The best of San Diego foodies' choices

Food critic Warren Van Dam is always up for a culinary adventure. Based in San Diego, California, he makes it a point to try all the new restaurants in the area. He is also reviewing the specialties of restaurants, food trucks, dessert shops, and cafés in the city. For him, a good meal is best enjoyed with great company.

For today's blog, Warren shares two food establishments that San Diego foodies, as well as tourists, should check out.

Cardellino

Cardellino is located in Mission Hills. The popular establishment serves Italian-American comfort food, with a menu that includes some of the most scrumptious meals this side of California. From corn agnolotti with sunchokes to lamb and pistachio triangle with crème Fraiche to coal-roasted Cedar River ribeye topped with scampi sauce and pecorino, Cardellino is a must-try for newcomers to San Diego. Every Wednesday is Lasagna Night. Warren Van Dam also mentions that the desserts, cocktails, and everything else is equally as well-prepared.

Lumi

Situated in the Gaslamp Quarter, Lumi is a more modern take of a Japanese-themed restaurant. The brainchild of Michelin-starred Chef Akira Back and Executive Chef James Jung, Lumi features shared plates such as rock shrimp tempura with spicy aioli and cabbage slaw, which not only hold Japanese flavor but Korean as well. The restaurant also offers creative dishes such as the Akira Back Pizza and some of the best Japanese whisky available in the country. As always, this establishment is highly recommended by Warren Van Dam.