What’s Your Beef?

Living up to its name, Bun & Patti is Little Italy’s new “fine casual” restaurant—serving all-natural-fed burgers (no hormones or antibiotics) in laidback digs. And the burgers are huge. Cases in point: the Notorious B&P—two beef patties, cheddar, secret sauce and fixings on a toasted brioche bun; and Smoke Show (pictured), a dry-aged beef patty from Flannery Farm, Baker’s gourmet bacon, white cheddar and truffle aioli. Or choose from sandwiches like Taste of the South, with fried Mary’s free-range chicken, cabbage slaw and pickles on a pretzel bun; plus wings, salads, truffle fries, onion rings, mac ‘n’ cheese, and chocolate-chip cookies with ice cream for dessert. To drink: craft beer, wine and milkshakes garnished with Belgian waffles. 2171 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.367.6284

Omakase Oasis

The culinary minds behind Azuki Sushi have debuted an immersive Japanese dining experience a couple blocks north on Fifth Avenue: Kinme Omakase. Tucked away from the bustle of Bankers Hill, Kinme is a true culinary urban retreat. The low-lit, modern dining den seats just 10 guests at its sleek bar—behind which you’ll find acclaimed chefs Nao Ichimura and Kevin Alvarado handcrafting the evening’s 10-course omakase (chef’s choice) tasting menu. Updated seasonally, it’s a study in Edomae sushi and the rich history of Kaiseki cuisine. Expect the freshest local catches, along with fish flown in directly from Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Market; plus delicacies like A5 wagyu beef; and exclusive sakes and Japanese whiskies. Open Wednesday through Sunday, the restaurant offers seatings at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. (reservations required) for $175 per person; with wine and sake pairings available for an additional $70. 2505 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill, 858.947.1518

Artsy Eats

Enjoy modern art with a side of coastalMediterranean cuisine at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD), La Jolla. Urban Kitchen Group’s Tracy Borkum and chef/partner

Tim Kolanko have opened The Kitchen @ MCASD—an alfresco cafe serving breakfast and lunch. Outfitted with large umbrellas that shade a quaint dining courtyard, the eatery feels akin to a European garden. Breakfast offerings include Spanish-style French toast; a lobster-mushroom omelet with herb goat cheese; sweet and savory buckwheat crepes; and a hearty breakfast sandwich with a fried egg, spicy

Italian sausage, ovendried tomato and provolone cheese. For lunch, consider the swordfishkebab plate, lamb burger, smoked salmon sandwich, mezze sampler and butterscotch budino for dessert; along with smoothies, wine, cocktails, Paru teas and Dark Horse coffee. 700 Prospect St., La Jolla, 619.880.8719