Costa Brava

- 1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

For Californians seeking a true culinary escape to the Iberian Peninsula without leaving San Diego, Costa Brava is the premier destination. Located in the lively Pacific Beach community, this authentic Spanish restaurant and tapas bar offers a vibrant taste of Spain's diverse regional cuisine, with a focus on Basque and Catalan traditions complemented by the rich cookery of Castile. Costa Brava successfully transports guests from the sunny California coast to a cozy, rustic Spanish setting, complete with tile floors, arched doorways, and an atmosphere that is at once casual, cozy, and romantic.

The restaurant is celebrated for providing an immersive dining experience, highlighted by an extensive menu of both hot and cold tapas, and main courses that have earned city-wide recognition. Among its signature offerings, the Paella has been voted the best in San Diego by local publications, a testament to its authentic preparation and rich, aromatic flavor. Whether you are looking for a quick, flavorful lunch, an intimate dinner, or a spirited gathering with friends, Costa Brava delivers a genuine piece of Spain right here in Southern California. The commitment to authentic flavors, combined with genuinely friendly and accommodating service, makes it a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists exploring the San Diego food scene.

Costa Brava is conveniently situated in the heart of Pacific Beach, San Diego, a dynamic neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere and coastal proximity.

• Address: 1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA

The restaurant's location on Garnet Avenue provides easy access from surrounding San Diego areas. Despite being on a busy street, the interior and the back patio spaces offer a tranquil, immersive dining environment that feels far removed from the Pacific Beach bustle.

Accessibility is a key priority at Costa Brava, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons:

• Physical Accessibility: The venue is fully equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating.
• Parking: Guests can benefit from free street parking in the vicinity, which is a notable amenity in the Pacific Beach area.

Costa Brava offers a full suite of dining and hospitality services to accommodate every occasion, from a quick solo meal to large group celebrations.

• Dine-in Service: Full table service is available for Brunch, Lunch, and Dinner. Guests are welcomed into a cozy and romantic atmosphere with seating both indoors and on the dog-friendly outdoor patio.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, with dinner reservations being highly recommended to ensure seating, especially on weekends and evenings featuring live music.
• Takeout and Delivery: For enjoying Spanish cuisine at home or elsewhere in San Diego, the restaurant provides convenient Curbside Pickup, Takeout, and Delivery options.
• Happy Hour Specials: Costa Brava features popular Happy Hour drinks and food specials, offering nearly half-price Sangria and a selected menu of tapas at half price on Wednesday and Thursday from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (check local times for updates).
• Beverage Service: A bar is onsite, serving a comprehensive list of Alcohol, Beer (including a 'Great beer selection'), Hard liquor, 'Great cocktails,' and an extensive Spanish 'Great wine list,' perfect for pairing with tapas and paella.
• Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it easy to bring authentic Spanish flavors to your private events in the California region.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The venue is deemed 'Good for kids' and offers high chairs for the youngest guests.
• Late-Night Food: For those looking for a late evening bite, Costa Brava offers late-night food options.

Costa Brava's distinction in the California dining scene comes from its combination of culinary authenticity, a vibrant cultural atmosphere, and thoughtful service.

• Award-Winning Paella: The Paella is a signature highlight, with the PAELLA DE MARISCOS ($29.50) and PAELLA MIXTA ($27.50) being renowned as some of the best in San Diego. The unique ARROZ NEGRO CON SEPIA ($27.50) (squid ink rice) is also a specialty.
• Extensive Tapas Menu: The menu features over 30 varieties of small plates, catering to every taste. Standouts include the highly praised PULPO A LA GALLEGA ($14.50) (Galician-style octopus), the melt-in-your-mouth RABO DE TORO ($17.50), the sweet and savory DÁTILES CON TOCINO ($8.50) (dates wrapped in bacon), and a selection of authentic Spanish cheeses like QUESO MANCHEGO and QUESO CABRALES (all $8.95).
• Specialty Iberian Meats: The restaurant proudly offers the finest imported meats, including the highly-prized JAMÓN IBÉRICO 5J ($42.00) and JAMÓN SERRANO ($14.50), available as tapas or part of the premium TABLAS DE EMBUTIDOS IBERICOS ($24.50).
• Live Music and Atmosphere: The atmosphere is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of Live music, often featuring the enchanting sounds of Spanish melodies and flamenco guitar, which creates an authentic 'Spanish Serenade' that transports diners to Spain.
• Diverse Main Courses: Beyond Paella, the Entrees menu features traditional, hearty dishes like CORDERO ASADO A NUESTRA MANERA ($27.50) (roasted lamb shank) and SOLOMILLO AL QUESO CABRALES ($34.50) (Filet Mignon with blue cheese sauce), catering to all palates, including those who prefer great steaks.
• Highly-Rated Desserts and Wine: Patrons consistently praise the 'Great dessert' and 'Great wine list' highlights. Traditional Spanish desserts such as the CREMA CATALANA ($10.50) and TARTA DE QUESO IDIAZÁBAL ($10.50) provide a perfect finish, complemented by a well-curated list of Spanish wines, including Cava, Sherry, and Sangria.

To secure a reservation, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, please contact Costa Brava using the following details.

• Address: 1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA
• Phone: (858) 273-1218

For residents of California, particularly in the San Diego area, Costa Brava is worth choosing for its uncompromising dedication to authentic Spanish cuisine and a truly immersive cultural experience. Unlike many restaurants that only offer a small selection of Spanish-style dishes, Costa Brava provides a vast and deep exploration of Spain's regional cookery, from the Basque-inspired seafood medley of ZARZUELA DE MARISCOS ($28.50) to the classic comfort of TORTILLA ESPAÑOLA ($9.50).

The tapas selection is arguably the best reason to visit. With an array of small plates designed for sharing, it is the ideal spot for a communal and social dining event. Whether you are sampling the delicate GAMBAS AL AJILLO ($11.95) (shrimp in garlic) or indulging in the exclusive JAMÓN IBÉRICO 5J, the variety and quality are unmatched. The 'Fast service' ensures that the tapas flow smoothly, maintaining the lively, dynamic atmosphere that is central to the Spanish dining culture.

Furthermore, the combination of excellent, traditional food with vibrant culture—highlighted by Live music—on a dog-friendly, cozy patio is a distinct advantage in Pacific Beach. This restaurant serves not only incredible food but also an atmosphere that fosters genuine connection and celebration. For a memorable evening that offers 'Great cocktails,' a top-rated Paella, and a slice of Iberian ambiance, Costa Brava stands out as an essential San Diego dining treasure.

Costa Brava

1653 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, USA