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Best Authentic Restaurants in Mission Valley

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125 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4120)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 107 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 Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(8004)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 78 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1982)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 67 times today
Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1332)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 40 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 Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(843)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 47 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5452)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 164 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 AKA San Diego restaurant
3.3
Good(34)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 19 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1121)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 37 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(947)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 30 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 Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1296)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 27 times today
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • 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
  • 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 / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • Danielvip
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    charming place with consistently excellent food at reasonable prices.
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    4.6
  • VineetM
    New York City •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 19 Nov 2024
    Nice atmosphere, great food and outstanding service.Excellent Margaritas Please start serving Pinot Grigio. It is inexpensive and one of the most popular white wines now. Highly tecommend
    More info
    Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
    4.6

Discover best authentic restaurants in Mission Valley

Discover the authentic flavors of Mission Valley, San Diego, where a variety of restaurants serve up genuine culinary experiences that cater to all tastes. In this vibrant dining scene, each establishment prides itself on delivering true-to-origin dishes that celebrate diverse cultures and cooking traditions. From expertly crafted local seafood to traditional international cuisines, these restaurants ensure every dish is prepared with authenticity and attention to detail. Patrons can expect not only a feast for their taste buds but also a welcoming atmosphere that complements the overall dining experience. The emphasis on authenticity not only enhances the flavors but also provides a deeper connection to the cultures represented in each meal. As Mission Valley continues to be a hub for genuine gastronomy, visitors and locals alike are guaranteed an enriching and satisfying dining journey. Whether you're in search of a casual dining spot or a more sophisticated venue, the authenticity of these restaurants in Mission Valley promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.

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