You know that feeling when you come across something, or somewhere, that is more than it appears at first glance? I love that. It’s like learning a secret or opening a present. One of the most enchanting little restaurants in Southern California that is exactly like that. From the street, insideOUT in San Diego, CA, looks like a cozy and elegant little restaurant - without a doubt, a spot worth checking out - but once you get inside, you will discover that it is an unexpected urban oasis, and you are going to want to spend a little time here.

Located in San Diego’s Hillcrest neighborhood, insideOUT touts itself as a casual elegant restaurant and lounge with a focus on guest-focused hospitality.

The name of this chic eatery quite perfectly describes the design of the restaurant, with the interior dining area flowing seamlessly into a picturesque al fresco dining space, separated by the long bar with seating available on both sides.

A cozy and elegant dining room stretches along the front of the restaurant between the glass front wall and the bar.

The striking red Eitol Towers luxury apartment complex creates a visually stunning backdrop for the outdoor space of this one-of-a-kind restaurant.

The expansive open-air atrium features tables spaced comfortably along ramped and terraced pathways that flow up from a pretty water feature at the base by the bar up through the courtyard. The outdoor dining space is filled with lovely greenery, creating an oasis-like environment with twinkling and colored lights that come up throughout as the sun goes down.

The menu is filled with creative California and Meditteranean-inspired dishes and is updated seasonally to make use of locally sourced ingredients. Fresh, complex flavors are combined with meticulous attention to detail and beautiful presentation for an elevated dining experience.

In addition to dinner Tuesday through Saturday, insideOUT offers an attractive weekend brunch menu with savory options like Lemon Avocado Toast, Monte Cristo, Filet and Eggs, Smoked Salmon Scramble, and more. If sweet is your thing, you cannot beat the Italian Breakfast with a double espresso and mini donuts filled with Nutella and pastry cream (also a perfectly sweet ending to a savory meal!)

There is a long list of craft cocktails, including a couple of yummy mocktails, as well as wine and beer, and a great happy hour offered Tuesday through Friday.

Throughout the year, insideOUT takes things to a whole new level with incredible themed pop-up installations that completely transform the space.

Whether you live in San Diego and are looking for a little date spot, a brunch with friends, or a place to celebrate a special occasion, or you are visiting the city looking for the coolest places to visit, it is worth planning a meal at this urban oasis. Have you been to this San Diego gem? Tell us what you think in the comments. Find menus and hours, make your reservation, or plan a party on the insideOUT website, and keep up with news and events by following insideOUT on Facebook. If you are looking for a place to stay in the area for a weekend getaway, check out the incredibly charming and historic Lafayette Hotel.