Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

113 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1859)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 6 times today
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2998)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 18 times today
With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2570)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Kearny Mesa
Booked 7 times today
Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, The Butcher Shop features only the finest quality mid-Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, the ambiance is sexy, warm and intimate, with rich dark wood paneling, comfortable leather booths, gleaming brass and beautifully etched-glass panels.Indulge in the exquisite flavors of USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, including our signature Prime Rib, slow-roasted to perfection to preserve its tender juiciness. All our steaks are expertly grilled over oak wood, imparting a delightful charred exterior and a hint of smoky richness. In addition to our stellar steaks, we offer a diverse selection that includes salmon, chicken, lamb, and pasta dishes, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.
A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(252)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Kearny Mesa
Booked 2 times today
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a modern and relaxing atmosphere with traditional sushi and fusion dishes. With reviews like 'Nice ambiance, cozy space, great service, great food!' and 'Creative tasting menu, intimate ambience, long and attractive sushi bar with chefs on full display', it's clear this spot is a favorite among locals. As one reviewer put it, 'An excellent restaurant disguised as a hole in the wall.' This place is definitely a neighborhood gem!
A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3209)
Price: Expensive
• American • Kearny Mesa
Booked 24 times today
For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.
A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1434)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 15 times today
The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has been focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of Restaurateurs of the Year for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of Restaurant of the Year multiple times!The three partners strive to deliver the best dining experience In Orange County on a nightly basis. Chef Goetz, whose accolades include the AAA Five Diamond Award and multiple Chef of the Year honors, describes his menu at The Winery Restaurant as wine country-driven a perfect match for a wine program that features a list with 650 selections that change weekly and climate-controlled cellars, which can house up to 7,500 bottles!
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2513)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 14 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for
A photo of Madi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(407)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 29 times today
Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!
A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4964)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 81 times today
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.
A photo of King's Fish House - Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2238)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Mission Valley
Booked 2 times today
Established in 2000, King’s Fish House is San Diego’s choice for seafood. Located in Mission Valley on Camino De La Reina, King’s Fish House features a large selection of fresh oysters, seasonal catches, sushi and live shellfish, including lobster and crab, on a menu that changes daily.We’ve been in restaurants a little while – three generations, to be precise. A long time ago, we embarked on a road trip in search of the ultimate seafood experience. We traveled down highways and byways, pulled up a seat, put on bibs and soaked up the seafood experience: the no-name dishes with unforgettable flavor, the fresh-caught oysters and clams piled high, the hand-lettered specials on ancient chalkboards and the savory simmer of every combination of spices imaginable.Welcome to the House that Seafood Built.Come gather with us, celebrate, relax and enjoy a seafood dining experience of high quality, comfort, service and value.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mary b
    Los Angeles •14 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went to the Thanksgiving buffet with a reservation. An officious security guard greeted waiting guests at the entrance and argued with a family whose kid had to go to the bathroom. Not a great first impression. The outdoor patio is the place to sit if there’s a crowd, and there was. The buffet was elbow to elbow in the buffet area, which was just too small a space for the number of people. The food tasted good, was fresh and plentiful. Highlights were the sushi, squash soup, seafood and dessert bar. Servers brought juice, coffee and champagne. I’d return here to lunch or another meal with table service.
    More info
    94th Aero Squadron - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Kearny Mesa
    4.3
  • patrick
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our Server JC was the ABSOLUTE BEST!! She was attentive to our needs without having to "Hover" over and around our table. She was quick to notice if we needed anything or was seeking her assistance. Her knowledge of the food and the menu were second to none and she had a great personality and was just AMAZINGLY friendly!!! She alone made my family's Thanksgiving meal the BEST Thanksgiving meal we have ever had, and that is NOT a lie!! The food was great, the serving area was clean and the traffic around the serving trays was light, and expected for a Thanksgiving buffet, but overall everything was AMAZING!!! Thank you to the staff at The Butcher Shop, but mainly Thank you to our friendly and pleasant server, JC!!!
    More info
    Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steak• Kearny Mesa
    4.5
  • Jessica
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The ambiance here is so unique and beautiful! Airy, romantic, stylish and peaceful. And they let us bring our puppy. The food is simple but tasty and the value is one of the best in the city! We have been many times and will continue to come for brunch OR dinner! Today I loved the chai latte and white bean shakshuka. I always bring out of town guests to show it off.
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5
  • Andrewvip
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Absolutely love eating here. It is high quality sushi at a great price. The service is amazing and there is a fun atmosphere. Great for all occasions. I really enjoy sitting at the bar but there are also tables there. While eating at the bar you get to interract with the chefs which makes it special. It is one of the better sushi spots in San Diego. The quality and service reminds me of Soichi. You will not be dissapointed.
    More info
    Harmony Cuisine 2B1Price: Very Expensive• Japanese• Kearny Mesa
    4.9
  • Scott
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 20, 2024
    My wife and I had not been there for years and I took her there for her birthday. We regretted that it had been so long since we visited because it was awesome. The service was wonderful and the food was AMAZING!! What more can I say?
    More info
    The Godfather RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Kearny Mesa
    4.7

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Kearny Mesa

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of Kearny Mesa, San Diego, where local dining establishments shine as true neighborhood gems. These restaurants are celebrated for their unique ambiance and exceptional service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike. Renowned for a delightful fusion of flavors, the eateries in this area offer an array of cuisine options, blending traditional dishes with innovative culinary techniques. Each establishment stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity, providing a dining experience that is both intimate and memorable. The dining scene in Kearny Mesa is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the community's passion for good food and good company. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue for a group gathering, Kearny Mesa's neighborhood gems are sure to exceed your expectations with their creative menus and friendly vibes.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo