Best restaurants near me in Hillcrest, CA

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

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

372 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 Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant

1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

4.6

Exceptional(1030)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 7 times 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.

2. La Bonne Table

4.9

Exceptional(1462)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• French • Hillcrest

Booked 11 times today

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

A photo of Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant

3. Parma Cucina Italiana

new

4.8

Exceptional(117)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Hillcrest

Booked 7 times today

Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest. Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms. We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.

4. Cocina de Barrio

4.7

Exceptional(429)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 7 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!

5. Huapangos

5.0

Exceptional(3)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 1 time today

Huapangos, a family-owned gem in the heart of San Diego, invites you to experience authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. Inspired by the haciendas of the Yucatan Peninsula, our dishes combine traditional flavors with local ingredients, creating a unique culinary journey that celebrates Mexican heritage.Step inside and be transported to a lively fiesta. Colorful décor, vibrant murals, and the warm aroma of spices fill the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Our friendly staff, often family members themselves, will greet you with genuine hospitality, making you feel right at home.Don't miss our delectable breakfast and brunch options, perfect for starting your day with a taste of Mexico. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or a festive gathering with friends and family, Huapangos offers the perfect setting.

6. NOLA on 5th

4.3

Awesome(89)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest

Booked 4 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.

7. Frenchy’s Hideout

new

5.0

Exceptional(1)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Hillcrest

Booked 8 times today

Welcome to Frenchy’s Hideout, where Parisian elegance meets San Diego's vibrant taste for great food, wine, and unforgettable experiences. Treat yourself to a carefully curated selection of exquisite wines and authentic French cuisine, designed to create a dining experience you won’t soon forget. Whether you're here for a cozy dinner, a celebratory evening, or just a great glass of wine, our inviting atmosphere and passionate team are dedicated to making every visit special.Our menu blends approachable elegance with the rich traditions of French cuisine, offering both regular dinner service and immersive coursed tasting menus. Each dish is carefully crafted and paired with wines that tell a story.Join us for our weekly wine dinners, where we explore unique wineries and pair them with delectable dishes, all led by Head Chef Pedro Lugo Brito and Owner/Sommelier Michael Simpson. Whether it’s famous wineries or hidden gems, we’ll take you on a gastronomical journey like no other.

8. Taste of Denmark

4.9

Exceptional(40)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• European • Hillcrest

Ever had a Danish meal ?We welcome you to Taste of Denmark. We are excited to offer you a culinary trip to Denmark. Have a seat on the dog friendly patio or retreat to our indoor setting with dimmed lights. Whatever the occasion you can be sure to experience our warm hospitality known as “hygge” accompanied by the Taste of Denmark treats, light dishes and hearty comfort food. Gluten free dishes, vegetarian options and a fantastic beverage menu, we stand ready to give you memorable dining experience.You will find Taste of Denmark convenient located in Hillcrest close to the airport and balboa park.

9. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2487)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 79 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant

10. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4480)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 97 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

Dining near Hillcrest, CA at a glance

Updated on 3/28/2025

Bay Park Fish Company

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From verified diners like you

L
LauraVIP
Los Angeles •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Victor was our server and he was amazing! Everything he recommended was as delicious as promised! We lived in Paris for two years and this meal topped the charts!! Run to try their escargots! We also had their endive salad, pork chop, and the star of the show was Cassolet!!! Sooo good!
More info
La Bonne TablePrice: Moderate• French• Hillcrest
•
4.9
K
karil
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We love Ortega’s! We meet friends there regularly for the fabulous margaritas, nice ambiance, and delicious food. The staff is friendly and efficient.
More info
Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
O
Oscar
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
They are on point every time we dine here. Food and service is excellent.
More info
Cocina de BarrioPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.7
L
LoriVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •36 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 18, 2025
Oh, the food! Absolutely delicious, delicate, hand-made pasta with fantastic flavor-layered meat sauces. The lasagne was served HOT, unlike so many restaurants who don't bother to make sure they've properly (re)heated a dish before letting it out of the kitchen. Sooooo good!
More info
Parma Cucina ItalianaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.8
J
Jt
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
Very very good experience and the food and service was fantastic
More info
HuapangosPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
5

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Best restaurants near me in Hillcrest, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

372 restaurants available nearby

1. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro

2. La Bonne Table

3. Parma Cucina Italiana

4. Cocina de Barrio

5. Huapangos

6. NOLA on 5th

7. Frenchy’s Hideout

8. Taste of Denmark

9. insideOUT

10. Great Maple San Diego

Dining near Hillcrest, CA at a glance

Bay Park Fish Company

Italian

See what locals rave about

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