Best Casual Restaurants in Encanto

110 restaurants available nearby

1. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(172)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 43 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.

2. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(840)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 50 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.

3. AKA San Diego

new

3.2

Good(27)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 49 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.

4. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(143)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 35 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.

5. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(25)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 17 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.

6. Cellar Hand

4.8

Exceptional(104)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 15 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

7. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(402)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 27 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 Saint James French Diner restaurant

8. Saint James French Diner

4.5

Awesome(222)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

9. Books + Records

4.7

Exceptional(362)

Price: Expensive

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 40 times today

Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2630)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 22 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
Linda
San Diego •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
a Hidden Gem in Barrio Logan with street parking. We recommend -squash blossoms for an appetizer- yummy! Italian Spritz aka Aperol Spritz- the Best! The service really is outstanding! and is truly a team effort! Love the ambiance of both the patio and indoor dining. *There is an upstairs area if you would like private seating… We’ll be back!
More info
Ciccia OsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Barrio Logan
•
4.7
K
Katie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
First timer and thought it was not only a fun atmosphere but great food & great service. The bar area is a great place to have a casual dinner & some delicious drinks. Next time I’ll try out the dining area for more of an intimate experience. 10/10 recommend!
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AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown
•
3.2
L
Larryvip
San Diego •34 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 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
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Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
D
Danielvip
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
charming place with consistently excellent food at reasonable prices.
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Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6
G
Geenavip
Calgary / Southern Alberta •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 14, 2024
Loved our evening here-absolutely fantastic cocktails and great vibes. Highly recommend
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6

Best Casual Restaurants in Encanto

Price

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Top Rated

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Award-winning

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110 restaurants available nearby

1. Callie Restaurant

2. Buona Forchetta

3. AKA San Diego

4. Ciccia Osteria

5. Botanica

6. Cellar Hand

7. Madi

8. Saint James French Diner

9. Books + Records

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

See what locals rave about

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