Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Hillcrest

Authentic seafood

A craving for fresh seafood prepared with traditional methods is hard to shake.

Based on 567 Opinions
+564
User
User
User
Updated
01
Makai Sushi image 1
Makai Sushi image 2
Makai Sushi image 3
View all

Small Japanese restaurant with cozy indoor seating and a welcoming patio offers a laid-back Hawaiian vibe and fresh, high-quality sushi. Music adds a sophisticated touch while the atmosphere stays casual and inviting. The space feels simple but neat, focusing on authentic flavors and relaxed energy.

Authentic Hawaiian vibe fills the space with a chill and inviting atmosphere. Hawaii style poke crafted by someone from Hawaii delivers a truly authentic poke bowl experience.

Fish comes incredibly fresh with top-notch quality and solid sauces. The seafood shines in dishes like the Godzilla sushi bowl, where fish, rice, and avocado blend perfectly.

People are saying

"The seafood here is amazingly fresh and flavorful."

"I found the poke here to be super authentic Hawaiian style."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The menu features a variety of poke bowls and sushi options.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be limited during peak hours.

02
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 2
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 3
View all

Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.

Fresh, flavorful dishes capture authentic Mexican flavors. The atmosphere matches with a genuine, authentic vibe throughout.

Battered fish tacos stand out with their big, fresh, and tasty portions. Happy hour offers affordable deals like $2.50 fish tacos and draft beer, making seafood options like shrimp tacos and street tacos easy to enjoy.

People are saying

"I thought the fish tacos were delicious and fresh."

"I loved the fresh, flavorful, and authentic Mexican food here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

03
Dumplings N More image 1
Dumplings N More image 2
Dumplings N More image 3
View all

Small, cozy space with wooden tables and chairs and a quiet, warm atmosphere. Guests watch dumplings being handmade through a window, adding a hands-on feel to the experience. The place offers vegetarian-friendly options and feels like home cooking.

Authentic Chinese dumplings stand out here, including XiaoLongBao and wontons. The food delivers a genuine Chinese experience whether dining in or taking out.

Honey walnut shrimp stands out with a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Shrimp dishes like Dim Sum Crystal Shrimp and shrimp dumplings offer authentic tastes reminiscent of China. The shrimp with preserved cabbage blends seafood with a comforting broth vibe.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings to be authentic and delicious."

"The shrimp dumplings here reminded me of China."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough around the restaurant, so plan accordingly.

2

Lunch specials offer great deals for budget-conscious diners.

3

The restaurant is family-run and known for handmade dumplings.

04
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 2
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 3
View all

Quaint bistro with authentic Mexican decor and soft lighting creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic Mexican music plays, adding to the vibrant yet cozy vibe. Outdoor seating and a separate upstairs area offer varied spaces for dining and meetings.

Decor reflects authentic Mexican culture with a vibrant atmosphere. Dishes like perfectly seasoned tacos, rich mole, and creamy guacamole show dedication to authentic flavors.

Shrimp enchiladas stand out with rich flavor. Fish tacos come in several styles, including grilled and Ensenada style, both thin, crisp, and highly praised. Mahi mahi dishes also offer a delicious option.

People are saying

"I found the authentic Mexican flavors to be exceptional and lovingly prepared."

"I highly recommend the shrimp enchiladas and fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Brunch includes unlimited mimosas at a great price.

2

Happy hour specials are available from 6pm.

3

Parking can be a challenge in the area.

05
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Parma Cucina Italiana image 2
Parma Cucina Italiana image 3
View all

Cozy Italian restaurant with intimate seating and a warm, family-friendly vibe. Small indoor space complements a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Staff create a welcoming atmosphere with authentic Italian charm.

Offers truly authentic homemade Italian dishes with exceptionally delicious flavors. Service is very good and complements the authentic menu well.

Linguine with clams and shrimp fettuccine with vodka sauce stand out on the menu. Specials like squid-ink pasta and seafood risotto add variety and flavor.

People are saying

"The seafood pasta here is amazing, especially the walnut pesto with shrimp."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours to secure a table.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy 30% off a bottle of wine with dinner.

3

The Tuesday date night menu offers great value for couples.

06
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Cocina De Barrio image 2
Cocina De Barrio image 3
View all

Modern Mexican restaurant offers spacious indoor and outdoor seating with a breezy patio elevated for people watching. Atmosphere feels high class yet welcoming, with artistic plating and a lively bar featuring fresh margaritas and unique cocktails. Crowd enjoys a comfortable, friendly vibe with generous portions and stylish design.

Food stays true to authentic regional Mexican cuisine with a fresh, upscale twist. Outdoor seating offers a relaxed vibe while dishes remain amazing, fresh, and authentic.

Fish tacos come out tender and flavorful. The menu features ceviche with local shrimp, brightened by citrus and habaneros, plus tender octopus and fresh oysters.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and authentic."

"The fish tacos and ceviche here are delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 pm most days with affordable prices.

2

Expect a busy crowd on weekends; arrive early to avoid long waits.

3

Parking can be limited with only street parking available.

07
TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST image 1
TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST image 2
TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST image 3
View all

Small dining space features authentic Thai decor and classical music playing softly. Atmosphere stays chill and cozy, often quiet on weekdays, making it suitable for a relaxed meal. Walls display beautiful tapestries that add to the pleasant and casual vibe.

Dining room features authentic Thai decor. Menu offers flavorful, fresh dishes with an authentic taste throughout.

Fried whole fish comes with a crisp skin, ginger, and a sauce full of traditional Thai flavors, served with vegetables and Chinese mushrooms. Pad see-iw noodles with tofu and pad cha seafood stand out, while shrimp dishes can vary in freshness.

People are saying

"I found the flavors here to be authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The seafood here is great, and the service is friendly."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit tricky in Hillcrest.

2

Their entrees with rice are priced around $13-$16.

3

They can accommodate very mild spiciness if requested.

08
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 1
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 2
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 3
View all

Quaint restaurant with decor that resembles a wine shop offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere with soft background music. The vibe stays relaxed and quiet, making it suitable for casual meals. It stands out for its inviting ambiance and chilled setting.

Flavors stay true to authentic Thai spices and freshness. Some dishes like drunken noodle lean less authentic, and spice levels skew more American than traditional.

Massive shrimp appear in the shrimp appetizer and fire cracker shrimp. Spicy fried rice and seafood pad talay stand out with strong flavors. Tom yum with shrimp lacks flavor and has soggy shrimp.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and full of Thai spices."

"I found the seafood pad talay to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult, so consider arriving early.

2

Seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

3

The patio is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

Discover more

Hillcrest, San Diego

Area guide