Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Mission Valley

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown

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

132 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

1. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.8

Exceptional(231)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 44 times today

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

A photo of North Italia - Fashion Valley restaurant

2. North Italia - Fashion Valley

4.7

Exceptional(2698)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Mission Valley

Booked 92 times today

At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - San Diego restaurant

3. P.F. Chang's - San Diego

4.2

Awesome(377)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Mission Valley

Booked 10 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.

4. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1407)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 77 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

5. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2033)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 46 times today

Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.

6. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7662)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 127 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.

7. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8124)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 64 times today

Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

8. Lala

4.7

Exceptional(155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 22 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

9. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.6

Exceptional(4614)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 124 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

10. ARLO San Diego

4.3

Awesome(787)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 14 times today

ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Armando
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The customer service was amazing... all the staff had happy energy and were willing to help us out. Our food came out quickly and was very tasty. We enjoyed and will most likely come back. My wife loved the decor. Awesome observation...the crew was celebrating a team effort of reaching a sales point for the day...it super cool to see the management and owner celebrate with their staff. I almost asked for an application to work there..celebrating victories is awesome.
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
N
NuiVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The jerk chicken wings are the best! Also love the island salad with its yummy chimichurri dressing. Coconut margarita is my favorite drink. All the servers are fantastic too!
More info
Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
•
4.8
M
Manuel y o Anavel
Baja California •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The first time the food was exquisite thise time something is a little bit less like I don’t know the meat something was different. I had to ask for salt
More info
Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
•
4.6

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