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Best Authentic Restaurants in Hillcrest

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136 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.5
Awesome(1030)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 6 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 Cocina de Barrio restaurant
2. Cocina de Barrio
4.7
Exceptional(430)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 16 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 Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant
3. Parma Cucina Italiana
4.8
Exceptional(123)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 11 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 Frenchy’s Hideout restaurant
4. Frenchy’s Hideout
new
4.8
Exceptional(13)
Price: Expensive
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 7 times today
Welcome to Frenchy’s Hideout, where Parisian elegance meets San Diego's vibrant taste for great food, wine, and unforgettable experiences. Treat yourself to a carefully curated selection of exquisite wines and authentic French cuisine, designed to create a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you're here for a cozy dinner, a celebratory evening, or just a great glass of wine, our inviting atmosphere and passionate team are dedicated to making every visit special.Our menu blends approachable elegance with the rich traditions of French cuisine, offering both regular dinner service and immersive coursed tasting menus. Each dish is carefully crafted and paired with wines that tell a story.Join us for our weekly wine dinners, where we explore unique wineries and pair them with delectable dishes, all led by Head Chef Pedro Lugo Brito and Owner/Sommelier Michael Simpson. Whether it’s famous wineries or hidden gems, we’ll take you on a gastronomical journey like no other.
A photo of Huapangos restaurant
5. Huapangos
5.0
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 1 time today
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 Taste of Denmark restaurant
6. Taste of Denmark
4.9
Exceptional(40)
Price: Moderate
• European • Hillcrest
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
7. insideOUT
4.8
Exceptional(2544)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 51 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 Azuki Sushi Lounge restaurant
8. Azuki Sushi Lounge
4.7
Exceptional(395)
Price: Very Expensive
• Sushi • Banker's Hill
Booked 53 times today
Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill, centrally-located in the heart of San Diego. We are within walking distance of Balboa Park, The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Hillcrest.We have been providing a modern approach to the rich traditions of Japanese cooking for over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our charming and boutique setting. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for those wishing to indulge in our culinary delights.As in Japan, the menu is based on the seasons, savoring the peak flavor of the ingredients. Our outstanding chefs deliver the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, respecting the individual ingredients’ natural flavors.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
9. Cloak + Petal
4.6
Exceptional(1035)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 50 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
10. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1452)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 67 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.

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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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