Best Authentic Restaurants in College Area

100 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(624)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 23 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.

2. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(762)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 64 times today

Casa Gabriela serves authentic Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Gabriela Lopez, who brings her own grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara and her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana to the table. The menu is praised for its unique twist on traditional flavors and the restaurant is lauded for its authentic food and great ambiance. Reviews often highlight the restaurant's authenticity and the chef's friendly and welcoming demeanor.

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

3. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(246)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 13 times today

Aromi Italian Cuisine is lauded for its authentic Italian food, with reviews praising its fresh ingredients, traditional recipes and homemade taste. The restaurant's ambiance is also often compared to dining in Italy, making it a true Italian experience.

4. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1329)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 60 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.

5. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3555)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 21 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

6. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(195)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 47 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.6

Exceptional(691)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 59 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, &

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

8. Limoncello La Mesa

4.6

Exceptional(309)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 22 times today

Welcome to Limoncello, your go-to destination for authentic Italian cuisine in the heart of La Mesa. At Limoncello, we pride ourselves on delivering a true taste of Italy with our carefully curated menu inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our dishes showcase the rich flavors of Italy, crafted using only the finest and freshest ingredients sourced locally and from Italy. From classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas and delectable desserts, each plate is a celebration of Italian culinary heritage. Come savor the warmth and hospitality of Italy right here in La Mesa at Limoncello, where every meal is a journey to the heart of Italian flavors.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

9. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2553)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 9 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

10. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2392)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 19 times today

Antica Trattoria is a genuine Italian restaurant with a warm, old-fashioned hospitality vibe. It's loved for its fresh, authentic Italian cuisine, which is prepared with simplicity, honesty, and a hint of Sicilian flair as Executive Chef Francesco Basile recalls his upbringing by the seaside in Sicily. As one reviewer put it, 'If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine this is the place to go.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambiance, and service further confirm its authenticity.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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From verified diners like you

F
Frederick
San Francisco Bay Area •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The crispy carnitas and enchiladas sirloin were outstanding. I dumped a margarita when my hand slipped on a wet glass—the staff was very nice about it ( and replaced the margarita, which I didn’t expect). It was chilly in the dining room. But we'll be back.
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Casa GabrielaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Mesa
•
4.6
S
StaciVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
This was our first time dining here and it won’t be our last! The food was absolutely delicious and so fresh. Perhaps the best pasta I’ve ever had. The appetizers and salad we had were amazing. And the dessert! The lemon dessert is my new favorite. Exceptional service as well.
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Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
G
Guy
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Place and ambience is great. Being French in a French restaurant I was expecting the duck to be like ‘at home’ but it wasn’t. It was well overcooked and became hard. Bit of a disappointment. My partner had the Boeuf Bourgignon which was delicious. Also apparently there are the old and the new menu going around with different wine prices. I was charged $75 a bottle of wine that was shown at $58 on my menu. Small thing but makes the overall experience a little annoying.
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Bleu BohemePrice: Expensive• French• Kensington
•
4.8
M
MikeVIP
San Diego •56 reviews
5.0
Dined on 28 Dec 2024
We always have a good experience. AND the food is always delicious. New server Brad was very engaging and a delight. The pecorino cheese wheel served tables tableside is excellent. As was the chicken parm. Our new go-to Italian restaurant
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.6
A
AmyVIP
San Diego •9 reviews
5.0
Dined on 27 Dec 2024
Siamo Napoli is a gem. The feel of a small, neighborhood restaurant with excellent food and great service. Can’t wait to go back and try more of their menu.
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Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in College Area

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100 restaurants available nearby

1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria

2. Casa Gabriela

3. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4. Siamo Napoli

5. Bleu Boheme

6. Trattoria Da Sofia

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

8. Limoncello La Mesa

9. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

10. Antica Trattoria

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