7 Best Restaurants in North Park, San Diego

The doughnuts at Nomad are big, fluffy, colorful, and would make Homer Simpson drool. Its rotating menu of internationally inspired doughnut flavors is made with natural ingredients, like real fruit, and almost all of them have a vegan counterpart as well. Just make sure to show up early—doughnuts this good don't stick around for long.

This long-standing North Park coffee roaster and café expands its evening offerings to include local beer, wine, and Italian-style cocktails.

The exterior of Communal Coffee reads "Coffee + Flowers," and though that's not the name of the café, it's also not inaccurate—you actually can pick up a bouquet while you're there. But while there's plenty to keep patrons occupied—including a curated selection of housewares, books, and chocolates—the main attraction is still the fresh-brewed coffee and flaky, buttery pastries.

Reopened after a recent remodel, this North Park spot is an authentic and eclectic stop for barbecue—both Texas-style and Argentine—with patio dining to preserve the feeling of a backyard fete, even if someone else is cooking. Meat is served by the pound (or half- or quarter-pound—there's no minimum order when you're selecting between brisket, hot links, smoked turkey or ribs) or available as a sandwich, for those who prefer some carbs with their protein.

The concept behind Tribute Pizza initially seems like a gimmick—each wood-fired oven baked pizza is a "tribute" to one at another famous pizzeria, whether in Brooklyn, Texas, or even Costco. But however campy in their presentation, the "Neo-Neapolitan" pizzas at the spacious, modern restaurant—which is housed in a converted former post office—are among the best in town, whether made from all-vegan ingredients or smothered in spicy salami.

A 5,000-square-foot brick-and-wood industrial-style dining room and bar attracts hip young locals who chow down on thin-crust New Haven–style pies, fresh salads, cheese boards, and chicken wings. It can get loud and crowded at times, but is always festive for groups—first dates, not so much.