Trust is chef Brad Wise’s New American restaurant on Park Boulevard in Hillcrest, built around a wood-fired hearth and a menu that changes with the seasons. Since opening in 2016, it has become one of the neighborhood’s go-to spots for a polished dinner, a lively weekend brunch, or a well-made cocktail at the bar.
The room pairs warm wood, leather banquettes, and an open kitchen, so the glow and crackle of the wood-burning grill and oven set the mood. Wise, who later opened Fort Oak and Rare Society, cooks dishes meant for sharing. Expect smoke-kissed vegetables, house pastas, and grilled meats and seafood, with local farm produce driving the changes. The bar mixes inventive seasonal cocktails and pours a thoughtful wine list. Weekend brunch brings a more casual, social energy than the candlelit dinner service.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Reserve ahead for Friday and Saturday dinners and for weekend brunch, when tables fill quickly. Early weekday evenings are calmer and suit a quieter date night. Solo diners and walk-ins can try for bar seats. Because the menu rotates, ask your server which dishes just arrived and consider ordering several plates to share. Street parking on Park Boulevard and nearby side streets is limited, so rideshare or MTS buses along Park Boulevard are easier options. Balboa Park sits a short drive south for a pre-dinner stroll. Check hours and the current menu online before you go.
