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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kensington

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100 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3600)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 3 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.
A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(229)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 35 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.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8773)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 55 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(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 Wormwood restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(827)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 11 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
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 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 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 Ciccia Osteria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(218)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Barrio Logan
Booked 18 times today
Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4452)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 87 times today
We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • EdizVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •46 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We enjoyed Sofia very much. Very nicely set, kind service with knowledge and great food. My first assessment is how you are greeted upon arrival. Accommodating! Welcoming! Our waiter knew how to explain options, asked about any allergies.. he was great! We enjoyed the food very much. Started with Arancini - more tomato based rice yummy. Calamari was tender (breading could be lighter) and meatballs on the money! We tried several pastas and chic parm. Cacio a Pepe very delicious - just right amount of black pepper, gently stuffed w ricotta, rigatoni alla vodka very tasty - be aware it is spicy and pistachio pesto and spaghetti was excellent - finally chicken parm - I know it is not a traditional Italian dish but thin and nicely prepared. All in all - very good experience. Will be back!
    More info
    Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
    4.6
  • 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
  • Irianny
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    A fun experience! Came here for Valentine’s Day with reservations and had a smooth experience. Because of the holiday they only had a 5 tasting course. It was a bit packed understandably. The drinks were amazing! The food was a culinary experience. The service was on par. We were there for close to 3 hours however because the food came out very slow, however they gave us a discount because of it without us even asking. Amazing attention to detail!
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    4.6
  • Laurie
    San Diego •79 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Bleu Boheme is our favorite restaurant in San Diego. We chose it for Valentine's day due to it's consistency and the warmth of the environment. We were engaged after dining there one year ago, so of course we wanted to go back and recreate that magical evening. I am always leery of price fixed menus, but with Bleu Boheme, there is no need for doubt. The food is always A+, but it was even more fabulous that normal. My favorites were on the price fix menu and they were better than ever. The brussels sprouts were fantastic and my salmon, oh my gosh, was fabulous. They were generous with the portions. As always the service was beyond compare. Everyone in the restaurant feels like a family member. The owner and head chef is so very gracious and talented. I couldn't give any higher accolades than to Bleu Boheme.
    More info
    Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    4.7
  • 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
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