Best Restaurants for People Watching in North Park

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanPizzeria

Regions

San Diego

Areas

CoronadoDowntownHillcrestLa JollaLittle ItalyMission Bay

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1428)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 64 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

2. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(889)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

3. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.4

Awesome(659)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 15 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.

4. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(981)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 8 times today

Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.

A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant

5. Trattoria Don Pietro

3.9

Excellent(826)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 3 times today

Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.

A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant

6. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.8

Exceptional(149)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 11 times today

San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!

7. Basta!

4.4

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com

A photo of Sally's Waterfront Dining restaurant

8. Sally's Waterfront Dining

4.3

Awesome(2169)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Sally’s is taking a fresh approach to bayfront dining with an expansive remodel! Currently closed, we will reopen in April 2025 with a reimagined space designed to maximize our stunning bay views and embrace San Diego’s open-air lifestyle. For large-party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.com

9. Blind Burro

4.5

Awesome(676)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican / Southwestern • Downtown

Booked 10 times today

The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego. Come in and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere where you can meet over a carafe of spicy margaritas or on tap house sangria. . Or try us for lunch with clients while enjoying steak tacos and a quinoa mixed green salad. Hope to see you soon in the unique, airy and comfortable environment we have created for you in downtown San Diego. **All checks will have a 4% pandemic recovery surcharge due to the additional costs associated with the impact on our business and operations. This is not a gratuity and will be used to help us offset the additional product, labor, overhead and other costs.**

A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant

10. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila

4.7

Exceptional(325)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 3 times today

ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

T
TalkinboutdafoodVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •32 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Surprising to find such great food and cocktails in a museum. The lamb burger and kabocha/beet salad were delicious. Just be aware the restaurant is in the lobby of the museum but it’s a small museum so very little noise from the patrons going to and fro. After lunch, get a coffee to go from the cafe on the other side of the lobby and sit outside in the beautiful plaza. Memorable day!
More info
ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
•
4.8
A
Allison
Utah •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had a wonderful time! Our waiter was very accommodating and the dishes were all incredible! 10/10 recommend and will be back again ☺️
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
T
TeresaVIP
Indiana •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
In San Diego on business and went to Little Italy. If you have the opportunity you have to try Nonna’s! Amazing food and service.
More info
NonnaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.7
M
MarkVIP
Chicago / Illinois •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were seated on time and all the staff were very nice and friendly. Food was excellent and served quickly. Would go there again anytime.
More info
Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
Such a sweet ambiance! Good groovy music and excellent service! Can’t recommend this place enough.
More info
Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
3.9

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