Are you looking for the best restaurants in the Hillcrest town of San Diego, CA? If yes, you are in the right place.
If you are in this part of San Diego and wish to enjoy some fine dining, Hillcrest got you covered with its many spectacular restaurants.
Hillcrest restaurants offer an exclusive dining experience and give you every reason to return to the town. So, make your visit to Hillcrest an unforgettable experience by indulging in your favorite meal.
Some of the top restaurants in Hillcrest, CA, include; 100S Seafood Grill Buffet, Taste of the Himalayas, Ortega’s Mexican Bistro, Hillcrest Brewing Company, Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores, and more.
Below are other top restaurants in Hillcrest, CA, that is worth visiting.
Best Restaurants in Hillcrest
1. Hillcrest Brewing Company
Opened in 2021 to give locals and visitors the best food experience, Hillcrest Brewing Company is a place to give your palate what it desires. It is designed to provide a garden experience while enjoying your favorite meal.
The setting is welcoming, and the staff offers guests unforgettable moments by providing a free atmosphere where interaction is the focus.
While HBC does not brew on site again, it still ensures you enjoy a range of beers on tap. There are over 24 taps to choose from, and you guess what? Each of them will give you a unique taste you can only find in HBC.
In addition, a superb food experience is provided for you and your friends once you stop over at Hillcrest Brewing Company. They take pride in delivering the best of everything, from dough to sauces and dressings.
It would be best to try their marinated, oven-baked chicken wings. They are not just the best in Hillcrest but will get your taste bud longing for more.
Other options include pizzas, Italian-style meatballs or pretzels. You sure will not regret it. Do you know why? Every food in HBC is made with quality in mind.
Hillcrest Brewing Company is open on Sunday, from 9 am – 11 pm, Monday to Friday, from 4 pm – 12 am, and Saturday, from 12 pm – 12 am.
Address: 1458 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103-3405 Phone: +1 619-269-4323
2. 100S Seafood Grill Buffet
If you are in Hillcrest, San Diego, you should be curious about having your meal at 100S Seafood Grill Buffet. They deliver high-quality, fresh seafood in the best atmosphere.
Only the best suppliers are allowed to bring their seafood and grilled meats, which the select staff of chefs prepare and present to you to immerse your palate in enjoyment.
The menu includes American, Chinese, Asian, Japanese, international, seafood, and sushi. Then, go to the bar, ask for your favorite wine, beer or cocktail, and have them delivered to you without hesitation.
Come with your friends, family, or business associate to have a taste of goodness served in plates and glasses. 100S Seafood Grill and Buffet offers assorted food flavors to deliver a quality experience to their unique customers.
They accept credit cards; also, you can pop into the shop and request your gift cards for different events. The seating arrangement is encouraging; you can go for high chairs if you wish.
When you come with curiosity, you must leave with satisfaction. Only 100S Seafood Grill and Buffet can make you feel this way!
100S Seafood Grill and Buffet is open on Monday to Friday, from 4 – 9 pm, Saturday to Sunday, from 12 – 9 pm and closed on Wednesday.
100S Seafood Grill Buffet is one of the top places to eat in Hillcrest, CA, and is worth adding to your list of best hillcrest restaurants.
Address: 2828 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108 Phone:+1 619-906-4886
3. Presotea US
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Hillcrest, CA, to enjoy the best hygienic and tasty Taiwan tea drinks? Then, Presotea is a suitable place to have this superb experience.
A prominent tea factory offers the finest quality fresh tea drinks. The tea-making process involves using espresso to extract the tea flavor. Besides, everything is freshly prepared on order. So, all you need to do is to tell the server what you want and have it in a few minutes.
No doubt, the fresh taste of your favorite tea essence stays fresh in your mouth as it keeps you reinvigorated for the rest of the day. Find your exclusive taste and be true to yourself. That is what Presotea stands for. You can visit with your friends, business associates, and family. But it is fine if you feel like enjoying a lone moment and let your mind run with ideas. Staying fresh is the goal.
Presotea is one of the best restaurants in Hillcrest and it is open on Sunday to Thursday, from 9 am – 8 pm and Friday to Saturday, from 9 am – 9 pm.
Address: 4343 Mission Blvd #104, San Diego, CA 92109 Phone: +1 858-356-2038
4. Taste of the Himalayas
Suppose you crave Indian, Nepali and Tibetan cuisine in Hillcrest, San Diego. In that case, you can head to this pleasant restaurant now. Enjoying originally prepared home-cooked dishes in a deserving environment is always exciting. Taste of Himalayas offers that environment where you can step in to feel an authentic Nepalese setting.
Taste of Himalayas believes in the Sanskrit old saying that Atithi Devo Bhavah, meaning ‘the guest is truly your god.’ So, get ready to be served most respectably. The food is prepared with a blend of creativity, style and cleanness, with spices from India and Nepal.
The hospitality, authentic setting, and cuisine blend to give the best texture, flavor, and color. You can visit their Hillcrest location today and have fun with your family and friends.
Taste of Himalayas is open on Sunday to Thursday, from 11 am – 9 pm and Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Taste of the Himalayas is one of the best restaurants in Hillcrest, do add it to your checklist.
Address: 1260 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 888-5853
5. Ortega’s Mexican Bistro
This beautiful and elegant restaurant features authentic flavors from Puerto Nuevo. Suppose you want to enjoy Baja-style lobster and tableside guacamole in San Diego. In that case, Ortega’s Mexican Bistro should be your first choice. Other options include banana-crusted Huachinango, chicken mole, flat iron steak burrito and any Mexican-style seafood – all tastefully prepared to give your palate a comeback experience.
For your drink, you can order freshly squeezed, delicious margaritas and sip them while taking in the tasty meal.
The settings include some features of the traditional atmosphere of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.
Ortega’s Mexican Bistro is open on Monday to Thursday, from 12 – 8:30 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 12 – 9:30 pm and Sunday, from 11 am – 8:30 pm.
Address: 141 University Ave #4 San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 692-4200
6. Great Maple San Diego
If you want a place to have an out-of-the-world experience in San Diego, Great Maple is prepared to give you exactly that. A contemporary American restaurant in Hillcrest that features fresh homemade pies and crafted cocktails.
Fantastic staff that understands their roles in serving the best meal you are available to help you with breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Each visit offers a unique experience that makes you feel welcome and ask for more.
It is a place to recommend to your friends and loved ones because it is good to share the good news. You can make reservations to make the experience cozier.
Great Maple San Diego is open on Monday to Wednesday, from 8 am – 2 pm, Thursday to Saturday, from 8 am – 9 pm and Sunday, from 8 am – 2:30 pm.
Address: 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: +1 619-255-2282
7. Taste of Denmark
Do you crave a Danish meal in a beautiful setting and convenient location? Taste of Denmark in the Hillcrest neighborhood will give you the experience and more. Coming here to eat takes you on a trip to Denmark.
You can decide to feel at home indoors with dimmed lights or relax on the dog-friendly patio. Order your Taste of Denmark treats, including gluten-free meals, vegetarian-friendly, light dishes, and beverage options.
Seek out this charming and beautiful place on your next visit to San Diego. All foods are delightfully prepared, and you can bring your partner, friends, or family to take this exciting moment to a great height.
Taste of Denmark is closed on Monday and Tuesday, but open on other days, from 7 am – 6 pm.
Taste of Denmark is among the top places to eat in Hillcrest, CA, and it is worth adding to your list of restaurants in Hillcrest.
Address: 1901 S Kipling St, Lakewood, CO 80227 Phone: +1 303-987-8283
8. Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores
Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. Flores is among the top Mexican restaurant in Hillcrests that gives its visitors a welcoming experience. The restaurant features Oaxaca and Mexican culinary richness.
Do not hesitate to stop at the bar with selected mescal and tequila options, Mucha Cerveza, and wine options straight from Valle Guadalupe.
The staff is knowledgeable of the menu and offers superb suggestions to make you choose exactly what you long for. Quality presentation and taste are the hallmarks of this magnificent Mexican restaurant.
Cocina de Barrio is a place to have a great time and expect to return for another exciting treatment.
Cocina de Barrio is closed on Monday, but open on Tuesday – Saturday, from 10 am – 9:30 pm and Sunday, from 10 am – 4 pm.
Address: 3707 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 Phone: (619) 677-2770
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9. Martinis San Diego
In Hillcrest, San Diego lies this beautiful, exquisitely furnished restaurant focusing on contemporary fusion dishes. The foods are prepared with hand-selected, fresh, and seasonal ingredients that are prepared with passion and originality.
Martinis San Diego offer different variety nights shows such as live music, night specials, open mic nights, and more. You can also enjoy a distinctive dining experience with their delicate menu from wagyu sliders, to lamb lollipops, to kim chi fried chicken sandwiches. Again, the s’mores skillet dessert is another extraordinary experience you should not miss.
The bar is contemporary and fashionable. You can order any of their assorted wine or crafted cocktail. Stepping into the place gives a different aura as you face both indoor and outdoor menus in a comfy and stylish ambiance. Service is usually topnotch with professional staff that is fabulous.
Martinis is one of the best Hillcrest restaurants that is closed on Monday to Tuesday, but open on Wednesday to Thursday, from 4 – 11 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 4 pm to 12 am and Sunday, from 12 – 8 pm.
Address: 3940 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: (619) 546-9983
10. Au Revoir Bistro
Established in 2010, Au Revoir Bistro is located in the heart of Hillcrest and is one of the best places to eat in Hillcrest, CA.
If you crave French cuisine in Hillcrest, this is an opportunity to satisfy your palate with the best of Parisian meals. Au Revoir Bistro has an ambiance that takes you straight to the Eiffel Tower and back to San Diego.
The chefs use the freshest ingredients to prepare your favorite traditional French homemade cuisine. Try their hangar steak, mussels and lavender fries, and recommend the place to others.
The wines are from France with a variety of them to choose from in a lovely atmosphere.
Au Revoir Bistro is closed on Monday, but open on Tuesday to Wednesday, from 4:30 – 9 pm, Thursday, from 11:30 am – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 2 9:30 pm and Sunday, from 10 am – 9 pm.
Address: 420 Robinson Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: +1 619-268-2400
11. La Bonne Table
In the heart of the bustling town of Hillcrest rests La Bonne Table, a warm and intimate restaurant. Although limited, the menu is filled with excellent traditional French cuisine. The portions are just enough for most people. You can try their moules with lobster chunks and lobster bisque to refresh your taste bud.
The atmosphere is romantic, a perfect place to propose to your long-time partner. You can also have a special celebration or date night here. It is refreshingly a quaint place with little noise to distract you from having your moment.
This exclusive restaurant offers a full bar and French beer on the tap. It is best to reserve your seat because seating is quite limited.
La Bonne Table is one of the best Hillcrest restaurants and is open on Tuesday to Saturday, from 5 – 10 pm.
Address: 3696 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: +1 619-260-8039
12. Baja Betty
Suppose you are in Hillcrest and never visited Baja Betty. In that case, this is the moment to experience creative, Tex-Mex-inspired dishes in a fun and scintillating environment. It is one of the prominent eateries in the neighborhood. It offers exclusive services that keep the customers coming for more.
Choosing from the excellent array of dishes made with quality in mind would be best. The ingredients are hand-selected and fresh, the reason the meals are irresistible. Next, you can enjoy tasty burritos, tacos, and quesadilla menus. Then, head to the bar to select their signature margaritas to wash them down. Finally, if you are a cocktail enthusiast, you can choose from the list of tequilas and mescals.
A full variety of appetizers, soups, salads, and nachos are there for you to have fun with. So do not forget to stroll in on Taco Tuesday for great excitement.
Baja Betty is a great Mexican restaurant and is highly recommended for your food experience.
Baja Betty is open on Monday to Thursday, from 11 am – 10 pm, Friday, from 11 am – 11 pm, Saturday, from 10 – 12 am, and Sunday, from 10 – 10 pm.
Baja Betty is one of the best places to eat in Hillcrest, CA, and it is definitely worth adding to your list of best Hillcrest Restaurants.
Address: 1421 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: +1 619-269-8510
13. Tavola Nostra Pizzeria
Do you long for Italian cuisine in this beautiful Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego? Tavola Nostra Pizzeria is a casual pizzeria and restaurant open to bring modernity to an ancient style of pizza. It is a family-owned and operated pizzeria that brings ancient family recipes to your table for an elite experience.
The excellent service in a calm and relaxed environment is one of a kind.
Both indoor and outdoor dining are available to bring your experience at this magnificent eatery to climax. The menu includes bread, pie, Pesto Pasta, salad, gelatos, Margherita pizza, tomato soup, and other Italian meals. You may equally use the delivery or takeout services if you do not seem to relax and have the crew take care of you.
You can send your order down with a bottle of Merlot from the bar.
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria is open on Wednesday to Thursday, from 12:30 – 9 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 12:30 – 10 pm and Sunday, from 12:30 – 9 pm.
Address: 1040 University Ave B101, San Diego, CA 92103 Phone: +1 619-310-5256
14. Olive Garden
Olive Garden offers a family setting to inspire a delectable experience in a cozy and friendly atmosphere. It was established in 1982 and has never looked back on focusing on quality service. Their customers are their number one goal. With that in mind, no one can fault their experience in Olive Garden.
The menu is all-inclusive and offers something for everyone. Indulge yourself with eclectic chicken, pasta, beef, and seafood. You may go for desserts, entrees, or appetizers. Wines and specialty drinks are part of the fun; do not hesitate to make yourself comfortable.
It is about satisfying your craving in a friendly, warm and welcoming way. Everyone who walks out the door has something Italian to talk about.
Olive Garden is open Monday to Thursday, from 11 am – 10 pm, Friday to Saturday, from 11 am – 11 pm and Sunday, from 11 am – 10 pm.
Address:3215 Sports Arena Blvd San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: (619) 226-2124
15. Common Stock
Another casually sophisticated restaurant in San Diego is Common Stock. The place was established in 2018, and the dishes are prepared using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Hence, the friendly and warm environment, while the service is efficient and nicely presented.
Everyone has something beautiful to say about the charming food place. You can also uniquely join them if you step in to make that order on your mind. Try their chicken sandwich and let your taste bud do the judgment.
Cocktails are available in to help you send your meal home more smoothly. Reservations are not available; service is on a first-come, first-served basis. Brunch, lunch, and dinner are available for you. You can invite your friends to add color to your dining experience.
Common Stock is open on Sunday to Tuesday, from11: 30 am – 9 pm, and Wednesday to Saturday, from 11:30 am – 10 pm. Feel free to add Common Stock to your list of top restaurants in Hillcrest, CA.
Address:3805 5th Ave San Diego, CA 92103 Phone:(619) 310-529
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Plan a Trip to Hillcrest
Although we may not have exhausted the list of Hillcrest restaurants, the numbers we have listed are enough to give you the experience you desire.
Start planning a trip to Hillcrest today; Pin this article as a guide to easily fall back to while making your list of best restaurants in Hillcrest to visit.