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Local picks

Soup spots in Hillcrest

A bowl of soup is the only thing that hits the spot when you need something warm.

Based on 567 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 1
Mevan Coffee & Desserts & Brunch image 2
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Minimalist design with warm natural tones creates a cozy spot for work or study with comfortable seating and outlets. Lentil soup offers a buttery texture and rich flavor, paired well with grilled cheese or a vanilla latte. Spotless space welcomes steady visitors 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.

People are saying

"I found the desserts here beautiful and delicious."

"The breakfast staff here are so friendly and helpful."

"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.

02
CURRY NATION - INDIAN RESTAURANT & CATERING image 1

Modern interior and calm environment create a cozy spot for families and friends. Lentil soup is served piping hot and pairs well with vegetarian samosas. Indian music adds to the welcoming vibe.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The mango lassi is so smooth and refreshing."

"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.

03
Frenchy's Hideout image 1

Cozy spot with intimate atmosphere and live music sets an upbeat mood. French onion soup is rich and comforting, made with cognac and served hot. Wine list shines with top-notch French and Italian selections, perfect for enhancing any meal.

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

People are saying

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

"The tableside Crรจme Brรปlรฉe is elegant yet complex."

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

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.

04
Ortega's A Mexican Bistro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Quaint bistro offers a warm atmosphere with authentic Mexican decor and classic music. Chicken tortilla soup shines with rich flavors and is a favorite lunch pick. Outdoor seating and an upstairs area provide versatile spaces for dining and meetings.

Chicken tortilla soup stands out with a cornucopia of flavors and is a favorite lunch choice. The soup and sides consistently come out tasty and well-liked.

People are saying

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

"The tableside guacamole with homemade chips shows extra effort."

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

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
Taste of Denmark image 1
Danish restaurant

Small indoor space with a street front patio offers a relaxed, friendly vibe. Butternut squash soup shines with rich cheese for a perfect balance, while mushroom soup delivers a creamy texture and deep flavor. Soft Danish classics create an authentic Scandinavian atmosphere ideal for 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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the homemade rye bread; it was absolutely delicious."

"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.

06
Bread & Cie image 1

European bakery vibe shines with rustic wooden accents and cozy seating. Tomato soup is a go-to dish, perfectly paired with grilled cheese. Great patio offers a people watching spot, making it a comforting haven for all visitors.

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.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, delicious bread here."

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

"I loved the tomato soup; it's my go-to dish."

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.

07
Sushi Deli 1 image 1
Sushi restaurant

Walls covered in manga pages create a casual atmosphere that feels more like a burger joint. Fresh sushi draws an energetic crowd, while miso soup stands out as the best in the area. Affordable prices and sake cocktails complete the lively experience.

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.

People are saying

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

"The sushi service was so impeccable and welcoming."

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

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
Corner Cafe image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, family-owned spot offers a laid-back vibe with street-facing seating. Quick service delivers authentic Cantonese dishes, including the best-ever wontons in a large, fresh broth. Perfect for comfort food and casual dining.

Wor-Wonton Soup stands out with its fresh and tasty broth and large portion size. The wontons are warm and considered the best ever, making it a go-to for feeling under the weather.

People are saying

"The Chinese food here tastes homemade and authentic."

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

"I loved their warm wonton soup; it's the best."

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.

09
Huapangos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shines with colorful decor and a dog-friendly patio for a lively vibe. Tortilla soup offers a warm, delicious flavor that pairs well with enchiladas. Music shifts from loud and lively to cozy, matching the festive atmosphere.

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.

People are saying

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

"I plan to be back soon for the great outdoor seating."

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

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.

10
Maisa formerly Aladdin Hillcrest image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large indoor space with quaint decor and a cozy vibe suits those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors. Lentil soup is hearty and pairs well with wraps and salads. Outdoor patio with palm trees offers a pleasant dining setting.

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

People are saying

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

"I had the best falafel and hummus I've ever had."

"I enjoyed the flavorful lentil soup."

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.

11
DASHI image 1
Sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with fresh ingredients and creative specialty rolls in a warm, intimate setting. Red miso soup offers a rich flavor that complements dishes like Kalbi ribs and sashimi perfectly.

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.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the matcha flan; it's the best dessert I've ever had."

"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.

12
Dumplings N More image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, cozy spot with wooden tables and a warm vibe. Guests enjoy watching dumplings handmade through a window. Soups like hot and sour and braised beef offer rich, balanced flavors with fresh vegetables.

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.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's special was excellent and delicious."

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

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
HiroNori Craft Ramen image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small space with wood style design feels cozy but crowded. Broth stays hot with rich, flavorful taste and creamy tonkotsu soup, even in veggie options. Atmosphere is calming and intimate, perfect for quiet dining despite limited, uncomfortable seating.

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

People are saying

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

"The vegan ramen and gyoza here are flavorful and satisfying."

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

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.

14
White Elephant Asian Kitchen image 1

Quaint spot with a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxed meals. White Elephant noodle soup shines with house-made noodles and a spicy broth. Tom Kha soup offers a rich, textured flavor with mushrooms and vegetables.

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.

People are saying

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

"This Thai food's noodle soup has a super chewy noodle and flavorful broth."

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

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.

15
Baikohken Ramen image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small ramen shop offers an upscale yet cozy vibe with a clean, bright interior. Soup features a flavorful miso base with warm broth and chewy noodles. Atmosphere stays quiet and casual, perfect for relaxed meals with authentic flavors.

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

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.

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Hillcrest, San Diego

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