Best Southwest American Restaurants in College Area

140 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(737)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 23 times today

Experience the heart of Latin American cuisine at Casa Gabriela in Downtown La Mesa, where Chef Gabriela Lopez crafts a menu with deep roots in her Mexican heritage and a cosmopolitan flair from Tijuana. Diners rave about the authentic, hand-crafted dishes that evoke the spirit of Baja California and beyond. "The enchiladas were delicious," and "Crispy carnitas was the best we have ever had," are just a glimpse of the glowing reviews that highlight the quality and creativity of the food. The ambiance, from the spacious garden to the cozy loft, complements the exceptional dining experience, making Casa Gabriela a must-visit for authentic Latin American flavors.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2635)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 10 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

3. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(660)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 71 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, you're treated not just to a meal but a vibrant Southern experience true to its roots. Designed to embody the spirit of New Orleans, the restaurant offers an authentic Southern cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, who brings a treasure trove of culinary expertise straight from New Orleans. Patrons rave about the unique and flavorful dishes such as the "incredible gumbo" and "delicious catfish," not to mention the innovative Alligator Cheesecake. Reviews consistently highlight not just the food but also the atmosphere, describing it as a place where "everything was amazing" and urging others to "definitely try a potion or two." With such passionate endorsements and a commitment to seasonal, bold flavors, Louisiana Purchase SD is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of the South.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2005)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 20 times today

Farmer's Table in La Mesa is your go-to destination for an authentic, farm-to-table breakfast experience. Celebrated for transforming locally sourced organic ingredients into delectable dishes, this family-friendly eatery excels in creating a welcoming atmosphere ideal for starting your day. Patrons rave about the quality and variety, with glowing reviews like, "We all loved mother's day brunch at Farmer's Table" and "I love having breakfast here! The Huevos Divorciados and the Chilaquiles are SO GOOD!! 🤤". Whether you're indulging in their famed bonfire pancakes or the hearty carnitas omelette, Farmer's Table promises a breakfast where every dish is a highlight, ensuring an unforgettable morning meal.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

5. El Torito - La Mesa

4.7

Exceptional(432)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 22 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

6. One Door North

4.6

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 12 times today

At One Door North in North Park, San Diego, seafood aficionados can savor the freshest catches in a setting that exudes adventure and a love for the outdoors. The restaurant's Baja Ceviche is applauded for its "pleasant and above-average" assortment of seafood, paired with house-made tortilla chips, providing a light yet flavorful start to the dining experience. The highlight, the house specialty crispy octopus, is a must-try, featuring "amazing" textures and flavors complemented by a delicious aioli sauce, fresh frisée, and crisp apple slices. These dishes emphasize the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity in its seafood offerings, making it a top choice for both locals and visitors. Join the adventure and indulge in a seafood experience that is both unique and memorable at One Door North.

A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant

7. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.6

Exceptional(24)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 6 times today

At The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa, the meat cuisine is not just dining; it's an experience. Renowned for their unique "grill your own steak" feature, this spot ensures that every guest can enjoy their steak exactly how they like it. One diner raved, "Steak was amazing," highlighting the top-notch quality of their meats. Whether you choose to grill it yourself or have it expertly cooked by the kitchen, the authenticity and flavor are always spot-on. Along with their craft cocktails and vibrant live music, The Riviera offers an unforgettable atmosphere where every meal is a celebration. Their consistent quality and service make it a must-visit for meat lovers seeking a standout dining experience.

8. LIPS - San Diego

5.0

Exceptional(42)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 4 times today

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

A photo of KnB Bistro - College Area restaurant

9. KnB Bistro - College Area

3.0

Good(0)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • College Area

A photo of Dave & Buster's - San Diego restaurant

10. Dave & Buster's - San Diego

3.9

Excellent(82)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 20 times today

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Ralphvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •67 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great meal and service. Food really pops and has great flavor. Whole experience very pleasant with attentive service and great atmosphere.
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Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
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4.5
J
Julievip
San Diego •35 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Very good as always and very pleasant service as always. Highly recommended!!
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.7
K
Kimvip
Minneapolis - St. Paul •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great outdoor area with comfortable seating, strong drinks, and heat lamps. Perfect spot before a visit to the movies or holiday shopping.
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.8
C
Cheryl
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 23, 2024
We chose Fred’s for our dog, Ziggy. The staff were more than accommodating - they are dog lovers and people persons, making us all feel at home. Great food, pure pleasure!
More info
Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.5
C
Cynthia
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern)• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.5

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in College Area

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140 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

3. Louisiana Purchase SD

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

5. El Torito - La Mesa

6. One Door North

7. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

8. LIPS - San Diego

9. KnB Bistro - College Area

10. Dave & Buster's - San Diego

See what locals rave about

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