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Best Authentic Restaurants in Banker's Hill

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111 restaurants available nearby

A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
1. CUCINA urbana
4.7
Exceptional(7136)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 47 times today
We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009. The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.
A photo of Barrio Star restaurant
2. Barrio Star
4.6
Exceptional(1100)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Banker's Hill
The sky’s the limit at Barrio Star--presenting San Diego with modern Mexican Soul Food woven with bold Latin flavors and clever Asian touches. As one of several restaurants created by award-winning chef and restaurateur Isabel Cruz, Barrio Star’s bright and lively décor is a metaphor for what we proudly serve. Our vibrant flavors and healthier renditions of classic Mexican dishes reveal thoughtfully presented menu items that are sure to please every palate. Pairing with our well-prepared food is a mouthwatering beer and cocktail menu. Besides serving standard Mexican beers, we also offer rotating drafts as well as an extensive tequila menu. Kickstart the evening with our roasted jalapeno blackberry margarita and let the fiesta begin!
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
3. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1409)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 55 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. Cloak + Petal
4.7
Exceptional(994)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 69 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 Callie Restaurant restaurant
5. Callie Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 65 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Civico 1845 restaurant
6. Civico 1845
4.4
Awesome(2451)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 32 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 Roman Wolves restaurant
7. Roman Wolves
4.6
Exceptional(371)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy
Booked 47 times today
"Roman Wolves is more than a bar and restaurant; it's a celebration of epicurean tapestry of what Italians call the Eternal City" said Nino Cusimano. "We've created our own take on the enduring essence of Rome's legacy and it's significant historical, cultural, and culinary impacts on the Italian food scene"
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
8. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4358)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 82 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.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(3338)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 66 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen serves up authentic Italian dishes with a modern twist. With 75 kinds of pasta recipes, it's no wonder customers rave about the 'authentic and delicious' food. The ambiance is described as having 'old-world charm and warmth', capturing the essence of Italy. The reviews consistently praise the food, service and ambiance, making it clear that Bencotto is a genuine Italian dining experience.
A photo of Ristorante Illando restaurant
10. Ristorante Illando
4.6
Exceptional(827)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 18 times today
From the owner Leonardo Landini "When I decided to open Ristorante Illando, I had a vision in my head...my cozy house back in Firenze, Italy; my family dining table filled with the food I grew up with. Now I can surround you with the warmth of my Italian home and an authentic Italian meal here at Illando. Benvenuti e buon appetito a tutti!!"

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mitchell
    Atlanta •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Incredible dining experience. Incredible flavors and service. Highly recommend.
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Kristina
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Love this sushi spot it’s absolutely amazing. Tastes fresh and great combination of flavors. I love the spin of different types of things that they try to do with their dishes. Tonight our favorites were the spicy garlic noods, kamikaze roll, and the ribs! 🙌🏻
    More info
    Cloak + PetalPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • RandyVIP
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I strongly recommend the Birria Tacos and Blood Orange Margaritas.
    More info
    Barrio StarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.6
  • Vic
    San Diego •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Cheryl
    San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Wonderful night. We probably overstay our welcome because we were visiting with our son, but they had open tables and they didn’t bother us about it. The food and service were superb
    More info
    CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7

Discover best authentic restaurants in Banker's Hill

Discover the charm of authentic dining in Banker's Hill, San Diego, where culinary traditions meet modern flair. In this vibrant neighborhood, you'll find a selection of restaurants that pride themselves on delivering genuine and traditional cuisine. Each establishment offers a unique atmosphere, yet they all share a commitment to authenticity, ensuring that every dish served is both traditional and expertly prepared. Patrons can expect menus rich with classic recipes, made using high-quality ingredients and served in environments that reflect the cultural heritage of the cuisine. The dining scene in Banker's Hill is renowned for its eclectic mix of eateries, where food lovers can indulge in a truly authentic gastronomic experience. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of French bistro dishes or the comforting taste of homemade Italian pasta, Banker's Hill is a foodie's delight, promising an unforgettable culinary journey. This focus on authentic dining not only satisfies the palate but also enriches the cultural fabric of this lively San Diego neighborhood.

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