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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Hillcrest

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41 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mister A's restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(8621)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 68 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)
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6428)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 70 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 Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 56 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.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7531)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 58 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 Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2997)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 28 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
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 59 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!
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
4.1
Excellent(7313)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 103 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 Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 37 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3313)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 40 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7085)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 44 times today
CUCINA urbana is a hot spot in San Diego due to its unique blend of a country farmhouse atmosphere with a contemporary art installation. The restaurant has consistently high ratings for its locally sourced, expertly prepared Italian dishes and a great selection of fine wines. Reviewers also rave about the excellent service, ambiance, and fun atmosphere.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Barryvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great service and seating around the chef counter was a bonus. You can see all the cooking action right in front of you. The wagyu carpaccio was the highlight of the night. It just melts in your mouth. The organic pear salad was also great for sharing. However the aged duck breast and the dry-aged bone in ribeye had some tendons and chewy parts that is unable to swallow.
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • Jessica
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The ambiance here is so unique and beautiful! Airy, romantic, stylish and peaceful. And they let us bring our puppy. The food is simple but tasty and the value is one of the best in the city! We have been many times and will continue to come for brunch OR dinner! Today I loved the chai latte and white bean shakshuka. I always bring out of town guests to show it off.
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5
  • Stephanie
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food and service was amazing as always! Chelsea was amazing at keeping us happy and making sure we were satisfied with the recent menu changes. Never had a meal I didn’t enjoy here.
    More info
    CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
    4.5
  • Andy
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • John
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Mr. A's treats you like you are the only one they are there to serve. Food and drink are exceptional, not to mention the sunset view and continuous airshow. Excellent for a special occasion. Israel our server is tops.
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
    4.9

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Hillcrest, San Diego, where "hot spot" restaurants offer an eclectic mix of culinary delights, each with its unique charm and high-quality offerings. From authentic French bistros to traditional Italian eateries and lively Mexican bistros, Hillcrest is a culinary treasure trove for food enthusiasts. Each restaurant in this locale prides itself on delivering exceptional food, from meticulously crafted dishes using locally sourced ingredients to a variety of international flavors that promise a memorable dining experience. The service across these dining establishments is consistently described as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall dining ambiance. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic date or a lively venue for catching up with friends, Hillcrest's hot spots cater to all dining moods and occasions. The common thread is their commitment to providing a delightful and satisfying culinary journey, making each a must-visit destination in San Diego.

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