Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(431)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 32 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

2. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2029)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 11 times today

Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1086)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 12 times today

Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.

4. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4794)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 54 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.

5. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8724)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 66 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)

6. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6512)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 105 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.

7. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7627)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 140 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.

8. Madison

4.5

Awesome(3042)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 56 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

9. Island Prime

4.6

Exceptional(8411)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 67 times today

Island Prime is a hot spot due to its unique and flavorful menu, professional service, and beautiful view overlooking San Diego Bay. As one reviewer puts it, 'The food was amazing, the service was great, and the vibe was so cool, it's a very beautiful place!' The restaurant is highly recommended for special occasions and has high ratings for ambience, food, and service.

10. Barbusa

4.7

Exceptional(4331)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 77 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!

‘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

S
Sara
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Madi is our go-to brunch place in the North Park / Normal Heights / Kensington area. The food is excellent and reasonably priced. The service has always been top notch. The servers care about your dining experience and are willing to take the extra time to make sure it is memorable. I will continue to bring people to this restaurant.
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
S
Shane
Puerto Vallarta •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was absolutely wonderful. Starting with a special request and the server’s excellent vibe and knowledge of the food and her craft. The chefs must have their stuff down because every dish was perfectly executed and came out right on time. Table of 6 for a birthday and all dreamed of the food for days to come.
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Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
•
4.9
J
JacklynVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We LOVE Farmers Table. All people who work there are wonderful and Illiana is such a sweetheart. Thank you of much for such great service and such kind, caring, efficient people who work there. The food is beautifully prepared and served and delicious! WOW! The waffles look scrumptious...I'll try one next time! We look forward to seeing you again.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.4
M
Monica
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We loved everything about Cowboy Star for our first time being there. John was amazing! Staff is outstandingly friendly. We sat by the kitchen bar and it was like having a free show with our meal. Seeing how all the chefs put so much thought into creating every plate was so magical. We will definitely come back again. All the food we ordered was amazing. Bacon is so good!!!!
More info
Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
C
ConteshaVIP
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 2, 2025
Delicious food and great service. The quality of the food is exceptional! Great wine selection and cocktails.
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.7

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College Area

Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

2. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Cowboy Star

5. Mister A's

6. Herb & Wood

7. Coasterra

8. Madison

9. Island Prime

10. Barbusa

See what locals rave about

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