It’s here. Our annual “Best Restaurants” issue. Our list of the city’s top restaurants in 2022. A pocket guide to San Diego’s food and drink scene. And our humble tribute to the people who make it happen.

The biggest question we get asked is: “Where should I go for great Vietnamese/burgers/ramen/tacos/cocktails/wine?” These are our answers to those questions.

With a record number of votes, our readers’ named their favorites across 75-plus categories. And our food writer and longtime Food Network judge Troy Johnson named his. As for criteria, the traditional food-drink-hospitality-ambiance combo is where it starts. But Troy also factors in how people operate—ie, the massive sustainability efforts of places like Wrench & Rodent and Serea. This year, more than ever, Troy says he leaned toward spots that galvanized communities.

Our editors and writers spend every day poking their heads in local kitchens, telling the stories of the people who make them hum, tasting along the way. They keep a list of the restaurants and bars and dishes and drinks that blow them away. This is that list, with pretty photos.