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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 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Makai Sushi image 1
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Japanese restaurant

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

"I found the Japanese food here to be the freshest I've ever tasted."

"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
Corner Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, family-owned Chinese restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with a warm, comforting vibe. Seating faces the street, creating a casual, chill setting. Food arrives quickly, featuring authentic Cantonese-style dishes that stand out in the area.

Cantonese-style fried rice with preserved meat and stir-fried beef noodles show authentic Chinese flavors. Pork dishes carry a homemade taste that feels true to traditional recipes.

Shrimp dishes stand out with walnut shrimp and shrimp in black bean sauce. Noodle options include fried noodles with shrimp and a steaming hot shrimp noodle soup.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here tastes homemade and authentic."

"The seafood dishes here, like the walnut shrimp, were amazing."

"I found the most authentic Chinese food here."

Good to know

1

Parking could be an issue depending on the hours.

2

There aren't many tables, so during peak times, it might be better to order takeout.

3

There is 15-minute parking outside for pickup.

03
Tacaliente Mexican Grill image 1

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 found the tacos here to be fantastic and packed with flavor."

"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.

04
Parma Cucina Italiana image 1
Italian restaurant

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 pasta here is amazing, truly the best I've ever had."

"The food here is so authentic and delicious."

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

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.

05
La Vecindad Neighborhood TACOS image 1

Colorful outdoor seating and kitsch Mexican vecindad decor create a lively, fun atmosphere with cool vibes. Unique salsa bar and flavorful micheladas add to the experience. The place feels like a casual trip south of the border with inviting, spacious surroundings.

Tacos here capture authentic DF style with genuine Mexican flavor. The food stays true to traditional customs and offers quality, tasty dishes.

Fish tacos stand out with options like blackened, grilled, and quesa birria styles. The Seafood Trio taco and bacon-wrapped shrimp in the Costal Azul taco add unique flavors.

People are saying

"I ate the best tacos I have ever eaten here."

"The Bisteces Rancheros seafood is so good, my tastebuds went wild."

"The food here is amazing and has authentic Mexican flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 2 tacos for $8 and $9 house margaritas.

2

Happy hour runs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 to 6 pm.

3

Each canned or bottled soda is priced at $4.

06
CURRY NATION - INDIAN RESTAURANT & CATERING image 1

Modern interior combines with beautiful decor and clean, comfortable atmosphere. Calm environment features Indian music that suits families and friends. Staff attire varies, but overall vibe remains welcoming and cozy.

Food bursts with authentic Indian flavors and fresh, well-spiced dishes. Portions come generous with rich, traditional tastes from Indian and Pakistani cuisine.

Tandoori shrimp features prominently alongside dishes like butter chicken and gobi manchurian. It offers a spiced grilled flavor that complements the other rich, saucy items.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The seafood dishes here are packed with flavor and taste super fresh."

"The authentic Indian food here is bursting with flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot under the Atlas building, which is free.

2

The restaurant does not yet have a liquor license, but it is being worked on.

3

The menu features a good variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

07
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the fresh tortillas and flavorful tacos."

"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.

08
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small, modernized Japanese ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, welcoming for relaxed meals. Known for authentic broths and perfectly balanced saltiness, it serves some of the best ramen flavors outside Japan.

Ramen here follows a traditional Japanese recipe from Hokkaido, featuring perfectly cooked noodles, tasty broth, and firm meat. The flavor profile closely matches authentic Japanese ramen.

Broth blends tonkotsu and seafood umami but the seafood flavor lacks freshness and depth. The Hokkaido style seafood broth offers a distinct umami, complemented by moving leaves over the fish balls.

People are saying

"I found the ramen here to be excellent and authentic."

"I found the ramen here to be truly authentic, just like in Japan."

"The seafood here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dining, which is a recent change.

2

Parking is very difficult, especially on weekends.

3

The Tonkotsu ramen costs about $24, while Miso ramen is $15.

09
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

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 here to be authentically delicious."

"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.

10
TASTE OF THAI - HILLCREST image 1

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

"The Thai food here is delicious and flavorful."

"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.

11
Cocina De Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"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.

12
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 1

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 salads here are so fresh and full of flavor."

"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.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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