Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(425)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 26 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 Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

2. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2021)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 19 times today

Excited to announce that we officially have four locations open in San Diego including Bay Park, Little Italy, La Mesa, and Chula Vista. As a family run operation we believe every good neighborhood deserves an eatery where locals and visitors can enjoy “honest food done right”. Here at Farmers Table, we specialize in farm-to-fork cuisine that focuses on bringing locally sourced organic ingredients together to be savored in an inviting family-friendly atmosphere, where adults and children can enjoy many different food options that are just right for them. If you are looking for a magical brunch this week, come stop by for an unforgettable night.

3. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2393)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 18 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.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1085)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 15 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.

5. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4768)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 59 times today

Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.

6. Mister A's

4.8

Exceptional(8707)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 92 times today

Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

7. Herb & Wood

4.6

Exceptional(6495)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 78 times today

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

8. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7599)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 101 times today

Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

9. Madison

4.5

Awesome(3027)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 92 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

10. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4324)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
Sean
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Fantastic food from start to finish. Definitely get the flank steak if you like heavily seasoned and super flavorful steak. The Ribeye was good as well, but the Flank Steak felt like a signature dish.
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Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.9
T
Terry
Atlantic City / South Jersey Shore •18 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Our favorite spot when visiting San Diego. The restaurant is beautiful, the food excellent and our server was most accommodating! This place is a real gem!
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Antica TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• La Mesa
•
4.8
M
Mariana
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We really like the options on the menu, different and new things to taste. The service was really good, but not outstanding. The place it’s kinda small, on the inside it’s very loudly, but in general it’s good. I would recommend it, pretty good option to choose in San Diego!
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
M
Matthias
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 Dec 2024
We were there mid afternoon Christmas Day. It wasn’t to crouched and the service was good. Food was great. They have a nice patio dining area and an open air bar that were fairly quiet, but I did notice inside was kind of noisy due to all hard surfaces. Overall very nice experience.
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Farmer's Table - La MesaPrice: Moderate• Farm-to-table• La Mesa
•
4.3

Best Hot Spot Restaurants in College Area

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28 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

2. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

3. Antica Trattoria

4. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

5. Cowboy Star

6. Mister A's

7. Herb & Wood

8. Coasterra

9. Madison

10. Barbusa

See what locals rave about

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