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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Kensington

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37 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4833)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 52 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(8773)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 53 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 Madison restaurant
4.4
Awesome(3072)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 62 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 Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6558)
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 Madi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(439)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 34 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 108 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
4.7
Exceptional(2679)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 27 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 Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
3.9
Excellent(7539)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 178 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 Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3642)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 70 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.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4357)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 101 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!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • NorikoVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We had a fantastic time at Herb & Wood. Since we were both busy on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. From the moment we arrived, everyone at the restaurant greeted us warmly and made us feel truly welcome. Our reservation was at 5 PM, so the restaurant wasn’t too crowded yet, but even as it filled up, the level of attentiveness remained exceptional. Our waiter, Troy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and offered great recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Sicilian Crudo and one of Troy’s suggestions—a warm dinner bread served with butter, honey, and herbs. I don’t remember the exact name, but it was absolutely delicious! For our main courses, my husband had the Iberico Pork, and I had the Roasted Branzino. The Branzino was packed with herbs and flavors—I usually can’t finish a large meal, but I couldn’t stop eating it. We were too full for dessert, though I wish we had saved room! It was our first time at Herb & Wood, but it’s now on our list of favorite restaurants for special occasions.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Oscar
    Baja California •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Pretty pricey, just about $300 for 2 appetizers, 2 main dishes and 2 drinks with tax and tip. The food and service were great though and the place is beautiful.
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.4
  • Hannah
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    My boyfriend and I came for an early Valentine’s Day dinner and we got a sangria and Old fashioneds which were great!!The food was AMAZING. The Parker house rolls, the mussels, the steaks 🤌🏼 The only negative thing I have to say is that because we had a later reservation (10:00) we felt pretty rushed to order our food, thus feeling rushed to leave. It didn’t negatively affect our experience too much because the food was so bomb but definitely expected a higher level of service (minus the bussers and food runners who were friendly and great).
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.8
  • Stephanie
    Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Visiting our daughter from Chicago for the week. Mister As did not disappoint. The ambiance, food and service was exceptional. Izzy was engaging and attentive to assure our dining experience was extraordinary. We were seated w a beautiful view of the ocean. Everything was brought out at a timely manner and we never felt rushed. Best Caesar salad w every leaf laced w dressing . The king salmon Wellington was unlike any salmon I’ve ever tried. The braised short rib was flavorful n simply superb (not fatty). The rack of lamb along w lamb stuffed cherry tomatoes was also delicious. There r so many fine restaurants in SD, but this by far one to revisit for us.
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
    4.9
  • Martine
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food was great. Service was great. Place is very lively and bright inside. They do have an outside but it was raining so we ate inside. Had Peach and basil Mimosas. Very yummy. Blueberry and lemon pancakes, Chilaquiles Verdes and The G.O.A.T. Excellent all of them. You can't go wrong. Get in here.
    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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