Best Restaurants for Handcrafted Cocktails in University Heights

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganDowntownHarbor IslandHillcrestKearny Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(903)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 37 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.

2. Lala

4.7

Exceptional(225)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 31 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.

3. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(166)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 13 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!

4. Lumi

4.7

Exceptional(758)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Downtown

Booked 43 times today

Lumi is an upscale rooftop restaurant and nightlife destination by world-renowned Chef Akira Back, located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Known for bold Japanese cuisine with Korean influence, Lumi serves inventive dishes like AB Tuna Pizza, colorful sushi rolls, and handcrafted cocktails. Set above 5th Avenue, the space features panoramic city views, vibrant art installations, two rooftop bars, and fire pits that set the tone for stylish dinners and late-night energy. Just steps from Petco Park and the Convention Center, Lumi is ideal for group dining, celebrations, and private events. Whether you're here for dinner, drinks, or a night under the stars, Lumi delivers an unforgettable experience from start to finish.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant

5. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

4.2

Awesome(4003)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 101 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV restaurant

6. True Food Kitchen - San Diego FV

4.6

Exceptional(1985)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 37 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 at San Diego's Fashion Valley, a Simon Mall. Entrance from Friars Road at Avenida De Las Tiendas, use surface lot near Bloomingdale's. New flavors, new combinations, new obsessions. Come see us for something completely new and delicious.

A photo of La Puerta Mission Hills restaurant

7. La Puerta Mission Hills

4.8

Exceptional(36)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Banker's Hill

Booked 16 times today

La Puerta Mission Hills is the second addition to the La Puerta family. We offer the same menu as our sister restaurant in the Gaslamp which has celebrated 13 years of operation. We are dedicated to bringing a unique dining experience to the Mission Hills neighborhood which features delicious Mexican food, an extensive agave selection, handcrafted cocktails and margaritas made with fresh squeezed juice. We invite you to join us and experience our hospitality in what we hope will be your go to Cantina for years to come.

8. Charade

4.4

Awesome(24)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Banker's Hill

Booked 17 times today

Charade: A Speakeasy Experience Like No Other~Step into a world of hidden delights at Charade, a speakeasy nestled in the heart of Bankers Hill San Diego inside The Balboa Bar and Grill. This intimate venue embodies artistic passion and community spirit, offering a unique blend of handcrafted cocktails, vibrant performances that may happen or may not happen randomly if the curtain opens, and an atmosphere that transports you to other eras and different dimensions. Every time you visit Charade it will be different than the last time. Performances may or may not happen, have an open mind but do not expect anything if randomly booking. Mature content may happen as we do have burlesque on the occasion.Charade offers mostly drinks, alcoholic and mocktails as well as small bites to eat, cheese plates and bespoke popcorns. If you’d like a true meal please dine at The Balboa Bar and Grill before or after you walk into Charade, no Balboa (or any outside) food or drink allowed in Charade.

A photo of Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood restaurant

9. Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

4.2

Awesome(2438)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steak • Downtown

Booked 16 times today

Good food, great drinks, and even better company—Greystone is where the night comes alive! Let’s make some memories, in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter with live music every Friday & Sat nights. Recognized as one of the Best Restaurants in San Diego, Best Steakhouse in California,Greystone is the perfect destination for steak,seafood,pasta,wine, and whiskey lovers alike.Best Steakhouse in San Diego and California by SD Entertainer and Best Things CaliforniaBest Fine Dining Award in the Gaslamp QuarterBest Wine List by Wine SpectatorThese prestigious awards affirm Greystone’s commitment to excellence, cementing its position as the premier dining destination in San Diego.Our menu showcases premium USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and exclusive Wagyu beef sourced from the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. A Wine Lover’s Paradise: Wine Spectator winner, wine list.Live music every Fri & Sat 7PMThe best happy hour daily 4-6Hours and availability are subject to change w/o notice

A photo of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant

10. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(2450)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse embodies the rich tradition of the classic American steakhouse, serving USDA Prime Beef, fresh seafood and premium wines from our award-winning wine selection in a breathtaking atmosphere.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JessicaVIP
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Always a fabulous experience at Fogo. Monica, Comedian Mike, and Big Mike were awesome!!
More info
Fogo de Chao - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Brazilian• Downtown
•
4.2
S
Segev
Los Angeles •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Loved the food ! Every dish was delicious and flavorful it’s hard to find places like that these days when everything is just looks and clout and TikTok fake popularity
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
L
Lowell
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Minus one star for paying too much attention to us. It was a first date and the conversation was going really well. But it seemed like a different person would come over and ask us if we needed anything or how is everything? We must have seen 5 different people. Appreciate the attention but maybe just 2 people checking on us would have been sufficient. We’ll still go back.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
•
4.7
M
MichaelVIP
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 21, 2025
The food was outstanding and unique. I had the bluefin tuna, the hummus and the wheat berry/beet salad. Both had unique tastes and texture. The food was beautifully plated and the service was superb. This was a new find for me in San Diego, and like all great new finds, I will be back and I will pass the word.
More info
Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.6
V
VanessaVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jun 19, 2025
Jesus C. was our server and he was incredible! Food was great, ambience was nice and amazing customer service! Highly recommend (:
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.7

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