Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Kearny Mesa

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

26 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1402)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 54 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 Barbusa restaurant
2. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4349)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant
3. The Henry - Coronado
4.8
Exceptional(2555)
Price: Moderate
• American • Coronado
Booked 130 times today
Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.
A photo of California English restaurant
4. California English
4.5
Awesome(521)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 35 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
5. The Whaling Bar
4.6
Exceptional(91)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
6. Bleu Boheme
4.7
Exceptional(3584)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 19 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
7. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(876)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 25 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
8. Brockton Villa
4.7
Exceptional(2792)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 36 times today
Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
9. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1481)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 40 times today
Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
10. Trattoria Don Pietro
4.5
Awesome(807)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 29 times today
Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jacqueline
    San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Dalton was Fantastic!! Top tier tea service!! Everything was exquisite and beautifully presented, thoroughly explained, and happily enjoyed. We weren’t made to feel rushed which is so important when enjoying tea with a friend. The manager Jenna checked on our table and cheerfully asked for our feedback. We were incredibly impressed with their desire to improve what is already a phenomenal experience. My only recommendation to handicap patrons is that the parking is further down and the entrance without stairs is on the side. They were very accommodating and allowed us in 3 minutes before opening so we wouldn’t have to stand in the cold wind with our canes. Definitely empathetic people that prioritize customer service. I’m pretty sure we just found our new favorite neighborhood restaurant!!!!
    More info
    California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • Budd
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is our fav restaurant! We love the ambiance, cute cafe feel with lots of ppl watching. Emma the Regional Director is absolutely lovely and so fun to chat with. Joe the manager also always greets us (as do all the staff) warmly and graciously. Food is delicious; service excellent! Highly recommend!
    More info
    The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
    •
    4.8
  • Alex
    Vancouver / British Columbia •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great vibes and tasty cocktails. Servers and guests were super friendly.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • ScottVIP
    Los Angeles •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    One of the best spots in all of San Diego and never, ever disappoints. Food is terrific, service is top notch, and the vibe is absolutely on point!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Emiliano
    New York City •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 21, 2025
    The Whaling Bar brings new energy to the neighborhood. Food is amazing specially the chicken urfa, twinky salad and the kale salad. Service always on point !!!! Congrats
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.6

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo