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Best Restaurants for Foodies in Mission Valley

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39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Animae restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3186)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown
Booked 63 times today
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(107)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 8 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!
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6430)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 54 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 Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7532)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 32 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 43 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2634)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 11 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3731)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 40 times today
Nobu San Diego is a foodie hotspot known for its award-winning 'New Style' Japanese cuisine. As per reviews, the food is consistently and exceptionally delicious, with each dish being a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The ambience is described as sophisticated yet lively, with a warm and inviting atmosphere. It's not just about the food, the service is equally praised, making it a fantastic dining experience.
A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1913)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 18 times today
True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in san Diego for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located at San Diego's Fashion Valley, a Simon Mall. Entrance from Friars Road at Avenida De Las Tiendas, use surface lot near Bloomingdale's. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 28 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.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7085)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 19 times today
CUCINA urbana is a foodie haven, offering a unique blend of contemporary art and a country farmhouse ambiance. The reviews rave about its 'exquisite food and ambiance', 'exceptional and exciting food' and 'delicious food options'. It's also noted for its 'excellent service', 'interesting flavors', and 'creative and delicious food options'. The restaurant's wine program, which allows guests to hand-select wines for a minimal corkage fee, adds to the foodie experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Eric
    New Mexico •1 review
    4.0
    Dined today
    Pretty, pretty good. A bit overpriced for the quality, but the ambiance is absolutely amazing. The food is good enough to get the job done, but not that great. The ahi tuna appetizer was tasty. The tampiqueña steak was average at best. Served to me cold, which was ironic because it’s on a hot plate. The hot plate was cold as well. Not much flavor. Desert was meh. Our server was awesome. Can’t remember her name, but she was super duper.
    More info
    CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
    4.5
  • Edwin
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food (kare kare, tocino, tuna crispy rice, wagyu rice, cesar salad, ube dessert) and drink (the malarky) was all great. Service (Lelani?) was excellent. And really, i expected it to be all great for the prices they charge. And they really delivered.
    More info
    AnimaePrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary Asian• Downtown
    4.8
  • JoAnnvip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Unmatched hospitality! The server was knowledgeable about the food and able to describe them well. We didn’t have great luck with the clams, they were very chewy & overcooked but the broth was delicious. They took it back and a sweet manager, (I’m forgetting names) sent a hamachi that was to die for! Everything else that hit the table was delicious and we were very impressed. The bubbly and celebration desert was super appreciated as well. Honestly made my birthday dinner feel extra special, some places really don’t go the extra mile but they sure know how to impress.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Lisavip
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Chef Logan and the team here are top tier. We came for brunch and I had the best breakfast potatoes I’ve had anywhere—perfectly crispy and seasoned. The Bluefin schnitzel is the best schnitzel my bf says he’s had stateside (he travels to Germany a lot for work). The dark chocolate babka is soft, chocolatey and balanced. The music is hella fun while you eat and the service is warm and attentive. We’ll be back for sure!
    More info
    Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Barryvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great service and seating around the chef counter was a bonus. You can see all the cooking action right in front of you. The wagyu carpaccio was the highlight of the night. It just melts in your mouth. The organic pear salad was also great for sharing. However the aged duck breast and the dry-aged bone in ribeye had some tendons and chewy parts that is unable to swallow.
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9

Discover best foodies restaurants in Mission Valley

Welcome to Mission Valley, San Diego—a vibrant dining destination perfect for foodies looking to explore a diverse culinary scene. Here, you'll discover a range of restaurants that cater to every palate, emphasizing originality and quality with a deep commitment to providing a memorable dining experience. Each establishment in this locale prides itself on offering a unique blend of flavors, where traditional dishes meet contemporary culinary techniques. The atmosphere in these restaurants ranges from casual and comfortable to upscale and sophisticated, ensuring that every dining experience can be tailored to your preferences. Reviews frequently highlight the excellent food quality, creative menus, and exceptional service, enhancing the overall appeal for food enthusiasts. Mission Valley's dining scene is a testament to San Diego's rich gastronomic culture, making it a must-visit for anyone wanting to indulge in top-notch meals in a lively and welcoming setting. Whether you're planning a special occasion or a casual meal out, the restaurants in Mission Valley are sure to impress with their expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in the culinary world.

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