5 Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in San Diego to Try

San Diego, renowned for its beautiful coastline, also boasts a culinary scene filled with hidden gem restaurants.

Here are the five best hidden gem restaurants in San Diego that you need to explore.

Himitsu

Himitsu offers authentic Japanese sushi with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients in an intimate setting.

Try their Omakase, a chef’s selection of seasonal sushi and sashimi.

Order the Tuna Tataki, featuring seared tuna with a tangy ponzu sauce.

Their Matcha Mochi, sweet rice cakes filled with green tea ice cream, are a delightful treat. 

Himitsu’s refined dishes and cozy atmosphere make it a standout.

Fort Oak

Fort Oak serves modern American cuisine with a focus on wood-grilled dishes and seasonal ingredients in a chic, industrial setting.

Try their Grilled Octopus, tender and smoky with a rich romesco sauce.

Order the Roasted Bone Marrow, featuring rich marrow and crispy toasted bread.

Their Olive Oil Cake, moist and flavorful with a citrus glaze, is a perfect dessert. 

Fort Oak’s inventive dishes and stylish vibe make it a local favorite.

Trust

Trust offers contemporary American fare with a focus on shareable plates and fresh, local ingredients in a trendy setting.

Try their Wood-Grilled Broccolini, smoky and topped with tangy lemon vinaigrette.

Order the Pork Shoulder, slow-cooked and tender with a rich jus.

Their Cinnamon Roll Bread Pudding, warm and spiced with a sweet glaze, is a must-try dessert. 

Trust’s bold flavors and cool atmosphere make it a top choice.

Cueva Bar

Cueva Bar combines Latin American flavors with a focus on small plates and craft beer in a cozy, welcoming environment.

Try their Patatas Bravas, crispy potatoes with a spicy aioli.

Order the Beef Empanadas, featuring tender beef and savory spices in a flaky shell.

Their Flan, creamy and rich with a hint of caramel, is a delightful dessert. 

Cueva Bar’s unique dishes and inviting vibe make it a hidden gem.

Den hedon

Kettner Exchange offers modern American and Asian-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in a chic, rooftop setting.

Try their Yellowtail Poke, fresh yellowtail with avocado and a tangy soy dressing.

Order the Shishito Peppers, smoky and topped with a sesame glaze.

Their Yuzu Cheesecake, light and tangy with a graham cracker crust, is a must-try dessert. 

Kettner Exchange’s inventive dishes and upscale vibe make it a must-visit.