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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Harbor Island

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7634)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 110 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1386)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 70 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(8098)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 63 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Lala restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(147)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 20 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.5
Awesome(639)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 34 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6518)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 87 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 Animae restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3287)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown
Booked 78 times today
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(982)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 57 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 Barbusa restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4334)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 86 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 Miguel's - Portside Pier restaurant
4.5
Awesome(193)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Beginning with a few classic recipes culled from our chef’s family and friends, the menu captured the true spirit of Mexico. And its authentic style drew a loyal following of those in search of Sonoran grilled swordfish tacos, sizzling sirloin fajitas, and spicy rich chicken mole.Over three decades, our signature friendly service and festive decor have made Miguel’s a San Diego tradition for locals and visitors alike. Our commitment to artisan cuisine has only grown stronger. That means handmade tortillas, fresh salsas, and colorful crispy chips made daily right in our kitchen. Of course, there’s our decadent, must-have jalapeño white sauce, occasionally referred to as white gold by regulars, and craved up and down the coast.We invite you to stop in. Enjoy a refreshing hand-shaken margarita and a genuine, mouthwatering Mexican meal. Lets celebrate what we hope will be your first of many, many visits.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JoshVIP
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The food was excellent and prepared quickly. The server was polite and attentive. The kids' menu was above average, too. Great weekend brunch. Be prepared to arrive early to allow time to find street parking, as there is no restaurant parking. Great drink selections for a boozy brunch, too.
    More info
    Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
    4.7
  • Sandy
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent service thanks to our great server, Cathryn, and the rest of the staff.
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    4.4
  • Denisse
    Baja California •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 17 Jan 2025
    Me encantó la comida, pedí como entrada un Aguachile de Camarón y un Rib eye añejo y estuvo riquísimo, la carne a medio término y estuvo tiernísima y sabrosa. El aguachile también muy rico pero si pica un poco así que si no acostumbras mucho el picante esto si está picosito. También pedí un un cóctel mezcal de pepino y estuvo refrescante. Y para finalizar la esfera de chocolate buenísimo y no puede faltar un carajillo para acompañar el postre. En general muy buen servicio, muy espacioso el lugar y totalmente regresaría de nuevo para degustar más de su menú! 10/10 I loved the food! I ordered a Shrimp Aguachile as a starter and an Alejo Ribeye, and it was delicious. The steak was cooked medium rare incredibly tender, and flavorful. The Aguachile was also very tasty, but it is a bit spicy, so if you’re not used to eating spicy food, be aware it has a kick. I also ordered a cucumber mezcal cocktail, which was refreshing. To finish, I had the chocolate sphere, which was amazing, and of course, a carajillo to accompany the dessert. Overall, the service was excellent, the place was very spacious, and I would definitely come back to try more of the menu! 10/10.
    More info
    Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
    4.7
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