For attendees of ALA’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego, Maribeth Mellin writes: “Restaurants both fancy and casual tout prime water views around the Convention Center’s downtown neighborhood. You needn’t stick to the shore, however. There are plenty of stellar neighborhood spots that don’t need beach views to shine. Seafood takes top billing at many spots, along with the region’s exceptional produce. Chefs put a SoCal twist on everything from sushi to Wagyu steaks, with inspired global flourishes everywhere. Mexican dishes and influences also pop up in all sorts of menus.”