Top 10 Best Restaurants in North Park, San Diego

There are so many stand out restaurants to choose from nowadays, you’ve got your Italian, Mexican, Asian, and New American, along with up and coming farm-to-table venues that use the freshest ingredients you can fully taste in every bite. So with all of that it’s safe to say when you’re trying to figure out where to eat in a city as big as San Diego it can be a bit challenging. 

Luckily we have taken to scoping out the dining scene in America’s Finest City inch by inch, first by taking a look at 17 Unforgettable Restaurants in Downtown San Diego, then we took a detour to Explore Old Town, San Diego and Spoil Yourself With These Seven Tasty Restaurants, and finally decided to investigate The Top 11 Restaurants In Little Italy San Diego- which was no small feat because Little Italy has all the best pasta and pizza you could imagine. As we’ve explored different parts of San Diego we thought we’d finally take a look at the best restaurants in North Park, San Diego, to really cap off the list(s) with something special. 

But before we take a deep dive we thought we should mention a way to surprise your loved one with a gift card to a San Diego restaurant through GiftYa. GiftYa is an online distributor of digital gift cards to a ton of famous retailers, department stores, online subscription services and shops, spas, hotels, airlines, and of course: restaurants. You can send an eGift to someone via text or email in just a few minutes. Give them a “Happy New Year” gift card to one of their favorite places to eat in San Diego all thanks to GiftYa’s fine catalog.

1. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

Take a gander at this “farmhouse-esque” interior while you dine on French-American cuisine!

📍 3408 30th St | San Diego | thesmokinggoatrestaurant.com

Co-owners Fred and Tammy Piehl wanted to bring some “rustic charm” to the North Park, San Diego area and they have certainly succeeded with The Smoking Goat Restaurant which is a mix of both classic French cuisine and California favorites. This unique blend offers patrons something special and no matter what they pick from the menu it’s sure to be a hit. 

And speaking of you can look forward to many items on their dinner menu like Crispy Spanish Octopus, Escargots à la Bourguignonne, Duroc Pork Chop, and a bunch of different cheeses and wine pairings that’ll really make the meal something special. Fred has learned his skills in Paris and has brought them to San Diego to share them with America’s Finest.

“Love the food here! They have a really good drink menu which compliments the food. There's an outdoor patio that's cute but you do hear the street noise. Staff were all friendly and attentive. Pics are from Restaurant Week menu.” -Yelp Review

2. One Door North

Nature themed decor and safari tents inside? Count us intrigued!

📍 3422 30th St | San Diego | onedoornorthsd.com

We’re going back-to-back with Fred Piehl because guess what? He also owns One Door North, so if you’re a fan of The Smoking Goat Restaurant, you’ll love One Door even more. Since he loves the outdoors so much and wants everyone to have access to ingredients and foods that are fresh from the earth he created this restaurant. 

Focusing on dishes with seasonal ingredients you can always be sure to know that you’re only getting the best from this spot. The inside is decorated with a love for nature in mind and is a perfect place for a date or family outing. Enjoy brunch and dinner menu items like the Four Cheese Macaroni, Fish Tacos, Mushroom & Wild Arugula Stone Baked Flatbread, and Cast Iron Half Chicken.

“Great atmosphere. Friendly service & excellent food. My husband had the trout & I had the salmon & both were delicious. S'mores was a nostalgic dessert that we roasted over a mini pot at the table.” -Yelp Review

3. Louisiana Purchase

Seasonal cajun favorites from New Orleans all the way in San Diego!

📍 2305 University Ave | San Diego | louisianapurchasesd.com

Chef Quinnton Austin is here to bring that New Orleans flare to the people of San Diego at Louisiana Purchase. Offering both limited seasonal menu options and fan-favored year round dishes, you can expect the genuine flavors of Southern comfort foods to hit with every bite no matter the dish you get. You can look forward to his many creations when you enter this warm and welcoming space. Of course we’d be remiss to not mention a few menu items so you can get a taste of what to expect so here you go:

• Alligator Andouille Cheesecake which is what Quinnton is famous for and it is a savory cheesecake with alligator, andouille, and crawfish cream sauce.
• Crawfish Monica Ribeye which is a USDA PRIME 14 oz cast iron seared ribeye topped with NOLA’s famous spicy cream sauce.
• And the Spicy Chicken Skillet for those who are looking for a kick which is one airline chicken with smoked gouda mac n’ cheese, cornbread, and topped with a chili glaze. All of this sounds like it makes for one of the best restaurants in North Park, San Diego!

“All the food was delicious.

There were many menu items that I don't usually eat, and I really liked them.

The servers were also very friendly, so I was very satisfied. I'd like to go again soon.” -Yelp Review

4. Dunedin New Zealand Eats

A “New Zealand” themed restaurant with authentic eats and cool decor!

📍 3501 30th St | San Diego | dnp-sd.com

Ever wanted to visit New Zealand but don’t want to hop on a plane for 20+ hours? Well now you don’t have to because you can go to a piece of New Zealand at Dunedin New Zealand Eats right in San Diego! Yup that’s right, there’s a Middle Earth-inspired restaurant within your reach so if you’ve ever wanted to try out some food from the country then you’ve come to the right place. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, you can try their Dutch Cake & Chicken, Breakfast Poutine, Bare Lamb Burgher, or the NZ Meat Pie and Chips.

“A+ for service & ambience. We know & like all the servers. I have my food favorites here but usually partake of the Monthly special 2 for 1. Good beers. Lavender lemonade. Hot toddies.” -Yelp Review

5. Siamo Napoli Restaurant

A fun and hip Italian restaurant that offers all of your carb-loaded favorites!

📍 3959 30th St STE 105 | San Diego | siamonapolisd.com

If you’ve been craving Italian then you’ve got to check out Siamo Napoli Restaurant which serves up fresh authentic Italian dishes in a warm and cozy environment. Feel the heat from the plate as they bring it to your table and dig in when it’s not too hot to taste all those familiar enhanced flavors of cheese, bread, and sauce- (depending on your dish of course). 

Speaking of dishes at Siamo Napoli you can look forward to their Arancini which is risotto balls stuffed with cheese, beef, and a potato croquette mixed with prosciutto or their Scialatelli which is handmade thick cut pasta with yellow cherry tomatoes, manila clams and tiger shrimp.

“We love Napoletana pizza and this place is perfect. Crispy crust and soft soupy middle. Didn't wait long to get the pizzas. Such a nice spot for a date night with the other establishments in the same building.” -Yelp Review

6. Farmer's Bottega

New American “farm-to-table” favorites in a country-inspired atmosphere!

📍 860 W Washington St | San Diego | farmersbottega.com

Farm-to-table lovers will indeed take a liking to Farmer's Bottega in San Diego as they take on the “farm to fork” trend keeping all their dishes as fresh and organic as you can possibly get. With their vintage decor and rustic ambience, you’ll find yourself immersed in their atmosphere and that’s all before even taking a bite to eat! Whether you decide to go for brunch or dinner, you’ll be happy with menu picks like their Claifionia Eggs Benedict, Pecan Crusted Chicken Sandwich, Mussels & Clams, Duck Gnocchi, and Garden Salad directly from the ground. 

“First time here for breakfast and omg!!!! Food is delicious and my server was amazing. I'm definitely coming back for dinner or for brunch again. The ambience is just incredible, very relaxing and the decoration is very pretty.” -Yelp Review

7. insideOUT

A mix of both California and Mediterranean dishes make this place something special!

📍 1642 University Ave #100 | San Diego | insideoutsd.com

insideOUT (no not the Pixar movie) is a LGBTQIA+ owned restaurant that has some of the most stunning ambience in all of San Diego. They go all out making everything from the decor of the restaurant to the food on your plate something you’ll remember. 

You can choose to dine inside or out in their stunning “mini garden” area where you’ll be able to have fun with your date, friends, and/or family. insideOUT serves up a mix of Californian and Mediterranean dishes so if that sounds intriguing you’ll definitely have to go and see what they have to offer. With menu options like their BBQ Garlic Prawns, Braised Beef Short Rib, and Truffle Brussel Sprouts you’ll be in flavor paradise.

“Can't say enough about this place! The ambiance, food, drinks and Grant the server is five stars!! Did I mention they have snow at Christmas?! Love this place and we'll be back, Grant don't go anywhere.” -Yelp Review

8. The Mission

A popular breakfast spot makes this one of the best restaurants in North Park, San Diego!

📍 2801 University Ave | San Diego | themissionsd.com

We’re now here for the breakfast lovers and the breakfast lovers only because at The Mission Cafe you’re going to get your fill of both sweet and savory breakfast options that’ll leave you full till it’s time for dinner. 

The Mission Cafe, also known as just “The Mission” is a popular small local breakfast chain that cooks up some delicious foods for your start of the day. You can get a variety of amazing dishes here like their House-Made Vegan Granola, Classic Buttermilk Pancakes, Chicken Apple Sausage Frittata, or everyone’s favorite: The Breakfast Burrito. You’ll be able to satisfy those breakfast cravings quite easily at The Mission Cafe.

“The food was so good! We both had the Mission Rosemary, and were satiated for the rest of the day. The service was beyond accommodating. I truly can't wait to come back. They have everything I need for a perfect breakfast/ brunch experience.” -Yelp Review

9. Underbelly North Park

Fan of Ramen and other Japanese classics? Look no further!

📍 3000 Upas St | San Diego | godblessunderbelly.com

We’ve had a lot of different food types so far but one we haven’t had that is a favorite from many is Ramen and Japanese cuisine. Underbelly North Park is all about that as they specialize in particularly flavorful Ramen bowls and other dishes. 

Ramen is the dish that keeps on giving, fill yourself up on veggies, noodles, meats, and more. They have the basic Noodles & Broth if you want something simple or extravagant concoctions like their “Belly Of The Beast” which features Hoison Glazed Short rib, Oxtail Dumplings, Seaweed, Bean Sprouts, Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Soft Boiled Egg, and Tonkotsu Broth. But if you are looking for something else besides Ramen don’t worry because they have Baos, Small Plates, Rice Bowls, and more.

“The staff is always so nice there, and the service is always good, but especially the ramen is the best! I love this ramen it is the best! Also, the fried chicken Boa buns are really good!” -Yelp Review

10. URBN North Park

These pizzas are bigger than you might expect- the more the merrier!

📍 3085 University Ave | San Diego | urbnnorthpark.com

Urbn North Park is here to bring you some of the best San Diego pies you could want and we’re not talking about the dessert kind of pie, no we are talking specifically about the cheesy and saucy pizza pie. Pizza pies that are made to be big and flavorful. They want you to go “wow!” when they deliver the plate to your table. Pizza is a well-loved dish by many so it’s only fair we top the list off with Urban as they have been making the people of San Diego pizza for many years now. Get your choice of a Margherita, Fresh Pesto Chicken, Gouda Garlic Alfredo, or the dietary-friendly Vegan pizza either in-house or to-go!

“Come here every so often just to order their mash potato pizza. Truly a treat. All their pizzas are great too. What I think makes it is their crust. Light thin and crispy.” -Yelp Review

And there you have it! Those are some of the best restaurants in North Park, San Diego! Lots of options to choose from and who knows you might just find your new favorite spot.