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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Park

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111 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(840)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 52 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 Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4108)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 97 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7995)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 58 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.2
Good(27)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 50 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.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1325)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 56 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 Ciccia Osteria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(143)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Barrio Logan
Booked 36 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.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(944)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 56 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2389)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 34 times today
Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(609)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 37 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4178)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 94 times today
Brigantine at Portside Pier is an authentic seafood restaurant in San Diego. It embodies the beach town lifestyle and a dedication to flavorful food. Reviews rave about the 'beautiful atmosphere', 'phenomenal food' and 'friendly staff'. The restaurant is known for its San Diego-style surf and turf, including award-winning fish tacos and marinated grilled swordfish. Its consistent high ratings for ambience, food, and service attest to its authenticity.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • 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!
    More info
    AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    3.2
  • Sean
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Overall a great experience. I was entertaining some colleagues and a business partner in town for a conference as a local and they thoroughly enjoyed the meal. Several of our dishes were great. Most notably the hot oil seared salmon that our server recommended and spicy garlic noodles. I wasnt really a fan of the meatball and spicy shrimp plates (but I may be biased having had similar dishes in the past) We arrived almost 30 minutes and the host Erika was exceptionally welcoming and got us seated promptly which was awesome. Definitely would come back, great for a date night or entertaining guests.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Danielvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    charming place with consistently excellent food at reasonable prices.
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    4.6
  • Benyamin
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolutely loved the experience, my girlfriend had told me about the restaurant. She loves the early 90s so the vibes of the restaurant was amazing for her, I loved the decor as well as the general ambiance. The vodka pasta was so good, I got the 40oz porterhouse. The outside was grilled perfectly as well as the medium on the inside. The drinks were so good from the Cabernet my girlfriend had to the Gin & Tonic I had were both wonderfully made. 10/10, will absolutely be suggesting this place to every couple we know as THE date night spot in San Diego.
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • elizabethvip
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    From the moment we walked in to the moment we left we felt super special (with the exception of one server that figured out we were unhappy with him and he server came back). Every dish we had out did the one before!
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Park

Discover the charm of authentic dining in San Diego's vibrant South Park neighborhood. This eclectic area is renowned for its range of restaurants that capture the essence of culinary authenticity, offering a variety of cuisines that promise an original taste experience. From traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations to contemporary interpretations that maintain the core flavors, each establishment in South Park invites diners to indulge in genuinely authentic fare. The dining scene in South Park is characterized by its commitment to authenticity, where each restaurant strives to offer a unique and true-to-origin culinary experience. This focus ensures that every meal is not just eaten but savored, with attention to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore, the authentic restaurants of South Park provide a delightful journey through diverse cultures and flavors. These eateries not only serve excellent food but also contribute to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, making dining out a memorable event. Perfect for anyone seeking an authentic dining experience, South Park’s restaurant scene reflects a community that values depth, originality, and the culinary arts.

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