Best Casual Restaurants in Kensington

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronado

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

201 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington restaurant

1. Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

new

(0)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Kensington

Booked 2 times today

At Ponce's Mexican Restaurant, we believe enriching the lives of those who walk through our door is the primary purpose of being in business. This includes: Our Guests; who are able to shed their stresses when they sit down to a comfortable & affordable meal at the end of a long day of work, establishing traditions by gathering for a weekly meal with loved ones, share a post-game lunch after little league, host a holiday party, meet their mate and propose marriage, learn about tequilas, meet neighbors, network at a business lunch, and so on. Amazing food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere help us accomplish our goals. We've strived for this in the tradition of Ponce Meza Sr. since 1969, and look forward to sharing that experience for many years to come.

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(456)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 48 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!

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

3. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3172)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 47 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!

4. Nolita Hall

4.3

Awesome(816)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy

Booked 30 times today

Nolita was inspired by the famous neighborhood in New York City – coined as such for being “North of Little Italy”. Upon opening in 2018, Nolita Hall was awarded an Orchid Award for the stunning interior design provided by Tecture Design and Fabrication.Nolita Hall provides Little Italy with a much needed communal space to enjoy a first class dining and craft cocktail experience, without missing the big games. Our kitchen boasts a Fiori woodfire oven, contributing to most of our Italian inspired menu. Our beverage program provides approachable cocktails with uncompromising integrity of ingredient procurement.

5. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7163)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 43 times today

We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009. The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.

6. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(59)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 2 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

7. MOTHERSHIP

4.7

Exceptional(425)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 46 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.

8. Siamo Napoli

4.8

Exceptional(1381)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 30 times today

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

9. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4486)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 58 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

10. Cloak + Petal

4.7

Exceptional(1019)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Little Italy

Booked 36 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

K
KasebaVIP
Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Fantastic place to have my birthday dinner. The service was impeccable. Our waiter Jason made sure we had a fabulous time and took the best care of us. Their lavender lemonade was too die for and the bucatini was delicious.✨
More info
CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
•
4.7
J
JoseVIP
San Diego •13 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The food is delicious best italian place i have been the lasagna is phenomenal
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
C
Catherine
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 21, 2025
I totally loved this place! I took my friend here for a breakfast birthday celebration and the food did not disappoint. I ordered the biscuit and gravy which is a different take on traditional biscuit but enjoyed it nevertheless, the potatoes on the side was a sweet surprise because it’s crisp on the outside and soft and moist on the inside, along with an amazing sausage and eggs! The serving size were great also matched with a reasonable pricing! I highly recommend this place! Parking can be a challenge, street parking only and high traffic streets.
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
Y
yasmin
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 15, 2025
The service was amazing but the food wasn't too good.
More info
Nolita HallPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• Little Italy
•
4.3

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