Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in College Area

42 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

1. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 41 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, &

2. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(405)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 27 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!

3. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3530)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 9 times today

Bleu Bohème is a charming French restaurant in San Diego, with a unique twist. It offers an immersive experience that transports you around the world through its simple yet delicious recipes. Reviews rave about the superbly cooked and presented food, great service, and wonderful ambiance. It's an excellent spot for special occasions and is highly recommended by many.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

4. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3068)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 34 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!

A photo of Limoncello La Mesa restaurant

5. Limoncello La Mesa

4.5

Awesome(288)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 17 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 Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.9

Exceptional(1058)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 13 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.

A photo of Farmer's Table - La Mesa restaurant

7. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

4.3

Awesome(2001)

Price: Moderate

• Farm-to-table • La Mesa

Booked 10 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.

8. Siamo Napoli

4.6

Exceptional(1295)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 23 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.

9. Antica Trattoria

4.8

Exceptional(2379)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • La Mesa

Booked 10 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

10. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(82)

Price: Moderate

• American • Lemon Grove

Booked 2 times today

In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.

‘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

OT
OpenTable Dinervip
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We enjoyed a fun dinner at Duke’s. Great service, beautiful view. Hula Pie never dissapoints.
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Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaiian Regional• La Jolla
•
4.6
M
Martyvip
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
If you’re looking for a spot with a lively New Orleans vibe and flavorful dishes, this restaurant hits the mark. The menu was packed with tasty options, and everything we tried was well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, capturing that Southern charm perfectly. However, the Cognac Espresso Martini was a bit of a letdown. I’d suggest sticking with their other beverage offerings or pairing your meal with a classic cocktail or wine instead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a flavorful meal and a fun experience, but I’d pass on the espresso martini.
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Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
•
4.5
M
Moises
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic Breakfast at Madi Had an incredible breakfast at Madi! The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the service exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.6
L
Lynnvip
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
D
Deborah A
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent food, reasonably priced, and homey vibe. Jazz music made the experience even better.
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Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in College Area

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Award-winning

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42 restaurants available nearby

1. Louisiana Purchase SD

2. Madi

3. Bleu Boheme

4. Alexander's on 30th

5. Limoncello La Mesa

6. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

7. Farmer's Table - La Mesa

8. Siamo Napoli

9. Antica Trattoria

10. Lemon Grove Bistro

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