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Best Authentic Restaurants in Normal Heights

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113 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
1. Cori Pastificio Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(651)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
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.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
2. Siamo Napoli
4.8
Exceptional(1351)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 43 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 Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
3. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(2606)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 32 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 RustiCucina restaurant
4. RustiCucina
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 33 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.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
5. Buona Forchetta
4.6
Exceptional(885)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 71 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'.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
6. Callie Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 64 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 Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
7. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(230)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 33 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
8. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1409)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 56 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.
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
9. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.5
Awesome(739)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 38 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant
10. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 106 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!
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Erin
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined today
    Splurged on a holiday Monday and once again Et Voila did not disappoint!! I love how the menu changes and the recommendations from wait staff were perfect. Started with the French bread and butter (I can live on this alone). Took the waiters recommendation and tried the beef bourguignon, which was perfectly paired with the French gamay (beaujolais). Loved the wine so much I purchased a bottle to take home and impress my next houseguest Highly recommend for any occasion , or like me , a Monday !
    More info
    Et Voilà! French Bistro - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• French• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Cecily
    Atlanta •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    From the moment you walk in you feel the warmth of the place. The young man at the hostess stand was great, he acknowledged us as soon as we checked in and kept updating us regarding our seating. Our server Julia was amazing, kept checking in on us and just all around a pleasure. I didn’t particularly like my pasta and when I let Julia know she immediately apologized. Ocean, who is the manager came over to ask what was wrong, I let her know it was watery and didn’t have much short rib. She apologized and returned with a remake and extra short rib. I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting that. I have to say the customer service here is top tier. Our calamari was yummy and the drinks are amazing. Thanks to the team and their service I will definitely be back. Thank you all for an amazing dinner experience.
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.6
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Giuseppe
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Very friendly staff, food was delicious. The artichoke appetizer special was incredibly good. We shared a bottle of wine and had some great entrees. The server was helpful in decision making and offered my wife and I a complimentary dessert with valentines being the next day. What more could you ask for? Take it from this Italian, who has eaten pizza in Napoli this place is the real deal.
    More info
    Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Peggy
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were pleasently surprised by the food the wait staff and the prices. Everyone was very nice, we look forward to returning!
    More info
    Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
    •
    4.6

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