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Best Cozy Restaurants in San Diego

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138 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.8
Exceptional(2332)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 77 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Our current Holiday Oasis Experience will be ending this Sunday, January 5th! Visit our website for additional information under "Happenings."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 Cesarina restaurant
2. Cesarina
4.9
Exceptional(5537)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 232 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 Herb & Wood restaurant
3. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6491)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 94 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4. Juniper & Ivy
4.6
Exceptional(8061)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 120 times today
Juniper & Ivy is cozy and comfortable according to multiple reviews. The decor and ambiance are praised, with one reviewer stating it was 'beautiful and welcoming'. The 'fun vibe' and 'warm and inviting ambiance' are also mentioned. The restaurant seems to provide a unique, innovative, and cozy dining experience.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
5. Wormwood
4.7
Exceptional(812)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 32 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
6. Mister A's
4.8
Exceptional(8699)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 110 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
7. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1367)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 64 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 Nolita Hall restaurant
8. Nolita Hall
4.3
Awesome(777)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 45 times today
Nolita Hall is a cozy spot in Little Italy, San Diego. Reviewers rave about its 'great ambiance,' 'beautiful decor,' and 'fun, eclectic' vibe. They love the 'cool and easy' atmosphere, 'great for a group' and 'perfect for a date night'. The fireplace seating is a 'super fun' feature and the food is 'delicious' and 'beautifully presented'.
A photo of Madison restaurant
9. Madison
4.5
Awesome(3027)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 64 times today
With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
10. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7918)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 53 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
‘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
  • Maria
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    First time to dine here and it did not disappoint! Loved the food, loved the decoration, loved the service, and prices are reasonable. Would love to come back in the spring!
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Alexis
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing staff and food that’s to die for. I love italian food and this is by FAR my favorite Italian restaurant! Taste remains the same each visit. I leave satisfied and happy each time!!!🩷 I hope they continue to thrive and stay in business for a long time. I CANNOT RAVE ENOUGH ABOUT THE COMPLEMENTARY BREAD 😋😋 -The pasta straws are super adorable and innovative !
    More info
    CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    •
    4.9
  • Sashi
    San Diego •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Exceptional service and food--each dish was unique, and had a flavor profile that we had never tasted before. The miso black cod was our favorite. The wagyu bread was 'wow', and the Thai salad burst in our mouth with amazing flavors. The service from those bussing to our server were outstanding. A true gem--we will be back!
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Brooke
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 21, 2024
    A perfect experience. From the ambiance on the back patio, the great service from Joe, Eduardo, the sommelier and the busser to the amazing food! Everything was amazing. Truly a treat to dine here. Thank you to the whole staff
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.7

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