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Best Authentic Restaurants in Kensington

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111 restaurants available nearby

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 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 Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(649)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 23 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.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(885)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 72 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(327)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 102 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 Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1351)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 35 times today
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 46 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1407)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 78 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2597)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 19 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 109 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
‘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
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
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • 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
  • Vic
    San Diego •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Peggy
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were pleasently surprised by the food the wait staff and the prices. Everyone was very nice, we look forward to returning!
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    4.6
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