Hillcrest Uptown Restaurants

Just north of University Avenue, Aladdin restaurant is one of Hillcrest’s most flavorful dining destinations. This Lebanese and Mediterranean restaurant serves an array of fresh, vibrant dishes such as Lamb Schwerma, Vegetarian Bryani, and the chef’s favorite, Halibut Arrabiata. Lighter fare includes an array of traditional Meza such as hommos, tabouleh, and dolmas, as well as salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired middle-eastern pizzas. The casual setting and elegant décor is welcoming and comfortable; combined with the food it just may convince you that you’re not in Hillcrest anymore. Learn More »

Veg N Out offers juicy burgers, loaded hot dogs, and gourmet sandwiches, all created vegetarian. This unique North Park establishment was opened by Rachael Fogg, who yearned to show meat-eaters that vegetarian doesn’t have to mean salads and tasteless garden burgers. Among menu choices are the popular Western Burger, Island Girl pineapple and teriyaki burger, and the I Love Rach’y cucumber, cream cheese, and "bologna" sandwich, which was created by Rachael at age eleven. So if you want to go out for something fresh, give Veg-N-Out a try and experience a truly satisfying vegetarian meal. Learn More »

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. ​Bon Appetit! Learn More »

Elegantly decorated with white tables and splashes of lime green mixed with black trimming, Celadon is a stunningly modern Thai restaurant located in Hillcrest. An evening here promises a classy and contemporary spin on Asian cuisine, with a mixture of traditional Thai dishes and modern interpretations of Thai cuisine, with just a hint of French influence. Specialties include Larb Pla, a deep-fried whole striped bass topped with green mangoes, onions, scallions and a mint and chili lime sauce, and Duck Red Curry, featuring barbequed duck, pineapple, bell peppers, and basil in a special red curry sauce. Just one meal at … Learn More »

A fanciful curtain of monsoon rain, visible through floor-to-ceiling glass doors, is a friendly greeting as guests enter the spacious and elegant dining room at Bombay restaurant. Aromas of exotic spices promise a feast of flavors. Having won awards for the “Best Vegetarian Restaurant” and “Best Indian Restaurant in San Diego”, from AOL City Guide and San Diego Magazine respectively, one can remain assured they will enjoy an authentic culinary adventure. The kitchen serves to satisfy expectations and the attentive wait staff ensures a delectable dining experience that you’ll want to repeat over and over again. Flavorful, mysterious fruit drinks … Learn More »

Pomegranate is a cheerful Russian-Georgian restaurant with a sense of warmth and hospitality inside the dining room. This is a “come in” “get fed” & “get happy” atmosphere, unlike other conventional Russian restaurants. Pomegranate offers a detailed menu with many vegetarian dishes indicated by tiny Pomegranate symbols next to the entrée. The Kavkaz Beet Salad includes fresh beets mixed with unexpected spices and herbs. The chicken or lamb kabobs have rich flavors and are served with chilled salads and rice. Also try the unique Chicken Tabaka which is consists of a Cornish Hen flattened and fried until crispy then served … Learn More »

Are you looking for exotic flavors and cooking techniques that stay true to Ethiopian tradition and hospitality? Muzita Bistro is family owned and operated, offering only the freshest and most authentic ingredients available, reminiscent of the culture, and the space is great for groups who want to try something unique and new with enormous plates made for sharing. Throw away the forks and spoons as you dig in with your hands to immerse yourself in the full experience of Ethiopian dining. Start off with a plate of Ethiopian Chips and Dip – a must have! Then delve in to entrees … Learn More »

Yakitori Izakaya Tec Chan is the place to go in Hillcrest for an authentic Japanese meal. The menu spans a wide range of cuisine. Classic Yakitori such as Beef Tongue, Quail Egg, and Asparagus Bacon offer diners a tasty snack, while an array of salads, sautéed dishes, ramen, udon, and soba will satiate any appetite. Expertly prepared sushi is also available to round out any meal. Beverages include Sapporo on draft as well as bottled Asahi, Sapporo Premium, Koshihikari – Echigo -, and Orion on the beer side. Soju is available in both barley and sweet potato variety, as are … Learn More »

The flagship restaurant of the Busalacchi family has been serving up authentic Sicilian cuisine since 1986. Housed in a quaint converted house, the restaurant boasts an elegant welcoming setting indoors, and a cheerful, a charming patio for fair weather dining. The extensive menu is peppered with flavorful favorites such as Scallops alla Romana, featuring plump scallops wrapped in pancetta and served in a cream sauce, and Gnocchi alla Busalacchi, potato pasta in a pesto and sundried tomato sauce. As with all Busalacchi restaurants, the service is gracious, and the staff is waiting to cater to your every need. Learn More »

While Sushi Itto of Hillcrest offers an extensive selection of traditional Japanese fare, it is not your typical Japanese restaurant. The menu is filled with inventive twists on the traditional, often incorporating ingredients from Western cuisines. The highlight of the extensive sushi and sashimi menu is the Specialties section, which includes exceptionally unique sushi rolls such as the Mexican-inspired “CuauhtemItto,” with breaded crab surimi, chives and avocado with manchego cheese, sautéed chili and chipotle sauce. In addition to sushi, the restaurant offers a modest selection of appetizers, as well as noodle, rice, and curry dishes. Elaborate presentation and innovative parings … Learn More »

Executive Chef and Partner Deborah Scott’s faithful friend is Kemo Sabe Restaurant, in Hillcrest. The Pacific Rim-inspired décor and cuisine reflects an appreciation for unique cultural perspectives, and melds textures, colors, and flavors into artful culinary masterpieces. Diners may not only feast on the exquisite tastes of each dish, but their imaginations will be fueled by the visual intricacies Chef Scott arranges on the plate. The flash-fried Whole Tilapia is simply statuesque, and the desserts are scandalously seductive. Each element on the menu strives to be a faithful friend to the taste buds, and keep you coming back for more. Learn More »

This venue is no longer open. Learn More »