Mission Hills is a neighborhood of hills and heritage: missions, churches, palm-lined streets, and, now, a glorious food scene on the rise. Perched above the harbor, a 65-acre stretch of Mission Hills was purchased for just $16.25 in 1869 by Captain Henry James Johnston. His grandson, Henry Leverett Miller, shaped it into the Mission Hills subdivision in 1908, grading roads and planting the now-iconic palms.
With investors like famed horticulturist Kate Sessions linking the trolley line to Fort Stockton, the area quickly became a coveted enclave. For decades, it stayed that way—exclusive, manicured, and largely reserved for white, affluent San Diegans through racially restrictive land policies finally ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1948.
But today, that legacy is being rewritten, plate by plate. Mission Hills’ food scene now reflects a neighborhood transformed—one that’s bold, inventive, sustainable, and rooted in cultural respect.
Thanks to deep ties with Mexican border towns and an influx of visionary chefs and restaurateurs, 21st-century Mission Hills is flipping its past on its head. What was once closed off is now open to influence—from immigrant stories, international traditions, and next-gen visions.
How diverse is it? Consider these standout spots, each one telling a chapter of Mission Hills’ evolving story through flavor.
Wolf In The Woods
Carne Adovada
Named our Best Restaurant of the Year in 2024, Wolf in the Woods—from Hash House a Go Go and Great Maple mastermind Johnny Rivera—is one of San Diego’s most acclaimed spots: a European-style wine bar and bistro infused with New Mexican flavors. The standout from chef Carmine Lopez is braised pork shoulder slow-cooked in red Hatch chile sauce, topped with fresh onion and cilantro, and served with fry bread. It’s earthy, 2balanced, and deeply satisfying.
Farmer’s Bottega
Bottega Stack
No visit to Mission Hills is complete without a stop at Farmer’s Bottega, where fluffy scrambled eggs do the talking. They come tangled with bacon, scallions, and Anaheim chiles; layered over crispy fried corn tortillas and melted jack cheese; and drenched in salsas verde and roja, with a drizzle of Oaxacan cream to bring it all together. Bold and comforting, it’s a meal that feels like home, no matter what part of the city you’re from.
La Puerta
Ranchero Shrimp Street Tacos
Average street tacos are a yawn. But these aren’t any street tacos. Picture sautéed, spiced shrimp doused in ranchero sauce; topped with cabbage, crema, and cilantro; and served in a dog-friendly, neighbor-loved spot filled with eclectic art (Willie, Dolly, and Bowie appear on the walls and the menu). Lush, jungle-like greenery climbs the walls. Plus, the staff is genuinely welcoming—the kind who remember your go-to drink: the famous Demon Fire, a vibrant mix of La Puerta mezcal, gin, carrot, chile, and lime. Add a daily happy hour from 3 to 5 p.m., and it’s no wonder this place is the neighborhood’s favorite place to hang.
Cardellino
Spicy Rigatoni
Blending American chophouse chutzpah with the rustic soul of a Tuscan trattoria, Cardellino is a neighborhood standout. The dish to get? Handmade rigatoni in a rich vodka sauce. It may sound simple, but it delivers a deep, comforting sense of place in every bite.
Fort Oak
40-Day Dry-Aged Ribeye
Michelin Guide–featured and an SDM 2023 critic’s pick for Best Restaurant, chef Brad Wise’s prettiest spot is equal parts refined and magnetic, thanks to oyster deals on Mondays, inspired craft cocktails, warm sourdough with house-cultured butter, and a menu that feels both effortless and exceptional. The headliner is a 40-day dry-aged ribeye that defines indulgence. Rich; smoky; perfectly charred; and served with whipped potatoes, salsa macha, and a flurry of fresh cilantro, it’s the kind of meal that turns a night out into a celebration.
Kettle & Stone Café
Simply Avocado Toast
Mornings feel a little softer at Kettle & Stone. Shelves lined with jewelry, textiles, and antique furniture create a space that draws Gen Z and Gen X alike into its warm, eclectic charm. The toast menu is unfussy but elevated. Get the Simply Avocado, topped with a drizzle of olive oil, pink peppercorns, and everything bagel seasoning. Pair it with a comforting, stylish specialty latte—there is Turkish, violet, and more.
The Red Door
Lamb Shank
Milan-born chef Luciano Cibelli’s signature braised lamb shank is a star: tender, slow-cooked perfection paired with butternut squash risotto; finished in a rich port wine reduction; and brightened with a traditional Milanese gremolata of parsley, garlic, and lemon. Sustainably sourced ingredients and impeccable service have made The Red Door a go-to favorite among locals in the know.
Izakaya Masa
Hakata Ramen
For over two decades, Izakaya Masa has quietly served what many consider the best Japanese ramen in Mission Hills—if not all of San Diego. Tucked into what might be Mission Hills’ smallest restaurant, this no-frills gem draws nightly lines for its rich, original tonkotsu broth topped with tender sliced pork, fried garlic, seaweed, and a pop of red ginger. A neighborhood institution hiding in plain sight.
PARTNER CONTENT
What De Health Thai
Tom Kha
Just across from the beloved Meshuggah Shack, this newer addition to Mission Hills offers a fresh take on healthy, Thai-inspired fare. The tom kha soup is the go-to—fragrant galangal root, lemongrass, makrut lime leaves, and chili oil come together in a crisp, citrus-infused broth. For a lighter touch, the tofu and vegetable versions offer a clear, crisp alternative to the classic chicken or shrimp options. The open-concept space is inviting and inclusive, with a focus on families and pets.
Deep Dish
Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria
With music on Fridays and local kids pitching in part-time, Lefty’s is the heart of the Mission Hills. Chicago-born owner Lauren Hodson, a familiar face and a force in the local culinary world, brings a deep cut of the Windy City to SD. Whether it’s a big game, a kid’s birthday, or a family gathering, the spacious back patio at Lefty’s is where the neighborhood gathers to celebrate. The menu is a no-nonsense affair, with crispy fries and the iconic Chicago-style pizza featuring a thick, buttery crust; a rich, hearty sauce; and a generous pile of toppings.
