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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Hillcrest

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7847)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 70 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
4.1
Excellent(136)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1612)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(936)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
For dining:Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm to 9:00pmFriday-Satuday: 4:00pm to 9:30pmSunday: 2:00pm to 9:00pmWe are open for Takeout everyday For more information on parties of over 6 people please reach out directly to the restaurant 619-238-0101.A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.Bandar Restaurant serves Mediterranean food with unique Persian spices flown to San Diego and served in original recipes. Chefs Behrooz and Shokooh create simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted eggplant, charbroiled chicken, seafood and flavorful prime steaks. Look for signature classics such as Nadari, Barg and Soltani. Bandar Restaurant is award-winning since 1996. The restaurant has a unique energy, sitting right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego. 
A photo of The Desmond restaurant
4.5
Awesome(149)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.
A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant
4.0
Excellent(338)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Town
Booked 3 times today
Don't miss this an opportunity to join us at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel. Currently, we are open for Special Events & Holidays, only. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a Victorian style boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. The Hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant setting and is equipped with 1800's Victorian style indoor Sala's. We look forward to hosting you on your next event and hope you will join us for one of our beautiful Holiday dining experiences.
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1740)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of P.F. Chang's - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(355)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Mission Valley
Booked 8 times today
We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Lisa
    Los Angeles •177 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    First time having dinner at the Grant Grill. We had rib eye and pork chop. Sarah was willing to assist and provide more information because we just couldn’t decide what to order. The food was tasty and delicious. The service by Sarah was superb and not rushed.
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    4.8
  • Ruben
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing experience from the start to the end. My mother had a great birthday dinner thanks to everyone!
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    4.1
  • Silvia
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The good selections are very wide ranging with foods inspired by many culinary influences. I had the Rye Pirogi and the eggplant appetizer. Both were very tasty, except the onions on the Pirogi were not cut as thinly as a previous time I ate this dish and it made a difference. Definitely thin is the way to go. Service is impeccable and they also have yummy drinks.
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had an excellent experience at The Prado! The food presentation, flavors, and timing were all perfect. Our server was pleasant, professional, and friendly in a respectful way. The atmosphere is warm, and enchanting. We are very much looking forward to ding there again. We were in the dining room on this occasion, but I have previously experienced their outdoor patio, and their bar area as well. Each and every time have all been very enjoyable experiences! Thank you Prado
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    4.6
  • Reza
    San Diego •52 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Barg kabob is supposed to be made with filet of beef. It was obvious that this barg was not made with filet since it was tough and not at all tender. Koobideh kabob was good but the best was the chicken kabob.
    More info
    Bandar RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.6
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