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Top picks in Hillcrest

Lunch and dinner spots

You want a reliable spot that works just as well for a midday break as it does for a full evening meal.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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Updated May 2026
01
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 1
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 2
Alexi's Greek Cafe image 3
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Greek restaurant

Mysterious blue lights and vintage decor create a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere with a family diner vibe. The space feels unpretentious and welcoming, focusing on hearty, authentic Greek food at affordable prices. Generous portions and a no-frills setting make it a rare gem for casual dining.

Lunch offers affordable specials around $9 to $10 including taxes. Lamb gyro with fries and dinner plate combos provide great value and consistent quality.

Dinner options include a Greek dinner with gyro, fresh salad, soup, and fries. Affordable dinner plate combos offer good value around $9 to $10 with tax.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be great and affordable."

"The dinner spots here serve genuine Greek cuisine, hitting the gyro and souvlaki cravings."

"I thought the food at this lunch spot was excellent."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials make meals affordable, typically around $10-11.

2

Happy hour offers excellent deals on drinks and appetizers.

3

Dinner specials include a cup of soup, salad, and an entrรฉe for $12.

02
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.

Lunch hours show a quiet atmosphere with few or no other diners. Portions come with enough leftovers to take home.

Dinner here suits both family dinners and casual outings. Portions come generous, enough for two with leftovers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is wonderfully fresh and nicely presented."

"The dinner spots here are flavorful and well prepared."

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.

03
Jo's Diner image 1

Cozy diner with a friendly atmosphere and soft music creating a comfortable vibe. Seating includes cushioned banquettes and a back area accommodating reactive dogs. Walls feature artwork and celebrity signatures, adding a unique touch to the space.

Offers a family and kid-friendly atmosphere with solid options for lunch. Serves consistently great meals suitable for midday dining.

Cozy little spot serves dinner with options like Lumpia, French Onion Soup, and Bacon-wrapped Meatloaf. Breakfast is available all day, making it easy to enjoy breakfast for dinner.

People are saying

"The American Food here is great, and the service is fantastic."

"This lunch spot's fries are great and not overly seasoned."

"The short rib dishes at these dinner spots are delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available behind the building.

2

There is metered parking on the street and a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

They serve breakfast all day.

04
NOLA on 5th image 1
American restaurant

Older building with New Orleans vibe and tiny interior creates a cozy, lively atmosphere. Loud music and bar energy fill the space, especially near the bar area. Outdoor dog-friendly patio offers a relaxed spot for lunch or watching games on multiple TVs.

Patio seating offers a relaxed spot for lunch. The menu features blackened chicken club, wedge lunch special, and tasty po boys. Service stays attentive even during busy lunch rushes.

Fried catfish stands out as a popular dinner choice. The spot offers a pleasant atmosphere for family dinners and pairs well with enjoyable drinks.

People are saying

"The jambalaya and poboy here are top notch."

"The dinner here is flavorful, especially the Cajun shrimp pasta."

"The food here is delicious, especially the po boy."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour at NOLA on 5th is from 3 to 6 pm.

2

The food price range is from $8 to $26.

3

NOLA on 5th offers limited vegetarian options, mainly two salads at $14 each.

05
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.

Lunch offers a $10.99 bento box that includes a soft drink, providing solid value. Good lunch specials like the dialysis lunch special make it a reliable spot for midday meals.

Arriving just before dinner time usually means quick seating. The menu offers a wide range of options including ramen, curry, sushi tacos, and sushi fries alongside many sushi rolls.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot has unbelievable value for the price."

"The sushi rolls here are always fresh and flavorful."

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.

06
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.

Lunch offers Chilaquiles Verdes and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. The spot suits casual midday meals with a relaxed vibe.

Dinner service runs slower but features a warm, welcoming staff that creates a family-like atmosphere. The dinner menu offers solid options, though brunch remains the standout meal here.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here delicious and full of flavor."

"The food and drinks here are phenomenal for dinner."

"This Lunch Spot's food is delicious, especially the homemade tortillas."

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
Khyber Pass Zarparan Restaurant image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Afghan decor with vibrant blue tones, intricate patterns, and cultural artwork. Atmosphere feels genuine and inviting, suitable for relaxed dining. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, creating a versatile experience.

Lunch offers quick seating on weekdays and meals that stand out for their exceptional quality. The experience often turns into one of the best meals had in a long time.

Dinner features shrimp and salmon kabobs and generous portions like the Fesenjan stew with chicken that often leaves leftovers. The spot handles group dinners well, accommodating parties of eight comfortably.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"This lunch spot's cherry curry is outstandingly sweet, tangy, and deep."

"These dinner spots have flavorful, authentic Afghan dishes everyone loved."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service due to limited seating.

2

Expect to pay around $100 for a two-person lunch.

3

Parking can be challenging in the area, so plan accordingly.

08
Frenchy's Hideout image 1

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.

High reviews draw people here for lunch. The spot offers a great lunch experience that satisfies groups and friends alike.

Dinner here offers a memorable experience with a team that makes occasions like birthdays feel special. The atmosphere suits celebratory dinners well, creating a warm and inviting setting.

People are saying

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

"The tableside Crรจme Brรปlรฉe is elegant yet complex."

"The food at this Lunch Spot was next level."

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.

09
Taste of the Himalayas image 1
Nepalese restaurant

Cozy Nepalese restaurant with brick walls and a nice patio creates a laid-back atmosphere. The space feels comfortable and lively, with enjoyable music and plenty of seating. Dogs are allowed inside, adding to the welcoming vibe.

Lunch here offers chicken Tikka masala and garlic cilantro naan with portions sized like a lunch special rather than dinner. Staff shortages during lunch shifts sometimes cause delays.

Dinner features generous portions like the tikka masala, which tastes quite delicious. Late dinners see a calm atmosphere with plenty of pick-up meals available.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and absolutely delicious."

"The dinner spots here are delicious, especially the chicken dishes."

"The chicken tikka masala and garlic naan make for a delicious lunch."

Good to know

1

Expect small portion sizes for the price, with entrees around a cup and a quarter.

2

Reservations are recommended on Friday nights to avoid wait times.

3

The restaurant charges gratuity automatically, which may not be clear on the bill.

10
Tandoori Hut - Indian Restaurant and Catering Service image 1

Space features traditional Indian decor with walls adorned by Indian art and tables set with authentic display items. Atmosphere stays relaxed and comfortable with background music and TV screens playing MTV. The vibe is simple and low key, suited for quick bites or sit-in meals.

Affordable lunch specials offer a relaxing sit-down meal. Options include vegetarian Manchurian, chili paneer, and garlic naan for around $12 plus taxes.

Dinner comes with light dishes but lacks strong flavor. The dining room stays empty on Sunday evenings. Some dishes have an overpowering sulfur taste from raw white onion.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and freshly cooked."

"I loved the garlic naan, it was so delicious."

"This lunch spot has really good food, especially the paneer."

Good to know

1

Parking in front of the restaurant is very limited; consider public parking nearby.

2

Expect hidden gratuity charges added to your bill without prior notice.

3

Food is served without utensils, requiring customers to use their own.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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