Cultural Center in Lemon Grove

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."

"The elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"For the best sushi in La Mesa, diners head to Banbu Sushi Bar and Grill. This restaurant has beautiful outdoor dining options with firepits, so head here on a nice night, no matter..."

"The latest high-profile, mega-project from restaurateur, and part-time Coronado resident, Sam Fox (North Italia, Flower Child, Blanco Tacos + Tequila and founder of True Food Kitchen). Located in the old Costa Azul space, The Henry will sport a modified mid-century style and a sprawling, all-day lineup of dishes (The West Hollywood dinner menu has everything from pretzels to potstickers, burgers to black kale salad). The self-proclaimed “greatest neighborhood restaurant” has a target opening date of mid-August."

"This place is always amazing as the first time I've came , Never lets me down and the quality of food is always amazing as well. Service is top notch and the…”more"

"While this isn’t a Mom & Pop place, we felt it was worth adding simply because the food here is always just so darn good. The first Original Pancake House opened in Portland in 1953. The owners had many years of experience in the culinary field, including an extensive working knowledge of authentic national and ethnic pancake recipes."

"This is the place to go when you’re craving straightforward, comforting breakfast in a classic diner atmosphere. As the name implies, pancakes are the specialty, from buttermilk to Swedish, blueberry, and potato, but the restaurant also offers waffles, crepes, and egg-based favorites."

"Go traditional with a fluffy buttermilk short stack topped with maple syrup and butter. Kids will go crazy for the chocolate chip pancakes served with chocolate chips, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. Grown-ups will dig the Dutch pancake which is fluffy and topped with lemon."

"Wraps, bagels, sandwiches, bowls, and salads are all available to-go at this cute spot at the Shores. Perfect for grabbing something before you head down to the beach."

"You decide on a sauce, you decide on a pasta style, and you’ll soon be in pasta heaven. Start with some small plates to share like the thinly slice prosciutto or fried risotto balls, and don’t worry about trying to influence your date to get something you want to try because trust me, whatever they order you will want to try it. Industrial setting is a bit cold but don’t let that turn you off."

"There’s no better place for a bowl of carbs in San Diego, where multiple varieties, ranging from fusilli to gnocchi, are made fresh daily. Design your own bowl by selecting the sauce and pasta type. If you’ve never tried the salsiccia (Italian sausage in a spicy tomato sauce) with a broad noodle, like tagliatelle or pappardelle, now's the time."

"Bencotto Italian Kitchen offers traditional Italian cuisine and regional specialty dishes to share. Pasta is Bencotto’s signature dish and customers are free to order it al dente or cooked to their liking. Customers can also choose between eight different sauces for the pasta."