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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

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29 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Quixote restaurant
1. Quixote
4.7
Exceptional(1222)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 68 times today
La Única Manera De Hacer Cara Cruz Es A Través DeLa Intuición
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
2. Alexander's on 30th
4.7
Exceptional(3224)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 62 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 Madi restaurant
3. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(478)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 37 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant
4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa
4.4
Awesome(2053)
Price: Moderate
• Farm-to-table • La Mesa
Booked 27 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2724)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 14 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
4.8
Exceptional(1127)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 8 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 Starlite restaurant
7. Starlite
4.7
Exceptional(244)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Hills
Booked 136 times today
Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
8. Born & Raised
4.7
Exceptional(6817)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Little Italy
Booked 108 times today
Born & Raised is a hot spot in San Diego's Little Italy. With a focus on steakhouse cuisine, it's celebrated for its dry-aged beef and the warm, inviting ambiance. Reviews rave about the 'great service, great people watching, fantastic ambience' and 'delicious food.' The rooftop bar is particularly mentioned as a standout feature. The restaurant's commitment to tradition and relevance is evident, making it a beloved destination for special occasions.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
9. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.7
Very Good(7775)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 94 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
10. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(1062)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 53 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.
‘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
  • Sarah
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We went for pasta night and everything was delicious! Service was prompt but we weren’t rushed. The back patio ambiance is 10/10. Great value that is hard to come by these days! I already rebooked!
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Michael
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    The main course menu is very limited. There were 4 items the evening we dined there. The tapas menu had more to offer and we chose a couple each of them. The Ambiance was great, it’s a small venue and gets packed even mid week. We enjoyed dining there but CH group has better offerings around the city.
    More info
    QuixotePrice: Moderate• Mexican• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • lisa
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Truly Italian standouts on this menu really creative in my view not just standard fare - like the zucchini blossoms and the gnocchi ricotta. But the star last night was the pistachio pasta, I actually called my brother the chef to rave about it. So my 1st meal with Farmers Table was memorable. Thanks for the treat
    More info
    Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
    •
    4.4
  • Robyn
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Had a great evening- lots of wonderful choices for every course. Server was attentive and checked in regularly- met the manager who was delightful. Food, as always, was a wonderful experience. Cannot wait to return!!
    More info
    The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • AllisonVIP
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Madi is the BEST brunch spot in San Diego. Hands down. Amazing food. Delicious drinks. Friendly service.
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    •
    4.7

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