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Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Kensington, San Diego

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256 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
1. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(474)
$$$$
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 31 times today
Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.
A photo of Quixote restaurant
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2. Quixote
4.6
Exceptional(1789)
$$$$
• Mexican • North Park
Booked 63 times today
La Única Manera De Hacer Cara Cruz Es A Través DeLa Intuición
A photo of Flora - North Park restaurant
3. Flora - North Park
4.6
Exceptional(277)
$$$$
• American • North Park
Booked 73 times today
FLORA NORTH PARK BRUNCH: the latest refuge for brunch lovers and those daring enough to explore themselves—Flora, a cosmopolitan, farm-to-table gem that elevates each dish into an invitation for self-discovery. Flora North Park is an experience woven from thoughtfully curated ingredients, each food group inspiring you to explore different facets of yourself. Choose from dishes with classic, golden yolks to the unexpected.
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4. Cloak + Petal
4.7
Exceptional(1200)
$$$$
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 50 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
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5. Kettner Exchange
4.8
Exceptional(1712)
$$$$
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 53 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
6. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.8
Excellent(8313)
$$$$
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 134 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.To make your experience even more rewarding, don’t miss out on our new loyalty program, Friends With Benefits! Instantly unlock member status and get a free appetizer reward to enjoy during your next dining visit. Register today by visiting our website or ask your server for more details.
A photo of Lala restaurant
7. Lala
4.6
Exceptional(378)
$$$$
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 36 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of STK - San Diego restaurant
8. STK - San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3907)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 59 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Fortunate Son restaurant
9. Fortunate Son
4.6
Exceptional(483)
$$$$
• Chinese • North Park
Booked 28 times today
Among my chef friends and the epicurean elites, aka “foodies”, the conversation around great Chinese food was always centered around authenticity, with classic American Chinese takeout dishes not considered authentic. But, having grown up in the Chinese American restaurant my parents have worked at for the past 25 years, I’ve always seen it as a by-product of enormous creativity and ingenuity of Chinese Immigrants.
A photo of SONO restaurant
10. SONO
4.6
Exceptional(87)
$$$$
• Contemporary Italian • North Park
Booked 49 times today
From the team behind North Park’s beloved Flora, SONO is a modern Italian destination by husband-and-wife duo Ocean Mohamadi and Executive Chef Nino Cusimano. SONO—Italian for "I am"—celebrates identity and community through elevated classics from Sicily, Rome, and Naples. Enjoy house-made pastas, artisan pizzas, and tableside focaccia, all paired with a sophisticated, 1970s-glamour-inspired atmosphere and a seasonal, technique-driven cocktail program.Opening Saturday, March 14—join us for a new taste of North Park.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Maria Alejandra
    Mexico City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    In love with this place !! Ambience, food, music, service, everything!!
    More info
    Books + Records$$$$• American• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7
  • fernanda
    Orange County •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Was amazed by the staff! The vibe in there was really great as well and the food was also something I was super surprised about!
    More info
    Fortunate Son$$$$• Chinese• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • Miguel
    Baja California •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We decided to give this place a try, and I’m really glad we did. Don’t let any hesitation stop you from checking it out, it’s definitely worth a visit. The food was amazing overall, but the meat really stood out. It was cooked perfectly, juicy, flavorful, and exactly how you’d hope it to be. You can tell they put care into getting it just right. Also, you have to try the atun tartar. It was fresh, well-balanced, and absolutely delicious. Definitely recommend giving this spot a chance. You might end up loving it as much as we did!
    More info
    Carne & Hueso$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• North Park
    •
    4.9
  • EstelaGold
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent experience and customer service from Jesse and the waitress. Our family was entertained and loved the experience and service. The wagyu steak was very delicious and melts in your mouth when you take a bite. Overall I look forward to returning and enjoying more delicious and remarkable dishes and outstanding service.
    More info
    Benihana - San Diego, CA$$$$• Japanese• Mission Valley
    •
    3.8
  • Justin
    Denver / Colorado •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 22, 2026
    This is my favorite restaurant in San Diego. The ambiance is amazing - floor to ceiling tequila bottles staged like art, the food is AMAZING, and the service is impeccable. One of the few places I bring all my clients to when I’m in town.
    More info
    El Agave$$$$• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.7

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