Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBay ParkCoronadoDowntownEl Cajon / LakesideKensington

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

Wheelchair access

26 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

1. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3200)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 58 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

2. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(471)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 31 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(2708)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 24 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

4. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2052)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 8 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

5. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1115)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 11 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.

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

6. Benihana - San Diego, CA

3.7

Very Good(7690)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 72 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

A photo of Azuki Sushi Lounge restaurant

7. Azuki Sushi Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(410)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Banker's Hill

Booked 71 times today

Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill, centrally-located in the heart of San Diego. We are within walking distance of Balboa Park, The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Hillcrest.We have been providing a modern approach to the rich traditions of Japanese cooking for over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our charming and boutique setting. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for those wishing to indulge in our culinary delights.As in Japan, the menu is based on the seasons, savoring the peak flavor of the ingredients. Our outstanding chefs deliver the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, respecting the individual ingredients’ natural flavors.

8. Island Prime

4.7

Exceptional(8532)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 62 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.

9. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4433)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 82 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!

10. Buona Forchetta

4.7

Exceptional(930)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 45 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

‘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

C
Cherise
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Such a fun pasta night! Thanks for having us!!!!!!
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.8
C
Cia
San Diego •2 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Excellent food with interesting/unusual flavor combinations that worked well together for a delicious meal. Great cocktails as well; the Mule was particularly outstanding. Fun decor and a noise level (even on Mother’s Day) that allowed for pleasant conversation.
More info
The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.7
V
VivianVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We made a reservation and promptly seated. The food was delicious and everyone loved their meals.
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Went for parents 49th wedding anniversary, the food and the service were wonderful. We will definitely be returning.
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.7
J
Jennifer
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2025
Friendly staff, the food tasted amazing, and their bloody Marie’s amazing as well!
More info
Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Hot spot

College Area

Old Town
Solana Beach
Sorrento Valley
Chula Vista / Bonita
Pacific Beach
Downtown
Mission Valley
Grantville
El Cajon / Lakeside
Carmel Valley
Kearny Mesa
Sorrento Mesa
Ocean Beach
Encinitas
Hillcrest
Scripps Ranch
North Park
Banker's Hill
Point Loma
Lemon Grove