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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in College Area

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
1. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 91 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!
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
2. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.5
Awesome(1094)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 6 times today
Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
3. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.5
Awesome(738)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 35 times today
Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &
A photo of Madi restaurant
4. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(441)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 28 times today
Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
5. Siamo Napoli
4.8
Exceptional(1351)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 40 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
6. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.3
Awesome(2036)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 24 times today
Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
7. Antica Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(2417)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 19 times today
Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.
A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
8. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(95)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 1 time today
In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.
A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant
9. Limoncello La Mesa
4.6
Exceptional(320)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 6 times today
Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
10. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6561)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 107 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Kelly
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Wonderful brunch! Food was delicious, and the patio was perfect!
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    •
    4.7
  • NorikoVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a fantastic time at Herb & Wood. Since we were both busy on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. From the moment we arrived, everyone at the restaurant greeted us warmly and made us feel truly welcome. Our reservation was at 5 PM, so the restaurant wasn’t too crowded yet, but even as it filled up, the level of attentiveness remained exceptional. Our waiter, Troy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and offered great recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Sicilian Crudo and one of Troy’s suggestions—a warm dinner bread served with butter, honey, and herbs. I don’t remember the exact name, but it was absolutely delicious! For our main courses, my husband had the Iberico Pork, and I had the Roasted Branzino. The Branzino was packed with herbs and flavors—I usually can’t finish a large meal, but I couldn’t stop eating it. We were too full for dessert, though I wish we had saved room! It was our first time at Herb & Wood, but it’s now on our list of favorite restaurants for special occasions.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Geegee
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I come here every year for a Valentine’s Day dinner with my little girl for our mom & daughter valentines date & every year they do amazing . Definitely our favorite tradition to come here. Food , service & everything - always amazing.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.7
  • SteffiVIP
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The assortment of fresh ceviche, tiraditos and crudo was amazing! Will take multiple visits to get through the fantastic menu! Service was excellent also.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.8
  • Michelle
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Love this little Bistro! Great food and great service!
    More info
    Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.8

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