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Best Authentic Restaurants in Normal Heights

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68 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1351)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 43 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 Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(651)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 23 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 33 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 62 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 108 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3600)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 15 times today
"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(885)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 71 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2035)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 49 times today
Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(994)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 65 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4318)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 116 times today
Brigantine at Portside Pier is an authentic seafood restaurant in San Diego. It embodies the beach town lifestyle and a dedication to flavorful food. Reviews rave about the 'beautiful atmosphere', 'phenomenal food' and 'friendly staff'. The restaurant is known for its San Diego-style surf and turf, including award-winning fish tacos and marinated grilled swordfish. Its consistent high ratings for ambience, food, and service attest to its authenticity.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Stephanie
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    For being a very busy valentines weekend they were so efficient with service. As a former food service worker I love how the staff work as a team during a busy rush. Everyone was friendly and attentive during our experience it definitely made my fiancés experience. This was his first time here and he kept mentioning how well the hospitaly how our dishes were so delicious. We will definitely be back soon.
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • Cecily
    Atlanta •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    From the moment you walk in you feel the warmth of the place. The young man at the hostess stand was great, he acknowledged us as soon as we checked in and kept updating us regarding our seating. Our server Julia was amazing, kept checking in on us and just all around a pleasure. I didn’t particularly like my pasta and when I let Julia know she immediately apologized. Ocean, who is the manager came over to ask what was wrong, I let her know it was watery and didn’t have much short rib. She apologized and returned with a remake and extra short rib. I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting that. I have to say the customer service here is top tier. Our calamari was yummy and the drinks are amazing. Thanks to the team and their service I will definitely be back. Thank you all for an amazing dinner experience.
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    4.6
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • Vic
    San Diego •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.8
  • Giuseppe
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Very friendly staff, food was delicious. The artichoke appetizer special was incredibly good. We shared a bottle of wine and had some great entrees. The server was helpful in decision making and offered my wife and I a complimentary dessert with valentines being the next day. What more could you ask for? Take it from this Italian, who has eaten pizza in Napoli this place is the real deal.
    More info
    Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
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