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Best Authentic Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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98 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
1. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3867)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 154 times today
JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(2805)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 28 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Catania restaurant
3. Catania
4.8
Exceptional(2167)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 45 times today
Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)
A photo of The Marine Room restaurant
4. The Marine Room
4.7
Exceptional(8482)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 76 times today
For generations of San Diegans, the “Seahorse” symbol of The Marine Room has long stood for its dramatic on-the-surf location and California coastal cuisine. Considering this rare blend of culinary excellence, uncompromising service and beachfront setting, it’s no wonder The Marine Room has become a true San Diego landmark. We invite you to San Diego's iconic dining destination and experience how each tide brings something new to The Marine Room. You’re not reserving a table – you’re joining a 80-year tradition.
A photo of Duke's La Jolla restaurant
5. Duke's La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(6839)
Price: Moderate
• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla
Booked 208 times today
We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
6. Le Coq
4.5
Awesome(499)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 20 times today
Le Coq is James Beard Best Chef finalist Tara Monsod’s French Asian steakhouse. Inspired by the modern Parisian culinary landscape, Chef Tara reimagines classic French dishes through an Asian American lens—layering brightness, umami, and spice into every plate. The menu is grounded in fresh ingredients from local waters and farmers markets, with unexpected riffs that celebrate Tara’s upbringing. Set inside a historic building in downtown La Jolla, Le Coq pairs raw brick and steel trusses with the plush glamour of a 1970s supper club.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
7. La Dolce Vita Ristorante
4.8
Exceptional(1235)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.
A photo of Piazza 1909 restaurant
8. Piazza 1909
4.7
Exceptional(878)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 13 times today
Experience Authentic Italian Cuisine at Piazza 1909 in La Jolla!Located in the heart of La Jolla near [landmark], Piazza 1909 offers a true taste of Italy. Enjoy Chef Stefano’s award-nominated cuisine, featuring homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and organic, free-range meats. Must-try dishes include Grandma Bice’s homemade lasagna, seafood pasta, branzino, and cotoletta alla milanese.What truly sets Piazza 1909 apart? We’re a family-owned restaurant where friends work together to provide exceptional hospitality and team service. Chef Stefano has been nominated Best Italian Chef in La Jolla, as well as our fresh pasta!***Why Visit Us?✅ Dinner: Tuesday–Sunday | Happy Hour: Tue–Thu, 4:30–6 PM✅ Vegan & gluten-free options✅ Dog-friendly with a special Dog Menu✅ Team-building cooking classes & private chef dinners✅ Professional cateringWe’re a proud sponsor of the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance—visit our booth this April! Grazie, and see you at Piazza 1909!
A photo of Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant
9. Bistro du Marché by Tapenade
4.9
Exceptional(1538)
Price: Expensive
• French • La Jolla
Booked 9 times today
Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is considered authentic due to its French cuisine, cozy ambience, and friendly staff. Reviews highlight the authenticity of the food, with one saying, 'The food is authentic French and it reminds me eating at a 5-star restaurant in France.' Another reviewer, a French person, praised the authenticity of the food and experience. The restaurant's consistent, well-executed French cuisine, coupled with its authentic atmosphere, makes it a beloved spot for those seeking a genuine French dining experience in San Diego.
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
10. Ambrogio15
4.9
Exceptional(870)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach
Booked 9 times today
Ambrogio15 is an authentic Pizzeria with a unique Milano gourmet pizza recipe. Reviewers are consistently impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the authenticity of the Italian cuisine. The restaurant is described as 'exceptional', 'fabulous' and 'authentic'.
‘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.

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