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Best Family Style Restaurants in University Heights

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30 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4512)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 119 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Lala restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(192)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 23 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(451)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 61 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(4672)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 105 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1452)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 52 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(869)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 24 times today
Wormwood invites you to step into a bygone era, where poets, artists, and dreamers found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Tucked between North Park and University Heights, our whimsical corner of San Diego offers a French dining experience like no other—where each dish is crafted with passion, paired with curated wines and signature cocktails, and brought to life by exceptional service. Whether in our cozy dining room, enchanting patio, or hidden Secret Garden speakeasy, every evening is a journey of flavor and hospitality.Now, we welcome you to experience Wormwood’s weekend brunch, every Saturday and Sunday. Indulge in a refined menu, sip handcrafted cocktails and artisanal coffee, and embrace a slower, more romantic pace to start your day. On Sundays, live jazz fills the air—transporting you to Belle Époque Paris with every note.Brunch at Wormwood is a celebration of indulgence, connection, and the art of hospitality. A morning affair you won’t want to miss.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(150)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 26 times today
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and weekend brunch!
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(7168)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 72 times today
We are a wine shop inside of a restaurant | Dining and design form the perfect union at San Diego's highly acclaimed CUCINA urbana, a California-inspired Italian kitchen and wine shop, located in the heart of Bankers Hill since 2009. The restaurant boasts comfort and familiarity, welcoming diners to a country farmhouse with the added whimsy of a contemporary art installation.CUCINA urbana is the originator of the CUCINA retail wine program where each dedicated shop allows guests to hand select wines at a retail price, either to enjoy with their meal for a minimal corkage fee or for purchase to-go. The wine list is comprised of many familiar labels as well as rare and small-batch gems, with an emphasis on Italian varietals.
A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(886)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
Huntress is the most adventurous and energetic modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego, offering the finest cuts of meat, one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky brands in California, and a contemporary, lively atmosphere where music elevates every dish.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1395)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 77 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.

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