San Diego's Little Italy is a culinary gem, and while known for its Italian fare, it also boasts a surprising number of fantastic Asian restaurants offering delicious fried rice. This guide dives deep into the best 15 spots, helping you navigate the diverse landscape of fried rice options in this vibrant neighborhood.
Top 5 Must-Try Fried Rice Spots
These restaurants consistently receive rave reviews and offer unique takes on this classic dish:
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Sushi Deli: Known for its fresh seafood and creative sushi rolls, Sushi Deli's fried rice is a hidden gem. They use high-quality ingredients and offer customizable options, making it a favorite among locals. Their Spicy Tuna Fried Rice is a standout, combining the richness of tuna with a fiery kick.
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Hachi Sushi: A popular spot for both lunch and dinner, Hachi Sushi provides a sophisticated dining experience. Their fried rice is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, featuring perfectly cooked rice and a balance of flavors. Try their California Roll Fried Rice, a unique fusion of American and Asian flavors.
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Blossom: Blossom offers a more upscale dining experience with innovative twists on classic Asian dishes. Their fried rice is elevated with premium ingredients and creative flavor combinations. Look for their seasonal specials, as they often feature unique fried rice options with locally sourced produce.
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Tajima Restaurant: This family-owned restaurant has been a Little Italy staple for years. They serve classic Cantonese fried rice made with care and tradition. Their House Special Fried Rice is a hearty and flavorful choice.
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Ironside Fish & Oyster: While primarily known for its seafood, Ironside also offers a surprisingly good fried rice. Their Shrimp Fried Rice is a popular choice, featuring succulent shrimp and perfectly seasoned rice.
The Next 10 Great Fried Rice Choices
This list expands on our top five, offering a wider selection of options to explore:
- Filippi's Pizza Grotto: While primarily known for its pizza, they offer a surprisingly decent fried rice option as a side dish.
- Puesto: This modern Mexican restaurant incorporates Asian flavors into some of their dishes, and their fried rice sides are a pleasant surprise.
- Neighborhood: This American-style restaurant has a surprisingly good fried rice that often features as a side or part of a larger plate.
- The Fishery: Another seafood-centric restaurant, they offer fresh ingredients in their fried rice, focusing on seafood elements.
- Born & Raised: This upscale steakhouse offers a unique take on fried rice that is both luxurious and flavorful. Look for their specials.
- Juniper & Ivy: This trendy restaurant surprises with expertly-crafted Asian-inspired sides, and fried rice frequently appears on the menu.
- Civico 1845: While focusing on Italian, this restaurant may occasionally offer fried rice as a seasonal or special item.
- Solunto: This upscale Italian option might feature fried rice as a side, reflecting the fusion of culinary cultures in Little Italy.
- Buon Appetito: This casual Italian restaurant sometimes offers fried rice as a unique addition to their menu.
- Galaxy Taco: While predominantly a taco joint, Galaxy Taco may offer unique fried rice options as a fun, unexpected side.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Fried Rice
- Type of Rice: Different restaurants use different types of rice (jasmine, short grain, etc.), impacting texture and flavor.
- Protein: Options range from chicken and pork to shrimp, beef, and tofu.
- Vegetables: The variety and freshness of vegetables significantly impact the taste.
- Sauce: The sauce is key! Some are savory and subtly sweet, while others are spicy or tangy.
- Price: Prices vary greatly depending on the restaurant and ingredients.
Finding Your Perfect Fried Rice in Little Italy
Exploring Little Italy's diverse culinary scene can be an adventure. This list provides a starting point for your fried rice journey. Don't hesitate to try different places and discover your own personal favorite! Remember to check restaurant websites or call ahead to confirm menu availability, especially for seasonal items. Enjoy your fried rice exploration in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy!
