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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Hillcrest's best

Soup date spots

A date spot where the soup is good enough to be the centerpiece of the meal.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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Updated April 2026
01
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Restaurant offers cozy, intimate atmosphere with live music and an upbeat vibe. Decor includes visible kitchen and playful signs, creating a special feel. Wine selection features top-notch French and Italian varieties, enhancing the dining experience.

Rich and comforting, the French onion soup features cognac and serves hot and fresh. It stands out as absolutely delicious and perfectly executed.

A great date spot with a cozy atmosphere. The bathroom has a strong smell that might be off-putting.

People are saying

"The French food here is delicious, especially the steak frites."

"The French onion soup is rich, comforting, and delicious."

"The duck confit here is tender with a unique flavor, perfect for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the restaurant fills up quickly.

2

The happy hour offers $10 glasses of Sancerre and Caymus.

3

Parking in Hillcrest requires circling around for street parking.

02
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 1

Minimalist design with warm natural tones creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Comfortable seating and plentiful outlets support relaxed work or study sessions. The space feels spotless and charming, welcoming a steady flow of people enjoying top-tier food and coffee.

Lentil soup stands out with its very flavorful and almost buttery texture. Options include sujuk and chicken soups, often paired with grilled cheese or a vanilla latte.

Ambient lighting creates a cozy vibe ideal for dates. The atmosphere suits intimate conversations and relaxed moments.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here beautiful and delicious."

"The food here is outstanding, delicious, and full of flavor."

"The lentil soup was so flavorful and buttery."

Good to know

1

Parking in Hillcrest can be an issue, but thereโ€™s a parking lot down the street.

2

Expect to wait for your order during busy hours.

3

Desserts cost around $10 each and are considered worth the price.

03
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.

Lentil soup comes piping hot and delicious, with a version made as dahl. Vegetarian samosas often accompany the soup.

Indian dishes stand out with rich flavors that impress couples. Pineapple mango chicken offers a tasty option that even leads to taking leftovers home.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The food here is amazing; you'll love these Date Spots."

"I thought the Daal soup was the best I've ever had."

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.

04
Taste of Denmark image 1
Danish restaurant

Small indoor space with a street front patio offers a relaxed, friendly vibe. Danish classics play softly, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels like a piece of Denmark. The place draws those interested in authentic Scandinavian flavors and casual outdoor dining.

Butternut squash soup stands out with its rich cheese addition, creating a perfect balance. Mushroom soup offers a creamy texture from Danish cheese and deep, flavorful notes.

Terrific food and wonderful service create a great atmosphere for couples. The red sausage offers an explosion of delicious flavor that stands out on the menu.

People are saying

"The food, especially the rye bread and Danish pastries, is amazing."

"The Danish here are perfection, the best I've ever eaten."

"I thought the mushroom soup was delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult and requires payment.

2

Everything at Taste of Denmark is cooked to order.

3

You can buy the bread and take a huge loaf home.

05
DASHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers a clean, modern interior with beautiful Japanese murals and a chic, intimate layout. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming despite occasional loud music and hard surfaces. Fresh ingredients and creative specialty rolls set it apart from typical sushi spots.

Red miso soup features a rich flavor with a noticeable red paste base. Some find it a bit salty but it pairs well with dishes like Kalbi ribs and sashimi.

Food, ambience, and service create a perfect date night setting. Music plays a bit loud and may not suit every date vibe.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here, especially the sushi, is incredibly fresh."

"The sushi here is outstanding, especially the fresh nigiri."

"The miso soup here is rich and not watered down."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to high demand.

2

Parking is limited; allow extra time to find street parking.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

06
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large indoor space with quaint decor and a pleasant, low-key atmosphere creates a cozy, cafe-like vibe. Outdoor patio surrounded by beautiful palm trees offers a nice setting for dining. The place draws those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a relaxed environment.

Lentil soup stands out with its flavorful and hearty profile. It pairs well with dishes like schwarma wraps and Mediterranean chicken salad.

Couples visit regularly, making it a consistent spot for dates. The atmosphere encourages repeat visits, showing its appeal as a reliable date spot.

People are saying

"I found the chicken salad to be very fresh and delicious."

"I enjoyed the flavorful lentil soup."

"You'll find amazing, healthy, and tasty food at these Date Spots."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

Parking is available nearby for customers.

3

Expect smaller portion sizes than typical for the prices charged.

07
Sushi Deli 1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Walls covered in manga pages create a casual, laid-back atmosphere that feels more like a burger joint than a traditional sushi spot. The place fills with an energetic, noisy crowd enjoying affordable, fresh sushi and a variety of sake cocktails.

Miso soup stands out as a highlight, often described as the best in the area. It comes with meals like sushi specials and is praised for its great flavor and reasonable price.

A simple, relaxed atmosphere suits easygoing date nights. Weekly visits highlight its role as a consistent date night spot.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced."

"I drove from Valley Center just for this miso soup."

"The sushi rolls here are amazing for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday from 3-6pm with food and drink specials.

2

Daily specials on food and rotating monthly specials are available.

3

Parking is limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

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.

Soup features a very flavorful miso base with a warm broth that complements the chewy noodles perfectly matched in thickness to the soup.

Ramen here features smooth, creamy broths like spicy miso and tonkotsu that pair well with high-quality noodles. Options like Miso Butter-Corn and Shoyu offer a variety of rich, slurp-worthy flavors.

People are saying

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

"These ramen Date Spots have a phenomenal, flavorful broth."

"The ramen broth here is so flavorful and aromatic."

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
Bread & Cie image 1

European bakery atmosphere combines with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating to create a welcoming vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating options include a great patio that invites people watching. The space feels like a comforting haven with charming artwork and thoughtful details throughout.

Tomato soup stands out as a go-to dish, often paired with grilled cheese. Soups here are consistently described as outstanding and complement the bakery's fresh offerings well.

Weekend coffee dates happen here with a relaxed vibe. Brunch options support casual daytime meetups with fresh pastries and cozy seating.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious bread here."

"The French pastries, especially the croissants and quiches, are amazing."

"The bread here is so delectable for Date Spots."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends when lines can be long.

2

Expect a chaotic parking situation; arrive early to secure a spot.

3

Prices are on the higher side, with some items costing up to $8 for small loaves.

10
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with wood style design feels cozy but can get crowded quickly. Atmosphere stays calming and intimate, attracting those who appreciate quiet dining. Seating is limited and uncomfortable, contributing to a packed yet popular vibe.

Broth stays hot and offers a rich, flavorful taste without being salty. Tonkotsu soup comes out thick and creamy, even in veggie options.

Small size creates an intimate setting ideal for catching up or a casual date night. The cozy space makes it a cute spot for a date.

People are saying

"The Tonkotsu Ramen broth is rich, silky, and well-balanced."

"The tonkotsu soup here is rich, flavorful, and not too salty."

"The ramen here is outta this world, totally worth the wait."

Good to know

1

The place fills up quickly, and they do not take reservations.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour on Friday evenings.

3

Parking can be inconvenient due to nearby construction.

11
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.

White Elephant noodle soup features house-made knife cut noodles that are super chewy and a broth with a white pepper spicy kick. Tom Kha soup offers a rich flavor with mushrooms and vegetables adding texture.

Private tables offer intimate seating for couples, even without reservations. The vegetarian pho stands out as a flavorful option praised for its quality.

People are saying

"The salads here are so fresh and full of flavor."

"I craved this chicken soup, especially when it was chilly."

"The food here is so fresh and flavorful, perfect for Date Spots."

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.

12
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.

Soups here have a satisfying depth with well-balanced flavors and plentiful vegetables. Options like the hot and sour soup, soup dumplings, and braised beef soup stand out for their rich taste and quality ingredients.

Plenty of large portions like the lo mein noodles with chicken make sharing easy. Dumplings stand out, even winning over those who usually dislike them, adding a fun twist to the meal.

People are saying

"I found the dumplings here to be authentically delicious."

"The soup dumplings were delicious and out of this world."

"The dumplings here are the best I ever had."

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.

13
Huapangos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Music ranges from loud and lively to cozy when lights dim and authentic tunes play. Outdoor seating offers an inviting space to enjoy the weather and vibrant surroundings.

Tortilla soup stands out with a warm, delicious flavor. The menu also features abondegas soup and other soups that pair well with dishes like enchiladas.

Offers a relaxed setting for couples with options like chilaquiles without meat and chips and guacamole. Serves breakfast and lunch, welcoming for pairs including those with pets.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the mole."

"I loved the tortilla soup; it was delicious."

"The food here is amazing, especially the mole."

Good to know

1

Huapangos offers bottomless mimosas for $18 with a meal on weekends.

2

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers every weekday.

3

Expect long wait times during peak brunch hours on weekends.

14
Ramen Ryoma Hillcrest image 1
Ramen restaurant

Spacious interior with a huge pot of broth simmering creates an authentic ramen atmosphere. Warm, cozy vibe contrasts with loud music that sometimes echoes, shifting energy from casual dining to nightclub-like late at night. Upstairs bar offers a quiet, peaceful retreat amid the lively main area.

Ramen soup offers an authentic taste with a Miso base featured in the Deluxe Ramen. No seafood options exist, and the soup fills but can feel unsatisfyingly plain.

Offers a suitable setting for a date with high quality food at reasonable prices. Some dishes may not appeal to everyone, but the overall vibe supports an enjoyable evening.

People are saying

"The ramen here is cheap and delicious."

"The ramen soup here is authentic and tasty."

"The ramen here is flavorful, making it a great spot for date night."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open late on weekdays.

2

Expect to pay around $40 for multiple dishes.

3

They charge extra for certain sauces and toppings.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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