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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Hillcrest

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53 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Starlite restaurant
1. Starlite
4.7
Exceptional(235)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Mission Hills
Booked 102 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
2. Born & Raised
4.7
Exceptional(6812)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Little Italy
Booked 128 times today
Born & Raised in Little Italy is a neighborhood gem. The American steakhouse is a celebration of tradition, with a special focus on dry-aged beef. Reviewers rave about the beautiful and comfortable ambiance, excellent service, and delectable food. One even referred to it as a 'gem of a spot' and 'a beautiful restaurant in a very nice location'. The restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions, date nights, and even for just enjoying a good meal in a lovely setting.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
3. Mister A's
4.8
Exceptional(8958)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 60 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4. Alexander's on 30th
4.7
Exceptional(3221)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 39 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 Barbusa restaurant
5. Barbusa
4.7
Exceptional(4473)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 113 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 Azuki Sushi Lounge restaurant
6. Azuki Sushi Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(434)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Banker's Hill
Booked 79 times today
Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill, centrally-located in the heart of San Diego. We are within walking distance of Balboa Park, The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Hillcrest.We have been providing a modern approach to the rich traditions of Japanese cooking for over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our charming and boutique setting. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for those wishing to indulge in our culinary delights.As in Japan, the menu is based on the seasons, savoring the peak flavor of the ingredients. Our outstanding chefs deliver the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, respecting the individual ingredients’ natural flavors.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
7. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(8107)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 78 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
8. CUCINA urbana
4.7
Exceptional(7203)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 41 times today
We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009. The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
9. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(1062)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 59 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.
A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant
10. Tom Hams Lighthouse
4.7
Exceptional(6784)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 57 times today
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring the best views of the Downtown Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, as well as award winning Sunday Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971. Cancellation Policy: Tom Ham's requires a credit card to secure all Sunday Brunch, Holiday reservations, and large groups. All credit card information will be processed securely. Changes to reservations can be made online through OpenTable up until 24 hours before the reservation. No-shows or cancellations less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a charge of $25 per person.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the charm of Hillcrest in San Diego through its delightful neighborhood gems, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences that cater to every taste. Hillcrest is renowned for its vibrant dining scene, where local favorites serve up authentic dishes in cozy, welcoming settings. Whether you're craving the rich flavors of French cuisine, the hearty comforts of Italian food, or the vibrant zest of authentic Mexican dishes, Hillcrest's neighborhood gems have something special to offer. Each restaurant prides itself on providing excellent service, a warm ambiance, and a unique dining experience that makes each visit memorable. These establishments are celebrated for their commitment to quality and their ability to make diners feel like part of the community. Perfect for both casual diners and food enthusiasts alike, these neighborhood gems embody the spirit of Hillcrest, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a truly local dining experience.

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