Trust

The story

Trust Restaurant San Diego – Wood-Fired American Fare in Hillcrest, Michelin Recommended

Wood-Fired, New American Fare

In San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, Trust is a restaurant that lives up to its name. The kitchen, led by owner and chef Brad Wise, fires its dishes over an open flame, turning simple ingredients into something compelling. The menu is built around shared plates, a style that encourages connection—between diners, and between the kitchen and the table. The Michelin Guide has recognized this approach, awarding Trust a recommendation in its 2026 edition.

Trust describes itself as a neighborhood restaurant at heart, a place for the community to gather. The cooking is rooted in seasonality and relationships with local farmers. Bold flavors are cooked simply, with a focus on the smoky, charred character that only live fire can deliver. The result is food that feels both familiar and new, pushing gently into the unknown.

Chef Brad Wise and the Open Flame

Brad Wise’s path to cooking began in a pizza shop in Cape May, New Jersey. A move to California introduced him to Santa Maria-style grilling, and he became obsessed with the drama and spontaneity of live fire. That obsession became his signature. Before opening Trust in 2016, he was executive chef at JRDN and Belmont Park. He quietly cultivated investors, hosting tastings at his home, and the restaurant opened to a warm reception. Neighbors filled the dining room, and awards followed—including Chef of the Year from the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Wise’s cooking style is on full display here: wood-grilled vegetables, rustic entrees, and a wine and cocktail program carefully curated to enhance each dish. The service is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and warm.

A Place to Gather

Trust’s atmosphere is welcoming, unpretentious. The dining room is designed for conversation, with counter seating and outdoor tables available. It’s the kind of place where a glass of wine becomes a vehicle for the food, and the staff is passionate about what they do. Whether you stop in for brunch on a weekend or a leisurely dinner, the experience is built around genuine hospitality.