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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in Hillcrest

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2248)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Hillcrest
Booked 80 times today
insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6426)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Little Italy
Booked 57 times today
Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2996)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 87 times today
Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(173)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 47 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 CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7080)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Banker's Hill
Booked 63 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(104)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Hillcrest
Booked 19 times today
Cellar Hand in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its authenticity and dedication to the farm-to-table philosophy. Patrons rave about the "unique flavors and combinations that create an unforgettable dining experience," emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to using hyper-local ingredients sourced directly from San Diego farms. The menu, crafted by the talented Executive Chef Logan Kendall, receives constant praise, with dishes like the "Aly’s Crudo" and "Thompson Heritage Berkshire pork" standing out as favorites. The ambiance, described as the "perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and modern style," along with an "excellent wine selection," ensures that Cellar Hand is not just a meal, but a culinary journey through the essence of the Mediterranean. As a top recommendation, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant community-focused setting.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(786)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • North Park
Booked 34 times today
Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.
A photo of Mattarello Cooking Lab restaurant
4.4
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 1 time today
Dive into the heart of Mediterranean cuisine at Mattarello Cooking Lab, nestled in Downtown San Diego. This gem offers an authentic taste of Italy, with diners raving about the "magical" atmosphere and "perfect" authentic dishes. The focus on scratch-made ingredients, from hand-made pasta to fresh, organic produce, sets Mattarello apart. Guests cherish the intimate cooking classes where "the chef cooked it to perfection" and the pasta-making sessions described as a "fun and interactive" experience. Praised for its "real Italian food," Mattarello has become a beloved spot for those seeking true Mediterranean flavors in an inviting, vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied patrons who have declared it "the best Italian food in the United States."
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(852)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 19 times today
ARTIFACT at Mingei, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego's Balboa Park, is a culinary gem that showcases the finest in Asian cuisine. With a focus on craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices, and botanicals, the restaurant's menu offers an exceptional array of Asian flavors that are both authentic and innovative. Diners rave about the "varied and delicious Hong Kong dinner" featuring dumplings, roast duck, and a mango dessert that leaves guests eagerly anticipating the next themed event. The crispy tofu and shrimp gyoza have been highlighted as "phenomenal," capturing the essence of Asian culinary traditions while presenting them in an artful, modern way. The setting inside the Mingei Museum adds an element of cultural enrichment, making each dining experience at ARTIFACT uniquely delightful. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Asian dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3284)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Andy
    San Francisco Bay Area •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Wow this place was REALLY good. Highly recommend it. And one of the most knowledgeable waitresses I’ve ever had at a restaurant. Wish I could remember her name but she was fabulous.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • JoAnnevip
    San Diego •88 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our favorite local restaurant! Our waiter warmly welcomed us knowing us from previous visits. As usual he was spot on in suggesting wines, knowing the contents of each dish, and anticipating our needs. And the other support staff did an excellent job -- smoothly orchestrating the evening. The salad we shared and ate every morsel -- lettuce, escarole, radicchio, tomatoes, cucumber, almonds, chickpeas, and green beans with an oregano vinaigrette that was so, so, so delicious. My husband enjoyed his pepperoni pizza. The branzino was divine! We finished with a limoncello and vegan pistachio ice cream.
    More info
    CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
    4.7
  • Kimberly
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Christmas Magic Our dining experience was golden. The atmosphere was over the top, literally with giant snowflakes, golden ornaments sparkling everywhere. We had a smile on our face the whole evening. Our food was delicious. I had the filet again because it's that good. My friends had the salmon. I tried the 1/2 Caesar salad, the best I’ve had in years. We got a side of crispy red potatoes and garlic bread with dipping au jus. Everything was cooked to perfection and tasted great. They give you umbrellas to use because every hour on the hour Christmas music starts to play and it snows!!!! So much fun. To top it all off we had the Baked Alaska flambé. Our waiter poured a flaming blue caramel sauce over our dessert. What a show! My only regret was we shared it and I didn’t get my own. LOL!! Excellent place for a date night, but a must see for everyone to get in the Christmas spirit. PS We loved our waiter Michael he gave us exceptional service .
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    4.7
  • Larryvip
    San Diego •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    i’ve dined here eight or 10 times over the years just brought someone new last night and he raved about the entire experience: food service creativity. We got the tasting menu and as usual the Alna and the Kampachi were huge hits early on. The subtlety combined with sharp notes took what could otherwise be very straightforward and made them rich. It was all excellent but as usual the Leppo chicken is Callie’s feathering the cap for that experience. Why doesn’t have a Michelin star is beyond me? Perhaps it’s the more casual approach to dining, but the food is easily Michelin quality for my taste by far away the best food in San Diego south of Addison 
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Caitlinvip
    San Diego •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Nov 2024
    We celebrated a birthday here and we are glad we did! The ambiance, drinks, food, and service are always great at Madison. We brought in a cake for a birthday and the server put it in the fridge for us upon arrival and also put on the cake topper and candles before bringing it out to the table. Much appreciated and we will return!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5

Discover best Mediterranean restaurants in Hillcrest

Discover the vibrant Mediterranean culinary scene in San Diego's eclectic Hillcrest neighborhood! This area is renowned for its diverse dining options, and the Mediterranean restaurants here offer a unique blend of traditional and modern dishes that cater to various palates. Each restaurant in Hillcrest emphasizes the use of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, ensuring that every meal is not only delicious but also supports local growers and producers. The dining experience in Hillcrest is characterized by imaginative menus and a commitment to quality, with many establishments featuring both intimate settings and creative culinary techniques. Patrons can expect a warm ambiance and exceptionally attentive service, making each dining outing memorable. Whether you're craving a hearty Mediterranean feast or a light, flavorful meal, Hillcrest's Mediterranean restaurants promise an enriching and satisfying dining experience. This neighborhood's vibrant dining scene is a true testament to San Diego's rich cultural tapestry and culinary excellence.

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