Best Casual Restaurants in College Area

103 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(427)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 46 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.6

Exceptional(249)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 7 times today

Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.7

Exceptional(1085)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 8 times today

Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.

4. Botanica

4.7

Exceptional(35)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 17 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

5. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4190)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 30 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.Join us for our signature Happy Hour.

6. Siamo Napoli

4.8

Exceptional(1331)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 33 times today

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2650)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 32 times today

The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.9

Exceptional(2558)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 22 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

9. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3106)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 99 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

10. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(199)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 35 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
Beatriz
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Went to dinner with my daughter. Enjoyed our time and our entrees. Our server Joey was great and attentive. He was good about describing the entrees and helping with our selections.
More info
Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
S
SanazVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Service was superb, Mitchel our mixologist was absolutely amazing and attentive! Both the non alcoholic and alcoholic cocktails were on point! Lively ambience and perfect for date nights or friends-nights 🙃
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.7
M
MikeVIP
San Diego •57 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
As we have come to expect, the servers are great. The food is amazing. We always enjoy our time here. It is becoming our go-to spot.
More info
Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.6
R
royaVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 7, 2025
amazing service. our waiter was on top of it and SUPER kind. will definitely be coming back and recommending to others
More info
MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
M
Matthias
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 30, 2024
My wife and I had such a great evening at Giardino Neighborhood Cucina in Lemon Grove. The food was incredible – the Pappardelle Bolognese was rich and flavorful, the Tiramisu was perfect, and the wine selection really brought everything together. Roberto, our server, was amazing—so friendly and attentive. After dinner, we checked out Zest, the wine bistro right next door, owned by the same people as Giardino. Heather was working there and gave us great recommendations for wine, making it a perfect way to end the night. If you’re looking for delicious Italian food, awesome service, and a great spot to relax with a glass of wine, Giardino and Zest are a winning combo. We can’t wait to come back!
More info
Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.7

Explore OpenTable

College Area

Best Casual Restaurants in College Area

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

103 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Botanica

5. Brigantine La Mesa

6. Siamo Napoli

7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

9. Alexander's on 30th

10. Trattoria Da Sofia

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable