UH & Hillcrest Local Faves!
Neighborhoods
University Heights/Hillcrest/North Park
Everyone knows the big, touristy things to do in San Diego, but I've been discovering amazing locally-owned eateries, bars, venues, shops, things to do, all within walking or biking distance from this listing.
I'd rather my money go to locally owned shops than giant chains, especially when they need it the most in these tough times. Here are a few of my favs!
46 locals recommend
University Heights
Everyone knows the big, touristy things to do in San Diego, but I've been discovering amazing locally-owned eateries, bars, venues, shops, things to do, all within walking or biking distance from this listing.
I'd rather my money go to locally owned shops than giant chains, especially when they need it the most in these tough times. Here are a few of my favs!
Food scene
Missing authentic southern Italian cuisine?
I HIGHLY recommend not passing this one over. Best wood-oven Margherita pizza, with real buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, it's to die for. But my favs are the Burrata E Carciofi, and the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina!
Local tip... Ask for the owner Flavio, tell him Gabe sent you. There might be a free dessert or a sampling of limoncello in it for you!
13 locals recommend
Siamo Napoli Restaurant
3959 30th StMissing authentic southern Italian cuisine?
I HIGHLY recommend not passing this one over. Best wood-oven Margherita pizza, with real buffalo mozzarella, prosciutto, basil, it's to die for. But my favs are the Burrata E Carciofi, and the Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina!
Local tip... Ask for the owner Flavio, tell him Gabe sent you. There might be a free dessert or a sampling of limoncello in it for you!
Empanada Kitchen
819 C StTons of different Empanadas to choose from, I love it!
Amazing sushi, great staff, awesome vibe, and outdoor seating as well to enjoy the beautiful weather!
9 locals recommend
Wonderful Sushi Hillcrest
1288 University AveAmazing sushi, great staff, awesome vibe, and outdoor seating as well to enjoy the beautiful weather!
Some of the most amazing Grass-Fed beef burgers I've ever tasted! They also serve beer (tap and bottles), curly fries, and a ton of other stuff. Highly Recommend.
9 locals recommend
Cali "O" Burgers
1290 University AveSome of the most amazing Grass-Fed beef burgers I've ever tasted! They also serve beer (tap and bottles), curly fries, and a ton of other stuff. Highly Recommend.
Really amazing blend of Nepalese and Indian food, you really have to try this place. Great lunch specials. They also have a nice wine and alcohol selection!
27 locals recommend
Taste of the Himalayas
1260 University AveReally amazing blend of Nepalese and Indian food, you really have to try this place. Great lunch specials. They also have a nice wine and alcohol selection!
If you've never had authentic ramen before, this will blow your mind! A must-try, your tastebuds will thank you!
Local Take - I get the GGG Ramen meal, you'll know what I mean when you see it.
* Dog-friendly on the patios too... that's a plus!
6 locals recommend
Nishiki Ramen
8055 Armour StIf you've never had authentic ramen before, this will blow your mind! A must-try, your tastebuds will thank you!
Local Take - I get the GGG Ramen meal, you'll know what I mean when you see it.
* Dog-friendly on the patios too... that's a plus!
Take the little footbridge by our house and wind up at good ol' TJ's in 6 minutes, walking! Such a great area, this complex also has a Ralphs grocery, barber, postal, coffee shops, poke, and a great morning breakfast spot with fresh bagels!
752 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveTake the little footbridge by our house and wind up at good ol' TJ's in 6 minutes, walking! Such a great area, this complex also has a Ralphs grocery, barber, postal, coffee shops, poke, and a great morning breakfast spot with fresh bagels!
Phenomenal eatery, with amazing ambiance, you feel like you're eating in a New Zealand rainforest. Food and drinks are amazing, and happy hour is awesome!
44 locals recommend
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
3501 30th StPhenomenal eatery, with amazing ambiance, you feel like you're eating in a New Zealand rainforest. Food and drinks are amazing, and happy hour is awesome!
Bleu Bohème
4090 Adams AvePhenomenal French restaurant, perfect for date night, etc.
Muzita Abyssinian Bistro
4651 Park BlvdAmazing Ethiopian food, a must-try!
Awesome coffee/drinks/eatery, right next to an amazing flower nursery.
146 locals recommend
Communal Coffee
2335 University AveAwesome coffee/drinks/eatery, right next to an amazing flower nursery.
NOLA on 5th
3683 Fifth AvenueHash House A Go Go
3628 Fifth AveAmazing huge breakfast brunch plates, fantastic drinks
Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StBest Fish and Shrimp Tacos!
BEST brunch in my opinion, try their massive Bacon topped Donuts, their great mimosas, bloody marys, and Goat Cheese Stuffed Squash Blossoms!
144 locals recommend
Great Maple
1451 Washington StBEST brunch in my opinion, try their massive Bacon topped Donuts, their great mimosas, bloody marys, and Goat Cheese Stuffed Squash Blossoms!
Mister A's
2550 Fifth AveFor special occasions, make sure to make a reservation in advance!
Born and Raised
1909 India Stphenomenal!
Herb & Wood
2210 Kettner Blvdamazing food, upscale social scene ;)
La Bonne Table
3696 Fifth AveSightseeing
You won't believe how huge it is until you're "in it"! So much to do and see, from the World Beat Center, to the Globe Pub, all the museums, cathedrals, amazing architecture, Japanese Gardens, Rose Gardens, Archery Range, Atrium, etc!
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
You won't believe how huge it is until you're "in it"! So much to do and see, from the World Beat Center, to the Globe Pub, all the museums, cathedrals, amazing architecture, Japanese Gardens, Rose Gardens, Archery Range, Atrium, etc!
Less than 5 minutes away, is the world famous San Diego Zoo, rated one of the best zoos in the country!
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrLess than 5 minutes away, is the world famous San Diego Zoo, rated one of the best zoos in the country!
Drive up the hill to park and walk to this amazing Mission that overlooks all of San Diego. Right next to is, is Fort Stockton, and a scenic drive that will take your breath away!
66 locals recommend
Presidio Park
2811 Jackson StDrive up the hill to park and walk to this amazing Mission that overlooks all of San Diego. Right next to is, is Fort Stockton, and a scenic drive that will take your breath away!