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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Hillcrest

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79 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Quixote restaurant
1. Quixote
4.7
Exceptional(1237)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 46 times today
La Única Manera De Hacer Cara Cruz Es A Través DeLa Intuición
A photo of C-Level restaurant
2. C-Level
4.7
Exceptional(5362)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 138 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
3. Rustic Root - Gaslamp
4.3
Awesome(1444)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 75 times today
Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
4. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1209)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • North Park
Booked 63 times today
We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.
A photo of MOTHERSHIP restaurant
5. MOTHERSHIP
4.8
Exceptional(490)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park
Booked 23 times today
Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
6. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4578)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 123 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Island Prime restaurant
7. Island Prime
4.7
Exceptional(8580)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 42 times today
Island Prime is a hot spot due to its unique and flavorful menu, professional service, and beautiful view overlooking San Diego Bay. As one reviewer puts it, 'The food was amazing, the service was great, and the vibe was so cool, it's a very beautiful place!' The restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions and has high ratings for ambience, food, and service.
A photo of Books + Records restaurant
8. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(488)
Price: Expensive
• American • Banker's Hill
Booked 24 times today
Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.
A photo of Brisa restaurant
9. Brisa
4.2
Awesome(54)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 29 times today
Brisa is a lively spot in San Diego’s Little Italy serving up bold Latin and Asian fusion flavors in a fun, laid-back setting. The menu is all about fresh ingredients and creative twists—from zesty ceviches to spicy noodles and shareable street food-inspired plates. With its vibrant, plant-filled space and upbeat vibe, Brisa is the perfect hangout for casual bites, craft cocktails, and good times with friends.
A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
10. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(1064)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
Booked 38 times today
Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

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Discover best hot spot restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Hillcrest, San Diego, where "hot spot" restaurants offer an eclectic mix of culinary delights, each with its unique charm and high-quality offerings. From authentic French bistros to traditional Italian eateries and lively Mexican bistros, Hillcrest is a culinary treasure trove for food enthusiasts. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering exceptional food, from meticulously crafted dishes using locally sourced ingredients to a variety of international flavors that promise a memorable dining experience. The service across these dining establishments is consistently described as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining ambiance. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic date or a lively venue for catching up with friends, Hillcrest's hot spots cater to all dining moods and occasions. The common thread is their commitment to providing a delightful and satisfying culinary journey, making each a must-visit destination in San Diego.

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