01
Best overall pick
Trust Restaurant
Uptown Near Balboa Park • Wood-Fired New American Restaurant • Upscale Neighborhood Favorite
Refined but relaxed, Trust builds its menu around a wood-fired grill and seasonal ingredients.
Trust is the place Hillcrest residents book when they want to impress out-of-town friends without feeling stuffy. Plates are designed for sharing, from charred vegetables and house-made sausages to standout pastas and a strong pastry program. The lively dining room and polished service make it feel special while still very much like a neighborhood spot.
02
Best comfort-food brunch
Crest Cafe
Central Hillcrest • Colorful All-Day Diner And Cafe • Local Comfort-Food Institution
A quirky, neon-trimmed diner turning out big, satisfying plates from breakfast through late night.
Crest Cafe has been fueling Hillcrest for decades with towering French toast, hearty scrambles, and old-school comfort dishes. The menu leans indulgent—think burgers, meatloaf, and milkshakes—but there are lighter options and plenty of coffee for slow mornings. It’s the sort of place where solo diners, families, and night owls all feel at home in a booth.
03
Best for date night
Arrivederci
Hillcrest Along University Avenue • Cozy Traditional Italian Trattoria • Classic Pasta And Wine Spot
Dim lighting, closely set tables, and generous bowls of pasta make Arrivederci a go-to for a classic Italian evening.
Arrivederci delivers the kind of old-world Italian experience that never really goes out of style. Expect a long list of pastas, veal and chicken specialties, and a compact but well-chosen wine list poured generously. The warm, slightly bustling room feels intimate without being too formal, ideal for lingering over espresso after dinner.
04
Best patio scene
insideOUT
Hillcrest Near Pride Plaza • Stylish Californian Restaurant And Cocktail Bar • See-And-Be-Seen Patio Pick
A sleek, poolside-style courtyard setting paired with creative cocktails and seasonal California plates.
insideOUT is as much about the setting as the food, with a sunken courtyard, water features, and a design-forward feel that fits Hillcrest’s nightlife energy. The menu leans fresh and colorful, with shareable small plates and mains that pair well with the bar’s cocktails and spritzes. It’s a popular choice before a night out or for a celebratory brunch with friends.
05
Best quick bite
Bronx Pizza
Hillcrest South Of Washington Street • No-Frills New York-Style Slice Shop • Casual Grab-And-Go Favorite
Thin-crust slices served on paper plates in a bare-bones room that focuses on one thing: great pizza.
Bronx Pizza is the neighborhood’s answer to an East Coast slice joint, with big foldable slices and whole pies ready for pickup. The space is stripped-down—order at the counter, grab a seat if you can, and dig in—but the crust and toppings keep the place busy all day. It’s an easy stop after a bar crawl or when you need something fast before heading across town.