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Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in University City/Golden Triangle

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75 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant
1. Javier's - La Jolla
4.6
Exceptional(3877)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 181 times today
Javier's - La Jolla is a vibrant bar scene because of its lively and inviting ambiance. As per reviews, the place is great for an unforgettable dining experience with a fantastic atmosphere, excellent service, and delicious food. The restaurant exudes an inviting yet sophisticated atmosphere that is perfect for any occasion. It's also described as hip, with a cool vibe where you can dress up or down. The weekend bar feel and the upbeat atmosphere are also highlighted in the reviews, making it a great spot to meet for lunch or after work.
A photo of Raised by Wolves restaurant
2. Raised by Wolves
4.8
Exceptional(3025)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • La Jolla
Booked 76 times today
Hours of operation:Retail Shop: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm 7 days a week.Bar:Monday Thru Thursday: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm Friday - Saturday: 3:00 pm - 01:00 am Sunday: 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm
A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
3. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla
4.4
Awesome(2808)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 34 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 True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant
4. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC
4.5
Awesome(1115)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 31 times today
True Food Kitchen is a chef-driven restaurant and scratch bar that was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the pioneer of integrative medicine, to provide food that tastes great and is good for you. At our table, delicious dining and conscious nutrition go hand in hand, without sacrificing flavor, creativity or indulgence. Our expertly trained chefs craft flavor-forward dishes, handcrafted cocktails and freshly pressed refreshers so you can enjoy epic food experiences that aren’t just good for you, but good to you. Join us in San Diego for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Located in San Diego at Westfield UTC center in The Pointe, next to Soul Cycle in the Nordstrom wing. Entrance closest to La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
5. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego
4.5
Awesome(531)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 48 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 Whaling Bar restaurant
6. 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 Barbarella restaurant
7. Barbarella
4.6
Exceptional(891)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 21 times today
Barbarella's lively atmosphere is praised in multiple reviews. Patrons love the festive ambiance, decorated for current holidays, and the fun, cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is noted for its great drinks and excellent food, making it a perfect place for a special occasion outing or date night. The outdoor seating and open windows add to the vibrant scene, making it a great spot for a variety of occasions.
A photo of California English restaurant
8. 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 The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
9. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines
4.6
Exceptional(2478)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 53 times today
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
10. 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.
‘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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