Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Hillcrest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

44 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1016)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 8 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is totally worth the drive! It's a vibrant and festive spot, offering authentic Puerto Nuevo flavors, from Baja style lobster to Chicken Mole. Reviewers rave about the 'amazing' food, 'stellar' service and the 'beautiful surroundings'. One diner even noted they've been dining here for 13 years and 'never ever have been disappointed'. So, if you're up for a memorable and refined dining experience, this is the place to be!
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
4.1
Excellent(83)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 3 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6491)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 88 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.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7597)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 101 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3097)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 52 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(178)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1328)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 56 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4244)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 99 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
4.4
Awesome(3354)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 46 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4150)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 58 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mariana
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We really like the options on the menu, different and new things to taste. The service was really good, but not outstanding. The place it’s kinda small, on the inside it’s very loudly, but in general it’s good. I would recommend it, pretty good option to choose in San Diego!
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    4.7
  • AaronVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Karissa went above and beyond for our anniversary dinner
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    4.4
  • Dr . SamVIP
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Been before and loved it, so we took our brother for his birthday. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees, sharing all the dishes. Outstanding service (thank you Paolo) and off the charts delicious. The flavors of some the dishes were so brilliant that it's memorable. Try the cheesecake dessert. They make it fresh. Love, love, love.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 25 Dec 2024
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the culinary gems of Hillcrest, San Diego, where the dining scene shines with diversity and quality, making every restaurant truly "worth the drive." Each eatery in this vibrant neighborhood offers unique flavors and experiences, from modern American cuisine to authentic ethnic dishes, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. The restaurants in Hillcrest pride themselves on their commitment to excellence, with many focusing on farm-to-table practices, innovative menus, and exceptional service. Patrons can expect not only a meal but a memorable dining experience that combines both the traditional and the contemporary. Reviewers consistently highlight the welcoming atmosphere and the high-quality food, which make these spots popular among both locals and visitors. Whether you're seeking a casual brunch spot or a sophisticated dinner venue, Hillcrest's restaurants are destinations that promise a delightful culinary journey. Make your reservation today to experience the best dining that Hillcrest has to offer, each worth the drive for their unique charm and outstanding cuisine.

  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo