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Best Authentic Restaurants in Mission Valley

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122 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1992)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 64 times today
Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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 Buona Forchetta restaurant
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 RustiCucina restaurant
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 Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5519)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 192 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
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.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.3
Awesome(2408)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 46 times today
Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(619)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 35 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(315)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 70 times today
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.8
Excellent(59)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown
Booked 31 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • ChristenVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Cadillac Margarita is a classic yum fest. We enjoyed guacamole, tacos and suiza enchiladas. The foods are a la cart. Our server Danica was patient with the elders in my family and friendly. She made sure we received all of our food and drinks. She is a sharp server. I hope to dine with her again.
    More info
    Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
    4.6
  • RobertaVIP
    California Central Coast •107 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wow. We loved it. Christmas dinner -so they had a special pre-fix or a la carte. Lots of food- honestly we should have just done the a la carte… Had the meatballs and calamari. The cacio e Pepe was wonderful. Had to take half of our pastas honestly…so we have two more dinners still. Will definitely go back😁
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Betsy
    New York City •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This was our first time at Cesarina, and it won’t be our last! The pastas were absolutely outstanding—I especially loved my Arrabiatissima with malfalde and guanciale—and the table-side-made tiramisu was the best we’ve ever had. We loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Everything was splendid and the staff worked tirelessly and successfully to create a festive environment. Can’t wait to return!
    More info
    CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    4.9
  • Desiree
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent service and food. We had all our food fast and it was delicious. We had a wonderful time.
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    4.6
  • jim
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Mission Valley

Discover the authentic flavors of Mission Valley, San Diego, where a variety of restaurants serve up genuine culinary experiences that cater to all tastes. In this vibrant dining scene, each establishment prides itself on delivering true-to-origin dishes that celebrate diverse cultures and cooking traditions. From expertly crafted local seafood to traditional international cuisines, these restaurants ensure every dish is prepared with authenticity and attention to detail. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also a welcoming atmosphere that complements the overall dining experience. The emphasis on authenticity not only enhances the flavors but also provides a deeper connection to the cultures represented in each meal. As Mission Valley continues to be a hub for genuine gastronomy, visitors and locals alike are guaranteed an enriching and satisfying dining journey. Whether you're in search of a casual dining spot or a more sophisticated venue, the authenticity of these restaurants in Mission Valley promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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