Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in South Park

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Areas

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

95 restaurants available nearby

1. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(885)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 57 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

2. KINDRED

4.7

Exceptional(228)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Vegetarian / Vegan • South Park

Booked 25 times today

Equal parts evil lair and Victorian cocktail salon, KINDRED has transfixed and beguiledall who step into its portal, with whimsical eccentricity, world class vegan dishes, and ambitiously inventive cocktails.Since opening its doors in late 2015 in the enchanting neighborhood of South Park, SanDiego, KINDRED has garnered recognition which transcends its plant-based credo,heralded as one of the city's premier dining institutions. It has been named EATER SanDiego's and San Diego Magazine's Restaurant Of The Year, topped Zagat San Diego'sMost Important Restaurant Openings, and earned an Orchid Award for interiordesign from the San Diego Architectural Foundation. KINDRED was also named within the Food Network's list of the best vegan restaurants in the country, was voted the Best Vegan Bar in the U.S. by VegNews magazine, and received regional honors from the Tales Of The Cocktail Foundation for Best Restaurant Bar in the West.

3. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8779)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 58 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)

4. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6562)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 98 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.

5. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4837)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 51 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.

6. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(218)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 30 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant

7. Water Grill - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(3647)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 78 times today

Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

8. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(7983)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 59 times today

Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.

9. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4358)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 90 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant

10. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3132)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 113 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
Reinalyn
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Amazing service and experience overall. 10/10 recommend for a special occasion.
More info
Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
L
Leslie
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Mr. A's never disappoints. We love coming here to celebrate special milestones in our lives.
More info
Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
•
4.9
E
Ellie
London •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Absolutely incredible food, we've eaten at a few vegan restaurants and this by far was the top. Great atmosphere, so many good options. I wish we lived closer so we could go all the time!
More info
KINDREDPrice: Expensive• Vegetarian / Vegan• South Park
•
4.7
H
Hannah
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
My boyfriend and I came for an early Valentine’s Day dinner and we got a sangria and Old fashioneds which were great!!The food was AMAZING. The Parker house rolls, the mussels, the steaks 🤌🏼 The only negative thing I have to say is that because we had a later reservation (10:00) we felt pretty rushed to order our food, thus feeling rushed to leave. It didn’t negatively affect our experience too much because the food was so bomb but definitely expected a higher level of service (minus the bussers and food runners who were friendly and great).
More info
Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
P
Peggy
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were pleasently surprised by the food the wait staff and the prices. Everyone was very nice, we look forward to returning!
More info
Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6

Explore OpenTable

Area
Neighborhood gem

South Park

San Diego
Linda Vista
La Mesa
Rancho San Diego
Vista
Rincon
Carlsbad
Murrieta
Escondido
Pacific Beach
Encinitas
Temecula
Cardiff By The Sea
Hillcrest
Chula Vista / Bonita
Kensington
Sorrento Valley
Fallbrook
Ocean Beach
Downtown