The best restaurants in Hillcrest, according to people who actually live here.
Hillcrest is where San Diego eats breakfast at 2 PM, orders ramen at midnight, and never apologizes for the wait or the rainbow crosswalk.
Hillcrest
“Rustic-refined American cooking from Brad Wise”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.9

Hillcrest
$ · Restaurants · 2.5
Hillcrest
“Country-chic bar & eatery preparing a new American farm-to-table menu for breakfast, lunch & dinner.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Hillcrest
“Snug bistro & bar offering classic French dishes that change seasonally & a small outdoor patio.”
$$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Cafe/bakery offering artisanal French breads & pastries, plus sandwiches, salads & breakfast fare.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
$ · Sushi · 2.4
Hillcrest
“Casual hangout for tacos & Mexican cocktails amidst colorful decor & picnic table seating.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Hip chain serving creative, market-fresh American brunch & dinner fare, plus signature Bloody Marys.”
$$ · American · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Sushi & Japanese dishes are on offer at this simple eatery with TVs & a patio, plus beer & sake.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Lively Mexican restaurant creates a party vibe with drag shows & an extensive menu of margaritas.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
“Convivial kitchen dishing up traditional Italian fare, plus afternoon coffee & snacks.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.4
Hillcrest
“Laid-back restaurant doling out Vietnamese sandwiches, bowls & spring rolls in a pared-back space.”
$$ · Vietnamese · 2.4
Hillcrest
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

Hillcrest
$$ · Thai · 2.3

Hillcrest
“The lunch buffet & extensive menu of Indian classics draw fans to this serene stalwart.”
$$ · Indian · 2.3
Hillcrest
$$ · Chinese · 2.3
Hillcrest
“Informal Chinese restaurant offering a wide range of dumplings, buns & noodle dishes.”
$$ · Chinese · 2.3

Hillcrest
“Comfy, modern restaurant offers a Thai-heavy menu of Pan-Asian eats, plus happy-hour deals.”
$$ · Thai · 2.3
Hillcrest
$$ · Japanese · 2.3
Hillcrest
“Bills itself as the first LGBT-owned brewery in the world.”
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3
Hillcrest
“Bright, modern Japanese eatery featuring ramen & an assortment of small plates & snacks.”
$$ · Japanese · 2.3
Hillcrest
“Chill hangout with sushi rolls, ramen & other Japanese bites, plus happy hours & local beers on tap.”
$$ · Sushi · 2.3

Hillcrest
$$ · Restaurants · 2.3
Hillcrest
“Vietnamese spot serving classic & inventive pho, stir-fries & more in a casual, contemporary space.”
$ · Vietnamese · 2.3

Hillcrest
“Branch of a Mexican seafood chain known for classic & modern tacos, tortas, sides & sodas.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Hillcrest
“Veteran Japanese eatery offering sushi & bento, plus daily happy-hour specials on rolls & beer.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

Hillcrest
“Bare-bones restaurant offering ample plates of Greek, Lebanese & Italian favorites.”
$$ · Mediterranean · 2.2

Hillcrest
“Unassuming Indian restaurant with a lunch buffet, a large menu & online ordering for delivery.”
$ · Indian · 2.1
Hillcrest
“Unassuming Chinese standby serving a huge menu of classic dishes until late.”
$ · Chinese · 2.1

Hillcrest
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Italian-American restaurant offering brunch, pizzas, pasta & grills amid breezy, modern surrounds.”
$$$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Cozy eatery, part of a local family of restaurants, dishes up thin-crust pies & Italian classics.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Vegan versions of classic Thai dishes served in a cozy space decorated with Asian-themed art.”
$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Low-key sushi destination offering a classic & creative rolls, plus other Asian eats, sake & more.”
$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Burgers made from grass-fed beef (or bison, elk & veggies) in a bright cafe with counter service.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Relaxed eatery with a menu of Mediterranean classics & Lebanese specialties, plus a small patio.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Thai standards dished up in a bright, homestyle chain outlet with a covered terrace.”
$$ · Thai

Hillcrest
“Neighborhood stalwart known for classic Thai dishes & lunch specials in smart, modern digs.”
$$ · Thai
Hillcrest
“Unassuming restaurant specializing in soup with homemade noodles, plus classic rice & poke bowls.”
$ · Japanese

Hillcrest
“Casual restaurant serving creative Mexican meals, plus brunch staples & happy-hour specials.”
$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Classic Middle Eastern cuisine such as hummus, kebabs & exotic rice plates in a bright, airy space.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Kebabs, salads & other Mediterranean eats offered in a relaxed, counter-serve setting.”
$$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Popular sushi dining spot known for hearty rolls & hefty menus amid a buzzy scene.”
$ · Restaurants

Hillcrest
“Lunch combos, sushi, noodles & hand rolls, as well as beers & sake in a casual space.”
$$ · Restaurants