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Best Authentic Restaurants in San Diego

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74 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
1. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3856)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 151 times today
JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(2803)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 28 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant
3. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 64 times today
At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
4. Piatti - La Jolla
4.8
Exceptional(5193)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 75 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch restaurant
5. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - San Diego, CA | Scripps Ranch
4.5
Awesome(976)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Scripps Ranch
Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other! Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!
A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
6. The Godfather Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1978)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 22 times today
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.
A photo of Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar restaurant
7. Glass Box Asian Coastal Inspired Kitchen + Bar
4.7
Exceptional(271)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Carmel Valley
Booked 8 times today
A transparent authentic cultural experience of Asian infused cuisine, continuously redefining “fresh”.
A photo of West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant
8. West End Bar & Kitchen
4.7
Exceptional(1052)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 12 times today
Nestled across from the beautiful lagoon at the Torrey Pines State Reserve in Del Mar, West End Bar & Kitchen matches the scenery with contemporary American updates to world food, a true ‘melting pot’ cuisine. Enjoy lunch or dinner served with casual professionalism on our covered patio or in our dining room, both with spectacular views of the lagoon. Choose from our extensive lists of handcrafted cocktails, local & regional craft beers and eclectic wines from around the world to complement your food, or just watch nature play out for you as the sun sets.
A photo of Ambrogio15 Del Mar restaurant
9. Ambrogio15 Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(228)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Carmel Valley
Booked 4 times today
Ambrogio15 Del Mar brings a modern Italian dining experience to the heart of Del Mar Highlands Town Center, inside the Skydeck food hall. A culinary collaboration with Michelin-starred Chef Silvio Salmoiraghi of Ristorante Acquerello (IT), our restaurant offers a refined yet inviting take on Italian cuisine for food lovers across Del Mar, Carmel Valley, and the greater San Diego region.Our innovative menu showcases pastas, risottos, ultra-thin crust pizzas, and seasonal chef-driven creations, and more, highlighting fresh, sustainable ingredients. Ambrogio15 is also home to an award-winning wine list, exclusively curated with organic, natural, and biodynamic Italian wines - destination for wine enthusiasts seeking authentic pairings.If you're planning a romantic dinner, a group celebration, or a casual night out, Ambrogio15 Del Mar offers a sophisticated yet approachable atmosphere. Discover why we’re a top-rated choice for modern Italian cuisine in Del Mar and San Diego County.
A photo of Davanti Del Mar restaurant
10. Davanti Del Mar
4.7
Exceptional(479)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 7 times today
Welcome to Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar. We offer a delicious twist on rustic Italian cuisine paired with an extensive wine list and creative cocktails. Our chef driven menu is geared towards family style shareable plates, homemade pastas, pizzas and a fantastic assortment of meats and cheeses. Enjoy the lively wine bar ambiance and decor. By the way, you can't miss our Focacia di Recco! Ci vediamo presto!

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