Best Authentic Restaurants in Imperial Beach

46 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kalaveras - Chula Vista restaurant

1. Kalaveras - Chula Vista

4.6

Exceptional(107)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 9 times today

We're creating a new concept of modern rustic dining with a fusion of traditional and vanguard Mexican ingredients. Our food is chef-driven, using classic cooking techniques with fresher and healthier options. We're elevating bold, authentic flavors and presenting a new way of eating. In the bar you'll find over 90 different tequilas and Mezcal spirits.

A photo of Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana restaurant

2. Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana

4.6

Exceptional(26)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Chula Vista / Bonita

Booked 2 times today

Start your day with a delightful brunch at Farmers Table Chula Vista and then indulge in a delicious Trattoria Romana experience at Acqua e Farina by night! 🍽️❤️✨At Acqua E Farina, we bring you a modern take on authentic Italian cuisine. Our menu features homemade pastas crafted with love, along with Grandma's cherished meatball recipe that will transport you to Italy with every bite. Indulge in traditional dishes, including classics like Parmigiana, Brazatto, homemade pizzas and stuffed pizzas as well, our famous Parmesan wheel pastas, each prepared with the finest ingredients and attention to detail. To complement your visit at Acqua E Farina, we offer a full bar featuring a delightful selections of cocktails designed to bring friends together. Enjoy refreshing Aperol spritzers, an array of flavorful sangrias, and dont miss our signature Espresso Martini. We also proudly showcase a selection of exquisite Italian wines to enhance your dining experience.

A photo of Garage Buona Forchetta restaurant

3. Garage Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(904)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Coronado

Booked 68 times today

Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria & Italian Ristorante in Coronado, San Diego, California.

4. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(865)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 66 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'.

5. Civico 1845

4.4

Awesome(2422)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 34 times today

Civico 1845 is an authentic Italian restaurant located in Little Italy, San Diego. The menu is a homage to the Calabria region of Italy and incorporates sustainable practices. Reviews rave about the fresh, light, and delectable dishes, with one reviewer claiming it's 'untouched by American ignorance'. The restaurant is also praised for its friendly staff, good atmosphere, and amazing vegan menu.

6. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(186)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 33 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant

7. Brigantine at Portside Pier

4.7

Exceptional(4247)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 90 times today

Brigantine at Portside Pier is an authentic seafood restaurant in San Diego. It embodies the beach town lifestyle and a dedication to flavorful food. Reviews rave about the 'beautiful atmosphere', 'phenomenal food' and 'friendly staff'. The restaurant is known for its San Diego-style surf and turf, including award-winning fish tacos and marinated grilled swordfish. Its consistent high ratings for ambience, food, and service attest to its authenticity.

A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant

8. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3508)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 45 times today

Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, house-brewed beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.

9. AKA San Diego

3.9

Excellent(65)

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.

10. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1459)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 44 times today

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

‘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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Matthew
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great meal as always! Love the food here and will certainly be back. I had the pork chop and risotto special which was fantastic. Others in our group also loved their choices. We brought a bottle of wine and the corkage fee was $25. It was a bit on the loud side for a table of 8 to hear each other, but in a way that's part of the experience.
More info
Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6
A
Andrew
San Francisco Bay Area •14 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Pretty decent pasta. Reasonable wine list. Good location. Do not attempt to drive here as parking is a nightmare. Vegan desserts are not recommended.
More info
Civico 1845Price: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4
T
TerryVIP
Washington, D.C. Area •22 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Dinner was delicious. The pastas and pizzas exceptional and beautiful. The service was excellent. Our go-to Italian restaurant.
More info
Garage Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Coronado
•
4.6
L
Lizeth
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 22 Dec 2024
They can accommodate large groups for any event, and there is plenty of free parking next to it.
More info
Acqua E Farina Trattoria RomanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.6
Y
Yasmin
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 15 Dec 2024
Food was good many different option at the buffet, only thing the music was very loud, having a conversation was very hard
More info
Kalaveras - Chula VistaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Chula Vista / Bonita
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in Imperial Beach

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

46 restaurants available nearby

1. Kalaveras - Chula Vista

2. Acqua E Farina Trattoria Romana

3. Garage Buona Forchetta

4. Buona Forchetta

5. Civico 1845

6. Ciccia Osteria

7. Brigantine at Portside Pier

8. Puesto at the Headquarters

9. AKA San Diego

10. Little Frenchie

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable