Best Casual Restaurants in Kensington

132 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

1. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(167)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 15 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

2. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3530)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 4 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

3. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(405)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 40 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

4. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(178)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 93 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

5. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(843)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 58 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

6. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(26)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 2 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

7. AKA San Diego

new

3.3

Good(34)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 7 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.

8. Madison

4.5

Awesome(2997)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 32 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

9. Lala

4.5

Awesome(121)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 27 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

10. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1328)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 30 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

H
Hana
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great place for dinner and service is was really impressive. We had mussels and fries and two appetizers which were yummy!
More info
Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
F
Fredvip
San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a great meal. Two of us had the salmon and loved it. I had the meat raviolis and they were excellent. The fourth member of our group had the seafood raviolis and said they were great. The service was very good considering the restaurant was getting slammed on a Saturday night. We will definitely go back.
More info
Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
M
Moises
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic Breakfast at Madi Had an incredible breakfast at Madi! The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the service exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.6
L
Larryvip
San Diego •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
i’ve dined here eight or 10 times over the years just brought someone new last night and he raved about the entire experience: food service creativity. We got the tasting menu and as usual the Alna and the Kampachi were huge hits early on. The subtlety combined with sharp notes took what could otherwise be very straightforward and made them rich. It was all excellent but as usual the Leppo chicken is Callie’s feathering the cap for that experience. Why doesn’t have a Michelin star is beyond me? Perhaps it’s the more casual approach to dining, but the food is easily Michelin quality for my taste by far away the best food in San Diego south of Addison
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Danielvip
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
charming place with consistently excellent food at reasonable prices.
More info
Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6

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Kensington

Best Casual Restaurants in Kensington

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132 restaurants available nearby

1. Trattoria Da Sofia

2. Bleu Boheme

3. Madi

4. Callie Restaurant

5. Buona Forchetta

6. Botanica

7. AKA San Diego

8. Madison

9. Lala

10. Kettner Exchange

See what locals rave about

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