Best Spanish Restaurants in Kensington, San Diego

Price

€€
€€€
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Regions

North San Diego

San Diego

Tijuana

Areas

Carlsbad

Del Mar

Downtown

Encinitas

La Jolla

North Park

Top Rated

Charming

Dog-friendly

Fancy

Good for business meals

Good for groups

Good for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

12 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Origen

4.7

Exceptional(112)

€€€€

• Spanish • North Park

Booked 60 times today

Inspired by the Mexican coast, Origen offers a contemporary dining experience where bold flavors, seasonal ingredients, and handcrafted cocktails come together in a warm, design-forward space. Our menu highlights fresh seafood, premium meats, house-made tortillas, and modern interpretations of regional Mexican cuisine. Whether you're joining us for date night, cocktails with friends, or a celebration, Origen is designed to be an experience worth shari

A photo of Nomade Tapas and Records restaurant

2. Nomade Tapas and Records

4.8

Exceptional(52)

€€€€

• Spanish • North Park

Booked 29 times today

Nómade Tapas & Records is a global small-plates restaurant in North Park, San Diego, inspired by the vibe and spirit of a Spanish tapas and wine bar. The menu features tapas and dishes from around the world, served in a cozy, music-forward space with curated vinyl and natural wines.

3. Barra Oliba

4.6

Exceptional(88)

€€€€

• Spanish • Downtown

Booked 24 times today

We are an ingredient driven neighborhood bistro and tapas bar cooking classic dishes from Northern Spain with sustainable ingredients. Our wine list highlights top vintners from Spain and France, from tiny producers to recognized chateaus and bodegas with sustainable practices. We offer a wide array of dishes, from small classic tapas to specialty mediterranean rice dishes and carefully elaborated raw-sushi grade and cooked seafood. We believe traditional cooking is the way forward. We stay clear of seed oils and ultra-processed ingredients to preserve the flavor and health qualities of food

4. Tapas & Beers

5.0

Exceptional(621)

€€€€

• Spanish • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

Nestled in the historic Spreckels building in Downtown San Diego, Tapas & Beers is a shining example of authentic Farm-to-table cuisine. Revered for its fresh and mostly organic ingredients, everything on their menu is crafted from scratch to order, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Guests rave about the "wonderful experience" and "fantastic food," highlighting the extraordinary flavors of French and Spanish classics with a fresh twist. The restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity is evident in every dish, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Whether you’re savoring their tapas or indulging in larger plates, Tapas & Beers promises a memorable meal that celebrates the bounty of local farms.

A photo of Telefèric Barcelona - La Jolla restaurant

5. Telefèric Barcelona - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(111)

€€€€

• Spanish • San Diego

Booked 106 times today

Telefèric Barcelona sits at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, San Diego. The Padrosa family — pioneers of the pintxos movement in Catalonia — opened their first restaurant near Barcelona in 1992. Executive Chef Oscar Cabezas leads the kitchen: tapas and pintxos made for sharing, seafood paella made to order with socarrat, jamón ibérico de bellota sliced to order, and 100+ Spanish wines selected by Catalonian sommeliers. Certified Quality Restaurant from Spain.A lively pick for date nights, birthday dinners, and group celebrations in La Jolla — sangria by the pitcher, paella presented tableside for two, and a dining room designed by co-founder Maria Padrosa. Happy hour runs Monday through Thursday, 3–5 PM, with special prices on signature drinks and tapas at the bar.For groups, the private dining space hosts birthday celebrations, company dinners, and holiday parties for the UTC and La Jolla area, with set menus and full event coordination.A trip to Spain, no passport required!

A photo of Captain’s Quarters restaurant

6. Captain’s Quarters

4.8

Exceptional(182)

€€€€

• Spanish • Pacific Beach

Booked 20 times today

Captain’s Quarters in Pacific Beach, San Diego, is a cocktail bar that sails beyond expectations with its exceptional gin-focused creations and innovative spirit blends. Guests are captivated by the “amazing interior” and “super cool ambiance” that transports them to a nautical adventure. The talented bartenders, like Celia and Austin, craft “really great cocktails” that keep patrons coming back for more. The Beverage Director, Eric Johnson, showcases a delightful twist on classics with rum, mezcal, and more, ensuring a “delicious” experience for every palate. With its “creative and cozy” decor and “top cocktails in the beach,” it's a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.

A photo of Beeside Balcony La Jolla restaurant

7. Beeside Balcony La Jolla

4.2

Awesome(320)

€€€€

• Spanish • La Jolla

Booked 31 times today

Beeside Balcony La Jolla offers a delightful Mediterranean culinary experience that transports diners straight to the coastal regions of the Mediterranean. This hidden gem in La Jolla Village, CA, is renowned for its "exceptional" cuisine, blending Spanish and Italian flavors with a hint of Parisian flair, thanks to Chef Christophe's rich culinary heritage. The menu, featuring dishes like the "fantastic baked oysters" and "amazing Baklava dessert," highlights the freshest local ingredients, ensuring authenticity and quality. Diners rave about the "wonderful service" and "breathtaking ocean views" from the balcony, making it a must-visit for those seeking a truly special dining experience.

A photo of Beeside Balcony Del Mar restaurant

8. Beeside Balcony Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(1628)

€€€€

• Spanish • Del Mar

Booked 43 times today

Beeside Balcony Del Mar offers a delightful Mediterranean culinary experience, nestled in the charming seaside town of Del Mar, CA. This hidden gem boasts a "relaxed seaside chic décor" complemented by breathtaking ocean views from its covered balcony. Chef Christophe, a third-generation chef with Spanish and Italian roots, infuses his rich heritage and fine dining expertise into every dish. Diners rave about the "shrimp linguine" and the "creative rosemary feta fries," highlighting the restaurant's ability to blend traditional flavors with a modern twist. The "excellent octopus" and "delicious salmon entree" are standout selections that showcase the authenticity and quality of Beeside Balcony’s Mediterranean offerings.

9. Bar Traza

4.7

Exceptional(176)

€€€€

• Spanish • Carlsbad

Booked 6 times today

Overlooking the hills of La Costa and the resort's lush golf courses, Bar Traza offers Spanish inspired plates in a vibrant setting. Our talented culinary team has developed an eclectic menu featuring local, organic ingredients. Be sure to try one (or several) uniquely profiled drinks and embark on a cocktail discovery that is comforting yet adventurous.

10. CTZN

4.6

Exceptional(206)

€€€€

• Spanish • Solana Beach

Booked 32 times today

Basque spirit, California soul.CTZN is a modern Basque bistro and cocktail bar where Basque tradition meets California energy. Expect pintxo-style plates, expressive cocktails, and a warm, communal atmosphere inspired by Northern Spain, Southern France, and the California coast.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Michael
West Palm Beach •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
This place is amazing. One of my favorites in San Diego!
More info
Barra Oliba$$$$• Spanish• Downtown
•
4.6
M
MichaelGold
San Diego •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
They do a fabulous job taking care of their customers and provide great food and great service. The servers (the owners) are slammed on theatre nights, but they get it done efficiently and with a smile on their faces. Always a great experience!!!!
More info
Tapas & Beers$$$$• French• Downtown
•
5
E
Emily K
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
We love this place — the food, staff, and atmosphere are wonderful. We have had the opportunity to try some lovely wines from Mexico that they keep on the menu. Casual, comfortable, and upscale at the same time.
More info
Origen$$$$• Contemporary Mexican• North Park
•
4.7
J
Jocelyn
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Had an amazing dinner experience here. We ordered 6 different tapas to share for our table and every single one was outstanding! The presentation of each one was also beautifully done. They have a ton of fun drinks and a wonderful wine list. Our service was impeccable and they gave each of us a free taste of prickly pear juice using a Spanish porrón at the end of our meal! Fun place with energetic music and beautiful decor.
More info
Telefèric Barcelona - La Jolla$$$$• Spanish• San Diego
•
4.4
P
PattieGold
Los Angeles •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
This place is a very pleasant surprise! I stumbled across it online, looking for a central place to meet some friends. The service was great, the ambiance was lively and fun, and the food was delicious! We will definitely be back.
More info
Nomade Tapas and Records$$$$• European• North Park
•
4.8

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University City/Golden Triangle
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