Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Diego

57 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

4.9

Exceptional(5449)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 171 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

2. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(656)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 34 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4369)

Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 44 times today

Great Maple in San Diego is totally worth the drive. It's a modern American eatery with outstanding food and service, as the reviews rave. With their high-end diner ambiance and unique menu, customers love the fresh house made pies and local produce cocktails. The restaurant is also known for its great atmosphere and consistently top-notch food and service. So, if you're in the area, you definitely should stop by!

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

4. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(192)

Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 6 times today

We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.

5. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(110)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa

Booked 7 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 Harmony Cuisine 2B1 restaurant

6. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.9

Exceptional(252)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Kearny Mesa

Booked 3 times today

Harmony Cuisine 2B1 is a gem of a restaurant, earning a nod as an OpenTable Diners' Choice 2022 and 2023. With its modern, relaxing atmosphere and traditional sushi and fusion dishes created by Master Chef Mickey Ninomiya, it's a hit among diners. As one reviewer said, 'The food was extraordinary... everything about this place was charming! The staff was kind and attentive.' Another praised the 'amazing, unique food, great staff' and the 'wonderful ambiance.' So, if you're looking for a culinary journey, this place is worth the drive!

7. El Sueño

3.9

Excellent(165)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 8 times today

Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.

8. Elvira

4.8

Exceptional(397)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 37 times today

Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!

9. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(405)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 30 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant

10. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3068)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 33 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

‘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

R
Robinvip
San Diego •15 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The Pinsa Romano pizza was great, as was the traditional NY style. The antipasto salad was also amazing. We will definitely go back. And the service was perfect. Very attentive waitperson. :) If you haven't been, go check out this hidden gem.
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Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
•
4.9
M
Martyvip
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
If you’re looking for a spot with a lively New Orleans vibe and flavorful dishes, this restaurant hits the mark. The menu was packed with tasty options, and everything we tried was well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, capturing that Southern charm perfectly. However, the Cognac Espresso Martini was a bit of a letdown. I’d suggest sticking with their other beverage offerings or pairing your meal with a classic cocktail or wine instead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a flavorful meal and a fun experience, but I’d pass on the espresso martini.
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Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
•
4.5
M
Moises
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Fantastic Breakfast at Madi Had an incredible breakfast at Madi! The food was delicious, the atmosphere warm and inviting, and the service exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully taken care of, making it a truly enjoyable experience. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back!
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.6
L
Lynnvip
Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
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Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
H
Hannah
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Very good! The homemade pasta was absolutely delicious! The ambiance & vibe is top tier!! I 100% recommend this spot for anyone wanting food cooked with love.
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The Venetian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Point Loma
•
4.6

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San Diego

Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in San Diego

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57 restaurants available nearby

1. Cesarina

2. Louisiana Purchase SD

3. Great Maple San Diego

4. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

5. Boujiemana

6. Harmony Cuisine 2B1

7. El Sueño

8. Elvira

9. Madi

10. Alexander's on 30th

See what locals rave about

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