Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Bonne Table

4.9

4.9 (1472)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

Tadd

Dined 1 day ago

Always a wonderful experience in every way combining atmosphere, service and exquisite cuisine into a memorable event.

Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.9

4.9 (195)

$30 and under

American

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.

Top review

EmilyVIP

Dined on Jun 14, 2025

Bazille is an unpretentious little cafe-style restaurant in Nordstroms. The food and service are excellent, but the parking can be a challenge. Only one disappointment - I asked for my salmon rare, and despite the server saying that would be possible, it was served well-done.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Happy Hour at the Bazille!

Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.9

4.9 (283)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kearny Mesa

About the restaurant

OpenTable Diners' Choice 2022, 2023 and 2024!
Come dine in our modern and relaxing atmosphere, where we serve traditional sushi and unique fusion dishes.
Enjoy particularly selected sakes, wines, and unique cocktails that pair exquisitely with our fine dishes.
In addition to traditional sushi, and hot and cold Japanese appetizers, our menu includes pastas, homemade desserts, and other regional fusion dishes to cater to a wide range of guests.
We are also proud to offer premium A5 Wagyu dishes.
Please let us serve you our traditional and creative dishes so that you can enjoy "To Become One (2B1)" with us in Harmony!

Top review

JamieVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Outstanding sushi and I eat a lot of sushi. Great place with unique offerings.

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Popular dish

Sashimi 2B1

Kai Ola Sushi Carlsbad

4.8

4.8 (22)

$50 and over

Sushi

Oceanside

About the restaurant

California’s best sushi in a laid back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.

You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.

Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.

Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.

Top review

EddieVIP

Dined on May 24, 2025

Once again Kai Ola was absolutely delicious. We like to order appetizers yummy, then Nigiri yummy then a couple of rolls yummy then full. They have a House Blonde Beer that is out of this world. The Service Rocks!

Ketch Grill & Taps - Portside Pier

4.7

4.7 (164)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Ketch Tasting Deck offers a full-service dining experience on the 2nd floor at Portside Pier with stunning views overlooking San Diego Bay!
Brought to you by the Brigantine Family of Restaurants. For generations our family has created unforgettable experiences true to the San Diego lifestyle at our Brigantine & Miguel’s restaurants. We’ve hosted countless celebrations and poured many a round for the happiest of hours.
WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MAKES FOR THE BEST MEMORIES AND THE BEERS THAT CAPTURE THE FEELING. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE CRAFTED OUR OWN AND PUT THEM ON TAP.
From beer aficionados to casual drinkers, we’ve got everyone covered with our easy-to-love (and drink) brews made for making memories!

Top review

Lorien

Dined 3 days ago

The incredible bay view, fun open-air vibe, and scrumptious food and cocktails were a highlight of my business trip to San Diego

La Doña

4.7

4.7 (25)

$30 and under

Mexican

Ocean Beach

About the restaurant

Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, La Doña brings vibrant Mexican flavors to the coast with fresh ingredients and a modern twist to Ocean Beach. From house-made classics to bold takes on traditional favorites, every bite is crafted with care and authenticity. Pair your meal with hand-crafted cocktails, a carefully curated selection of San Diego’s finest craft beers, or a refreshing classic Mexican cerveza. Whether you’re gathering for family dinner, toasting with friends, or simply savoring the moment, La Doña is where great food, good vibes, and unforgettable memories come together.

Top review

JillVIP

Dined 5 days ago

This was a tequila tasting event but we weren't sure how it was supposed to work and our server didn't really know either even though we had made reservations. We thought there would be food and special drinks. Also really disappointed that La Dona doesn't have cocktails other than tequila drinks or rather no cocktail menu other than tequila like they used to, They made me a vodka cocktail but it was very mad meh. The band however was outstanding. Fantastic musicians and singers and loved every minute of it.

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Miguel's Cocina - 4S Ranch

4.7

4.7 (34)

$30 and under

Mexican

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

GregVIP

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

The Queso and chips is 5 stars...and worth coming for. The rest of the food is good, but similar to other chain Mexican food places. Ambiance is good for a casual date night or family event.

Mission Avenue

4.7

4.7 (67)

$30 and under

American

Oceanside

About the restaurant

We opened our doors in August 2014 with a vision of greatness: great drinks, food, and atmosphere, with a chill, unassuming vibe. A come-as-you-are locale, where everyone — from local to the traveler — is welcomed. Insider or outsider, there’s a seat at the bar just for you.

Located just blocks from the Oceanside Pier, join us in our industrial-chic lounge with two large garage doors which make you feel like you're dining outside, or on our heated and dog-friendly patio, from lunch to late night. Be sure to check our daily happy hours, midweek lunch specials and weekend brunch. Come see us. Pull up a seat and make yourself at home.

Top review

David

Dined 5 days ago

The food and service never disappoint. Staff is helpful and nice!

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4.6

4.6 (786)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Coronado

About the restaurant

Open for lunch and dinner everyday. Reservations are only accepted for large parties of six or more, but walk-ins are always welcome. For parties of twelve or more, or for private event inquiries, please contact us directly by phone (619) 437-0611 or email Brooke@coronadotavern.com.

Top review

HeleneVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Service was fantastic. Shout out to Shawn and the whole team

The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.5

4.5 (52)

$31 to $50

American

La Mesa

About the restaurant

The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room features a unique experience of service where you can choose to grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill and offers numerous cuts of meat. Not interested in doing the grilling? We will grill for you and we also have a great selection of entrees and appetizers that are prepared for you. Extensive craft cocktail list, great beer selection and live music most nights in the turquoise room.

*RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY OFFERED FOR THE DINING AREA, THE TURQUOISE ROOM IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.*

Top review

connie

Dined on May 17, 2025

Excellent service, food, drinks and atmosphere! We are always well cared for here! Thank you!

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