San Diego Restaurants Grapple with Rising Costs, Some Offer Relief
San Diego diners are facing a stark reality: affordable restaurant meals are becoming increasingly scarce. Over the past five years, the cost of eating out in San Diego County has risen by more than 30%, a trend fueled by inflation and increased labor and food costs, according to a report published on .
The surge in prices began to accelerate in 2020, with a more than 4% increase in the cost of food away from home. This was followed by a spike of over 10% in 2021, a 4% rise in 2023, and an 11.7% jump in 2024. While 2022 saw a decrease in dining costs, the overall trend points to a significant financial strain on residents.
As of the end of 2025, San Diego had the second-highest overall inflation among major metropolitan areas in the United States. Specifically, the “prices of food away from home” index rose 2.9% from November 2024, encompassing restaurants, cafeterias, and vending purchases.
The rising costs are impacting dining habits. Some San Diegans are choosing to stay home, while others are actively searching for more affordable options. A recent post on Reddit, though since deleted, highlighted the struggle to find reasonably priced meals in the city.
However, the situation isn’t entirely bleak. Some San Diego restaurants are responding to the economic pressures by strategically lowering prices to attract customers. Urban Plates, a locally owned restaurant group, has introduced an “Everyday Value” menu featuring items priced between $10 and $12. According to CEO Saad Nadhir, these prices allow the restaurant to maintain its commitment to quality ingredients, stating, “You couldn’t make it at home, quite frankly, for that kind of money.”
Other establishments are also experimenting with affordability initiatives. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar in Carlsbad is offering lower-priced menu items, while Little Miss Brewing has introduced “community nights” with discounted beer options. CUCINA Sorella is offering a $99 meal for two, including appetizers, entrees, dessert, and wine or prosecco.
Grocery prices in San Diego are also on the rise, increasing by 5.6% with dining prices increasing 9.7% across the board. Despite this, some restaurants managed to decrease prices by 2.5% between February and March 2023.
Long-standing San Diego institutions, like El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering, which has served the community since 1940, are relying on customer loyalty to navigate the challenging economic landscape.
As San Diegans continue to feel the financial pinch, the search for affordable dining options remains a priority. Eater San Diego has compiled a list of restaurants offering budget-friendly meals, and online communities are actively sharing recommendations for cheap eats.
