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Best Authentic Restaurants in Hillcrest

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122 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
1. Cocina de Barrio
4.8
Exceptional(422)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 17 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only. Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresBienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe. Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of La Bonne Table restaurant
2. La Bonne Table
4.9
Exceptional(1418)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 13 times today
LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. ​Bon Appetit!
A photo of Au Revoir restaurant
3. Au Revoir
4.5
Awesome(906)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 4 times today
Located in the heart of Hillcrest, Au Revoir Bistro saw it's first day in November 2010, a new born of the Mastellone family (Arrivederci, Il Postino, Buon Appetito, etc etc). Typical Parisian French Bistro, Au Revoir, has a casual ambiance and an atmosphere that transports you directly to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Our French Homemade Cuisine is a perfectly inexpensive recipe, a little bit of tradition, an ounce of modern French cooking inspired by different regions, and a big cup of love from our Chef Dédé and his team. Some of the house specialties are "escargots", "soupe à l'oignon", "boeuf bourguignon", "coq au vin", "frogs' legs", ...Et Voila !
A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
4. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.5
Awesome(1016)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 12 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is a true gem in San Diego, serving authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Reviewers rave about the Baja style lobster, table side guacamole, and the festive ambiance. They even mentioned the 'beautiful surroundings' and 'great service'. The menu also features flavorful dishes like Banana Crusted Huachinango and Flat Iron Steak Burrito. This place is the real deal!
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
5. NOLA on 5th
4.2
Awesome(82)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 7 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of Taste of Denmark restaurant
6. Taste of Denmark
4.9
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• European • Hillcrest
Ever had a Danish meal ?We welcome you to Taste of Denmark. We are excited to offer you a culinary trip to Denmark. Have a seat on the dog friendly patio or retreat to our indoor setting with dimmed lights. Whatever the occasion you can be sure to experience our warm hospitality known as “hygge” accompanied by the Taste of Denmark treats, light dishes and hearty comfort food. Gluten free dishes, vegetarian options and a fantastic beverage menu, we stand ready to give you memorable dining experience.You will find Taste of Denmark convenient located in Hillcrest close to the airport and balboa park.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
7. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1362)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 73 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
8. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1149)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 73 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
9. Buona Forchetta
4.6
Exceptional(856)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 71 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
10. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(964)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 78 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SusanVIP
    San Diego •65 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We live within walking distance of La Bonne Table, and this was the first time we have eaten here. Be prepared to be blown away by the ambience, the service, the food! Christmas Eve was a prix fixe holiday dinner, and everything was absolutely delicious. The endive salad is a treasure; the trout almondine with asparagus and lemon butter sauce was superb; the steak frites were perfect, and the creme brulee was the best I've ever eaten. Our cocktails were spot on. Victor and Yo are the best - taking care of everyone personally in the lovely small French bistro. Yes, it was all that good. Wow.
    More info
    La Bonne TablePrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    •
    4.9
  • Anne
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
    More info
    Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    4.5
  • Tonya
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    We had a work winter gathering and had a great time. The hosts were accommodating to reserve the lounge room for our party. It was spacious enough to hold a few table games. The host was very attentive, kind and patient. We all enjoyed ourselves very much!!!
    More info
    Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Slim
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 3, 2024
    Reservations or walk in, even to-go, either way the food is delicious. Angie was excellent. She didn't hover around us yet she showed up when she needed! Great food and we were serviced with a smile!
    More info
    NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
    •
    4.2
  • RobertVIP
    San Diego •98 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 27, 2024
    This is our favorite place for quiet lunches. Closer than a trip to small town in France and the local bistro. They make you feel special. Moules are to die for
    More info
    Au RevoirPrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    •
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant dining scene of Hillcrest, San Diego, where authenticity shines through in every culinary experience. Our handpicked selection of restaurants in this eclectic neighborhood promises to transport your palate with genuine flavors that are as diverse as the community itself. Each establishment has been chosen for its commitment to authenticity, offering dishes that are not only true to their roots but also skillfully prepared with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Mexican, time-honored Italian, or any other genuine ethnic cuisine, Hillcrest's dining options will not disappoint. The area is renowned for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality, making it the perfect backdrop for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy dining experiences where every meal is served with a side of authenticity, ensuring a memorable and truly local culinary adventure.

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