4 Best Contemporary Asian Restaurants In Hillcrest

4 restaurants available nearby

1. Animae

4.8

Exceptional(3240)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 56 times today

Dive into the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego at Animae, where renowned Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a sublime fusion of West Coast and Asian cuisines. This gem stands out for its "eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences," brought to life in a traditional coal-fired oven. Guests rave about the "elevated Filipino food" and dishes like the "crab fried rice cooked perfectly" and "short rib kare kare that just fell off the bone." The ambiance is consistently praised, with a decor that feels like "an old theatre" and an atmosphere perfect for any celebration. Animae is not just a meal; it's an experience where every dish promises a journey through exquisite flavors and innovative culinary craftsmanship.

2. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3745)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 67 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego, Nobu continues to dazzle patrons with its exceptional "New Style" Japanese cuisine. Known for its sushi, Nobu San Diego stands out for its quality, creativity, and the use of fresh ingredients. Reviewers rave about the sushi, describing it as "delicious" and noting the "impeccable service and ambiance." A standout dish frequently mentioned is the Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno, celebrated for its perfect balance and innovative flavor profile. As one review puts it, "Every single dish was undoubtedly immaculate," emphasizing the consistent excellence and culinary mastery that Nobu San Diego delivers, making it a must-visit destination for sushi lovers.

3. Choi's San Diego

new

5.0

Exceptional(2)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 16 times today

A Story of bringing the East to the West, written by Chef Jiwoo Choi. Choi's is a Contemporary Asian restaurant founded by Choi, who was at the time, 23 years old. Voted as the best Korean restaurant by San Diego Magazine, Choi's brings creativity and intensity by carrying their classic menu as well as a rotating Weekly Menu. Choi's Happy Hour highlights $1.50 Fresh Oysters, $5 Bao Tacos, $7 Specialty Cocktails, $5 Beers, to name a few. With their two hour complimentary parking garage validation in the heart of Downtown, even during Padres Game Days, it is the perfect place for your comforting yet exciting evenings. Please refer our website for our parking validation information.

4. James' Place

4.0

Excellent(1074)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary asian • La Jolla

Booked 1 time today

James' Place in La Jolla, San Diego, is a beacon of culinary excellence, particularly praised for its Asian fusion offerings that leave guests both delighted and impressed. Diners frequently rave about the "amazing sauce and perfectly cooked shishito peppers," and the "delicious protein sushi roll," highlighting the authenticity and quality of each dish. The restaurant's ambiance, paired with its proximity to the La Jolla Playhouse, makes it a favorite spot for a pre-theater dinner, where the experience is described as nothing short of "outstanding." Guests like to mention that the "service is top-notch," and the menu variety, from crispy rice to glazed salmon, consistently receives high marks for both presentation and flavor. James' Place truly stands out as a must-visit for an exquisite dining experience in San Diego.

‘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.

Best Contemporary Asian Restaurants in Hillcrest

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4 restaurants available nearby

1. Animae

2. Nobu San Diego

3. Choi's San Diego

4. James' Place

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