu’s items, all regularly $18 each, are slashed to only $7. Choose from the popular Ménage a Trios (fried calamari, scallops and shrimp with a kick), vodka penne or porcini ravioli. Top off your early evening with a glass of excellent wine and you are sure to enjoy your stay. For more information, visit www.stingsandiego.com.

Reopened after extensive renovations, the Grant Grill is located in the heart of downtown’s business and cultural district. The rich leather and wood surroundings give the restaurant a jazzy Chicago-feel. This historic dining venue has a controversial past. Women were not allowed to enter unless escorted by a man until 1969. While the menu is impressive, the service is what sets the tone for excellence. Waitpersons are professional and graceful, always there to take an order, fill a glass or remove a plate. Most have an extensive knowledge of wine and the epicurean menu. Reminiscent of big-city nightclubs is the lounge, featuring live jazz on weekends. Old-world tradition certainly meets new-world charm at the Grant Grill. For more information, call (619) 232-3121.

Tourists and locals alike rave about the Red Pearl Kitchen, off J Street in the Gaslamp. The lounge-esque atmosphere is combined with exotic Asian décor and feel, stemming from the birdcage lanterns and glossy red walls. Asian flavors from a range of traditions flood the menu, including dim sum and flash-roasted edamame. What Red Pearl does that other Asian-themed restaurants seem to miss is spice up the menu for a truly unique dining experience. Guests may sample thinly-sliced hamachi atop a delectable cucumber, shiso and yuzu salad. Other samplings include spicy hoisin chicken with mushrooms, sprouts and banana chutney, Vietnamese shrimp summer rolls and Chinese barbecue pork buns. Desserts include a jasmine, caramel-topped banana cake and andagi doughnut balls served with a passion fruit glaze and coconut ice cream. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a look at their cocktail menu for a couture treat. A sleek and sexy atmosphere combined with creative pan-Asian food makes Red Pearl Kitchen anything but ordinary. For more information, visit www.redpearlkitchen.com.

Eclectic world cuisine meets the corner antique shop at Vagabond in South Park. This neighborhood restaurant reaches out to locals and tourists alike, with an array of foods from all over the world, well-priced wines (more than 34 varieties, with selections from Spain, California, Chile and beyond) and an atmosphere reminiscent of a cultural melting pot. Be seated amidst Moroccan lamps, Grecian columns and Chinese streamers, and read the numerous sayings in Spanish, Portuguese and French. The experience is like dining all around the world while never leaving the table. The ambiance alone is satiating. Appetizers range from heirloom tomato caprece to Asian kung-pao style calamari and a stunning Caribbean chicken salad. Entrées include an Australian rosemary-spiced rack of lamb, Coq a Vin, red curry, and mussels with fennel on banana leaf. Waitpersons take on the European ideal of letting guests slowly enjoy the food and atmosphere – you never feel rushed and must ask for the check when ready. For more information, call (619) 255-1035.

Sushi Fix in Little Italy has brought an all new meaning to the term “fast food.” Nestled amidst pizzerias and fancy Italian restaurants, Sushi Fix is fast and casual, serving quality sushi and traditional Japanese food. Sushi Fix offers premium grade sushi for reasonable prices, giving guests the option of take-out, delivery or dine-in. This concept is especially popular with downtown office workers and tourists on the prowl for inexpensive yet delicious eats. One of the most popular creations is the Spider Roll, stuffed with crispy tempura-fried crab, daikon sprouts, cucumber, gobo root and avocado. For fans of spicy tuna, Sushi Fix is sure to satiate that craving. Try the Redhead Roll, a combination of spicy tuna, sauce and tempura shrimp. For those who shy away from raw fish, there is a hefty range of other options, including teriyaki chicken, traditional miso soup and crunchy tempura. For more information, visit www.sushi-fix.com.

The Hotel Del Coronado is known for its gorgeous architecture, historic past and, of course, its fabulous dining. 1500 Ocean at the Hotel Del Coronado combines amazing Southern Californian cuisine with an elegant atmosphere and mesmerizing view of the Pacific. Chef de Cuisine Jason Schaeffer’s menu showcases southland coastal cuisine with decadent selections from San Lucas to San Ynez. A la beachfront cabana, 1500 Ocean brings the ocean to the table with charred scallops, sunchokes and red pear onions, thinly-sliced yellowtail cured in honey and lime, and pan-seared rockfish. Guests can enjoy the sunset while enjoying braised rainbow chard, amazing seafood and an extensive wine list. For more information, call (619) 522-8490.

Hamburgers are on the menu at Hillcrest’s Lucky Buck’s, located at 1459 University Ave. Brand-new to our neck of the woods, Lucky Buck’s is full of flavor and fun. Delicious burgers and burritos are available for a grand-opening steal of only $5 (regularly $6.50), complete with scrumptious waffle fries. Also on the menu are mouthwatering chicken sandwiches, onion rings, crunchy nachos and milkshakes. Plus they’re open until 10:00 p.m. during the week and 12:00 midnight on weekends.

Hillcrest favorite Hamburger Mary’s has had a facelift and changed its name. Enter Urban Mo’s, complete with a fresh new look and updated menu. This popular restaurant and country and western bar is known for its outdoor patio (perfect for mingling), and excellent food and service. Dinners now feature fish, steak and an outstanding meatloaf. Of course, it still has those famous burgers it’s come to be known for. If you like to dance, take advantage of the free lessons. Line dancing takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays, and partner dancing on Fridays. All lessons begin at 7:00 p.m. And don’t forget Sunday’s popular night, Detour. For more information, visit www.urbanmos.com.