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Best Authentic Restaurants in Hillcrest

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128 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
1. Cocina de Barrio
4.7
Exceptional(428)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 11 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only. Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresBienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe. Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
2. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.4
Awesome(1025)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 8 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is a true gem in San Diego, serving authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Reviewers rave about the Baja style lobster, table side guacamole, and the festive ambiance. They even mentioned the 'beautiful surroundings' and 'great service'. The menu also features flavorful dishes like Banana Crusted Huachinango and Flat Iron Steak Burrito. This place is the real deal!
A photo of La Bonne Table restaurant
3. La Bonne Table
4.9
Exceptional(1453)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 8 times today
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!
A photo of Huapangos restaurant
4. Huapangos
new
5.0
Exceptional(3)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Huapangos, a family-owned gem in the heart of San Diego, invites you to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the haciendas of the Yucatan Peninsula, our dishes combine traditional flavors with local ingredients, creating a unique culinary journey that celebrates Mexican heritage.Step inside and be transported to a lively fiesta. Colorful décor, vibrant murals, and the warm aroma of spices fill the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Our friendly staff, often family members themselves, will greet you with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home.Don't miss our delectable breakfast and brunch options, perfect for starting your day with a taste of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering with friends and family, Huapangos offers the perfect setting.
A photo of Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant
5. Parma Cucina Italiana
new
4.6
Exceptional(108)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 7 times today
Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest. Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms. We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
6. NOLA on 5th
4.5
Awesome(85)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of Taste of Denmark restaurant
7. Taste of Denmark
4.9
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• European • Hillcrest
Booked 1 time today
Ever had a Danish meal ?We welcome you to Taste of Denmark. We are excited to offer you a culinary trip to Denmark. Have a seat on the dog friendly patio or retreat to our indoor setting with dimmed lights. Whatever the occasion you can be sure to experience our warm hospitality known as “hygge” accompanied by the Taste of Denmark treats, light dishes and hearty comfort food. Gluten free dishes, vegetarian options and a fantastic beverage menu, we stand ready to give you memorable dining experience.You will find Taste of Denmark convenient located in Hillcrest close to the airport and balboa park.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
8. insideOUT
4.7
Exceptional(2439)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 89 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
9. RustiCucina
4.6
Exceptional(1196)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 17 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
10. Callie Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(344)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 57 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AlyssaVIP
    Toronto / Ontario •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Fabulous food and a nice quiet local feel. Would definitely eat here again
    More info
    La Bonne TablePrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    •
    4.9
  • Jt
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Very very good experience and the food and service was fantastic
    More info
    HuapangosPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    5
  • Kevin
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The best pasta I’ve had in ages. It was clear their pasta was fresh made. The lobster ravioli was STUFFED with chunky fresh buttery lobster, and their pappardelle was so thin and soft it melted in your mouth. The only criticism I have relates to the slow service (and it wasn’t particularly busy when we were there at 5pm on a Saturday). oh, and their free bread basket was cold and STALE… made me think of Anthony Bourdain’s book where he warns you to avoid bread baskets because lots of restaurants reuse the bread (it felt like the bread might fall in that category). If they up their bread game, this place would be insane.
    More info
    Parma Cucina ItalianaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.6
  • SARAVIP
    San Diego •138 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Love this hidden gem! They have amazing Mexican food. We enjoy their steak burritos, steak tacos, table made guacamole & Casamigos margaritas are delicioius!! Highly recommend if looking for some yummy authentic Mexican food. This restaurant makes us feel like we are visiting Baja, MX. Best in town!
    More info
    Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    4.4
  • AbbyVIP
    New York City •41 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 16, 2025
    Really good food and drinks! A quick meal because we were short on time, it was easy to get a reservation. I’ve also been here for brunch and it was just as delicious! Definitely recommend!
    More info
    Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    •
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant dining scene of Hillcrest, San Diego, where authenticity shines through in every culinary experience. Our handpicked selection of restaurants in this eclectic neighborhood promises to transport your palate with genuine flavors that are as diverse as the community itself. Each establishment has been chosen for its commitment to authenticity, offering dishes that are not only true to their roots but also skillfully prepared with high-quality ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Mexican, time-honored Italian, or any other genuine ethnic cuisine, Hillcrest's dining options will not disappoint. The area is renowned for its lively atmosphere and warm hospitality, making it the perfect backdrop for both casual meals and special occasions. Enjoy dining experiences where every meal is served with a side of authenticity, ensuring a memorable and truly local culinary adventure.

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