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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Hillcrest

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
1. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7841)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 76 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
2. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(850)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 24 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
3. Bronze Bird
4.1
Excellent(135)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4. Grant Grill
4.8
Exceptional(1610)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of The Desmond restaurant
5. The Desmond
4.5
Awesome(149)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown
We're California born and bred. Best in the world? Yeah. We’ve got that. These are year-round farms. Lifelong fishermen. Orchards that thrive well beyond the fall. Our ingredients here in Southern California are the very best, and we treat them with the respect that they deserve. Join us for an experience that showcases the best of the bounty, with flavors that are truly memorable.
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
6. Bandar Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(936)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 4 times today
For dining:Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm to 9:00pmFriday-Satuday: 4:00pm to 9:30pmSunday: 2:00pm to 9:00pmWe are open for Takeout everyday For more information on parties of over 6 people please reach out directly to the restaurant 619-238-0101.A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.Bandar Restaurant serves Mediterranean food with unique Persian spices flown to San Diego and served in original recipes. Chefs Behrooz and Shokooh create simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted eggplant, charbroiled chicken, seafood and flavorful prime steaks. Look for signature classics such as Nadari, Barg and Soltani. Bandar Restaurant is award-winning since 1996. The restaurant has a unique energy, sitting right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego. 
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
7. Asti Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(1738)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant
8. Cosmopolitan Restaurant
4.0
Excellent(338)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Town
Booked 1 time today
Don't miss this an opportunity to join us at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel. Currently, we are open for Special Events & Holidays, only. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a Victorian style boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. The Hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant setting and is equipped with 1800's Victorian style indoor Sala's. We look forward to hosting you on your next event and hope you will join us for one of our beautiful Holiday dining experiences.
A photo of P.F. Chang's - San Diego restaurant
9. P.F. Chang's - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(355)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Mission Valley
Booked 2 times today
We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
10. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Judyvip
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    From beginning to the end of our meal, we were extremely satisfied with everything. Scott, our server was the best 👌.
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Lola
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Top notch dining experience from food to service!!!! You can be near live music or request a quiet table - and get one!!! Cant wait to return!!!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Nancy
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is an excellent choice for pre-theatre parking and dining. The Westin hotel valet service, attendants are courteous and helpful about how things work there: free parking during dinner, $10 covers theatre time, pick up afterward, all seamless The restaurant has a bit of off-the-hotel-lobby feel, but in a good way. Varied menu to satisfy any appetite, delicious food delivered promptly, nice bar, and wine selection. There are police/security very closeby, it feels safe - there are homeless people more toward the theatres (who we brought our leftover pizza to), but even that did not seem dangerous. I would choose this again, for pre-theatre and/or overnight.
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.1
  • Carolevip
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 15, 2024
    The culturally themed dinners at Artifact are excellent. We enjoyed a Polish feast last night that was delicious and included tastes of familiar dishes such as kielbasa, pierogi and potato pie. My favorite course was the upscale take on golabki (cabbage roll) made with a shrimp and smoked trout filling topped with a crème fraiche, horseradish and trout roe sauce. The four course meals are offered monthly and include “sip of the region” drink menu options to pair with the food. We have enjoyed each of the meals we have attended.
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Trina
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined on Oct 5, 2024
    Food excellent but had a long wait for service. Staff extremely friendly.
    More info
    The DesmondPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
    •
    4.5

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