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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Park

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108 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(885)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 72 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(327)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 102 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(649)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 23 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1407)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 77 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 Ciccia Osteria restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(218)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Barrio Logan
Booked 18 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.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(993)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 47 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 RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 48 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Garage Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(932)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Coronado
Booked 95 times today
Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante in Coronado, San Diego, California.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2447)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 27 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 108 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Brian
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    My wife and I come here every year on Valentine’s Day. Best experience by far. Service is great. Owner is extremely nice and friendly. Food is incredible. The herb marinated lamb chops were perfect. The only issue I have is with parking but that can’t be helped. 10/10 experience every time.
    More info
    Ciccia OsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Barrio Logan
    4.7
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • Andrew
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Took my wife here for Valentine’s Day pre set menu. Was delicious. She got the wine pairing and Andrew our waiter was so knowledgeable about all the different wines with every course. I got an Old fashion and was so yummy. Just a great date night and loved the atmosphere and Andrew was an incredible waiter. Will definitely be back!
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Vic
    San Diego •55 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.8
  • Peggy
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We were pleasently surprised by the food the wait staff and the prices. Everyone was very nice, we look forward to returning!
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Park

Discover the charm of authentic dining in San Diego's vibrant South Park neighborhood. This eclectic area is renowned for its range of restaurants that capture the essence of culinary authenticity, offering a variety of cuisines that promise an original taste experience. From traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations to contemporary interpretations that maintain the core flavors, each establishment in South Park invites diners to indulge in genuinely authentic fare. The dining scene in South Park is characterized by its commitment to authenticity, where each restaurant strives to offer a unique and true-to-origin culinary experience. This focus ensures that every meal is not just eaten but savored, with attention to quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor eager to explore, the authentic restaurants of South Park provide a delightful journey through diverse cultures and flavors. These eateries not only serve excellent food but also contribute to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere, making dining out a memorable event. Perfect for anyone seeking an authentic dining experience, South Park’s restaurant scene reflects a community that values depth, originality, and the culinary arts.

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