The 10 Best Restaurants In North Park, San Diego

Sierra Brown

North Park is a neighborhood in San Diego, a city known for its many attractions including Balboa Park. North Park is a lively and culturally diverse area, and it is a good place to eat out, home to a variety of restaurants including traditional diners, Italian and Thai restaurants and more. Here’s a list to 10 of the best restaurants in the area.

North Park

1. Urban Solace

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan

Urban Solace is a modern American restaurant that serves a unique selection of meals, wines and handmade cocktails. On Sundays they serve their famous Bluegrass Brunch. They are committed to using the best products available to create their unique and extensive menu. From pork to chicken and a range of burgers, all their meats are top quality, and the seafood adheres to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch list. This restaurant does everything with care, from their handmade syrups for cocktails and their delicious meals to their attentive service.

2. The Mission

Restaurant, Cafe, Coffee Shop, Asian, American

Mission Croissant
© Larry/Flickr
At The Mission they pride themselves on serving simple yet healthy and tasty food, presented in creative ways. The restaurant promotes healthy dining in a pleasant surrounding. It provides a laid back setting with a lively décor, large bright windows and eye catching artworks. The unique menu features everything from classic pancakes to modern Chino-Latino dishes. This is a favorite among locals and has gained both local and national recognition winning various awards.

3. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

Restaurant, French, American

The Smoking Goat Restaurant is a family owned restaurant that serves local and sustainable foods to the North Park community and visitors. Stop by on their special days and make your experience extra enjoyable. Wine Wednesdays offer half price selected bottles of wine, and every 3rd Thursday they offer 20 percent off aperitifs and craft cocktails all night. The Smoking Goat also hosts North Park After Dark, a quarterly event that promotes North Park businesses. They also have a fun event for Restaurant Week, where an exclusive three course meal menu is offered.

4. Alexander's

Restaurant, Italian, American

Macaroni & cheese with duck confit
© Ernesto Andrade/Flickr
Alexander’s is a high end restaurant which serves rich Italian dishes. They offer a variety of appetizers, salads, pizzas, pastas, and more. The restaurant provides excellent service in a warm and inviting environment. Alexander’s is a popular restaurant, so reserve your table to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience.

5. Carnitas' Snack Shack

Restaurant, American, Vegetarian, Vegan, Fast Food

Carnitas Snack Shack - North Park, San Diego
Carnitas’ Snack Shack serves American pork dishes, snacks, and craft beers. Over the years the chefs and their restaurant have earned the respect of their colleagues through their hard work, dedication and creativity. Their menu changes daily because they use produce from local farmers, bakers, and vineyards. The poultry served in their restaurant is raised sustainably and ethically. Their pork comes from Salmon Creek Farms, which provides good nutrition, clean environments and humane treatment to their hogs.

6. Il Postino

Bar, Restaurant, Italian, Seafood

Il Postino serves Italian meals for lunch and dinner. The restaurant provides customers with an intimate setting, perfect for a business meeting or a one-on-one evening. Their menu features a selection of wines from all over the world. Il Postino caters for groups and parties, and it features sports and other events in their big screens daily. They also have happy hour deals everyday. You can enjoy your drink at the bar counter or relax on a couch in the lounge area.

7. Rudford's Restaurant

Diner, Restaurant, American

Rudfords diner
© matthew torres/Flickr
Rudford’s has been serving its home style cooking since 1949. This landmark restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Stop by any day of the week and take your pick from classic appetizers, burgers, and salads. Customers’ favorites include Rudford’s pork chops, biscuits and gravy, and chicken dishes. The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere and is decorated in the style of a diner. This is a great place to sit down and chat with family and friends while enjoying their classic American meals.

8. El Comal Mexican Restaurant

Restaurant, Mexican, Vegetarian

El Comal Mexican Restaurant has been serving its customers quality Mexican food for over 12 years. They pride themselves on introducing their guests to authentic Mexican cuisine and traditions. El Comal has a lengthy menu full of the different flavors of Mexico, including authentic Mexican breakfast, soup, casseroles, tacos, chicken and fish meals. Their dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and they offer various vegetarian options.

9. Street Side Thai Kitchen

Restaurant, Thai

Drunken Noodles w/chicken
© Joe Wolf/Flickr
Street Side Thai Kitchen offers an extensive menu of Thai dishes. They have lunch specials daily, and guests can choose from a generous list of starters, soup, salad, meats, rice and noodles for dinner. The restaurant serves the popular seasonal dessert of sticky rice with mango. Whether you’re in the mood for chicken or shrimp, spicy or savory, soup or salad, Street Side Thai Kitchen has something for all tastes.

10. Waypoint Public

Restaurant, Gastropub, American

Waypoint Public has been recognized as one of the Best New Beer Restaurants in the U.S. by Draft Magazine, and has been named San Diego’s Best Beer Restaurant by West Coaster. They showcase a lineup of 100 bottled craft beers from all over the world. Waypoint Public also offers great food on its seasonal menu, which includes its famous Po’ Boy tacos with fried oysters, Carlsbad black mussels and slow cooked pork belly, and the Waypoint Public burger topped with pulled pork and a fried egg. You can enjoy their meals ans drinks in the Bear Den, which is also available for special events.

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