Best Southwest American Restaurants in Serra Mesa

184 restaurants available nearby

1. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(123)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Serra Mesa

Booked 11 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

2. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4379)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Hillcrest

Booked 58 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

3. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1987)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 36 times today

Puesto Mission Valley in San Diego epitomizes the essence of authentic, innovative Mexican cuisine, delighting diners with its fresh, non-GMO organic ingredients and heirloom Masienda blue corn tortillas. Celebrated for its "Mexico City-inspired tacos," each dish is a burst of flavor and tradition, with "the filet mignon tacos" often hailed as a must-try. The restaurant prides itself on its vibrant ambiance and exceptional service, making every dining experience memorable. Guests rave about the "amazing food and service," noting that the coconut margarita and pozole taco are standout choices. Puesto consistently exceeds expectations, offering a culinary journey that is both genuine and extraordinary, right in the heart of Mission Valley.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3212)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 19 times today

At the 94th Aero Squadron in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, diners are transported back in time to a World War I French farmhouse, offering an authentic and unique American dining experience that's second to none. Celebrated for its "outstanding service" and "excellent food," this restaurant has been a beloved landmark for over 40 years. With cozy stone fireplaces and views of Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, it provides a perfect backdrop for enjoying mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Reviewers rave about the "best buffet in town," with special mentions of the "bottomless Champagne Brunch" and a variety of dishes that leave guests planning their next visit. As one reviewer puts it, this place is "the fucken best place ever!" making it a must-visit for anyone seeking top-notch American cuisine in a memorable setting.

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

5. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(198)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 28 times today

Gravity Heights Mission Valley in San Diego is a gem in the American cuisine scene, celebrated for pairing quality craft beers with sublime gastronomic offerings. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this establishment stands out not just for its fine brews but also for its commitment to top-notch American dishes that receive glowing praise. Patrons frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "exceptional service," noting dishes like the chicken tikka masala pot pie as "outstanding." The ambiance, described as a "refreshingly open and light" space, perfectly complements the culinary experience, making Gravity Heights a must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable American dining adventure.

A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant

6. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(2573)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 15 times today

The Butcher Shop Steakhouse in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, is a treasure trove for lovers of authentic American cuisine, particularly those with a penchant for a classic steakhouse experience. Evoking the charm of a Chicago-style steakhouse, it offers a seductive ambiance with its rich dark wood paneling and comfortable leather booths. The restaurant is celebrated for its USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, such as the signature Prime Rib, lauded for being "cooked to perfection" and providing a "rare bit of old world charm." With glowing reviews like, "Best steak dinner ever!" and "Amazing prime rib," it's clear that The Butcher Shop masters the art of American steakhouse cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors in San Diego.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(675)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 47 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, you're treated not just to a meal but a vibrant Southern experience true to its roots. Designed to embody the spirit of New Orleans, the restaurant offers an authentic Southern cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, who brings a treasure trove of culinary expertise straight from New Orleans. Patrons rave about the unique and flavorful dishes such as the "incredible gumbo" and "delicious catfish," not to mention the innovative Alligator Cheesecake. Reviews consistently highlight not just the food but also the atmosphere, describing it as a place where "everything was amazing" and urging others to "definitely try a potion or two." With such passionate endorsements and a commitment to seasonal, bold flavors, Louisiana Purchase SD is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of the South.

8. El Sueño

4.0

Excellent(170)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 9 times today

El Sueño in Old Town, San Diego, offers an exceptional sushi experience that combines inventive flair with traditional techniques. Diners consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the sushi dishes, highlighting the restaurant as a standout in the area. Reviews praise the "sumptuous sushi rolls" and the vibrant ambiance, creating an inviting atmosphere for sushi enthusiasts. The fusion of sushi with Mexican culinary elements adds a unique twist, making each visit memorable. With glowing testimonials like "the food was awesome from the sushi rolls to the enchiladas," El Sueño is celebrated not only for its quality but also for its innovative approach to sushi. This makes it a must-visit destination for both sushi purists and adventurous diners alike.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

9. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2639)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • North Park

Booked 21 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

10. Forbidden Cove

4.5

Awesome(54)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Kearny Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Forbidden Cove in Kearny Mesa, San Diego, offers an immersive Tiki bar experience that promises not only a visual feast but also an exceptional array of handcrafted cocktails and delightful small plates. Hidden within Kilowatt Brewing, this speakeasy-style lounge is praised for its "strong and plentiful" drinks and "wonderfully designed and executed theme." Visitors revel in the adventure of entering through a secret door and are greeted by an atmosphere that one reviewer describes as having a "very cool vibe." The Lapu Lapu and Zombie are standout favorites among patrons, with many noting the authenticity and quality of each concoction. The service is consistently highlighted as "fun and attentive," making Forbidden Cove a must-visit for those seeking a unique bar and lounge experience with top-notch bottle service.

‘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

T
Teah
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Had the vegetarian sweet potato bowl and it was amazing! The fusion of flavors is hard to be and the quality of food is excellent. Husband had fajitas and despite being a smaller portion he felt the quality and flavors were amazing and would order them again! The tres leches is potentially the best we’ve had! The service this time around was excellent- waiter friendly. Made mom feel special for her bday w a card, happy wishes and a nice desert! Planning to return
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.7
D
Donna
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We made last minute reservation and enjoyed a quiet lunch. We have always like going to Fred’s as it is a festival environment and fun to be there and hear the music and laughter of others. This time it was quiet due to it being a Monday afternoon and not much going on in the area. The food was very tasty and service great. And it was pleasant and relaxful to enjoy lunch in the unusual quiet environment . DJ
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Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.4
L
Lattie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Better than expected! Great service, food & ambience. We enjoyed it!
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.7
R
Ralph
Seattle / Eastern Washington •67 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 1, 2024
Great meal and service. Food really pops and has great flavor. Whole experience very pleasant with attentive service and great atmosphere.
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Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.6
C
Cynthia
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
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Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Southwestern• Downtown
•
4.6

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Serra Mesa

Mexican

Best Southwest American Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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184 restaurants available nearby

1. Boujiemana

2. Great Maple San Diego

3. Puesto Mission Valley

4. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

5. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

6. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

7. Louisiana Purchase SD

8. El Sueño

9. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

10. Forbidden Cove

See what locals rave about

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