It’s much easier to do this in a tropical setting; say, a Caribbean setting. If you’re cold and hungry, the best places to get that tropical vibe would be two of San Diego’s best restaurants of the Caribbean, Cuban restaurant Andre’s and Jamaican restaurant Island Spice. Yes, these places have everything you need to get away from winter for a while, and eat something delicious while you’re at it.

These restaurants have two things in common that don’t have to do with the food, and that would be their hole-in-the-wall-ness, and their locations. These two great restaurants are most likely passed over by the usual tourist because they are not in your typical, touristy neighborhoods. So, if you are getting tired of the usual, tourist-packed, crowded side of San Diego, these two places will refresh you.

Now, let’s talk food. Both Andre’s and Island Spice have dishes that are fabulously delicious, juicy, and brimming with flavor. The food has that clear-your-plate-even-though-you-were-full-twenty-minutes-ago quality to it. You know what I mean.

Andre’s

This family owned and operated Cuban restaurant and Latin Market was established in 1983, and has been a local favorite ever since. Andre’s is never too crowded, with a large, comfortable dining area. The food is consistently good, and though I’m not an expert, it seems authentic. The service is hospitable, but be prepared to wait a bit. Remember, you’re on island time! The food is definitely worth the wait, and Andre’s is a nice place to sit and relax with friends or on a date. With the tropical ambiance, black and white pictures of Cuba on the wall, and the humble simplicity of the place, it’s easy to forget the hustle of the holiday season and let yourself drift away to Cuba. The food helps too. Tender and flavorful beef and chicken, enhanced with rich sauces simmered with garlic, onions, and different spices; delicious seafood entrees, made with authentic Caribbean ingredients and original recipes. Eating at Andre’s is reminiscent of delicious home cooking that can only be experienced every once and a while, like when you’re at a friend’s grandmothers house or visiting a far away family member, you can tell it was cooked with care; with a loving respect for the place or person that the recipe came from.
Try:
• the Weekday Specials (a new special every day of the week)
• Arroz con Pollo/Picadillo
• Plantanos maderas (plantains)
• Ropa Vieja (shredded beef dish)

Island Spice

Walk into Island Spice and get transported instantly to an especially beautiful island way of life. You can see palm trees and tropical plants as you walk in. The ocean and the island of Jamaica are painted in beautiful murals on the walls. The smell of fried plantains and spices fill your nostrils, and you already feel warmer. An island vibe takes over as you walk to the bamboo counter and say hello to the friendly staff, and order your meal. Sit down and look at hanging Jamaican flags; cute placemats with a map of Jamaica let your eyes do the travelling as you wait for your meal. It comes faster than you expect. You notice the tenderness of the meat as it falls off the bone, and the deep, velvety sauces rich with spices and island flavors. Your giant portion includes rice, beans, mixed veggies, and delicious plantains. You sit back; enjoy your meal and the simple pleasures of life, all at an island pace. There’s no hurry. Your troubles and thoughts of the cold winter outside disappear with every bite, and you leisurely pass the time, enjoying the little things and laughing with friends, each of you escaping into your own island dream.
Try:
• Jerk Chicken
• Fried plantains
• BBQ Chicken
• Curry Chicken
• Oxtail
• Bottled Jamaican Sodas (especially guava)

Information                                              

Andre’s
Address: 1235 Morena Blvd. San Diego CA, 92110
Phone: (619) 275- 4114
Hours of Operation: Monday through Thursday – 11:00am – 8:30pm
Friday & Saturday – 11:00am – 9:00pm
Sunday – 11:00am – 5:00pm

Island Spice
Address: 2820 Market St. San Diego, CA 92102(between 28th and 29th)
Phone: (619) 702 – 9309
Hours of Operation: Monday through Saturday – 9:30am – 8:00pm
Sunday: 9:30am – 6:00pm

Delivery Hours: Sunday – 10am – 5pm
Monday through Saturday – 10am – 6:30pm

If you’re in the mood for sushi, and you would like to enjoy something fresh and authentic, Kyoto is the place to be. I can’t say enough good things about this place. Owned by a very sweet couple, Mike and Maria, Kyoto Sushi is better than any trendy, expensive sushi restaurant I’ve ever been to.

At Kyoto, your entire experience is pleasant in every way. The sushi is deliciously fresh, and priced so well you won’t believe it. Every time I go there, (which is almost every week), my mood is brightened by the great atmosphere in the place. Service is always quick, and the owners are always there and in a good mood, chatting with customers. They are very dedicated and accommodating. If you have children, Mike has no problem making special rolls to suit their tastes, and, (if it’s alright with Mom and Dad), Maria provides the kiddies with treats towards the end. If you have allergies, they will go to great lengths to protect you, not because they don’t want bad press, but because they truly care for their customers. Mike and Maria are both fun and easy to talk to. Mike is friendly and loves to joke around. Maria is sweet and hospitable. Both will assure that your every need is met. When you go to Kyoto, you will always feel at home and like part of the family.

The hospitality is not the only reason I’m a die-hard Kyoto Sushi fan. The quality of the sushi is incredible. The rolls are well made, and hold together nicely; the rice is soft and chewy, never soggy or overcooked. The sashimi is unbelievably fresh. The nigiri and specialty rolls are delicious, and the miso soup is perfect. It’s as if this place can’t get any better. But wait! To top it all off, all nigiri and select rolls are half priced every day. For happy hour, you get free sake with your Japanese beer. The sushi is more than excellent, and consistently fresh, especially for the price. Like I said, I go there almost weekly, and I have never had bad service or bad sushi.

Kyoto Sushi is charming in a delightfully unassuming way. It’s small. It’s funky. It’s delicious without fail. It is (again) surprisingly fresh. All of this greatness at an astonishingly low price. Go to Kyoto Sushi; you will receive outstanding service and delectable dishes. You will never be disappointed!

• If you really want something delicious, tell Mike the sushi chef what you like and let him get creative!
• Is there anywhere else you can get 5-6 rolls, a few miso soups, pay less than $30, and thoroughly enjoy every bite?

• Try: Thai Iced Tea, Special Spicy Tuna roll, Dragon Roll, Rainbow Roll, Lava Roll, Tempura Shrimp, Spider Roll
• Kyoto Sushi is located only a few minutes from Old Town Inn, very convenient if you want something close by
• Happy Hour from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
• Hours: Mon thru Fri – 11 am to 9:30 pm, Sun – 4:30 pm to 9:30 pm
• Located at 3166 Midway Dr. San Diego, CA 92110
• Phone: (619) 223 – 7798