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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University Heights

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48 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6542)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 46 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5012)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 68 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3123)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 71 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(726)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 23 times today
Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &
A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(832)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 18 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(186)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 18 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4297)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 68 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1342)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 30 times today
Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.
A photo of Bleu Boheme restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3582)
Price: Expensive
• French • Kensington
Booked 9 times today
Bleu Bohème is a charming French restaurant in San Diego, with a unique twist. It offers an immersive experience that transports you around the world through its simple yet delicious recipes. Reviews rave about the superbly cooked and presented food, great service, and wonderful ambiance. It's an excellent spot for special occasions and is highly recommended by many.
A photo of El Sueño restaurant
4.1
Excellent(193)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 14 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
‘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
  • NikkiVIP
    San Diego •45 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Second time here and every bit as enjoyable as the first-great moody vibe with good music, fireplace, and lovely setting and art. The food was excellent with an eclectic mix of dishes. Our table ordered salad, Hamachi, swordfish, clams, lobster pasta, gnocchi, filet mignon, wagyu, pork, pizza, venison, potatoes, carrots, date cake, and pumpkin souffle. No problem for me as gluten free. An added bonus was when Brian Malarkey stopped by to say hello. Though finding parking in that area can be tough, there's $15 valet parking on India in front of the restaurant or a self-park garage for $20 on the cross street. Be aware that the noise level in the restaurant is energetic.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Jim
    San Diego •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Always a great experience from the food to the service and ambience. A great place for that special, but laid back experience.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6
  • MaureenVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Huntress has one of the highest value weekday Happy Hours in town. My favorites are the $10 lobster curry soup and the $10 steak tartare tacos. They have several cocktails and wines priced at $9 each. Check the website for Happy Hour times. The service is always great from Ray at the host stand to Bellisario who hosts and is also a server, John the server, and Danny and Daylan the bartender. There is a wonderful team from the kitchen running your orders too. I love the atmosphere and music--the light features are gorgeous. Huntress is trendy yet welcoming and it's a fun night out.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • TinaVIP
    San Diego •92 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 30, 2025
    This was our first time dining at this restaurant. We tried seven different items and every single one of them was wonderful. We will be back. 
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.7
  • RachelVIP
    San Diego •31 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Jan 28, 2025
    I had been to Madi for brunch but decided to try their lunch menu with a friend. The service here is always friendly and prompt with water being delivered soon after being seated, and our server checking on us multiple times during our meal. We enjoyed the calmer pace of the lunch crowd on a weekday (vs brunch on weekend) and enjoyed the chicken pesto sandwich and Thai crunch salad with salmon. Great sized portions and a good overall value. Would come back for lunch in the future!
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    4.7
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