Best Casual Restaurants in Hillcrest

215 restaurants available nearby

1. Cocina de Barrio

4.7

Exceptional(421)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

*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 weekend brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!

2. NOLA on 5th

4.2

Awesome(80)

Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest

Booked 5 times today

NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.

3. Au Revoir

4.6

Exceptional(904)

Price: Moderate

• French • Hillcrest

Located in the heart of Hillcrest, Au Revoir Bistro saw it's first day in November 2010, a new born of the Mastellone family (Arrivederci, Il Postino, Buon Appetito, etc etc). Typical Parisian French Bistro, Au Revoir, has a casual ambiance and an atmosphere that transports you directly to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Our French Homemade Cuisine is a perfectly inexpensive recipe, a little bit of tradition, an ounce of modern French cooking inspired by different regions, and a big cup of love from our Chef Dédé and his team. Some of the house specialties are "escargots", "soupe à l'oignon", "boeuf bourguignon", "coq au vin", "frogs' legs", ...Et Voila !

4. C-Level

4.7

Exceptional(4862)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 91 times today

Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.

5. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4278)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 102 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

6. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.4

Awesome(4532)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 79 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

A photo of Wilma's Carousel Bar restaurant

7. Wilma's Carousel Bar

4.7

Exceptional(52)

Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Little Italy

Booked 24 times today

As one of only two carousel bars in the United States, Wilma’s Carousel Bar offers a truly unique experience.We invite you to immerse yourself in this nostalgic retreat with Executive Corporate Chef Brian Redzikowski’s French-Creole inspired dishes and Beverage Director Eric Johnson’s a selection of cocktails including both innovative spins on traditional favorites and imaginative new concoctions.

8. MOTHERSHIP

4.8

Exceptional(308)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 54 times today

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

9. Roman Wolves

4.6

Exceptional(297)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy

Booked 31 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"

10. Cellar Hand

4.7

Exceptional(106)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 10 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Cindy
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Two friends flew in from out of town & I suggested we try C Level. Neither had been before. It was a sunny gorgeous day & we sat out on the patio. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. We ordered the lobster Mac & cheese, fish & chips & shrimp & crab Louie salad. Everything was fresh & flavorful. They loved our lunch & would highly recommend it.
More info
C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
•
4.7
J
Janevip
San Diego •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The food was delicious and reasonably priced. I had the poulet baguette and loved it. I substituted salad for the fries, but my friends had the fries and said that they were exceptional.
More info
Au RevoirPrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
•
4.6
M
Monica
Las Vegas •12 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
S
Sierra
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Our waitress was really sweet and my husband and I enjoyed our brunch and bottomless mimosas. I think her name was Anna !
More info
NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
•
4.2
J
Jayti
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined on Nov 16, 2024
Great vegan food and drinks! We loved the cocktails there. The service is impressive.
More info
Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.7

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Best Casual Restaurants in Hillcrest

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215 restaurants available nearby

1. Cocina de Barrio

2. NOLA on 5th

3. Au Revoir

4. C-Level

5. Barbusa

6. Ironside Fish & Oyster

7. Wilma's Carousel Bar

8. MOTHERSHIP

9. Roman Wolves

10. Cellar Hand

See what locals rave about

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