Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kensington

94 restaurants available nearby

1. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3555)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 27 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

2. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(199)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 38 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

3. Books + Records

4.7

Exceptional(386)

Price: Expensive

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 42 times today

Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

4. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8712)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 67 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)

5. Herb & Wood

4.6

Exceptional(6498)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 98 times today

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

6. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(814)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 27 times today

Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.

7. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4773)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 81 times today

Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.

8. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(427)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 46 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!

9. Madison

4.5

Awesome(3031)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 96 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

10. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(190)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 53 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

G
Giovanna
San Antonio •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Incredible. The food and service was excellent. It was so vibey. Can’t wait to go back.
More info
Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.6
M
Monique
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing food and wonderful service! Highly recommend
More info
Trattoria Da SofiaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Kensington
•
4.6
D
Dwayne
Dallas - Fort Worth •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Mister A’s is a constant in fine dining. The level of attentiveness is extraordinary and is experienced with every interaction. And you can’t beat a burnt orange old fashion.
More info
Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
•
4.9
J
JPVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Had a great dinner with friends last night at Blue Boheme! I made the reservation through this app on the same day and the only option at the time was outdoor sitting. The server (sorry I forgot her name) made the dining experience wonderful! She was very attentive and gave great food and wine recommendations. After we finished our La Planche appetizer, we asked if there’s an available table indoor (as it was getting chilly outdoors). The server went in and checked. A couple of minutes later she came out and told us the good news! So we moved inside and had our main course. Everyone loved their picks (I got the pork chop - so good! The rest got the duck, scallops, and a chicken dish). The indoor ambience was lovely, and the entire staff was amazing. It was my second time dining at Bleu Boheme and definitely will not be the last.
More info
Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
L
Lisa
San Diego •27 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 29, 2024
The host was very friendly. The decor was pleasant and the restaurant embraced theme around the bar and in the menu. We were seated in a cozy booth. Waitress was warm and welcomed us within a few minutes of getting seated. We ordered salmon potato latkes. It was a generous portion and very delicious. We also ordered apple pancakes and avocado toast which were also good. We will be back again.
More info
Books + RecordsPrice: Expensive• American• Banker's Hill
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

Kensington

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kensington

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

94 restaurants available nearby

1. Bleu Boheme

2. Trattoria Da Sofia

3. Books + Records

4. Mister A's

5. Herb & Wood

6. Wormwood

7. Cowboy Star

8. Madi

9. Madison

10. Ciccia Osteria

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable