Featured Restaurants 

Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina
Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria bringing a modern touch to family recipes and an ancient style of pizza called, Pinsa.
1040 University Ave ste.B101 - 619.310.5256
tavolanostrapizzeria.com

Arrivederci
A great and truly authentic Italian restaurant with excellent food and friendly and energetic atmosphere.
3845 4th Ave - 619.299.6282
arrivederciristorante.com

insideOUT
A sexy, chic and refined destination for those who want to enjoy fine dining, craft cocktails and relax in an urban oasis.
1642 University Ave, Suite 100 - 619.888.8623
insideoutsd.com

Baja Betty's
Voted best happy hour in Hillcrest Mon-Fri. Over 100 tequilas, mexi-fresh menu & a great time!
1421 University Ave - 619.269.8510
bajabettyssd.com

Deli Lama
Award-winning sandwiches, great soups and salads; friendly staff and fun environment!
3702 5th Ave - 619.295.4666
delillamasd.com

Crest Cafe
Eclectic fun, funky diner serving inspired home-made comfort favorites til 10 pm.
425 Robinson Ave - 619.688.9283
crestcafe.net

Gossip Grill
Girls home base! Feminine-influenced modern American food/cocktails. We play nice with boys too!
1220 University Ave - 619.260.8023
thegossipgrill.com

Khyber Pass
Celebrating over 30 years in Hillcrest! One of San Diego's premier ethnic restaurants features authentic Afghani Cuisine. 
523 University Ave - 619.294.7579
khyberpasssandiego.com

Ichiban
Ichiban Sushi & Japanese Cuisine, proudly Japanese-owned and serving Hillcrest since 1981, offers authentic sushi, sashimi, and traditional dishes in a warm, relaxed setting.
1449 University Ave - 619.299.7203
ichibansushisandiego.com

Common Stock
A neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar serving up nostalgic, made-from-scratch dishes crafted with obsessively sourced ingredients.
3805 5th Ave - 619.310.5298
eatcommonstock.com

Cork & Stem
Floral & wine bar! Offering weekly special events & workshops.  
1035 University Ave - 619.535.0020
corkandstem.com

Hillcrest Brewing Company
Handcrafted Beer & Stone Oven Pizza w/ Bottles, Growlers & Kegs To-Go! Happy Hour 4pm-6pm.
1458 University Ave - 619.269.4323
hillcrestbrewingcompany.com

Lotus Thai Hillcrest
Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by Thai chefs. Lunch Specials, Delivery, Catering.
3761 6th Ave - 619.299.8272
lotusthaisd.com

Frenchy’s Hideout
Embark on a culinary journey through the diverse regions of France with our meticulously crafted dishes. Frenchy’s Hideout is a rare escape that takes you into a flavorful adventure in a romantic atmosphere.
142 W University Ave. Ste C - 619.539.7248
frenchyshideout.com

Urban MO's
The best memories in the gayborhood. Great Burgers, incredible cocktails and an amazing experience. 
308 University Ave - 619.491.0400
urbanmos.com

Cellar Hand
Farm-to-table restaurant that embodies sourcing local, community, and commitment to sustainability. Rotating menu, offering new dishes weekly!  
1440 University Ave - 619.876.4099
cellarhandhillcrest.com

Rakitori Japanese Pub & Grill
A fusion of ramen noodles and traditional yakitori that has been grilled over Japanese white coals.
530 University Ave - 619.501.4091
sdrakitorisd.com

Rusticucina
Rusticucina, inspired by the fusion of American and Sicilian cultures, was founded by three friends from a small Sicilian town who brought their passion to San Diego to create a warm, farm-to-neighborhood dining experience.
3797 Park Boulevard - 619.310.5291
rusticucina.com

Uptown Tavern
A casually hip bar, eatery, and true neighborhood hangout in a comfort & style only found in Hillcrest.  
1236 University Ave - 619.241.2710
uptowntavernsd.com

Tacaliente
Ensuring that all their customers leave happy, full and most importantly, gasping for air because of their spicy salsas. They offer everything from burritos, bowl's, tacos, quesadillas, tortas and much more.
1226 University Ave. - 619.915.6490
https://tacalientemex.com/

White Elephant
White Elephant brings the vibrant flavors of Thai, Lao, and Vietnamese cuisine to the table using fresh herbs and spices sourced from across Southeast Asia. With over 20 years of culinary experience, their chef crafts simple, delicious, and heartfelt dishes that reflect their love for food and culture.
3843 Richmond St. - 619.269.6381
whiteelephantkitchen.com

Los Panchos Tacos and Cantina
Lively, late night Mexican restaurant with a live DJ every day!
441 Washington St. - 619.295.5828
lospanchostacosandcantina.com

Nola on 5th
Authentic New Orleans style cuisine in the heart of Hillcrest open late. Don’t miss out on their Crawfish boils!
3683 Fifth Avenue - 858.444.6173
nolaon5th.com

Cocina de Barrio
Casual restaurant serving creative Mexican meals, plus brunch staples & happy-hour specials.
3707 5th Ave. - 619.677.2770
nolaon5th.com

R-Place Bar & Eatery
Hillcrest’s only gay sports bar in the neighborhood. Root on your favorite team while indulging in American appetizers and great beer!  
1027 University Ave - 619.902.4646
rplacesandiego.com

Origen
A coastal Mexican restaurant is where the elements of surf, sand, and sun turn into a culinary delight and immersive dinging experience.
3831 Park Blvd.
www.origencocina.com

Trust
A neighborhood restaurant, gathering place to celebrate, connect, and share bold, seasonal flavors cooked simply over an open flame.
3752 Park Blvd. - 619.795.6901
trustrestaurantsd.com

Parma Cucina Italiana
Parma Cucina Italiana is known for fresh pasta, classic desserts, and genuine Italian hospitality.
3850 Fifth Ave. - 619.543.0049
parmaitaliankitchen.com

Makai Sushi
An award-winning sushi restaurant in Hillcrest known for its fresh, locally sourced dishes that blend traditional and modern flavors—from poke bowls and sashimi to soy-paper burritos and tapas-style plates.
3968 5th Ave. - 619.339.7455
makai-sushi.com

Divo Diva Cafe
Divo Diva is a cozy European-style coffee shop and wine bar offering fresh pastries, brunch, and curated wines in a warm, welcoming space. Owned by opera singers Victoria Robertson and Rosario Monetti, it’s a place where great food, drinks, and community come together.
3650 5th Ave #104 - 619.370.9896
divodivacafe.com