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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University Heights

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53 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.8
Exceptional(2605)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 62 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.
A photo of Born & Raised restaurant
2. Born & Raised
4.7
Exceptional(6800)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Little Italy
Booked 88 times today
The American steakhouse is an iconic restaurant institution. We’d wanted to tell that story for years, but waited until we had the skill, talent and ability to execute it properly, and the right space to be our canvas, an important corner in Little Italy, a neighborhood where we have deep roots. We brought an almost academic appreciation for steakhouse history and tradition to Born & Raised, while trying to stay relevant and authentic to ourselves and our city. Our dry-aged beef pays tribute to earlier, earthier, pre-government grading practices and is the centerpiece of a meal best savored at a slow pace. A timeless celebration of everything that makes restaurants so special. - Consortium Holdings. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant
3. Gravity Heights Mission Valley
4.8
Exceptional(293)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 53 times today
We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego
4.8
Exceptional(2673)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 20 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2723)
Price: Moderate
• French American • North Park
Booked 20 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Cocina 35 Coronado restaurant
6. Cocina 35 Coronado
4.5
Awesome(337)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • Coronado
Booked 54 times today
Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.#BESTCHILAQUILESINTOWN
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
7. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1187)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • North Park
Booked 73 times today
We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.
A photo of Flora - North Park restaurant
8. Flora - North Park
4.5
Awesome(116)
Price: Moderate
• American • North Park
Booked 47 times today
FLORA NORTH PARK BRUNCH: the latest refuge for brunch lovers and those daring enough to explore themselves—Flora, a cosmopolitan, farm-to-table gem that elevates each dish into an invitation for self-discovery. Flora North Park is an experience woven from thoughtfully curated ingredients, each food group inspiring you to explore different facets of yourself. Choose from dishes with classic, golden yolks to the unexpected.………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………………………………………………..…… FLORA NORTH PARK DINNER: Everyone who’s anyone is positively buzzing about our After Hours. Flora will transform into an intimate soirée—a world of small bites and artfully crafted cocktails. Imagine slipping into a scene where laughter mingles with the clink of glasses. Flora will be open from Thursday to Saturday, for those who want to linger a little longer.
A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
9. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
4.6
Exceptional(227)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 20 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Huntress restaurant
10. Huntress
4.6
Exceptional(906)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 23 times today
Located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Huntress is a modern steakhouse and whiskey society where bold flavors meet warm hospitality. Led by Executive Chef Chris Hutchison, the menu highlights premium cuts and creative signatures like the Japanese A5 Wagyu, Whole Roasted Duck for Two, and Gnocchi Mac & Cheese. From tableside caviar service to curated seafood platters, every dish is crafted with intention and flair. Just steps from Petco Park and the Convention Center, Huntress blends downtown energy with an inviting, stylish atmosphere. Voted one of Modern Luxury’s Best Steakhouses and home to a celebrated whiskey collection, it’s the perfect spot for date nights, group dinners, or a pre-game indulgence.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Chris
    Las Vegas •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Great dinner and great service. Steak was amazing. Not a cheap meal but worth it.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • debra
    California Central Coast •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Charles our server was outstanding and made Our Dining experience wonderful! What we were disappointed in was the lake of decorations. We had been there before, and it had been decorated with flowers all over and it was beautifully done. This was not so with this experience. This was an extreme disappointment because I had talked about it so much to this group of women who had never been there before.
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Jesenhia
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Delicious food I love that the workers are very patient when it comes to having a party of 5 and helping us decide between plates and desserts. The drinks are on point very good, the kids loved the chocolate milk with the chocolate Paleta Payaso that was a very creative drink for kids ! Whenever my family comes to visit me in San Diego and want to have a nice breakfast or a mimosa brunch we will definitely be going to any Cocina 35 for the mismos a flight and their delicious chilaquiles I recommend the Cremosos and The patron !
    More info
    Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
    •
    4.5
  • Blanc
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Great food, and service. Definitely will come here more often.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • AnneVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 18, 2025
    Our server went above and beyond to make our daughter’s bday special. Amazing service!
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    •
    4.5

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