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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in College Area

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82 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1065)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Lemon Grove
Booked 24 times today
Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(805)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 9 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3547)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 12 times today
"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.
A photo of Casa Gabriela restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(750)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Mesa
Booked 10 times today
Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2642)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 24 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of One Door North restaurant
4.5
Awesome(504)
Price: Moderate
• American • North Park
Booked 8 times today
At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2541)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 18 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for
A photo of Madi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(417)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 28 times today
Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3086)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 11 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Antica Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2386)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa
Booked 9 times today
Antica Trattoria is a warm restaurant with an old-fashioned sense of hospitality that quickly became a gathering place for dinners in Lake Murray and the rest of San Diego when it opened in 2001. For Executive Chef and Owner Francesco Basile, good cuisine is about honest flavors, fresh ingredients, and simplicity. That's the kind of food he grew up eating by the seaside in Sicily and it's what he learned in culinary school in Italy.Why eat ordinary when you can eat extraordinary?About reservations: We have a 15-minute grace period. Please call us if you will be running later than 15 minutes. If a later time slot is available, you may be able to switch your reservation.We may contact you, so please ensure your email and phone number are up to date. Your table will be reserved for 1 hour 30 minutes for parties of up to 4 guests; 2 hours for parties of 5 to 8 guests; and 2 hours 30 minutes for parties of 9+. We cannot guarantee special request for tables.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Crystian
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Everything was great, as usual! The only thing was that the live musicians were way too loud. We had 6 at a table and we couldn’t hear each other speaking. We were having to yell which was unpleasant. Also, the music style was unfortunately kinda odd. Karaoke style covers of 80’s songs. A nice acoustic Spanish guitar would have been much more enjoyable. We were excited to hear they were going to have live music at our brunch, then really wished it would stop after a few very loud and awkward songs. Hate to say this because we really love the restaurant and the food!!
    More info
    Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
    4.7
  • Brooke
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A perfect experience. From the ambiance on the back patio, the great service from Joe, Eduardo, the sommelier and the busser to the amazing food! Everything was amazing. Truly a treat to dine here. Thank you to the whole staff
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    4.8
  • Chad
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    From the moment we were greeted by the hostess til time she was telling us to have a good night on our way out, our entire experience was truly on point! The food was spot on, we had roasted mushrooms and cauliflower for an appetizer, the duck and prime rib for our entree… all of it was as good as we’ve ever had it. The service was attentive, fast, friendly, and it seemed like we didn’t have to ask for much, he was just prepared and had enough foresight to ensure we were taken care of. Overall, an excellent experience! I cannot offer a criticism which is rare. We will definitely return.
    More info
    The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
    4.8
  • Suzanne
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I along with the rest of party chose a different holiday dinner, all were wonderful. The service and experience is always amazing. We look forward to what new creative dishes they with put out for the new year.
    More info
    Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
    4.8
  • Barbara
    San Diego •13 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We had a wonderful dining experience at Bleu Boheme! The setting was lovely, the service was excellent and the food and drinks were superb- We will definitely be back!
    More info
    Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
    4.8
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