Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Fun Restaurants in Hillcrest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

278 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(422)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 5 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only. Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresBienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe. Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
4.2
Awesome(82)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 2 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.
A photo of Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1016)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 1 time 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.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2319)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 38 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.We are excited to announce our highly anticipated Holiday Oasis Experience beginning Thursday, November 7th! 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 Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4195)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 76 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.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8040)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 64 times today
Juniper & Ivy is a blast, with a menu that's as creative as it is delicious. Reviews rave about the 'inventive food', 'interesting decor', and 'thoughtfully curated ambiance'. It's a spot where you can try new things, like a 'reworking of old culinary favorites'. Plus, the service is top-notch, making it an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients is another feather in its cap. It's a must-visit for foodies and anyone who loves a cool vibe.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8667)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 36 times today
Mister A's is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out. With its stunning views of San Diego's skyline and bay, it's a treat to dine in. Reviewers rave about the 'spectacular views, elegant atmosphere, and professional, friendly service'. The food and drinks are consistently praised as 'exceptional' and 'delicious'. The restaurant also boasts one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country, so you know you're in for a treat!
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4307)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 78 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of MOTHERSHIP restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(327)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park
Booked 51 times today
Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6464)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 70 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.
‘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
  • Anne
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
    More info
    Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    4.6
  • Janet
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I guess this is my 5th times @ InsideOut, during my birthday; Thanksgiving; regular days without occasion & this is our first time for Holidays Oasis Experience with my husband. It was beautiful experience especially the ambiance was so fantastic, our server Jonathan, he’s so great. The food kind salty (oven chicken) but the filet mignon was so good very tasty tender, and juicy it was perfect, my husband love it so much that his favorite. It’s 10 score for me. I love the place and definitely is a must to come back and highly recommend 😘
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • YelenaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 16, 2024
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9/10 Dining at Seneca in San Diego felt like stepping into a dream — the atmosphere was enchanting, with breathtaking views and an ambiance that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Our server, Victor, was nothing short of exceptional. His attentiveness, patience, and thoughtful menu suggestions elevated the entire experience. He navigated the evening with grace, making us feel truly cared for. The only reason this isn’t a perfect 10/10 is that the food took longer than expected to arrive. For a moment, time seemed to stretch — but when the dishes finally graced our table, every bite was a masterpiece. It was a delay we were willing to forgive for such a culinary experience. Seneca isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a destination. I’ll be back — and next time, I’ll be ready to savor every second. 🍷✨
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.7
  • Tonya
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    We had a work winter gathering and had a great time. The hosts were accommodating to reserve the lounge room for our party. It was spacious enough to hold a few table games. The host was very attentive, kind and patient. We all enjoyed ourselves very much!!!
    More info
    Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • Slim
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 3, 2024
    Reservations or walk in, even to-go, either way the food is delicious. Angie was excellent. She didn't hover around us yet she showed up when she needed! Great food and we were serviced with a smile!
    More info
    NOLA on 5thPrice: Moderate• Creole / Cajun / Southern• Hillcrest
    4.2
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo