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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Hillcrest

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54 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.5
Awesome(1014)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is totally worth the drive! It's a vibrant and festive spot, offering authentic Puerto Nuevo flavors, from Baja style lobster to Chicken Mole. Reviewers rave about the 'amazing' food, 'stellar' service and the 'beautiful surroundings'. One diner even noted they've been dining here for 13 years and 'never ever have been disappointed'. So, if you're up for a memorable and refined dining experience, this is the place to be!
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
2. NOLA on 5th
4.2
Awesome(80)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 5 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 Au Revoir restaurant
3. Au Revoir
4.6
Exceptional(904)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Located in the heart of Hillcrest, Au Revoir Bistro saw it's first day in November 2010, a new born of the Mastellone family (Arrivederci, Il Postino, Buon Appetito, etc etc). Typical Parisian French Bistro, Au Revoir, has a casual ambiance and an atmosphere that transports you directly to the top of the Eiffel Tower. Our French Homemade Cuisine is a perfectly inexpensive recipe, a little bit of tradition, an ounce of modern French cooking inspired by different regions, and a big cup of love from our Chef Dédé and his team. Some of the house specialties are "escargots", "soupe à l'oignon", "boeuf bourguignon", "coq au vin", "frogs' legs", ...Et Voila !
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.5
Awesome(656)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 43 times today
Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
5. Cesarina
4.9
Exceptional(5448)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 193 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
6. Great Maple San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(4369)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 46 times today
Great Maple in San Diego is totally worth the drive. It's a modern American eatery with outstanding food and service, as the reviews rave. With their high-end diner ambiance and unique menu, customers love the fresh house made pies and local produce cocktails. The restaurant is also known for its great atmosphere and consistently top-notch food and service. So, if you're in the area, you definitely should stop by!
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
7. Coasterra
4.5
Awesome(7530)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 59 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 Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant
8. Gravity Heights Mission Valley
4.7
Exceptional(192)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 11 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
9. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4181)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 60 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina restaurant
10. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina
4.9
Exceptional(540)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 8 times today
San Diego, meet Pinsa.An ancient recipe comes back to life at Our Hillcrest Restaurant.Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria bringing a modern touch to family recipes and an ancient style of pizza called, Pinsa.Tavola Nostra, which means “our table”, is owned and operated by Jeff Oliveri – a first time restaurateur from a family of longtime restaurant owners who hopes to honor his familial heritage and tradition with his Italian dining concept that creates one of the best Hillcrest restaurants.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Martyvip
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    If you’re looking for a spot with a lively New Orleans vibe and flavorful dishes, this restaurant hits the mark. The menu was packed with tasty options, and everything we tried was well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, capturing that Southern charm perfectly. However, the Cognac Espresso Martini was a bit of a letdown. I’d suggest sticking with their other beverage offerings or pairing your meal with a classic cocktail or wine instead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a flavorful meal and a fun experience, but I’d pass on the espresso martini.
    More info
    Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
    •
    4.5
  • Dillonvip
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was a pleasant dining experience. We sat between two heat lamps just outside of the restaurant. The special crudo of the day was refreshing and clean tasting. The two-face tostada was also good. The memorable dish of the night was the risotto. It was creamy but not overly rich and the rice had a good bite to it.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • Markvip
    San Diego •24 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent place to eat great food, drink fine wine, and enjoy the beautiful people who share it with you! Thank you!!
    More info
    Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.9
  • Janevip
    San Diego •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The food was delicious and reasonably priced. I had the poulet baguette and loved it. I substituted salad for the fries, but my friends had the fries and said that they were exceptional.
    More info
    Au RevoirPrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    •
    4.6
  • Lynnvip
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the culinary gems of Hillcrest, San Diego, where the dining scene shines with diversity and quality, making every restaurant truly "worth the drive." Each eatery in this vibrant neighborhood offers unique flavors and experiences, from modern American cuisine to authentic ethnic dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. The restaurants in Hillcrest pride themselves on their commitment to excellence, with many focusing on farm-to-table practices, innovative menus, and exceptional service. Patrons can expect not only a meal but a memorable dining experience that combines both the traditional and the contemporary. Reviewers consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the high-quality food, which make these spots popular among both locals and visitors. Whether you're seeking a casual brunch spot or a sophisticated dinner venue, Hillcrest's restaurants are destinations that promise a delightful culinary journey. Make your reservation today to experience the best dining that Hillcrest has to offer, each worth the drive for their unique charm and outstanding cuisine.

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