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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Kensington

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31 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4765)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 70 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(8699)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 109 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6491)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 95 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(3027)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 64 times today
With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
A photo of Madi restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(425)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 71 times today
Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4322)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 104 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
4.0
Excellent(7407)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 164 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(864)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 64 times today
Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3608)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 50 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(3752)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 56 times today
Nobu San Diego is a hotspot due to its unique and exceptional cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Executive Chef David Meade, features innovative dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. Reviewers consistently praise the food as 'consistently and exceptionally delicious', with many recommending the hot and cold dishes and specials. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted for its 'sleek and modern decor' creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Mariana
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We really like the options on the menu, different and new things to taste. The service was really good, but not outstanding. The place it’s kinda small, on the inside it’s very loudly, but in general it’s good. I would recommend it, pretty good option to choose in San Diego!
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    4.7
  • Robert
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The View at Mr A's is great. The food was excellent and the service was above and beyond Great experience
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
    4.8
  • StephenVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The great news: service was excellent, food spot on. We had bread (must have), beets, and a charcuterie plate to start, which was plenty for four of us. All was excellent, but the charcuterie was the standout: perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and even came with notes so you knew what you were eating. For dinner, we had filet mignon, wagyu skirts, and a ribeye. All were superb and cooked exactly to specification. Desserts and drinks were also very good. The less fabulous: We asked for a quiet corner since it is a busy and crowded spot, and while we were in a corner of the private room in the back, so was a loud party of 6 or 8. We asked if they could do something, but nothing was done. Parking: Even at 5:30 on a Sunday, it was not easy to find a spot close by.. If there'd been valet, we'd have definitely used it. All in all, we'd do it again for a special occasion. The manager did listen to our noise issue, and acknowledged it impacted our experience tonight, so I don't expect it to happen again
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • Renee
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food and drink choices, and wonderful staff!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Kensington

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Kensington, San Diego, where each restaurant brings its unique flair and sizzle, making them true "hot spots" for both locals and visitors alike. These establishments in Kensington offer an eclectic mix of culinary experiences, from contemporary to traditional, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. The keyword 'hot spot' is not just a descriptor but a testament to the lively atmosphere and exceptional dining quality you can expect in this charming neighborhood. Each restaurant boasts a distinctive blend of ambiance and cuisine that reflects the rich cultural tapestry of San Diego. Patrons can look forward to top-notch service, innovative menus, and inviting interiors that make every meal memorable. Whether you're seeking a casual evening out or a sophisticated dining adventure, Kensington’s hot spots are equipped to exceed your expectations with every visit. This area is renowned for its commitment to excellence and a dynamic culinary scene that invites you to explore and enjoy with every bite.

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