Best Authentic Restaurants in San Diego

122 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5519)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 192 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.

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 74 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.

3. La Pastaia

4.3

Awesome(308)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Bay Park

Booked 9 times today

Upon stepping into La Pastaia, you’ll be greeted by an inviting ambiance that seamlessly combines modern elegance with rustic charm. The cozy and friendly environment creates an ideal setting for an enchanting culinary experience. From homemade pasta tossed in flavorful sauces to mouthwatering wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients, our menu offers a wide range of classic Italian dishes prepared with a contemporary flair. La Pastaia is the brainchild of a dynamic duo whose expertise and love for the culinary

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

4. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1992)

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 Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(619)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 36 times today

Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.

6. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1149)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest

Booked 73 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.

7. Elvira

4.9

Exceptional(415)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 69 times today

Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!

8. El Sueño

4.0

Excellent(174)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 33 times today

Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.

9. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1322)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 61 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.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

10. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(685)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 56 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
ChristenVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Cadillac Margarita is a classic yum fest. We enjoyed guacamole, tacos and suiza enchiladas. The foods are a la cart. Our server Danica was patient with the elders in my family and friendly. She made sure we received all of our food and drinks. She is a sharp server. I hope to dine with her again.
More info
Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
J
JoeVIP
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We had an amazing server called Olena. The food as always was top notch. I had the octopus to start and then the squid ink seafood pasta. Both were great.
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Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
L
Lillian
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
My son and I had a late lunch on Christmas Day. From the time we were seated, to the time we left, we felt we had enjoyed a fine dining experience. The food was exceptional. Our servers, Maya in particular, made us feel welcomed throughout our meal.
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La PastaiaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Bay Park
•
4.3
B
Betsy
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was our first time at Cesarina, and it won’t be our last! The pastas were absolutely outstanding—I especially loved my Arrabiatissima with malfalde and guanciale—and the table-side-made tiramisu was the best we’ve ever had. We loved the ambiance of the outside patio. Everything was splendid and the staff worked tirelessly and successfully to create a festive environment. Can’t wait to return!
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CesarinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Ocean Beach
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4.9
J
jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in San Diego

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122 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

2. Kettner Exchange

3. La Pastaia

4. Puesto Mission Valley

5. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

6. RustiCucina

7. Elvira

8. El Sueño

9. Siamo Napoli

10. Louisiana Purchase SD

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