Best American Restaurants in University Heights

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronado

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

151 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Kairoa Brewing Company restaurant

1. Kairoa Brewing Company

4.5

Awesome(103)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • University Heights

Kairoa is the culmination of our passion for food, beer and our original home country of New Zealand. The food is New Zealand comfort food mixed with southern Californian favorites. Nothing beats our New Zealand style smoked lamb fries and a crisp pilsner.Our mission is to create delicious beer and food that makes people feel at home in our modern farmhouse designed space, a nod to our family past. Enjoy our rooftop bar with friends while enjoying the sunset over the San Diego urban scenery.

2. Quixote

4.7

Exceptional(1224)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 53 times today

Quixote in North Park, San Diego is a culinary gem that beautifully captures the essence of American cuisine with a delightful twist. Known for its "amazing food" and "incredible service," Quixote offers a menu filled with creative and exciting dishes that push the boundaries of traditional American flavors. Diners rave about the "best guacamole ever" and the must-try "crab corn donut," highlighting the restaurant's innovative approach. The "impeccable ambiance" and "warm atmosphere" create a memorable dining experience, perfect for any occasion. Quixote's dedication to quality and authenticity makes it a standout choice for anyone seeking a unique American dining adventure.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

3. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4554)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 128 times today

Great Maple San Diego, nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Hillcrest, is a beacon of excellence in Contemporary American cuisine. This modern eatery is celebrated for its "outstanding" food and "exceptional" service, making it a favorite destination for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Diners rave about the delightful maple bacon donuts and "delectable" brisket hash, highlighting the creative use of fresh, local ingredients. Reviewers consistently praise the "huge portions" and "fantastic flavors," ensuring no one leaves hungry. With its inviting atmosphere and "friendly" staff, Great Maple offers a truly authentic and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of Contemporary American cuisine.

4. Starlite

4.7

Exceptional(248)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Mission Hills

Booked 93 times today

Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+

5. Trust Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1197)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 84 times today

We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

6. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.8

Exceptional(298)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 41 times today

Gravity Heights Mission Valley offers an exceptional Californian cuisine experience that perfectly marries the vibrant San Diego beer scene with a stellar dining experience. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this spacious brewpub is known for its "delicious food, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality." The expansive outdoor beer garden and inviting ambiance make it a perfect spot to enjoy the Californian flavors that diners rave about. Reviews highlight the "amazing place and food," with standout dishes like the "Golden Mustard Chicken wings" and the "Tikka Masala pot pie." It's a must-visit for anyone looking to savor authentic Californian cuisine.

7. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6733)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Little Italy

Booked 68 times today

Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

8. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.3

Awesome(831)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • North Park

Booked 59 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, authentic Creole cuisine takes center stage, delighting diners with "flavor-packed, perfectly seasoned" dishes that transport you straight to New Orleans. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, a New Orleans native, infuses each dish with his extensive knowledge and passion for Southern flavors, ensuring an experience that is both genuine and unforgettable. Guests rave about signature items like the "Alligator Cheesecake" and "Rasta Pasta," applauding the rich, bold tastes and generous portions. With its warm, vibrant atmosphere and exceptional service, Louisiana Purchase SD promises a truly memorable dining experience for anyone craving a taste of the South.

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

9. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.3

Awesome(1435)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 82 times today

Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

10. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.7

Exceptional(4706)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Little Italy

Booked 101 times today

Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mila
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Amazing thank you so much! Service is top , o my birthday was there ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ I really liked that place 😍😍😍😍😍
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Mission Hills
•
4.7
M
Michael
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The main course menu is very limited. There were 4 items the evening we dined there. The tapas menu had more to offer and we chose a couple each of them. The Ambiance was great, it’s a small venue and gets packed even mid week. We enjoyed dining there but CH group has better offerings around the city.
More info
QuixotePrice: Moderate• Mexican• North Park
•
4.7
A
AngelicaVIP
London •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Dining at Trust was an experience worth savoring. The food? Absolutely delicious—each bite was addictive, crafted with precision and packed with flavor. The service? Impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure every moment was seamless. Trust lives up to its name—you can count on an exceptional dining experience that leaves you already planning your next visit. Highly recommended!
More info
Trust RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• North Park
•
4.8
X
Xiyue
Alabama •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 10, 2025
Very good pancake and French toast logs. Service is good too.
More info
Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
•
4.8
TS
TypSD
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 8, 2020
Great food, great service. We sat at the rooftop on a beautiful, sunny day. It was really nice and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We took our 4 year old daughter. It’s very family and dog friendly.
More info
Kairoa Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Brewery• University Heights
•
4.5

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