Hillcrest Uptown Restaurants

Florencias delivers a satisfying taste of home-cooked Italian goodness to every diner no matter where he or she may be. A popular dine-in, take-out, and delivery restaurant, Florencias is happy to say it is family owned and operated—a fact that translates well into flavor and quality. Pizzas and subs come piping hot to the table and encourage a hands-on eating style, while classic pasta and baked dishes are a natural fit with a fine glass of wine. Since one’s need for true Italian fare knows no bounds, Florencias keeps its doors—and arms—open late into the night to ensure none of … Learn More »

North Park’s already noteworthy dining scene got a little tastier since Street Side Thai Kitchen opened its doors. This eatery is a destination for both locals that know their way around the neighborhood’s top stops and for Thai food enthusiasts that know their way around a proper menu. Street Side satisfies midday diners with a lunch menu that caters to the appetite as well as the wallet: lunch selections are served with a salad, soup, egg roll, and steamed rice. Later in the day, dinner guests indulge in a menu that features meat and seafood delicacies, along with authentic curry … Learn More »

Visit the heart of Kensington for a taste of France with Owner and Chef Ken Irvine’s Bleu Boheme. Designed to reflect the traditional French eatery of a bygone era, the Bleu Boheme dining room is rustic and inviting. Exposed beam ceilings and pale stone walls are complemented by simple furnishings and understated accent pieces. The ever-evolving daily menu serves as an art installation of sorts, as it is scribed on a wall-sized chalk board. Guests cozy up in the intimate dining room and peruse the classic menu that includes such specialties as Coq au Vin, Escargot a la Portugaise, and … Learn More »

Whimsically whisking guests off to a sweet oasis of tasty times is Babycakes, in Hillcrest. This chic uptown eatery is located in a handsome craftsman-style home characteristic of the neighborhood’s charming architecture, and boasts a large front and back patio. Inside, visitors enjoy a home-away-from-home vibe complemented by antiques, cozy couches, the brick fireplace, and open-beamed ceilings. Sweet dreams meet saccharine-scented fantasies with Babycakes’ luscious dessert cocktails, cupcakes, pastries, and savory delights. Celebrate the weekend with a Babycakes brunch (the Red Velvet Hot Cakes are a hit) or meet up with friends for a proper Monday night nightcap: pair the … Learn More »

Located in the newly renovated Paseo de Mission Hills is Olivetto Ristorante & Wine Bar. Specializing in modern Italian fare and utilizing only the freshest seasonal ingredients, guests can revel in Olivetto’s cozy ambiance of exposed brick, dark wood, and rustic toned décor. Serving both lunch and dinner seven days a week, patrons can experience a complete Italian meal day and night, or just stop in to enjoy a glass of wine after a long day. The inviting atmosphere is the perfect setting to enjoy a meal, whether as a night out on the town with friends, or a romantic … Learn More »

Sabuku Sushi offers fresh, traditional seafood combined with vibrant sushi creations. Experience a variety of daily specials, including Happy Hour, Monday Madness, Tuna Tuesday, Woohoo Wednesday or the local favorite, Naughty Nights. Later in the evenings, after 9:00pm, just request the “Naughty Menu” which lists popular rolls and special prices that will blow you away. Along with the many specials, Sabuku offers sensible retail pricing across the menu, so everyone can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. Ranked as one of the best sushi restaurants in San Diego, Sabuku is aesthetically pleasing and the décor joins modern style with … Learn More »

Located on University Avenue, in North Park, this quaint coffee shop remains a favorite among locals for coffee, pastries, and just a place to curl up with a good book. Claire De Lune opens early and closes late daily. They also serve up some of the most creative and tasty coffee drinks in San Diego. Established in 1997, Claire De Lune caters to the college age crowd and hosts live musical acts quite often. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing night in a comfy chair, a casual coffee date, or your morning cup of joe, Claire De Lune is … Learn More »

With a seemingly endless abundance of ethnic foods fairly represented throughout the county, Greek cuisine does not seem to draw a huge number of restaurateurs to San Diego. It just takes a little looking, though. Unassuming inside and out, the food at Olympic Café speaks for itself, as shown by the “Best Greek Restaurant in San Diego” award City Beat gave the café in 2004, and the number of repeat customers that regularly dine here. With the laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of an old diner and friendly staff, customers are made to feel right at home. The family-owned café was established … Learn More »

Taste of Thai in Hillcrest offers an extensive selection of authentic Thai cuisine that is light, fresh, and traditional. The menu includes Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes, and house specialties, often offered with a choice of chicken, pork, seafood, tofu, or vegetables. The seafood section of the menu is especially tempting, with dishes like Whole Fish in Curry sauce and Grilled Thai Prawns. While the menu is extensive, every dish is prepared well, proving that the kitchen is skilled in crafting intricate and harmonious presentations of taste and flavor. The simple décor imparts a subtle elegance, which serves as … Learn More »

The North Park neighborhood of San Diego is quickly becoming the welcomed alternative to downtown, with high-quality and hip joints popping up all the time. Toronado is one of those places that have gained quite the local fan base for its staggering selection of craft beers on tap, and its satisfying menu of fresh and tasty pub fare. Toronado boasts a refreshingly casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere where the enjoyment of fine drink and food takes precedence. In fact, freshness and quality is so important to the Toronado crew that the drink and food menus are updated daily to ensure guests savor … Learn More »

Heaven Sent Desserts in San Diego’s North Park district is legitimately a slice of heaven right here in California. It’s fresh in house made desserts are imaginative and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening for two, a group celebration, or just feel like curling up on one of their plush couches with a book, a slice of chocolate decadence or a fruity tart and some coffee, you are in store for a fabulous time. The staff is friendly and welcoming, as is the ambiance. Heaven Sent also caters and loves enhancing any celebration you may be having … Learn More »

Finding a great burger can be hard if you’re vegetarian or vegan. Luckily, at Evolution Fast Food, the search isn’t that difficult anymore. With an option to sit outside or drive-thru, Evolution offers only vegan options for sandwiches, burgers, pizzas, smoothies, wraps, and finger food options like soy chicken tenders. Even meat-eaters can agree that their “bacon cheeseburger” can do the trick when one has a craving for something greasy. Evolution Fast Food has a dedication to providing fast food for diets of all types while offering a healthier alternative to other drive-thru burger joints. Learn More »

Redwing Bar and Grill offer some of the cheapest appetizers that include all the fancy additions and plenty of drinks. Every day brings something new for those who are willing to brave the craziness that the sports bar delivers. Monday’s are sports days, karaoke on Saturday, Thursdays are usually very low cost beer days, and Wednesday is sushi night with only the freshest Japanese cuisine. There’s always a special occasion going on at Redwing and everyone usually has a great time. Even if one is not that big of a drinker, it is still worth bringing a group of friends … Learn More »

The Incredible Cheesecake Company combines old methods with excellent quality ingredients to bring some of the best cakes that taste heavenly and also look appealing. Aside from the usual classics such as fudge brownie and cookies n’ cream there are other unique creations that aren’t offered anywhere else. These specialty cakes are not difficult for the chefs to create and they usually have the cake done in 3 hours! In the meantime, patrons can enjoy the espresso bar that features many caffeinated sweets to keep the anticipation high until the cheesecake is ready. They’re also extremely popular with weddings due … Learn More »

Nestled just one block south of University Avenue in Hillcrest is Crest Café, a haven of fresh and organic American cuisine with a southwestern twist. While it may seem like a surfside diner plucked from the past, the food here is far superior to most cafes or diners you’re liable to find. Along with the food, the bright and fun décor and extremely friendly servers have given the restaurant an extremely loyal and diverse group of regulars that just can’t get enough. Crest Café is open until midnight every day and serves an all-day breakfast menu, so diners can enjoy … Learn More »

Tucked away in the heart of Adams Avenue- the famous strip in the neighborhood of Normal Heights- you will find Tao. Offering healthy Vietnamese/Japanese cuisine with an extensive vegetarian selection, Chef Hung “Eric” Tao also features his homemade tofu and soy milk, which he makes fresh daily. His specialty is his Mango “Chicken” Rice: soy based mock “chicken” pieces sautéed with sweet, juicy mango, and the Tofu Rice Pot, tofu, and stir fry vegetables atop rice served in an iron rice pot. With such popular selections, this casual hotspot will satisfy vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Learn More »

Tucked away behind a white, stucco exterior Urban Solace of North Park brings a taste of home back into the neighborhood. Serving up favorites that are sure to reawaken childhood memories as well as the senses, Chef Matt Gordon epitomizes the idea of New American Comfort Food. Along with a cozy softly lit interior, they offer patio seating and a live jazz quartet on featured nights. Pair this with an impressive list of West Coast wines and a menu featuring locally sourced produce and this bit of home is a welcome addition to the city. Learn More »

Hillcrest’s India Palace offers a refreshing and casually elegant dining experience. The prime corner location at the shopping center at University and 7th is a serene space filled with fountains, live trees, and warm tones. A stunning, inlaid-wood star motif on the ceiling watches over the dining room, where guests take solace in curved booths and intimate round tables. Whether dining on the lunchtime buffet or the dinner menu, guests will find a tantalizing array of Northern Indian cuisine, with classics such as Chicken Tikka Masala, Rogan Josh, and Sag Paneer, plus an array of Tandoori offerings. Whether you stick … Learn More »