Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in University City/Golden Triangle

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

76 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant
1. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC
4.5
Awesome(1115)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 31 times today
True Food Kitchen in San Diego is a creative culinary gem. Their chefs craft dishes that are 'flavor-forward' and 'good to you', using fresh, healthy ingredients. Reviews rave about the 'fresh food and changing seasonal menu', 'good use of natural ingredients', and 'great food and great service'. It's a place where 'delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand'.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
2. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(531)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 47 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of The Marine Room restaurant
3. The Marine Room
4.7
Exceptional(8495)
Price: Very Expensive
• Seafood • La Jolla
Booked 78 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 Catania restaurant
4. Catania
4.8
Exceptional(2172)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 48 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 California English restaurant
5. California English
4.7
Exceptional(593)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 15 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
6. Le Coq
4.5
Awesome(502)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 54 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 The Whaling Bar restaurant
7. The Whaling Bar
4.7
Exceptional(133)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 13 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Queenstown Village restaurant
8. Queenstown Village
4.7
Exceptional(324)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 29 times today
Queenstown Village is creative in its cuisine by offering a mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food. It's not just about the food, but also the unique ambiance that customers love. Reviewers praise the restaurant for its 'interesting concept with the New Zealand inspired cuisine' and 'beautiful decor and private setting'. This spot is definitely not your typical run-of-the-mill restaurant.
A photo of NINE-TEN restaurant
9. NINE-TEN
4.7
Exceptional(3026)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 28 times today
NINE-TEN is creative cuisine at its finest. It's all about locally sourced, globally-inspired dishes with an emphasis on seasonality. Reviewers rave about the 'imaginative flavor combinations', 'innovative cuisine', and 'fresh ingredients used cleverly'. It's not just the food, but the entire dining experience that's highly praised - from the 'elegant casual ambiance' to the 'skilled and personable staff'.
A photo of AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
10. AR Valentien at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.7
Exceptional(2529)
Price: Very Expensive
• Farm-to-table • La Jolla
Booked 24 times today
A.R. Valentien, the signature restaurant at the AAA Five Diamond resort The Lodge at Torrey Pines, features innovative California cuisine served in a breathtaking setting overlooking the Torrey Pines Golf Course and Pacific Ocean coastline. Executive Chef Kelli Crosson uses only the best local provisions, and the menu changes daily depending on what's offered at local farmers' markets, as well as from other local growers, ranchers and fishermen. The restaurant's wine list features California wines exclusively, including a variety of boutique wineries from throughout the state. A.R. Valentien’s sophisticated design includes artwork from the restaurant’s namesake, Albert Robert Valentien, and a spacious outdoor terrace. Special events include the seasonal Artisan Table dinner series and Celebrate the Craft, an annual charity event benefiting The Ecology Center.PLEASE NOTE: We will be temporarily closed starting Dinner, October 13 - March 2025, due to kitchen enhancement renovations
‘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
From verified diners like you

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant Management Solutions
  • Restaurant Reservation Software
  • Restaurant Marketing Software
  • Restaurant Event Software
  • OpenTable For Restaurants
  • OpenTable For Restaurant Groups
  • Restaurant Resources
  • OpenTable Pricing & Plans
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2025 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo