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Best Authentic Restaurants in Harbor Island

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117 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4189)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 83 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1354)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 65 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4214)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 97 times today
Brigantine at Portside Pier is an authentic seafood restaurant in San Diego. It embodies the beach town lifestyle and a dedication to flavorful food. Reviews rave about the 'beautiful atmosphere', 'phenomenal food' and 'friendly staff'. The restaurant is known for its San Diego-style surf and turf, including award-winning fish tacos and marinated grilled swordfish. Its consistent high ratings for ambience, food, and service attest to its authenticity.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(960)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 51 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 Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2404)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 35 times today
Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.
A photo of Roman Wolves restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(311)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.8
Excellent(56)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3299)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 71 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen serves up authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. With 75 kinds of pasta recipes, it's no wonder customers rave about the 'authentic and delicious' food. The ambiance is described as having 'old-world charm and warmth', capturing the essence of Italy. The reviews consistently praise the food, service and ambiance, making it clear that Bencotto is a genuine Italian dining experience.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5503)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 152 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4304)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 82 times today
Barbusa is an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. It's praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, with reviewers stating 'Food is amazing…authentic, and delicious' and 'Amazing meal and service!! An authentic Sicilian feeling'. The restaurant's attention to detail in presentation and its handmade pastas, freshest seafood, and stone-fired oven pizza add to the authenticity. It's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • GregVIP
    San Diego •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great lunch spot on San Diego bay. Sat outside next to water. Meal was exceptional, prompt friendly service and cold drinks!
    More info
    Brigantine at Portside PierPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
    4.7
  • Lisa
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Had such a lovely evening at Kettner. We had the spicy tuna cripsy rice, house made bread and peanut dipping sauch, the pork chop and sonoma lamb and szechuan noodles. Everything was fantastic. My personal favorite were the noodles. They had great flavor. It was spicy but not too much.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • ColleenVIP
    San Diego •69 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The place is very cute, nice location, staff were friendly and really great. Food was delicious (though mine needed a little salt). Overall first experience was quite good. We’ll be going again to try more dishes for sure.
    More info
    Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    4.4
  • KanitaVIP
    Orange County •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great service and amazing ambiance. They were so accommodating of allergies and the server, Kieran, was wonderful and knowledgeable of the menu. We loved it and can’t wait to return.
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    4.6
  • YelenaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9/10 Dining at Seneca in San Diego felt like stepping into a dream — the atmosphere was enchanting, with breathtaking views and an ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Our server, Victor, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, patience, and thoughtful menu suggestions elevated the entire experience. He navigated the evening with grace, making us feel truly cared for. The only reason this isn’t a perfect 10/10 is that the food took longer than expected to arrive. For a moment, time seemed to stretch — but when the dishes finally graced our table, every bite was a masterpiece. It was a delay we were willing to forgive for such a culinary experience. Seneca isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. I’ll be back — and next time, I’ll be ready to savor every second. 🍷✨
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.7
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