The 20 Best Restaurant In Hillcrest, San Diego

Hillcrest is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Diego, California. This neighborhood is filled with different shops, stores, cafes, and restaurants. There are a lot of places to check out here even within walking distance. In order to do shopping, visit the zoo, or just walk the streets enjoying the architecture – Hillcrest is a wonderful neighborhood to stay in. Especially if you don’t want to live in the busy Downtown but still want to stay close to the heart of city life.

Table of Contents

• Best Hillcrest Restaurants: for Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner
1. Cocina de Barrio
2. Parma Cucina Italiana
3. Barrel & Board Social
4. Farmer’s Bottega Restaurant
5. Great Maple – Hillcrest
6. Trust
7. Ortega’s A Mexican Bistro
8. White Elephant
9. Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar
10. The Red Door
11. La Taverna
12. Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
13. Benihana
14. Martinis
15. Taste Of Denmark
16. Ramen Ryoma
17. HiroNori Craft Ramen
18. insideOUT
19. Gossip Grill
20. Baja Betty’s

Speaking about the best food, Hillcrest also has something to offer. Luckily, here you can find plenty of places and spots to have an amazing meal. You’ll definitely find a place for a great experience. Here you can find places with the variety of cuisines, types, and options they provide.

Best Hillcrest Restaurants: for Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner

Most of the restaurants in the neighborhood are found on 5th and University Avenue. Here are some best restaurants near me in Hillcrest that are worth visiting. Choose the one you like more and have a good meal!

Cocina de Barrio

3707 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.6;
• Cuisines: New Mexican;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

Cocina de Barrio is a place with creative Mexican meals, a casual atmosphere, and great specials once a week (usually on Wednesdays). Cocina de Barrio is a Mexican restaurant that has been open for over 50 years. The interior design is amazing, and it feels like you’re transported to Mexico. Here they offer outstanding food with fantastic presentations at surprising prices. It’s usually a lively spot so get ready to have a reservation. Or just come early to sit without waiting. Must visit for those who want to try modern Mexican cuisine at extremely good prices.

We love Cocina de Barrio for its amazing interior design, which features Mexican notes everywhere you turn. The restaurant is also known for its authentic Mexican fare, so you can expect to find all of your favorites on the menu. The reviews from real visitors are great, so we recommend this place if you want to try out new things! We’ve heard from a lot of people who’ve visited this restaurant that it’s their favorite in the city, so we’re confident you’ll love it too. If you’re stopping by with a group of friends or colleagues, make sure to try the Tequila Flights—they’re perfect for sharing!

Parma Cucina Italiana

3850 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.7;
• Cuisines: Italian;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

This nice restaurant on 5th Ave is a little convivial corner of Italy in San Diego. Pasta, pizza, and lasagna are not the only dishes that you can try here. Get ready to become absolutely amazed by their burrata, pork tortellini, and truffle ravioli. And, well, does the Italian dinner complete without wine? In Parma Cucina they can offer you a strong wine list that is paired well with the food.

If you love Italian cuisine, you couldn’t be happier with its great menu, friendly staff, and quality of food!

Barrel & Board Social

1027 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.9;
• Cuisines: Contemporary American;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. No Delivery. Late Night. Gluten-Free Options. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance. Full Bar.

This Hillcrest restaurant, San Diego, is found on University Avenue. It looks like a small green oasis from the outside with Victorian-inspired decor inside. Everything is amazing here! From the atmosphere to the food that is absolutely delicious. Barrel & Board Social is a great place to chill with your family or friends. Try their charcuterie board and creative cocktails to understand, why does everyone like this place so much!

Visit it once and you’d like to return again and again. It’s a great fine-dining spot in Hillcrest.

Farmer’s Bottega Restaurant

860 W Washington St, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.5;
• Cuisines: American, Italian, French;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park.

This eatery specialized in the farm-to-table menu. They have a simple, but elegant interior and cozy patio for your relaxing meal. This spot is also amazing to have some breakfast in town. Their morning menu with fluffy pancakes, Mediterranean omelets, and French toasts leave no one indifferent. And not a bite left on your plate too!

Great Maple – Hillcrest

1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.5;
• Cuisines: American, Italian, French;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, Seating, and Toilet.

This is a fabulous eatery in the heart of Hillcrest with a 1950s vibe. Great Maple is absolutely loved by the locals and guests, especially by those who came with pets. This is a dog-friendly area with buzzed-about pastries and cocktails, great food, and large portions. Some say it’s a bit pricey but no one regrets the spent money. Try their Bacon Donuts or French Toast Logs. You’ll understand why they are one of the favorite dishes in the Great Maple.

Trust

3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.6;
• Cuisines: New American;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Seating, and Toilet. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

Trust is a well-appointed casual place with an inviting atmosphere. They offer a small-plates menu, plenty of vegetarian options, and tones of tasty sauces. This bright and spacious loft-style joint is ready to beat you with its delicious food and great service. Try their perfectly prepared lamb shoulder, grilled octopus, or lobster risotto. You should also order chilaquiles if you come for brunch. Must try!

Ortega’s A Mexican Bistro

141 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.4;
• Cuisines: Mexican / Southwestern;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Seating, Car Park, and Toilet. Free Wi-Fi, Accepts Debit and Credit Cards, NFC Mobile Payments.

This is a nice Mexican spot located on University Avenue. Ortega’s is known for its Baja-style lobsters and huge options on Margaritas. But that’s not all this place can offer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by its chicken tortilla soup as well as guacamole. And they also have both food and drinks happy hours daily from 3 PM to 6 PM. But get ready that parking can be a challenge.

White Elephant

3843 Richmond Street, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.8;
• Cuisines: Thai, Vietnamese;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park.

White Elephant is an exquisite Thai cuisine restaurant with soft-core background music. It has excellent food, modern decor, and knowledgeable friendly staff. And they also have healthy options here. Some Thai cuisine lovers name this spot “a hidden gem of Hillcrest”. Try their Pad Thai, pineapple fried rice, sweet mango chicken, curry, or salads – all are amazing!

Harley Gray Kitchen & Bar

902 W Washington St, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.4;
• Cuisines: Contemporary American, Seafood, Steak;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. No Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park. Free Wi-Fi. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

Looking for a place with daily happy hours, weekly specials, and seafood options? Harley Gray, ladies and gentlemen!

This new American restaurant is a bright and cozy place with great grill offers from meat to fish. They also provide amazing Friday prime rib specials and well-balanced bottomless mimosas. Absolutely worth-visiting spot in Hillcrest.

The Red Door

741 W Washington St, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.7;
• Cuisines: Italian, Modern European;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. No Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, and Seating. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

The Red Door is a homey eatery with upscale American comfort. They have reasonable prices, Italian comfort food, and helpful staff. Here they use the freshest locally grown products as well as unique ingredients from all over the world. And, yes, they have a red entry door.

Both waiters and a chef are eager to give you some food or drink recommendations for a perfect match. If you’re going to eat in The Red Door, try their outstanding beef Wellington and Seafood fettuccine. The place that makes you feel at home even if it is far from San Diego.

La Taverna

3650 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.7;
• Cuisines: Italian;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

This authentic Italian joint is a must-visit if you are looking for a good atmosphere, fast service, and the best lasagna in your life. They also make some of their own pasta here. Stay in at least once for a great Italian feeling and delicious food at reasonable prices. Once visited, it’s a high chance to think about a return trip.

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery

3940 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.6;
• Cuisines: Traditional American;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, Seating, and Toilet; Accepts Debit and Credit Cards; Free Wi-Fi.

It’s a vibrant retro spot with creative breakfasts and killing cocktails. As you can see from the name, this is not a place for night dates. Snooze hours are from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Here you can have a great brunch with some toast, sandwiches, scrambles, pastries, and coffee. Their morning menu is really very huge. For those who want to have fun right in the morning Snooze also offers a good cocktail list. This is probably one of the best breakfasts in San Diego. The brilliant AM eatery with healthy food and huge portions. And it is also a friendly spot for vegan diners.

Benihana

477 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.3;
• Cuisines: Japanese, Sushi, Steakhouse;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Good for Kids. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, Seating, and Toilet. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

Nice place with the hibachi-style seating to eat with your family or friends! Here you’ll become a part of a culinary performance made by the skilled theatrical chefs while preparing your food. You should sign up for The Chef’s Table and enjoy the show. As Benihana is known for its incredible steaks and garlic butter, you should try them first. They also have good sushi and chicken fried rice. Also in Benihana they give $30 off for your birthday. One more reason to visit this place at least one time!

Martinis

3940 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.5;
• Cuisines: Pacific Rim, Seafood;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Late Night. Live Music. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards. Free Wi-Fi. Full Bar.

This is a casually hip bar with a live accompaniment cabaret and phenomenal Martini drinks. Martinis is a good place to have fun with your friends and taste some incredible comfort food as well. Try their Tomahawk pork chop over the savory potatoes as well as truffle fries. They are beyond!

They also have a great outside balcony patio, but this is a smoking area. If you don’t like the cigarettes’ smell, you’d better stay inside. The working hours are from 4 PM to 12 AM Sunday through Thursday and from 4 PM to 2 AM on Friday and Saturday.

Taste Of Denmark

142 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.9;
• Cuisines: Scandinavian;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. No Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Good for Kids. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, and Seating. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards.

Taste Of Denmark is a Danish-style “hidden gem” on University Avenue with perfect lunch options. Their soups and sandwiches are very popular with diners. As well as meatballs and smoked salmon. Try them, you won’t be disappointed! The staff is also incredibly nice to all the guests. True Danish!

Ramen Ryoma

815 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.3;
• Cuisines: Korean, Ramen Restaurant;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance and Car Park. Accepts NFC Mobile Payments.

Ramen Ryoma is a stylish Asian bistro with late-night food options. This place is popular with students and good for a quick bite. But you can also have a good evening here. Order their sushi or ramen, you’ll be surprised with great taste and decent prices. They also have a wide selection of sake if you want to have a drink. This place is more than just ramen.

HiroNori Craft Ramen

3803 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.8;
• Cuisines: Korean;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance.

This Korean cuisine restaurant specializes in ramen with homemade noodles, traditional white rice, and poke. This is one of the top places for ramen in San Diego. If you think that you know what is good ramen, try it here to understand that you didn’t!

This is a small and busy spot that is definitely worth visiting for both Korean food lovers and those who just want to try it for the first time.

insideOUT

1642 University Ave #100, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.6;
• Cuisines: American, Mediterranean;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Seating, and Toilet. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards. Free Wi-Fi. Full Bar.

If you’re searching for “Hillcrest restaurants open for dine-in” and want to find some special place, this joint is possibly the spot that you’re looking for! insideOUT is a lively urban oasis with a pool. They offer fantastic service, great aesthetics, fine dining, and incredible outdoor seating. And that’s why their guests always feel cozy and relaxed. Some say this place is a bit pricey but the ambiance is worth the price. Come here to have a meal, dishes are always to perfection. You can’t go wrong with this place! This joint will become your unique dining experience.

Gossip Grill

1220 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.5;
• Cuisines: Traditional American, Cocktail Bar;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. Offers Delivery. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Car Park, Seating, and Toilet. Accepts Debit and Credit Cards. Free Wi-Fi. Full Bar.

Gossip Grill is a woman and LGBTQ-owned casually hip bar with live music and a great atmosphere. Here you can get a half-price lunch or have some fun on the Saturday night dancing while trying their strong drinks and cocktails. And the music choice during the day is absolutely great! Try their bacon-wrapped jalapenos and burgers, they are extremely well prepared.

Baja Betty’s

1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA

• Rating: 4.6;
• Cuisines: American, Mediterranean;
• Options and details: Offers Takeout. No Delivery. Vegetarian Options. Happy Hour. Wheelchair-Accessible Entrance, Seating, and Toilet. Free Wi-Fi.

Lively Mexican spot that creates drag shows and has a huge selection of Margaritas. This is the best Mexican fare in Hillcrest with a party vibe, awesome bartenders, delicious salads, and phenomenal tacos. Visit them on taco Tuesday and check it out!