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

Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in University City/Golden Triangle

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Accessibility

14 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 33 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 Sea & Sky restaurant
2. Sea & Sky
4.5
Awesome(276)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 18 times today
Sea & Sky is known for its beautiful ocean views and delightful Californian cuisine. Their celebrated bar serves artful craft cocktails, as mentioned in their description. Reviews affirm the excellent cocktails, one stating 'The cocktails were excellent!'. Another reviewer mentions a 'cocktail' in their empanada cooking class. This indicates that Sea & Sky not only provides tasty food, but also crafts handcrafted cocktails.
A photo of West End Bar & Kitchen restaurant
3. West End Bar & Kitchen
4.6
Exceptional(1053)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 21 times today
Nestled across from the beautiful lagoon at the Torrey Pines State Reserve in Del Mar, West End Bar & Kitchen matches the scenery with contemporary American updates to world food, a true ‘melting pot’ cuisine. Enjoy lunch or dinner served with casual professionalism on our covered patio or in our dining room, both with spectacular views of the lagoon. Choose from our extensive lists of handcrafted cocktails, local & regional craft beers and eclectic wines from around the world to complement your food, or just watch nature play out for you as the sun sets.
A photo of ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar restaurant
4. ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar
4.5
Awesome(697)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 9 times today
Experience ZENTRL Kitchen + Bar at THE LOT La Jolla, where California-Asian fusion meets Mexican flair. Savor signature dishes like Grilled Miso Salmon, Adobada Pork Belly Bao Bun, and Ahi Poke Tacos in a stylish and inviting setting. Pair your meal with Signature Margaritas, Asian-inspired cocktails, or a selection of fine wines and craft beers. Join us for brunch, catch a sporting event, or enjoy a night out with friends—right here in the heart of La Jolla.
A photo of Forbidden Cove restaurant
5. Forbidden Cove
4.5
Awesome(89)
Price: Moderate
• Speakeasy • Kearny Mesa
Booked 18 times today
Enter the Forbidden Cove by unlocking a hidden rum barrel door using your wooden idol key where an island Tiki inspired paradise serving handcrafted cocktails awaits you. Once inside, traverse the Infinity Mirror Bridge and be welcomed by the island's inhabitants to explore the mysteries, culinary pleasures and enchanted elixirs of the Forbidden Cove. Find this tropical escape by entering Kilowatt Brewing located in the Kearny Mesa and Convoy District neighborhoods and kindly asking for a Key to The Cove!Reservations offer a 90-minute experience.WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at Forbidden Cove you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!
A photo of Arterra restaurant
6. Arterra
4.6
Exceptional(441)
Price: Moderate
• American • Del Mar
Booked 3 times today
Here at Arterra enjoy one-of-a-kind, locally inspired food with a commitment to sourcing seasonal, sustainable ingredients. Our culinary team shines a focus on supporting local San Diego Farmer’s markets and purveyors. Indulge in our curated sushi menu by Sushi Chef Andew Ho. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails featuring local distillers, and innovative signature wine list, and a selection of bottled and draft beers from the area’s top craft breweries.
A photo of Culinary Dropout - Del Mar restaurant
7. Culinary Dropout - Del Mar
4.5
Awesome(104)
Price: Moderate
• American • Carmel Valley
Booked 84 times today
At Culinary Dropout, it’s all about raising a glass to good friends and even better vibes. A spot where flavor and music fuel the soul, kick off happy hour with ice-cold beer and our famous soft pretzels and provolone fondue. Staying for dinner? Dig into our handcrafted cocktails and 36-hour slow-braised pork ribs. Did we mention you won’t want to leave when the band starts? Come hang out and stay a while. We’re always serving damn good food for damn good people.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
8. Wormwood
4.7
Exceptional(903)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 31 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 Salt + Lime Del Mar restaurant
9. Salt + Lime Del Mar
4.4
Awesome(240)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Del Mar
Booked 36 times today
Mexican cuisine elevated to new heights, blending traditional flavors with modern flair to deliver a truly sensory dining experience.Located in the heart of Del Mar, with stunning ocean views as your backdrop, our menu celebrates the diverse and vibrant flavors of Mexico. From mouthwatering tacos to fresh, zesty seafood ceviches, every dish is crafted to surprise and delight. Whether you’re gathering with friends or enjoying an intimate dinner, Salt & Lime offers the perfect mix of high-energy ambiance and culinary excellence.Expect the unexpected—because too much of a good thing is never enough! Indulge in our unforgettable Espresso Martini or let our Oaxaca Old Fashion warm your soul—cocktails that are as unique as your experience with us.Breakfast is served every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM.Join us for Reverse Happy Hour every Friday and Saturday from 9 PM to 11 PM, where the night gets even brighter with irresistible drinks and bites.
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
10. Cellar Hand
4.6
Exceptional(166)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 14 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!
‘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
  • TerryVIP
    San Diego •32 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 21, 2025
    The four of us took a chance on this establishment and boy were we pleasantly surprised. We loved it. The drinks were great. The food was excellent. The staff charming. Definitely recommend.
    More info
    Forbidden CovePrice: Moderate• Speakeasy• Kearny Mesa
    •
    4.5
  • Shirili
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 18, 2025
    Even though they were sold out of some of our choices, what we ordered was very delicious. Our server was also excellent! A 5 star experience overall!
    More info
    True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTCPrice: Expensive• American• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • ToddVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 15, 2025
    We’ve visited a few times before, but always for dinner. This was an afternoon visit, and we were also a large party of 10 this time, doing a post graduation brunch. We were so happy with everything! Really great menu, with good choices for almost anyone. Excellent service overall, and we loved the covered patio space overlooking the estuary. Definitely a keeper, kind of a hidden gem of a place!
    More info
    West End Bar & KitchenPrice: Moderate• American• Del Mar
    •
    4.6
  • Don
    California Central Coast •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 14, 2025
    Superb! Arthur and our Somalia took the most spectacular care of me and my family for dinner. We celebrated my youngest for his graduation and wanted something special to celebrate. Sea & Sky made the evening exceptional with their attentiveness, suggestions for menu selections and made sure my son was taken care of. The food was perfectly prepared and tasted amazing! We spent over two hours enjoying the food, the ambiance and just being with family. I will absolutely visit this restaurant again and again when in La Jolla. It’s definitely a keeper!
    More info
    Sea & SkyPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5
  • Dor
    San Diego •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 11, 2025
    Place is beautiful. Set up is very relaxing and sophisticated. Food wasn’t great. Best part of the experience was our server Nathan. Made us feel like valued guests. He was attentive but not intrusive. Overall a good night.
    More info
    ZENTRL Kitchen + BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
    •
    4.5

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