Best Mediterranean Restaurants in College Area

20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant

1. Lemon Grove Bistro

4.9

Exceptional(82)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Lemon Grove

Lemon Grove Bistro, nestled in the historic heart of Lemon Grove, serves as a beacon of American cuisine with a delightful twist on traditional favorites. Praised for its "delicious and well-presented" dishes, this restaurant stands out for its commitment to freshness and quality. With seasonal menu changes ensuring the use of the freshest ingredients, diners consistently rave about the variety and taste of the offerings. A recent diner exclaimed, "The food was delicious, and the service was attentive and quite good," highlighting the exceptional dining experience. Lemon Grove Bistro not only promises a meal but an invitation to be part of a community, making each visit memorable. Whether you crave the comfort of mushroom ravioli or the innovation of lemon-infused dishes, Lemon Grove Bistro is a culinary gem in Lemon Grove, ready to exceed expectations with every dish served.

2. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(407)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Kensington

Booked 25 times today

Madi in Kensington, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, loved for its vibrant and authentic dishes. Praised for its "excellent Mediterranean breakfast" and innovative offerings like shakshuka with the "best carnitas," Madi has become a neighborhood gem where the quality and authenticity of its Mediterranean fare stand out distinctly. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "super flavorful" food, with dishes such as the shakshuka that had one diner proclaiming it had the "perfect texture." The combination of a welcoming atmosphere and standout Mediterranean flavors makes Madi a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in San Diego.

3. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(788)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • North Park

Booked 20 times today

Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.

4. insideOUT

4.7

Exceptional(2264)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Hillcrest

Booked 77 times today

insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.

5. Madison

4.5

Awesome(2998)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 40 times today

Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.

6. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6430)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 78 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

7. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(183)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

8. Seréa

4.6

Exceptional(2237)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Coronado

Booked 36 times today

Seréa, nestled in the iconic Hotel del Coronado in the picturesque neighborhood of Coronado, offers a distinguished sea-to-table dining experience that captivates with its commitment to sustainability and culinary excellence. Specializing in Seafood, Seréa's menu is a celebration of the freshest offerings from the California Coast to the Baja Peninsula, crafted with a touch of Mediterranean flair by the renowned Chef Jojo Ruiz. Guests rave about the "high quality" seafood dishes, highlighting the "perfectly cooked" salmon and "super fresh" oysters that pair wonderfully with the creatively mixed cocktails. The ambiance, enhanced by beachside views and sophisticated decor, complements the exquisite flavors, making Seréa a must-visit for a truly memorable seafood dining experience. "Amazing culinary experience!" and "incredible food" are just a few accolades from delighted diners, echoing the restaurant's reputation for gastronomic brilliance.

9. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7085)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Banker's Hill

Booked 35 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3287)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 58 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

‘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

K
kassandra
San Diego •3 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Super cute spot! The vibes and atmosphere are what I think all brunch spots should be. The food was good, nothing mind blowing— but the vibes made up for it. Give it a shot :)
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.6
D
Dana
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
OUTstanding from start to finish! The decor and ambiance made me so darn happy. It was a golden, gaudy, Christmas explosion and I loved every second of it. Drinks were great and food was incredible. Our server Tommy (I think) was attentive and helpful. We got the Caesar salad, the house salad, the roasted chicken and the short rib. The Caesar salad and short rib were our favorites. We waited a long time to finally make it in but we’ll be back in the spring for a new round of decorations. It’s just so good.
More info
insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
•
4.7
L
Laura
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Wow the food here is absolutely delicious . We started with the oysters and the Wagyu tartare, both were incredible and I had the black cod and my husband had the pasta for dinner and it was amazing. Service from Erick was with a smile and very friendly atmosphere. It’s a bit small, with only one bathroom and was busy on a Saturday night, but we’ll definitely be back!
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
J
Jessica
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The ambiance here is so unique and beautiful! Airy, romantic, stylish and peaceful. And they let us bring our puppy. The food is simple but tasty and the value is one of the best in the city! We have been many times and will continue to come for brunch OR dinner! Today I loved the chai latte and white bean shakshuka. I always bring out of town guests to show it off.
More info
MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
D
Deborah A
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 19, 2024
Excellent food, reasonably priced, and homey vibe. Jazz music made the experience even better.
More info
Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
•
4.9

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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in College Area

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Lemon Grove Bistro

2. Madi

3. Wormwood

4. insideOUT

5. Madison

6. Herb & Wood

7. Callie Restaurant

8. Seréa

9. CUCINA urbana

10. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

See what locals rave about

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