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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Kensington

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4753)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8667)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 40 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 Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6464)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3022)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 36 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
A photo of Madi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(416)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 45 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 Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4306)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 83 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 Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
4.0
Excellent(7363)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 163 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 Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(853)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 74 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.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3740)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 47 times today
Nobu San Diego is a hotspot due to its unique and exceptional cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Executive Chef David Meade, features innovative dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. Reviewers consistently praise the food as 'consistently and exceptionally delicious', with many recommending the hot and cold dishes and specials. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted for its 'sleek and modern decor' creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3599)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kenneth
    Baltimore / Maryland •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food and service was outstanding. The must have dishes are the pork belly and venison tare tare appetizers, the oxtail gnocchi and Secreto entrees, and the date cake for dessert. The H&W Negron was also a stand out.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Agnes
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Superb!!!! From the host to all the waiters to the foods and ambiance, whole experience was spectacular Brought my Godmom (literally my Mom) for very first time as I wanted her to experience the view having meal top of building. She loved it. Food was wonderful. Our host Matthew was fantastic and very personable, and so were the rest of the staff
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
    4.9
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • JimVIP
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We were so pleased that Madison has brought back their delicious jambalaya! Having grown up in New Orleans, I can say that Madison‘s jambalaya is some of the best around! Also loved the live jazz, friendly staff, and good vibe of the place!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5
  • Acacia
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Good food, good service! They brought out a birthday treat in the beginning. A little difficult with the handicap ramp closed outside.
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    4.7

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Kensington

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Kensington, San Diego, where each restaurant brings its unique flair and sizzle, making them true "hot spots" for both locals and visitors alike. These establishments in Kensington offer an eclectic mix of culinary experiences, from contemporary to traditional, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. The keyword 'hot spot' is not just a descriptor but a testament to the lively atmosphere and exceptional dining quality you can expect in this charming neighborhood. Each restaurant boasts a distinctive blend of ambiance and cuisine that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of San Diego. Patrons can look forward to top-notch service, innovative menus, and inviting interiors that make every meal memorable. Whether you're seeking a casual evening out or a sophisticated dining adventure, Kensington’s hot spots are equipped to exceed your expectations with every visit. This area is renowned for its commitment to excellence and a dynamic culinary scene that invites you to explore and enjoy with every bite.

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