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Best Authentic Restaurants in Hillcrest

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124 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(428)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 7 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only. Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresBienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe. Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1023)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is a true gem in San Diego, serving authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Reviewers rave about the Baja style lobster, table side guacamole, and the festive ambiance. They even mentioned the 'beautiful surroundings' and 'great service'. The menu also features flavorful dishes like Banana Crusted Huachinango and Flat Iron Steak Burrito. This place is the real deal!
A photo of La Bonne Table restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1446)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 12 times today
LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. ​Bon Appetit!
A photo of Huapangos restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(2)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
Huapangos, a family-owned gem in the heart of San Diego, invites you to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the haciendas of the Yucatan Peninsula, our dishes combine traditional flavors with local ingredients, creating a unique culinary journey that celebrates Mexican heritage.Step inside and be transported to a lively fiesta. Colorful décor, vibrant murals, and the warm aroma of spices fill the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Our friendly staff, often family members themselves, will greet you with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home.Don't miss our delectable breakfast and brunch options, perfect for starting your day with a taste of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering with friends and family, Huapangos offers the perfect setting.
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
4.5
Awesome(85)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 4 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of Taste of Denmark restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• European • Hillcrest
Ever had a Danish meal ?We welcome you to Taste of Denmark. We are excited to offer you a culinary trip to Denmark. Have a seat on the dog friendly patio or retreat to our indoor setting with dimmed lights. Whatever the occasion you can be sure to experience our warm hospitality known as “hygge” accompanied by the Taste of Denmark treats, light dishes and hearty comfort food. Gluten free dishes, vegetarian options and a fantastic beverage menu, we stand ready to give you memorable dining experience.You will find Taste of Denmark convenient located in Hillcrest close to the airport and balboa park.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 21 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(333)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 54 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.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5669)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 186 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(651)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 19 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JillVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This cute little restaurant is an amazing find. We wanted to go someplace quiet where we could have conversation with our friends. It was perfect. The cocktails were fantastic the food was amazing everything was perfect.
    More info
    La Bonne TablePrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    4.9
  • AbbyVIP
    New York City •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Really good food and drinks! A quick meal because we were short on time, it was easy to get a reservation. I’ve also been here for brunch and it was just as delicious! Definitely recommend!
    More info
    Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • CarolinaVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Amazing food and ambiance. The family that’s owns it are so nice!
    More info
    HuapangosPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    5
  • Susan
    Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    It's a small place with the front space filled with the bar. It was so cold that we had to keep our coats and fleece on! The food was hot, tasty and came out quickly. We would definitely eat there again.
    More info
    NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
    4.5
  • Gary
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 12, 2025
    Excellent! Fun creative menu. Chips & salsa were fantastic so we knew we were in for a great meal! I had banana crusted snapper-yum! Great w the sauce it was served with. Hubby’s chile relleno was one of the best he’s had (he even asked to tell the chef personally!) Strawberry mint margaritas were delish too-refreshing! We’ll def come back!!!
    More info
    Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant dining scene of Hillcrest, San Diego, where authenticity shines through in every culinary experience. Our handpicked selection of restaurants in this eclectic neighborhood promises to transport your palate with genuine flavors that are as diverse as the community itself. Each establishment has been chosen for its commitment to authenticity, offering dishes that are not only true to their roots but also skillfully prepared with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Mexican, time-honored Italian, or any other genuine ethnic cuisine, Hillcrest's dining options will not disappoint. The area is renowned for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality, making it the perfect backdrop for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy dining experiences where every meal is served with a side of authenticity, ensuring a memorable and truly local culinary adventure.

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