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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

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119 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Madison restaurant
1. Madison
4.4
Awesome(3076)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 50 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
A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
2. The Godfather Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1921)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 24 times today
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.
A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant
3. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego
3.6
Very Good(3245)
Price: Expensive
• American • Kearny Mesa
Booked 7 times today
For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
4. Wormwood
4.6
Exceptional(834)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 34 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant
5. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(2601)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Kearny Mesa
Booked 21 times today
Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, The Butcher Shop features only the finest quality mid-Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, the ambiance is sexy, warm and intimate, with rich dark wood paneling, comfortable leather booths, gleaming brass and beautifully etched-glass panels.Indulge in the exquisite flavors of USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, including our signature Prime Rib, slow-roasted to perfection to preserve its tender juiciness. All our steaks are expertly grilled over oak wood, imparting a delightful charred exterior and a hint of smoky richness. In addition to our stellar steaks, we offer a diverse selection that includes salmon, chicken, lamb, and pasta dishes, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.
A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant
6. Harmony Cuisine 2B1
4.8
Exceptional(266)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Kearny Mesa
Booked 11 times today
Harmony Cuisine 2B1 is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a modern and relaxing atmosphere with traditional sushi and fusion dishes. With reviews like 'Nice ambiance, cozy space, great service, great food!' and 'Creative tasting menu, intimate ambience, long and attractive sushi bar with chefs on full display', it's clear this spot is a favorite among locals. As one reviewer put it, 'An excellent restaurant disguised as a hole in the wall.' This place is definitely a neighborhood gem!
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
7. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(2728)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(2608)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 12 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 Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant
9. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC
4.8
Exceptional(5052)
Price: Expensive
• American • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 70 times today
Seasons 52 is a Fresh Grill and Wine Bar offering a seasonal menu that is naturally lighter and always flavorful. Our seasonal menus feature ingredients at their peak of freshness, oak-fire grilled or brick oven roasted (without a fryer in sight) to be naturally lighter and more flavorful. We also offer an extensive list of wines by the glass and bottle. Here, you'll always feel free to enjoy every bite, every sip, every moment. Lunch and dinner daily with happy hour Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM.
A photo of Madi restaurant
10. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(441)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 36 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!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • BeatriceVIP
    Orange County •70 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We introduced 5 people to the joys of Wormwood. Between the 7 we tried almost everything on the menu and it was all wonderfully delicious and elegantly crafted. Happiness all round.
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • Viji
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    It was a fantastic experience. Food was amazing and service was great. Value for money. Just wish there were more dessert options!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    •
    4.4
  • Yesica
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Awesome place to celebrate my birthday!!… Love it!!… your staff is very friendly and kind… the food is sooo delicious!!… I had the best birthday ever!!.. Thank you!!! 🥰🙌🏻💯🥳🎂🎉🥂🍾
    More info
    94th Aero Squadron - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Kearny Mesa
    •
    3.6
  • carlos
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Have been going here since the 80s with my mom and dad. They have the best food and the service is incredible. I just wish I could go more often. Please don’t ever change
    More info
    The Godfather RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Kearny Mesa
    •
    4.7
  • Barbara
    San Diego •38 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    If you are looking for a classic dinner house of the 60s-70s this is it.Even the background music is retro which is fun. My companion and I went for Valentines Day Lunch and it was delicious. Our service was great. With the fireplace the ambiance was perfect. I have to say I was surprised the female servers were barely clothed with ample cleavage showing and a "Skirt" which barley covered their back side . My companion loved it but yet the male servers were in long pants how about tight shorts for the guys as well . We women deserve eye candy as well. This isn't Hooters !
    More info
    Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steak• Kearny Mesa
    •
    4.5

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Kearny Mesa

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of Kearny Mesa, San Diego, where local dining establishments shine as true neighborhood gems. These restaurants are celebrated for their unique ambiance and exceptional service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike. Renowned for a delightful fusion of flavors, the eateries in this area offer an array of cuisine options, blending traditional dishes with innovative culinary techniques. Each establishment stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity, providing a dining experience that is both intimate and memorable. The dining scene in Kearny Mesa is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the community's passion for good food and good company. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue for a group gathering, Kearny Mesa's neighborhood gems are sure to exceed your expectations with their creative menus and friendly vibes.

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