Diners' Choice: Neighbourhood gem restaurants in San Diego

OpenTable

Updated 05 June 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighbourhood gems in San Diego? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favourite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you book, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Bonne Table

4.9

4.9 (1468)

$30 and under

French

Hillcrest

About the restaurant

LA BONNE TABLE is a cozy and intimate restaurant in the heart of the bustling neighborhood of Hillcrest. We serve country french food in a bistro fashion. Our menu consists of classic french dishes, a modest but excellent selection that will change with the seasons. We offer a romantic atmosphere and elegant setting, full bar and french beer on tap. Reservations are recommended as seating is very limited in this exclusive restaurant. Bon Appetit!

Top review

Darrell

Dined on 22 May 2025

Great food and service! Always consistent. Love the intimate atmosphere.

Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.9

4.9 (280)

$50 and over

Japanese

Kearny Mesa

About the restaurant

OpenTable Diners' Choice 2022, 2023 and 2024!
Come dine in our modern and relaxing atmosphere, where we serve traditional sushi and unique fusion dishes.
Enjoy particularly selected sakes, wines, and unique cocktails that pair exquisitely with our fine dishes.
In addition to traditional sushi, and hot and cold Japanese appetizers, our menu includes pastas, homemade desserts, and other regional fusion dishes to cater to a wide range of guests.
We are also proud to offer premium A5 Wagyu dishes.
Please let us serve you our traditional and creative dishes so that you can enjoy "To Become One (2B1)" with us in Harmony!

Top review

EllenVIP

Dined on 3 June 2025

Delicious quality fish, from the oyster appetizer to the seconds on scallops, uni and toro. This place is a hidden gem on Convoy.

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Popular dish

Sashimi 2B1

Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.8

4.8 (194)

$30 and under

American

La Jolla

About the restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dining experience at Nordstrom restaurants, where you can savor chef inspired dishes, using locally sourced and sustainable ingredients. Come and try our signature handcrafted soups, entrees and desserts and pair it with a Nordstrom crafted cocktail, wine or beer. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order or get delivery via DoorDash or Uber Eats. Thank You.

Top review

WhitneyVIP

Dined on 13 May 2025

Just a great all around experience! We didn’t get much, but will definitely be back.

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Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Experience

Happy Hour at the Bazille!

Ketch Grill & Taps - Portside Pier

4.8

4.8 (161)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Ketch Tasting Deck offers a full-service dining experience on the 2nd floor at Portside Pier with stunning views overlooking San Diego Bay!
Brought to you by the Brigantine Family of Restaurants. For generations our family has created unforgettable experiences true to the San Diego lifestyle at our Brigantine & Miguel’s restaurants. We’ve hosted countless celebrations and poured many a round for the happiest of hours.
WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT MAKES FOR THE BEST MEMORIES AND THE BEERS THAT CAPTURE THE FEELING. IT WAS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE WE CRAFTED OUR OWN AND PUT THEM ON TAP.
From beer aficionados to casual drinkers, we’ve got everyone covered with our easy-to-love (and drink) brews made for making memories!

Top review

Berin

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food, incredible service, and perfect view.

Mission Avenue

4.8

4.8 (63)

$30 and under

American

Oceanside

About the restaurant

We opened our doors in August 2014 with a vision of greatness: great drinks, food, and atmosphere, with a chill, unassuming vibe. A come-as-you-are locale, where everyone — from local to the traveler — is welcomed. Insider or outsider, there’s a seat at the bar just for you.

Located just blocks from the Oceanside Pier, join us in our industrial-chic lounge with two large garage doors which make you feel like you're dining outside, or on our heated and dog-friendly patio, from lunch to late night. Be sure to check our daily happy hours, midweek lunch specials and weekend brunch. Come see us. Pull up a seat and make yourself at home.

Top review

KatherineVIP

Dined on 17 May 2025

Fantastic food! I always go by the reviews and did not disappoint! One in our party described the chicken sandwich as “the best he’s ever eaten and I’ve eaten a lot of them!”

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Experience

Industry Sunday Night

Experience

Mezcal Monday

Kai Ola Sushi Carlsbad

4.8

4.8 (22)

$50 and over

Sushi

Oceanside

About the restaurant

California’s best sushi in a laid back, casual atmosphere with Hawaiian vibes.

You will get the freshest, finest, and the best quality sushi at Kai Ola. We serve fresh, unique (as well as traditional) sushi and we take pride in how it tastes. Our chefs prepare top quality creations and we take pride in our work.

Kai Ola is not about the scene. While locals and visitors alike love to dine with us, this is not a fine dining experience. This is about the fish. Sandals, board shorts, and bathing suits are welcome.

Kai Ola has the true Aloha! spirit in everything we do. Please come join us for the best fish and sushi creations you have yet to taste.

Top review

EddieVIP

Dined on 24 May 2025

Once again Kai Ola was absolutely delicious. We like to order appetizers yummy, then Nigiri yummy then a couple of rolls yummy then full. They have a House Blonde Beer that is out of this world. The Service Rocks!

La Doña

4.7

4.7 (20)

$30 and under

Mexican

Point Loma

About the restaurant

Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, La Doña brings vibrant Mexican flavors to the coast with fresh ingredients and a modern twist to Ocean Beach. From house-made classics to bold takes on traditional favorites, every bite is crafted with care and authenticity. Pair your meal with hand-crafted cocktails, a carefully curated selection of San Diego’s finest craft beers, or a refreshing classic Mexican cerveza. Whether you’re gathering for family dinner, toasting with friends, or simply savoring the moment, La Doña is where great food, good vibes, and unforgettable memories come together.

Top review

Jessie

Dined 2 days ago

We had a birthday here with 17 adults and 7 kids. Carly did an outstanding job taking care of our group!

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The Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

4.7

4.7 (52)

$31 to $50

American

La Mesa

About the restaurant

The Riviera Supper Club & Turquoise Room features a unique experience of service where you can choose to grill your steaks yourself at the communal grill and offers numerous cuts of meat. Not interested in doing the grilling? We will grill for you and we also have a great selection of entrees and appetizers that are prepared for you. Extensive craft cocktail list, great beer selection and live music most nights in the turquoise room.

*RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY OFFERED FOR THE DINING AREA, THE TURQUOISE ROOM IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE.*

Top review

connie

Dined on 17 May 2025

Excellent service, food, drinks and atmosphere! We are always well cared for here! Thank you!

Miguel's Cocina - 4S Ranch

4.7

4.7 (33)

$30 and under

Mexican

Chula Vista / Bonita

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Jason

Dined 6 days ago

Our reservation was for just before closing time for the kitchen. The hostesses and waiters were communicative and friendly and made sure we were able to order before the kitchen closed! Thank you!

Tavern

4.6

4.6 (782)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Coronado

About the restaurant

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Reservations for Lunch are not accepted, however we do accept walk-ins!

Top review

christinaVIP

Dined on 27 May 2025

The most amazing service and the food was tasty as well. Highly recommend.