Attention, food enthusiasts! More than 25 of Hillcrest's trendiest restaurants are opening their doors to showcase their delicious signature dishes. Whether you prefer cozy cafes, chic bistros, or upscale dining experiences, this self-guided culinary walking tour is the highlight of the year in San Diego! Prepare your taste buds for an exciting journey through Hillcrest, featuring Pad Thai, Sashimi, Italian Antipasto, and Classic American Comfort Food on the menu! So, round up your friends, enjoy the sunshine, and get ready for an unforgettable food adventure!


Join us for a FREE Mat Pilates Class hosted by S.H.I.F.T Pilates!

Experience a complimentary mat Pilates session at the HBA office from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM. This opportunity is exclusively available to those holding Taste of Hillcrest tickets.

This class combines the principles of Pilates with gentle somatic movements to promote ease, mobility, and a deeper connection within the body. Through slow, mindful exercises, you'll relieve tension, enhance body awareness, and improve functional movement. Suitable for all levels, this class is particularly beneficial for those seeking to alleviate stress, enhance posture, and enjoy greater freedom of movement.

Make sure to bring a yoga mat and water bottle. A limited number of yoga mats are available on a first come first serve basis if needed.


Will Call Locations

In order to prevent long lines at participating restaurants, guests have the option to select one of two check-in stations when they purchase their ticket. Guests who purchased tickets online must bring the printed ticket (or ticket saved to your phone) to their chosen Check-In Station to receive their official Event Map. Day of Tickets will be available at both check-in stations.

Check in locations:

  1. East Hillcrest location: Hillcrest Business Association: 1601 University Ave.

  2. Coming Soon!

After you have received your official Tasting Card and Event Map, enjoy your time in Fabulous Hillcrest! Since this is a self-guided walking tour, feel free to explore the neighborhood at your own leisure. We recommend starting from Park Boulevard and heading west to 3rd Avenue to avoid the crowds!


Ticketing

Indulge in the ultimate foodie experience at Taste of Hillcrest! Enjoy a flavorful journey through one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods, sampling delicious bites from top restaurants, cafés, and eateries.

Ticket Pricing Tiers:
Early Bird – $35 (Limited availability – get yours before they’re gone!)
General Admission – $40 (Standard pricing while supplies last)
Last Chance – $45 (Final tickets – don’t miss out!)

Secure your ticket today and treat your taste buds to an unforgettable culinary adventure!


Tips and Tricks for getting the most out of the Taste of Hillcrest.

We've got some exciting tips to help you get the most out of Taste of Hillcrest this year! Taste of Hillcrest is one of the oldest tasting events in the City and we want to make sure you get the most our of it.

Tip #1: Discover our two Will-Call locations. Checking into the event is easy. Bring your bar code on your phone or your printed ticket (you would have received an email) to one of our two will-call locations to get your map and ticket. The east location is at 1601 University (University and Herbert) and the second location comin soon.

Tip #2: Follow the balloons. Each of the participating locations at the event will be marked by white and orange balloons. They'll also have posters indicating what number location they are. So when you're walking through the neighborhood keep you eye out for the balloons to find your way.


2025 Locations

Sip & Sample: TBD

SIP: HIlcrest Specality Drink | Event Promo: Multiple sale racks, 20% off non sale styles

Sip: Wine Slushee | Event Promo: $7 slushees, $8 glasses of house wine

Sample: Cupcakes

Sip: Dirty Pearl | Event Promo: Bottle of House Wine $25

Baikohken Ramen - Sample: Shoyu Ramen

Sample: Brownies | Sip: Cold Brew Coffee

Sample: French onion soup

SIP: TBD

Sip: TBD

Sip: Kava

Sample: HIlcrest Specality Drink

Sample: red wine braised beef | Sip: wine paring | Event promo: buy one drink get one 50% off d

SAMPLE: TBD

Sample: TBD

Sip: Cookie Butter coffee

Sample: 1 oz ice cream cone

SAmple: Taco | Sip: Margarita

SIP: HIlcrest Specality Drink

Sample: TBD

SIP: TBD | Event promo: 10% off day of only

SAMPLE & SIP: TBD

SIP: TBD | Event Promo: 15% off April 11-14 with code: TASTEHILLCREST

Sample: Crostini & Bruscetta, Brownie Bite and/or Walnut Bar | event promo: discounted loaves

Sample: Chocolate Chip Cookie

SIP: TBD | Event Promo: 20% off purchases

SIP: TBD | Event promo: 10% OFF your first item! 20% OFF your second item!

Sample: Cookies

Sample: Flautas

Sample: Wings

Your business can participate in the 2025 Taste of Hillcrest!

2024 Participating Locations: Mostra Coffee, Tavola Nostra, US Bank, HOB Coffee, Gelabong, Green Fresh Florals, Furniture Saj, Candy Pushers, Gossip Grill, Barrel & Board, & Bar, Number One on Fifth, Prager Brothers, Hillcrest Brewing, AWOL, HillCrust Pizza, Baikohken Ramen, NOLA on 5th, Kava Collective, Crest Cafe, Creme de la Crepe, Flicks, Cork & Stem, Starry Lane Bakery, Oseas Villatoro, Baja Betty’s, The Secret Barbershop, Handle’s Ice Cream, Gioia’s Room Boutique, MO’s Bar & Grill, Babycakes, ACE Hardware, Lestat’s

2023 Participating Locations: Hairspray, Tavola Nostra, Ramen Ryoma, Furn Saji, Gossip Grill, Kafe at the Abpopa, Barrel & Board, & Bar, Fruitcraft, Menya Ultra, Sweet Stop, Chiefy Cafe, Handel’s Ice Cream, Creme de La Crepe, Tacas, Nola on 5th, Tacaliente, Crest Cafe, Number One on Fifth, Don Cabron Tacos & Chelas, DiTorr, Flicks, Green Fresh Florals, Our Green Affair, HillCrust Pizza, Gioia’s Room Boutique, AWOL, Lestat’s, Candy Pushers, happyfastdelicious, Urban Mo’s, Baja Betty’s, ACE Hardware, Babycakes


Media 2024.

Press release: February 2024 // Photos and graphics