Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Hillcrest

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

141 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cocina de Barrio restaurant
1. Cocina de Barrio
4.7
Exceptional(428)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 6 times today
*Brunch hours are on a walk-in basis only. Thank you for your cooperation & support during this time!Cocina de Barrio by Chef Jose J. FloresBienvenidos a Cocina de Barrio, the newest modern-urban Mexican restaurant located in Hillcrest, San Diego! We are proud to feature the culinary richness of Oaxaca as well as other Mexican regions. Stop by and enjoy our bar stocked with plenty tequila and mezcal selections, MUCHA cerveza, and wines sourced from Valle Guadalupe. Don't forget to join us during our daily brunch (where we add a Mexican kick) and our happy hour every Tuesday-Friday from 3-5pm! Stay Chido!
A photo of Ortega's A Mexican Bistro restaurant
2. Ortega's A Mexican Bistro
4.5
Awesome(1027)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 2 times today
Ortega’s Mexican Bistro features the authentic flavors of Puerto Nuevo. Experience Baja style lobster and table side guacamole while sipping one of our classic fresh squeezed margaritas. Enjoy dining in our restaurant or for a more energized evening, dine in our bar - La Cantina. Additional flavors include Banana Crusted Huachinango, Flat Iron Steak Burrito, Chicken Mole. The design captures the festive traditions and tasteful flavors of Puerto Nuevo and Baja California.
A photo of NOLA on 5th restaurant
3. NOLA on 5th
4.5
Awesome(88)
Price: Moderate
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • Hillcrest
Booked 5 times today
NOLA on 5th brings the flavors and spirit of New Orleans dining to San Diego. You will find a casual bar and outdoor patio downstairs, with a more upscale experience in our upstairs room overlooking bustling 5th Avenue in San Diego's famous Hillcrest neighborhood. We've been featured on Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, as well as on A&E and The Travel Channel.Chef Andrew Boyer, a long-time New Orleans resident, has left no detail untouched in our food, from ingredients to presentation. You will find all of the traditional NOLA favorites here like jambalaya, gumbo, po'boys, red beans and rice, and more. We fly our bread in from Leidenheimer's bakery in Louisiana, and we'd love to serve you a delicious Abita beer with your meal. And while they are in season, be sure to stop by for one of our Louisiana crawfish boils, which are some of our busiest and most fun days of the year.
A photo of Parma Cucina Italiana restaurant
4. Parma Cucina Italiana
new
4.6
Exceptional(110)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 8 times today
Known for the Best Lasagna in San Diego, Parma Cucina Italiana is a charming and cozy family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Historic Hillcrest. Our traditional Italian cuisine is inspired by generations of home cooking, fresh ingredients, and simple presentations. Our specialties originate from Northern Italy. The must try lasagna is decadent layers of Bolognese and béchamel sauce. Or try our tortellini with cream and prosciutto, or our pappardelle pasta tossed with slow braised short rib and porcini mushrooms. We have an extensive wine collection with wines from the best regions of Italy. And an Italian meal wouldn’t be complete without our homemade desserts. We suggest tiramisu and profiteroles alla nutella.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
5. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1427)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 65 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 Juniper & Ivy restaurant
6. Juniper & Ivy
4.6
Exceptional(8162)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 81 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
7. Coasterra
4.7
Exceptional(7702)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 71 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.
A photo of Lala restaurant
8. Lala
4.7
Exceptional(169)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 33 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of Animae restaurant
9. Animae
4.7
Exceptional(3365)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 73 times today
ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
10. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3152)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 50 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Restaurant Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo