Best Lunch Restaurants in Hillcrest

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronadoDowntown

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

221 restaurants available nearby

1. Huapangos

new

5.0

Exceptional(2)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 7 times today

Huapangos, a family-owned gem in the heart of San Diego, invites you to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the haciendas of the Yucatan Peninsula, our dishes combine traditional flavors with local ingredients, creating a unique culinary journey that celebrates Mexican heritage.Step inside and be transported to a lively fiesta. Colorful décor, vibrant murals, and the warm aroma of spices fill the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Our friendly staff, often family members themselves, will greet you with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home.Don't miss our delectable breakfast and brunch options, perfect for starting your day with a taste of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering with friends and family, Huapangos offers the perfect setting.

A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant

2. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1021)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 5 times today

Ortega’s Mexican Bistro features the authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Experience Baja style lobster and table side guacamole while sipping one of our classic fresh squeezed margaritas. Enjoy dining in our restaurant or for a more energized evening, dine in our bar - La Cantina. Additional flavors include Banana Crusted Huachinango, Flat Iron Steak Burrito, Chicken Mole. The design captures the festive traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.

3. NOLA on 5th

4.3

Awesome(85)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest

Booked 11 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.

4. Taste of Denmark

4.9

Exceptional(40)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • Hillcrest

Ever had a Danish meal ?We welcome you to Taste of Denmark. We are excited to offer you a culinary trip to Denmark. Have a seat on the dog friendly patio or retreat to our indoor setting with dimmed lights. Whatever the occasion you can be sure to experience our warm hospitality known as “hygge” accompanied by the Taste of Denmark treats, light dishes and hearty comfort food. Gluten free dishes, vegetarian options and a fantastic beverage menu, we stand ready to give you memorable dining experience.You will find Taste of Denmark convenient located in Hillcrest close to the airport and balboa park.

A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant

5. The Henry - Coronado

4.8

Exceptional(2563)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Coronado

Booked 113 times today

Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.

A photo of Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge restaurant

6. Vincenzo Cucina & Lounge

4.0

Excellent(278)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 40 times today

Founder and restaurateur, Vincenzo Loverso, invites guests to savor a groundbreaking experience at San Diego’s first ever cheese wheel bar. This unique concept will invite guests to sit at a one of a kind cheese wheel pasta bar (reservation only) in the heart of San Diego.Located on the best corner of Little Italy (India & Date St), step into the modern chic restaurant as the sight and smell of irresistible Italian flavors ignite your senses.

7. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1486)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 52 times today

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

8. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4334)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 115 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.

9. insideOUT

4.7

Exceptional(2421)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 41 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!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.

10. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8773)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 55 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)

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
CarolinaVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing food and ambiance. The family that’s owns it are so nice!
More info
HuapangosPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
5
N
NicoVIP
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was truly great as usual… I think the hostess was having a bad day, so I won’t name or fault her for the service she gave us. But our waiter Peter gave us an amazing experience and was super kind. A shout out to Peter for his professionalism and for the great service he provided us. Truly an outstanding individual that made us feel special as we celebrated a special day. Thank you. I always recommend The Henry for its consistency of being one of the greatest restaurants in San Diego.
More info
The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
•
4.8
S
Susan
Washington, D.C. Area •8 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
It's a small place with the front space filled with the bar. It was so cold that we had to keep our coats and fleece on! The food was hot, tasty and came out quickly. We would definitely eat there again.
More info
NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
•
4.3
G
Gary
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Excellent! Fun creative menu. Chips & salsa were fantastic so we knew we were in for a great meal! I had banana crusted snapper-yum! Great w the sauce it was served with. Hubby’s chile relleno was one of the best he’s had (he even asked to tell the chef personally!) Strawberry mint margaritas were delish too-refreshing! We’ll def come back!!!
More info
Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
J
Jen
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
Incredible food. Everything is from scratch. Cannot wait to go back.
More info
Taste of DenmarkPrice: Moderate• European• Hillcrest
•
4.9

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