Best Southwest American Restaurants in College Area

141 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(760)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 48 times today

Casa Gabriela in Downtown La Mesa is a breakfast haven that seamlessly blends authentic Mexican flavors with a modern twist. Chef Gabriela Lopez masterfully infuses her Guadalajara roots with Tijuana influences, offering a breakfast menu that stands out for its quality and creativity. Guests rave about the "best brunches in SD," highlighting dishes like the scrumptious breakfast burrito and the delightful chilaquiles with salsa verde. The ambiance is equally enticing, with a charming garden patio that enhances the dining experience. Casa Gabriela's breakfast offerings are a symphony of flavors that promise to transport you to the heart of Mexico with every bite.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2644)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 32 times today

The Smoking Goat Restaurant in North Park, San Diego, delivers an exceptional Contemporary French / American experience that has garnered rave reviews and awards, including the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Executive Chef Fred Piehl's masterful blend of classic French techniques with the fresh, sustainable bounty of San Diego offers a "rustic, yet refined" culinary journey. Diners have lauded dishes such as the "perfectly cooked" duck l'orange and the "delicious" prime rib, each beautifully presented. With an attentive staff and a well-curated selection of wines and craft cocktails, The Smoking Goat promises a memorable dining experience.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2021)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 16 times today

Farmer's Table - La Mesa is a true gem in the heart of La Mesa, offering an authentic American dining experience with a modern twist. This family-run eatery is renowned for its farm-to-fork approach, crafting dishes with locally sourced organic ingredients that elevate traditional American flavors. Guests rave about the "wonderful omelets, salads, and mouth-watering pizzas" that consistently impress. The inviting, family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for gatherings, whether it's a magical brunch or a cozy dinner. With "excellent food and service," Farmer's Table stands out as a delightful destination for anyone seeking honest, high-quality American cuisine.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

4. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(691)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 64 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, authentic Creole cuisine takes center stage, delighting diners with "flavor-packed, perfectly seasoned" dishes that transport you straight to New Orleans. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, a New Orleans native, infuses each dish with his extensive knowledge and passion for Southern flavors, ensuring an experience that is both genuine and unforgettable. Guests rave about signature items like the "Alligator Cheesecake" and "Rasta Pasta," applauding the rich, bold tastes and generous portions. With its warm, vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, Louisiana Purchase SD promises a truly memorable dining experience for anyone craving a taste of the South.

A photo of The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room restaurant

5. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.5

Awesome(29)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 17 times today

The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room in La Mesa offers a captivating grill experience that sets it apart as a top-tier destination for Grill cuisine. Diners rave about the option to "grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill," creating a unique and engaging dining atmosphere. For those who prefer their meals prepared, the restaurant boasts expertly grilled steaks with an array of mouthwatering entrees. Guests frequently highlight the "amazing seasoned meat" and impeccable service, making every visit memorable. With live jazz music enhancing the experience, the Riviera Supper Club is not just a meal, but a full sensory delight!

6. One Door North

4.6

Exceptional(506)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 22 times today

At One Door North in North Park, San Diego, seafood enthusiasts are treated to an exceptional culinary journey that exudes freshness and authenticity. Known for its farm-to-table ethos, this New American Bar and Eatery delivers seafood dishes that are nothing short of spectacular. Diners have raved about the "crispy octopus served with a delicious aioli sauce," a standout favorite that captures the restaurant's innovative flair. The salmon and trout dishes also come highly recommended for their exquisite flavors and freshness. With its adventurous spirit and top-notch service, One Door North is a seafood haven that promises a memorable dining experience.

A photo of El Torito - La Mesa restaurant

7. El Torito - La Mesa

4.5

Awesome(447)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 7 times today

The authority in great Mexican food for more than 65 years. Offering a memorable experience to make each guest feel like family.

A photo of KnB Bistro - College Area restaurant

8. KnB Bistro - College Area

3.0

Good(0)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • College Area

Booked 1 time today

9. LIPS - San Diego

5.0

Exceptional(60)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 25 times today

Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR

A photo of Flora - North Park restaurant

10. Flora - North Park

4.5

Awesome(18)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 53 times today

Well, darling, Flora is the talk of the town, and rightly so.Nestled on University Ave, this is where brunch meets a touch of haute indulgence; calling forth all who yearn to feel utterly free. Imagine a croissant salmon benedict, steak and eggs seared to perfection, decadent berry French toast, and yes—even fried rice, because Flora understands that brunch isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. It’s an an aesthetic experience, a bona fide mood. Here, we say, “come as you are—or as whoever you wish to be.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
Nicole
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The staff was very attentive to our group of 11. We were pleased with the quality of food and the time it took to prepare.
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.8
P
PatrickVIP
San Diego •24 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our dinner was delicious and our waiter, Miquel, was great!
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.7
M
Melanie
San Diego •59 reviews
4.0
Dined on 26 Dec 2024
Definitely glad we made reservations! It was Christmas night and super busy! Our server was great. Food was good, got a Carnitas taco and it was gushy and had no pork taste. We decided it was pot roast not carnitas! Very disappointed. The white rice was interesting, never seen that at a Mexican restaurant before. Beans were good. The other taco I had was delicious! I think it was called the Gringo. I will go back just for that taco!! Overall it was a good night! We will be back
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Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.5
A
Anne
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 Dec 2024
Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
More info
Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
C
Cynthia
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 Nov 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
•
4.6

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in College Area

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141 restaurants available nearby

1. Casa Gabriela

2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

3. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4. Louisiana Purchase SD

5. The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

6. One Door North

7. El Torito - La Mesa

8. KnB Bistro - College Area

9. LIPS - San Diego

10. Flora - North Park

See what locals rave about

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