Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

115 restaurants available nearby

1. Wormwood

4.8

Exceptional(807)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 36 times today

Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.

2. Madison

4.5

Awesome(3024)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 100 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 The Godfather Restaurant restaurant

3. The Godfather Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1879)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Kearny Mesa

Booked 37 times today

The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant

4. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(2577)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Kearny Mesa

Booked 21 times today

Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, The Butcher Shop features only the finest quality mid-Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, the ambiance is sexy, warm and intimate, with rich dark wood paneling, comfortable leather booths, gleaming brass and beautifully etched-glass panels.Indulge in the exquisite flavors of USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, including our signature Prime Rib, slow-roasted to perfection to preserve its tender juiciness. All our steaks are expertly grilled over oak wood, imparting a delightful charred exterior and a hint of smoky richness. In addition to our stellar steaks, we offer a diverse selection that includes salmon, chicken, lamb, and pasta dishes, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

5. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.2

Awesome(3222)

Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 17 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

A photo of Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

6. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.8

Exceptional(256)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 16 times today

Harmony Cuisine 2B1 is a gem in the neighborhood, offering a modern and relaxing atmosphere with traditional sushi and fusion dishes. With reviews like 'Nice ambiance, cozy space, great service, great food!' and 'Creative tasting menu, intimate ambience, long and attractive sushi bar with chefs on full display', it's clear this spot is a favorite among locals. As one reviewer put it, 'An excellent restaurant disguised as a hole in the wall.' This place is definitely a neighborhood gem!

A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla restaurant

7. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

4.5

Awesome(1449)

Price: Very Expensive

• Seafood • La Jolla

Booked 2 times today

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar has been focused on successfully pairing contemporary California regional cuisine, with a hip, vibrant, sophisticated setting, to create a cutting-edge dining experience. When Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz set out to deliver a culinary experience straight from wine county, little did they know that they would also earn the title of Restaurateurs of the Year for their achievements and have their restaurants in Newport Beach and Tustin earn the title of Restaurant of the Year multiple times!The three partners strive to deliver the best dining experience In Orange County on a nightly basis. Chef Goetz, whose accolades include the AAA Five Diamond Award and multiple Chef of the Year honors, describes his menu at The Winery Restaurant as wine country-driven a perfect match for a wine program that features a list with 650 selections that change weekly and climate-controlled cellars, which can house up to 7,500 bottles!

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2550)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 26 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

9. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2689)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 61 times today

Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.

10. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(421)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 38 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!

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From verified diners like you

D
Debbie
San Diego •25 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Sat at a table in the bar. Friendly & very good service. Good cocktails - really enjoyed the Queen of Crowns drink with the tarot card - fun presentation & a nice balanced cocktail. Loved the sliders & fries!! Fun evening.
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MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
All meals were excellent, chicken Parmesan, steak sinatra and raviolis
More info
The Godfather RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Italian• Kearny Mesa
•
4.7
B
Brandi
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Nice family experience on Christmas Day. Very tasty and wide variety of holiday foods, salad bar, fruit and cereal bar for kids, soups, and extensive dessert bar. We really enjoyed the experience, food, AND not having to cook! You get a complimentary glass of champagne and a gift of small bottle to go!
More info
94th Aero Squadron - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Kearny Mesa
•
4.2
R
RickVIP
San Diego •120 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Dry-aged Delmonico was the best steak I've ever had. We raised Angus beef in Indiana and in the 66 years I have walked this earth, there is no finer steak.
More info
Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steak• Kearny Mesa
•
4.5
B
Brooke
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 21, 2024
A perfect experience. From the ambiance on the back patio, the great service from Joe, Eduardo, the sommelier and the busser to the amazing food! Everything was amazing. Truly a treat to dine here. Thank you to the whole staff
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.8

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Kearny Mesa

Discover the hidden culinary treasures of Kearny Mesa, San Diego, where local dining establishments shine as true neighborhood gems. These restaurants are celebrated for their unique ambiance and exceptional service, creating a welcoming atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike. Renowned for a delightful fusion of flavors, the eateries in this area offer an array of cuisine options, blending traditional dishes with innovative culinary techniques. Each establishment stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity, providing a dining experience that is both intimate and memorable. The dining scene in Kearny Mesa is vibrant and diverse, reflecting the community's passion for good food and good company. Whether you're seeking a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue for a group gathering, Kearny Mesa's neighborhood gems are sure to exceed your expectations with their creative menus and friendly vibes.

Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Kearny Mesa

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115 restaurants available nearby

1. Wormwood

2. Madison

3. The Godfather Restaurant

4. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

5. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

6. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

7. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

9. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

10. Madi

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Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Kearny Mesa

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