Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in College Area

81 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.9

Exceptional(1062)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 5 times today

Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.

2. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(737)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 24 times today

Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

3. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3535)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 11 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 The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

4. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2634)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 8 times today

The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.

5. One Door North

4.6

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 11 times today

At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.

6. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(408)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 41 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

7. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2515)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 16 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

8. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3070)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 34 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!

9. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2380)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 15 times today

Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

10. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.4

Awesome(2005)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 20 times today

Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Amyvip
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner on the patio with our French bulldog. The turkey breast was incredibly moist. We also had duck confit, which was perfectly prepared. So grateful to be able to eat out on Thanksgiving, with our doggo. Our server, Priscilla, was an absolute delightful human being. This place is a must return to visit!
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Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
E
eric
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The staff was very nice and hospitable. The food was great and we have no complaint whatever my family and I were really pleased and we can’t wait to go back
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.9
F
Fiona
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We ordered the cauliflower appetizer to share and it was delicious I wasn’t a fan of the cheese (mixed on)I believe it was a feta but not sure. Everyone else liked it. I had the duck entree and requested it cooked medium well and it was perfect! The bananas foster is killer good as is the crème brûlée!!!
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The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.8
T
Tim
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Gina was great!! Our family had a great time visiting.
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One Door NorthPrice: Moderate• American• North Park
•
4.6
J
Julie
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 20 Nov 2024
Great food! We got Chicken Tinga Tacos and Sirloin enchiladas. My $5 Margarita was beautifully presented. There being a slight chill in the air, I was given a cozy, bright red throw to put over my legs. A delightful and tasty experience.
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
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4.6

Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in College Area

Price

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81 restaurants available nearby

1. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

2. Casa Gabriela

3. Bleu Boheme

4. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

5. One Door North

6. Madi

7. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

8. Alexander's on 30th

9. Antica Trattoria

10. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

See what locals rave about

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