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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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35 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
1. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.8
Excellent(7581)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 117 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
2. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3154)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 54 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2692)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 17 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Madi restaurant
4. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(450)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 42 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!
A photo of Tako restaurant
5. Tako
4.2
Awesome(100)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old Town
Booked 9 times today
Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!
A photo of Bay Park Fish Company restaurant
6. Bay Park Fish Company
5.0
Exceptional(315)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Bay Park
Booked 4 times today
WE ARE OPEN!Founded by two fishing buddies in 2005, Bay Park Fish Company has become a local hot spot for the freshest seafood in San Diego. Our menu features the freshest of locally sourced seafood. We are proud to be located in this quaint little neighborhood in San Diego & proud to support local fishermen.For limited capacity dine-in, and take-out! We are excited to invite you back in! The health and safety of our staff and customers is our top priority. Please be assured that we are implementing all necessary health & safety measures as outlined in the published COVID-19 Restaurant Operating Protocol. Face covering is required to enter the restaurant at this time. You are permitted to remove your face covering once you are seated, and for the duration of time you are at the table.Please be patient and understanding with our staff, we are all putting forth our best efforts to provide the best experience under this new normal!
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
7. Mister A's
4.8
Exceptional(8814)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 45 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Island Prime restaurant
8. Island Prime
4.7
Exceptional(8476)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 49 times today
Island Prime is a hot spot due to its unique and flavorful menu, professional service, and beautiful view overlooking San Diego Bay. As one reviewer puts it, 'The food was amazing, the service was great, and the vibe was so cool, it's a very beautiful place!' The restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions and has high ratings for ambience, food, and service.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
9. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4381)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 85 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Eddie V's - La Jolla restaurant
10. Eddie V's - La Jolla
4.9
Exceptional(5758)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 70 times today
Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a luxury dining destination known for the seafood flown in from pristine waters around the world, as well as its premium hand-carved steaks. Dishes are artistically prepared and feature an ever-changing array of seasonal seafood, along with critically acclaimed prime center-cut steaks broiled to perfection. The restaurant's award-wining wine list, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator, has more than 300 wines curated by Eddie V's very own Advanced Sommelier. In the V Lounge, guests can sip classic creative cocktails and enjoy signature appetizers.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Amy
    Tucson •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    A great breakfast, lunch, or brunch spot. Food was terrific and the service was great too. Orange cinnamon roll pancakes were so delicious!
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    •
    4.7
  • WillnAliVIP
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This restaurant was a last minute choice, and was definitely the right choice. We ended up getting one of the last reservations of the night. Food was delicious and presentation was beautiful! Service was on point. Cost was worth what you pay for. Parking is hard to find, save extra time to find a spot or there is an Ace parking lot only about a block from the restaurant, that only cost us $13. Overall, great experience!!
    More info
    The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Cathy
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always a great place for dinner. Love the food, ambience and service. Lovely waitress, Rachel served us last night. Mussels as always are outstanding!! Brought a friend who had not been there and she'll definitely be coming back. Keep it up Alexanders :)
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Houston •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent food and experience. The staff was very professional and the food was delicious.
    More info
    Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
    •
    3.8
  • Stephen
    Las Vegas •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 5, 2025
    Celebrated my wife's birthday and TAKO did not disappoint. Great Service, The Food was outstanding, the ambiance, music and vibe was awesome. This is a great place. It is a speakeasy fully decorated from the time you walk through the secret door, up the stairs, and into the perfect setting for fun. I highly recommend TAKO.
    More info
    TakoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Old Town
    •
    4.2

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Serra Mesa

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Serra Mesa, San Diego, where the keyword "hot spot" truly comes to life. This area is renowned for its eclectic mix of restaurants that not only cater to diverse culinary preferences but also offer an inviting ambiance perfect for both casual diners and food connoisseurs. Each restaurant in this locality stands out with its unique blend of flavorful dishes, exceptional service, and a lively atmosphere, making them true hot spots for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience. These establishments are praised for their innovative menus that often feature a fusion of local and international cuisines, thoughtfully seasoned to perfection. Patrons consistently highlight the warm hospitality and attentive service, which adds to the overall appeal of dining in this dynamic neighborhood. Whether you're in the mood for a cozy meal or a sophisticated culinary adventure, Serra Mesa's restaurant scene is sure to impress with its quality and charm.

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