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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Kearny Mesa

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27 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1334)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 48 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
2. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 63 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 The Henry - Coronado restaurant
3. The Henry - Coronado
4.8
Exceptional(2414)
Price: Moderate
• American • Coronado
Booked 148 times today
Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4. The Whaling Bar
4.5
Awesome(64)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 19 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of California English restaurant
5. California English
4.3
Awesome(468)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 7 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
6. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(2923)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 19 times today
Led by award-winning, nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, NINE-TEN offers the perfect combination of sophistication and casual elegance and an ideal location along lively Prospect Street in the Village of La Jolla. Recognized with MICHELIN distinction, NINE-TEN’s globally-inspired, locally-sourced cuisine features the best of the harvest from local artisans where products are selected daily for the restaurant’s seasonal menus. Dine indoors or al fresco on our sidewalk patio or back terrace with peek views of the Pacific Ocean. Heaters and blankets are available during the colder weather. Private dining rooms are also available for groups of 8 or more. Breakfast is served Wednesday through Friday, 7 am to 11 am. Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday, 7 am to 2 pm. and features $6 mimosas and $8 Bloody Marys. Lunch is served Wednesday through Friday, 11:30 am to 2 pm. And dinner service is available Wednesday through Sunday, 5 pm to 9 pm. We look forward to seeing you soon.
A photo of Brockton Villa restaurant
7. Brockton Villa
4.5
Awesome(2773)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 22 times today
Great Food * Epic SunsetsBrockton Villa is a beautiful historic home converted into a restaurant located directly across from the ocean. Our seaside location offers a spectacular view of the world-famous La Jolla Cove, and has become a favorite "show off" spot for locals and visitors alike. We are known for our breakfasts, including our famous Coast Toast. Our chef creates many other wonderful dishes seasonally for lunch and our dinner service.Our house is the perfect place for you to host your next party. Whether it be a wedding reception, rehearsal dinner, baptism, bridal shower, baby shower, or any special occasion.Brockton Villa loves families! Please don't forget to include your little ones in your reservation count!
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
8. Bleu Boheme
4.8
Exceptional(3535)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 13 times today
"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
9. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
10. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1415)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 40 times today
Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Ray
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Amazing brunch - beyond Attentive service 😎❤️ Huevos Rancheros Enchiladas add skirt steak was a proper whole meal of food
    More info
    The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
    •
    4.8
  • Vincentvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •71 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Incredible! We started with the sushi-grade Hot Oil Seated Salmon and the Whipped Buttermilk Ricotta with charred bread for dipping. We also had the Roasted Chinese Eggplant sitting on lemon yogurt and pine nuts that had the appearance of sushi and the taste of beautifully seasoned eggplant. We also had the juicy cheeseburger special which had perfect fries.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Hamiltonvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 22, 2024
    Man, I noticed a few bad reviews for this place but we totally disagree. This is a cool, smaller restaurant attached to the Hotel Valencia. It has a nice u-shaped bar with what seemed to be mostly locals hanging out talking with the staff. Upscale vibe but not "stuffy" La Jolla vibe. The cocktails were amazing and fairly creative. We also thought the food was excellent, contrary to what a few other folks have said. The braised short rib Mao, crispy pumpkin squash, and twinkie ceaser were the standouts. Only minor downsides were that you can smell the seals a little bit and it was a bit chilly inside, as the door was kept open. Overall we really enjoyed our experience.
    More info
    The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Caroline
    Yosemite / Mammoth Lakes •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 22, 2024
    We FINALLY made it down from Carlsbad and took advantage of the “Proper Roast Dinner with Richard Blais.” Our first time here was well worth it! The restaurant is GORGEOUS! The staff, engaging and very attentive. We thoroughly enjoyed the scrumptious prime rib dinner with wonderful sides. Everything was meticulously prepared and delicious! King Richard visited our table a few times which made our experience extra special. The sticky toffee and date cake with salted caramel ice cream is a MUST!!! Sooooo good! We will be back to try the famous ale battered cod and chips and the prime rib dip sando…
    More info
    California EnglishPrice: Expensive• American• Sorrento Mesa
    •
    4.3
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

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