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Best Authentic Restaurants in Ocean Beach

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116 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5452)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 163 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4120)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 103 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Elvira restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(399)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 47 times today
Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 80 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1332)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 39 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 Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 28 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(4182)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 60 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.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2393)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 19 times today
Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.
A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2429)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Point Loma
Booked 14 times today
Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 79 times today
Barbusa is an authentic Italian restaurant in Little Italy, San Diego. It's praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food, with reviewers stating 'Food is amazing…authentic, and delicious' and 'Amazing meal and service!! An authentic Sicilian feeling'. The restaurant's attention to detail in presentation and its handmade pastas, freshest seafood, and stone-fired oven pizza add to the authenticity. It's a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
‘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
  • Vincentvip
    Washington, D.C. Area •69 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We chose Cesarina because they make their own pasta in-house as well as their sauces and everything else. Wow - what a great meal! We waited at the bar overlooking the pasta being made so when we were seated, we decided to start with a ravioli and separately, carpaccio. Both were outstanding with some type of truffle oil over the tender carpaccio making it fantastic! We had the Norma sauce (with eggplant) with pasta and the meaty Mafalde al Sugo Napoletano with ribs and sausage and it was made perfectly! We were too stuffed for dessert and boxed up the leftover but will definitely return.
    More info
    CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    4.9
  • Davidvip
    Miami - Dade •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our waitress, Skye was fabulous! Not only was she knowledgeable, but she had a personality that made the evening even more special. Kudos to the whole staff
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    4.7
  • William
    New York City •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Overall our dining experience was terrific. We started with a beet salad that was as beautiful as it was delicious. One of our best ever dishes. We also had the pork belly that was also good but not even close to the salad. We also had wagyu butter biscuits. They were served in a smoked filled glass. A new dining experience for us. Very cool. When our waitress came back for our entree order, my wife selected the Rock fish special. I then ordered the flat iron steak. My wife told me after dinner she meant to pick the black cod but got confused. It's not a big deal but the Rock fish dish was $70 vs $36. The Rock fish was grilled perfectly. The only issue I have is our waitress should have told us the fish was big enough for two. I felt like she was padding my bill because it was a Tuesday night. I gave her ample opportunity to apologize for not telling us but she didn't seem to care. I mentioned how big a piece of fish it was. How it's big enough for two. Nothing!! I didn't eat my steak dinner at all, so I took it home. Overall it was still a great place to dine. I would go back , but be mindful of what you order. Our bill was $300. I would expect more honesty from the wait staff. Kudos to the chef.
    More info
    Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
    4.6
  • Debra
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Dining at Elvira was a great experience. The service was above and beyond great. The food was awesome and we were seated in a nice, quiet area. Parking was easy.
    More info
    ElviraPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
    4.8
  • Mike
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The service was top notch and the food was great. The view was fabulous. We went for my 34 year anniversary and it was fantastic. I highly recommend it.
    More info
    SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    4.7
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