Best Southern American Restaurants in Hillcrest

139 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant

1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Hillcrest

Booked 12 times today

Ortega's A Mexican Bistro, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, San Diego, offers a culinary journey to Puerto Nuevo with its authentic Mexican and Southwestern flavors. Diners rave about the Baja style lobster and table side guacamole, calling it a "delicious" and "authentic" experience. The restaurant's festive design and Baja California-inspired menu, including dishes like Banana Crusted Huachinango and Chicken Mole, consistently impress guests. Reviews highlight the "warm and inviting" atmosphere and "friendly and attentive" staff, with one customer exclaiming, "The lobster meal, handmade guacamole, and margaritas are to die for!" Ortega’s stands out as a beloved spot for both locals and visitors, making it a must-visit for anyone craving genuine Mexican cuisine in San Diego.

2. NOLA on 5th

4.2

Awesome(82)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Hillcrest

Booked 7 times today

NOLA on 5th in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a haven of authentic Creole, Cajun, and Southern cuisine that transports you straight to the heart of New Orleans. Featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," the restaurant has garnered acclaim for its traditional NOLA favorites like jambalaya, gumbo, and po'boys, praised for their authenticity and flavor. Ingredients like bread flown in from Leidenheimer's in Louisiana and seasonal Louisiana crawfish boils add to its charm. Patrons rave about the "top-tier food," highlighting dishes like the shrimp po-boy and chicken and waffles as reminiscent of true Louisiana cooking. With a vibrant atmosphere complemented by exceptional service, NOLA on 5th ensures a memorable dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the South.

3. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6477)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 112 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

4. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4388)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Hillcrest

Booked 129 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

5. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.5

Awesome(4555)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 130 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Ironside Fish & Oyster is a gem for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for its dedication to the freshest and highest quality seafood, this restaurant has transformed a historic auction house into a bustling seafood haven with an expansive raw bar and open-air culinary hubs. Patrons rave about their "10/10 plump oysters" and assert that the "fish and chips may be the best in San Diego." Not to be missed are their lobster rolls, described as "the best thing I ever had!" With its cool vibe and exceptional service, Ironside Fish & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience right by the docks where the city's fishing legacy continues to thrive.

A photo of Parc Bistro-Brasserie restaurant

6. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

4.8

Exceptional(3125)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Banker's Hill

Booked 57 times today

Parc Bistro-Brasserie, nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill, San Diego, is a celebrated haven of French cuisine, meriting its spot on OpenTable’s “100 Best Neighborhood Gems in America for 2021.” Renowned for its seafood-focused approach, the bistro expertly balances classic French dishes with global inspirations. Patrons rave about the "outstanding jumbo shrimp cocktail & steak frites" and the brunch that has been crowned as the "Best Brunch in San Diego." The allure of Parc Bistro-Brasserie is enhanced by its "exceptional food" and ambiance that transforms a meal into a "Paris escape." With glowing reviews like "By far my favorite French restaurant in San Diego! The food is superb!", it's clear that Parc Bistro-Brasserie is a culinary gem that continuously captivates both locals and visitors alike.

7. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 73 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.

8. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7108)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Banker's Hill

Booked 76 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

9. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4756)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 67 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

A photo of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant restaurant

10. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1602)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Mission Hills

Booked 44 times today

Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Farmer's Bottega Restaurant, a beacon of French culinary excellence nestled in the heart of Mission Hills, San Diego. Celebrated for its authentic farm-to-table approach, this quaint eatery offers a slice of French countryside with its fresh, vibrant flavors and impeccable craftsmanship. Patrons rave about the "unforgettable and flavorful dishes," such as the tender short rib entree and the sophisticated limoncello dessert, each a testament to the chef's dedication to quality. With its cozy European bistro ambiance and stellar service, Farmer's Bottega isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey through the heart of France, earning glowing reviews for creating memorable dining experiences. Don't miss the chance to indulge in their celebrated Cacio E Pepe or the exquisite salmon with lemon risotto. As one diner puts it, "You need to go."

‘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.

Explore OpenTable

Hillcrest

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Hillcrest

Price

Regions

Neighbourhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

139 restaurants available nearby

1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

2. NOLA on 5th

3. Herb & Wood

4. Great Maple San Diego

5. Ironside Fish & Oyster

6. Parc Bistro-Brasserie

7. Kettner Exchange

8. CUCINA urbana

9. Cowboy Star

10. Farmer's Bottega Restaurant

Explore OpenTable