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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Hillcrest

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50 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.5
Awesome(1016)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 9 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(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 Au Revoir restaurant
3. Au Revoir
4.5
Awesome(906)
Price: Moderate
• French • Hillcrest
Booked 2 times today
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 Herb & Wood restaurant
4. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6477)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 121 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.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
5. Cesarina
4.9
Exceptional(5516)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 199 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 Coasterra restaurant
6. Coasterra
4.6
Exceptional(7577)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 106 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
7. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
4.5
Awesome(173)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
8. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.6
Exceptional(685)
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 Siamo Napoli restaurant
9. Siamo Napoli
4.7
Exceptional(1322)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 46 times today
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
10. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4227)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 152 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Scott
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    They were very busy on christmas day, but had all hands on deck helping out and we had a great experience. Some of the best Italian food I've ever had.
    More info
    Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.9
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Sergey
    Atlanta Metro •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    The service was excellent, and the food was fresh and unique. They had some delicious seafood dishes, including raw oysters and Peruvian-influenced ceviches. Everything tasted amazing. The outdoor seating next to the heating lamp created a cozy atmosphere. The only downside was the limited drink selection. They offered a few cocktails but lacked most of the liquors. For instance, they couldn’t make a gin martini. On the positive side, they had a good selection of wines. Overall, we had a great experience with a touch of European charm and Peruvian flavor.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • RobertVIP
    San Diego •98 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 27, 2024
    This is our favorite place for quiet lunches. Closer than a trip to small town in France and the local bistro. They make you feel special. Moules are to die for
    More info
    Au RevoirPrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
    •
    4.5

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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