Local chefs and restaurant owners get hungry too — so we asked where they go to get a great meal when they venture outside their own restaurant kitchens. They’ve put their culinary stamp of approval on everything from the island’s fast-casual eateries to gourmet restaurants — so you can eat like a pro!
“When I get hungry I like to cruise up to Saiko Sushi for the Crown Roll — the crispy fried shallots on top really make the roll — and a great cocktail (they have really good tequilas and whiskeys). The environment is always good — the staff is nice and the people behind the sushi bar are really engaging. Oh, and their dirty rice is delicious.” ~ Billy Gilchriest, head chef, Tartine
“Anyone who knows me can tell you how much I love IPAs and sausage — so my favorite place to eat in Coronado is Coronado Brewing Company for their Bratwurst Burger. The brining of the pickles and the sauerkraut really make the burger, and the pretzel bun it’s served on is a home run. I wash it down with an Idiot IPA because the hoppiness of the beer pairs really well with the spiciness of the sausage patty. It’s just perfect — a burger that marries two of my favorite things!” ~ Ronnie Schwandt, chef de cuisine, Leroy’s Kitchen + Lounge
“The Leroy’s Bavarian pretzel with mustard beer cheese epitomizes my carb obsession. It has a great chew, yet is still soft on the inside. It’s everything you want from a pretzel — hot and soul-satisfying. Run a little more so you can order what you want — these carbs are worth it.” ~ Meridith Manee,chef de cuisine, 1500 OCEAN at Hotel del Coronado
“No doubt, my favorite meal is the Reuben with a side of potato salad at McP’s. It’s a delicious meal to go with a cold beer — either a Lagunitas IPA or a snakebite. Add some great live music and a seat at a fire-pit table on the big outdoor patio — it doesn’t get much better than that!” ~ Tom Latona, owner, High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen
“If I am looking for exceptional service and a good meal, I go to Stake for their rib-eye and a martini. The rib-eye is so flavorful. I base my view of a chef on their rib-eye — and if it’s high quality and cooked to perfection, I know that’s the restaurant for me. And their martinis are ice-cold and amply poured!” ~ Joey Rodrigues, maître’d, Primavera Ristorante
“There’s nothing better than looking out at the ocean while enjoying some fresh oysters with a glass of Sancerre at 1500 Ocean. The prosciutto-wrapped pork tenderloin with morels is on point. Being from Michigan, I’m a sucker for morels.” ~ Tim Kolanko, executive chef, Bluebridge Hospitality Group
“Oh, that’s easy: a slice of pizza at High Tide Bottle Shop & Kitchen. Aside from the convenience that it’s right next door, it’s really superior quality and you can taste that they use organic and fresh ingredients. I couldn’t tell you my favorite slice because I love everything I’ve tried — and I’m still happily working my way through the menu!” ~ Kirsten Bertz, owner, Delux Dogs
“When I dine on the island, I more often than not find myself at the bar at Leroy’s. They have a down-to-earth setting, great bartenders and a non-pretentious menu that always satisfies my cravings. The burger is my favorite — a handcrafted patty, delicious bun and perfect pickles make it very crave-worthy.”~ Nicolas Bour, executive chef, Loews Coronado Bay Resort
“Most of my Coronado dining occurs on short breaks between lunch and dinner service. Oftentimes, I like to go for old-school comfort, so I grab a sandwich at Central Liquor, usually a California or Chipotle Chicken, then head down the alley to The Little Club. Nothing like a tasty sandwich, PBR in a can and Family Feud on the television to decompress and reset for the next shift.” ~ Evan Bennett, owner, Saiko Sushi
“My family and I love to go to Nicky Rottens for either their fish tacos or their chicken wings. The tacos are perfectly spiced with a great balance of flavor between the corn tortillas, fresh, breaded Alaskan cod, salsa and “Rotten Sauce.” And the chicken wings are so mouthwateringly spicy and crispy. Plus it’s a fun place to watch a game, or sit outside and people watch.” ~ Michael Stadther, co-owner, Shima Japanese Steakhouse
