La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

Name: La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego
Address: 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA, United States, 92110
Telephone: (619) 849-8205
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

1039 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Top Tags:

The Grand Dining Room is open for lunch Monday - Friday from 11:30am-1:30pm.

La Gran Terraza is a California bistro featuring farm-to-table lunch and dinner. The Grand Dining Room and terrace have fantastic views of Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay. OTooles offers small bites, nightly happy hour, a cozy fireplace, local craft beers and an excellent wine list.
Visit our website for a calendar of special events.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary American, Mediterranean
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–1:30 pm Bar Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 849-8205
Website
http://www.lagranterraza.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
Private events are custom designed to fit your needs. Please email us at terraza@sandiego.edu. We will work with you to create an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. Weekends are available for your special event - book today!
Private party facilities
La Gran Terraza, located on the campus of the University of San Diego, offers stunning views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon and exclusive ambiance, making it the ideal venue for private events.
Private party contact
Carol Norman: (619) 849-8205

Location
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110
Neighborhood
Mission Valley
Cross street
Linda Vista Road, on the University of San Diego campus
Parking details
Comply with all campus parking regulations. Meter info is available at entrance and parking lot kiosks. Complimentary Valet parking is available during lunch, Monday through Friday, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm (in front of the Hahn University Center). Handicap spots are available in front of the Hahn University Center.
Public transit
~ Linda Vista Road at USD Main Driveway - Bus ~ Morena Trolley Stop within 1 mile
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Experiences

Lobster Dinner
$94.50 per person
Dec 5, 2023 only
Lobster Dinner. Add Wine Pairings (4) for $44
Prime Rib Night 1 with Carolers
$53.00 per person
Dec 6, 2023 only
Prime Rib Night 1 with Carolers
Holiday Tea 2
$49.00 per person
Dec 9, 2023 only
Holiday Tea 2 - $49 for adults & $25 kids 12 and under

Classic Crab and Shrimp Louie$17.95
Iceberg Lettuce, Heirloom Tomatoes, Grilled Asparagus, Hardboiled Egg, Mediterranean Olives and Creamy Housemade Louie Dressing
Red and Green Caesar Salad$14.00
Baby Red and Green Romaine, Shaved Parmesan, Croutons, and Housemade Caesar Dressing
Terraza Cobb$15.50
Baby Gem Lettuce, Avocado, Corn, Bleu Cheese, Heirloom Tomatoes, Red Onions, Hardboiled Egg and Chipotle Ranch Dressing
Citrus and Roasted Beet Salad$12.75
Pistachios, Watercress and Pomegranate Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato Salad$13.00
Basil Ice Cream, Shaved Onions, Arugula and Oregano Vinaigrette
Peach and Burrata Salad$14.25
Grilled Peaches, Prosciutto, Burrata and Butter Lettuce with an Olive Oil Citrus Vinaigrette
Fig Salad$14.50
Arugula, Humboldt Fog Cheese, Candied Pecans and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Lemon Salmon with Corn Salad$17.95
Tomato, Avocado, Relish Basil and Lemon Vinaigrette

Entrées

Airline Chicken Breast$16.50
Chickpea Chorizo Hash, Carrot Purée, Watermelon Radish and Pan Jus
Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb$18.75
Parsnip Purée, Baby Carrots, King Oyster Mushroom and Rosemary Lemon Jus
Grilled Hanger Steak$17.25
Spinach, Parmesan, Lemon, Olive Oil, served with Garlic Parmesan Fries
Pan Seared Salmon Filet$16.25
Roasted Fennel, Asparagus and Romanesco Sauce
Seared Scallops$16.50
Mediterranean Couscous, Baby Carrots and Orange Beurre Blanc
Black Cod Miso Glazed$16.95
Forbidden Rice, Baby Bok Choy and Scallions
Seafood Linguini$16.95
Saffron Linguini, Mussels, Shrimp and Bouillabaisse Sauce
Artichoke Ravioli$15.25
Wilted Spinach, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pea Cream and Parmesan
Terraza Wagyu Burger$15.75
Premium Beef Cooked Medium Rare, Roasted Garlic Aioli, Marinated Grilled Tomato, Arugula and Housemade Truffle Chips. Udi's Gluten-Free Bun Available Upon Request
Truffle Grilled Cheese$14.50
Fontina Cheese, Mushrooms, Arugula, Shaved Truffle, served with Garlic Parmesan Fries
Pan Roasted Eggplant Steak$14.25
Potato Purée, Grilled Asparagus, Blistered Haricot Verts, Red Peppers and Chimichurri

Beverages

Beer and Wine Only Available in the Evenings

Pellegrino, Sparkling Water
- 500ml$4.25
- 1l$7.00
Acqua Panna, Still Water
- 500ml$4.25
- 1l$7.00
Seasonal Beverage$3.50
Soft Drink or Lemonade$3.00
Iced Tea$3.00
Coffee$3.00
Espresso$3.75
Double Espresso$5.75
Americano$3.75
Cappuccino$5.75
Latte$5.75
Flavored Latte$6.25
Damman Tea$3.00

What 1,039 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.5Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

San Diego
Californian
San Diego
Californian

1,039 Reviews

SK
SueK
San Diego
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience4
Happy hour by the fireplace was very comfortable. The happy hour food is a good value. My Caesar salad was delicious.
Is this helpful?
ME
MEKE
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food1service5ambience5
With only 12 people in attendance I felt sorry for the staff. The first dish was Shepherd Pie. It was warm. . . but the grease from the meat was like a pool. I could pour it out but my husbands was so much he choose not to eat it. Next was the chicken sandwich. We had asked no dressing or sauce be put on it. It arrived covered in both. The size of the chicken was very large and we took it home. Chocolate cake and ice cream ended the meal. A nice touch! The beers were great and the speaker was very interesting. He made it a point to go to each table and answer questions. We have enjoyed several dinners but this was just on off nite. . .
Is this helpful?
SB
StewartB
San Diego
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is gourmet dining with presentation as lovely as at a Michelin-starred facility. The staff strikes the difficult balance of prompt service without being intrusive.
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JN
JulN
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was Fantastic for the "France" international dinner. Great value.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful view and excellent food. Service was slow but sincere.
Is this helpful?
ME
MEKE
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
This is a beautiful setting for meals. We have enjoyed Christmas buffet, Lunches, Beer & Wine Dinners. I wish they would simplify what they offer with some of the dinners. . . especially the beer dinners!
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E
Embarrassed
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2023
overall1food5service5ambience2
You gave me a reservation for a restaurant that was closed. Yeah, CLOSED. This was a recruitment business dinner. O' Tooles served us from their menu. It was good. But we were sitting in a closed restaurant.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 17, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was outstanding! The service and presentation of our food was amazing! We discovered this restaurant 5 months ago and have already been back 5 times! Highly recommend this restaurant!
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C
Coronadofinediner
San Diego
50 reviews
vip
5.0
50 reviews
Dined on October 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Another superb wine tasting dinner with every course delicious and perfect wine accompaniments. The vichyssoise mousseline with the salmon was so delicious I could have licked the plate. The lamb saddle was perfectly cooked and the cannellini beans with the lamb belly bacon were incredibly flavorful. Finally the chocolate ganache and the brulee figs were a perfect ending. All courses were just the right size. The Backstage Wines owner/vintner was extremely knowledgeable and his commentary was most interesting. Another absolute winner of a dinner!
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D
Davenport
San Diego
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Extraordinary views. Very good meal, especially the halibut.
Is this helpful?
p
papeli
San Diego
27 reviews
3.0
27 reviews
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall3food4service4ambience2
The location is pretty with a nice view and food is high quality but the overall decor and ambiance is not attractive. It looks old and outdated and not particularly welcoming. Not much visual appeal. Just a big room with large windows. Nothing else. Service is attentive but it has been very slow. The food is overpriced but tasty.
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JD
JohnDT
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall2food2service1ambience4
Have dined here many times and this was not up to their usually standards. Food was lukewarm, waiter let us know right off that he was tired and it was reflected in the service. When asked what wines we were being served, hmm.. some kind of white, probably a Sauvignon blanc, the red was mostly likely, he thought, a merlot. That was all the information they were given. We had to interrupt him from setting up tables after about 20 minutes of waiting to get the check. Just not what we are used to from La Gran. Normally we rave about the food here. Will give it another try.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
5 reviews
vip
4.0
5 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience4
Loved the Oso Bucco...the whole Italian dinner from hors de ouvres to the dessert was scrumptious...we were having such a good time...asked for a glass of port...alas...were told they only sold bottles...odd?
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R
Rotabs
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Portions a little small, but enough unless you are really hungry. Great presentation and taste.
Is this helpful?
MH
MariaH
San Diego
17 reviews
vip
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on September 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Presentation, matched the taste of food. Beautiful. Our first time visiting. And we’ll be back.
Is this helpful?
D
Davenport
San Diego
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Many thanks for another excellent dining experience and a delicious luncheon in a beautiful setting.
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KG
KayG
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
I went for restaurant week and all the food was amazing. Hat's of to the Chefs! Our server, Sam was also attentive and delightful.
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D
Davenport
San Diego
70 reviews
vip
5.0
70 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Another wonderful meal at one of my all-time favorite restaurants. Delicious food, beautiful views, excellent service. The halibut was especially delicious. Thank you very much!
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MB
MissB
San Diego
48 reviews
vip
5.0
48 reviews
Dined on September 28, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
We had a very pleasant Restaurant Week lunch. The arugula salad was excellent and the steak frites was tender and perfectly cooked with a lovely sauce and braised spinach side. Dining room was quiet and so we could converse. View is beautiful. Parking was convenient enough. We would go back
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L
Lovefood
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
A bit difficult to find the location. And a small parking fee is required prior to 7 pm since this is on University of San Diego campus. But server helped us getting a code to waive the fee.
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t
traumamom
San Diego
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on September 27, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience5
Really pretty setting. Servers were attentive and I love that they are students at USD. Food was so good and attractively plated. We enjoyed it very much and will go back soon.
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OD
OceanDining
San Diego
100 reviews
vip
5.0
100 reviews
Dined on September 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
5-Star Food! Each course was done exceptionally well and very satisfying.
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P
Paulina
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service and food. I will come back soon for Restaurant Week
Is this helpful?
T
Tommy
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great luncheon menu, convenient location, friendly staff, and delicious food.
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M
Mera
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on September 13, 2023
overall2food5service1ambience4
My mother wanted to try this restaurant, so I made reservations for lunch at 11:30am on a Wednesday. Finding the place was a quest all in itself on a busy college campus. They have one tiny pop up sign by the street next to the valet that was obstructed by workers so we couldn't see it from the street at all. I decided to eventually just drive across the street and park off campus. Finally found it, and we were seated promptly. We chose outside because it was a nice day out and the view of the bay is nice. I wanted to like this place, but I'm totally off put by the service. I had to eventually go inside and ask them for water because nobody came to our table even for that. The waiter finally came and took our order, the food came out in a timely manner and was excellent. The flavor and presentation of food was exquisite! The huge issue was the service and our almost non existent waiter, which was really disappointing and down right frustrating. It took much longer than it should have to get the bill at the end and have them take the card to pay. We eventually went inside to get the credit card back and sign so we could leave. The place was not busy yet either and there seems to be plenty of staff, they just were not present for most of our experience.
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g
gardengal
San Diego
83 reviews
vip
1.0
83 reviews
Dined on September 12, 2023
overall1food1service1ambience1
Open Table is impossible to contact except through a bot that keeps putting up questions that do not apply. The Gran Terraza no longer exists for dinner reservations. I made a reservation on Open Table for a restaurant that no longer serves dinner. Very disappointing to arrive there and find no service. Open Table, please take this restaurant off your listing.
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JA
JeffA
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 30, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This was our second visit to LGT and we enjoyed it as much as the first time. We'll be back!
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C
Conan
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on August 28, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Good location. Nice ambiance. Excellent Service. Like valet service also.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service3ambience5
Excellent food and good value. Service uncharacteristic poor perhaps due to open students opening day and full house
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J
Janis
San Diego
11 reviews
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on August 23, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
This Eppig beer pairing was very well done. The beer choices were delightful and the food over the top compliments. There just just enough oral presentation to keep our attention and then allow plenty of time for chatting at our table as we were eating. Thank you!
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JP
JoelP
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on August 16, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience4
The patio area was closed and not posted on their website, so a big disappointment. Good was ok for what it was.
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JT
JoanT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food, service, noise level (quiet - no TVs) and ambience were excellent. Enjoyed our meal and the time we spent at La Gran Terraza.
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ER
EstheR
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 2, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It’s always a 5 star experience. The serves, who are USD students, were extremely helpful, offering advice to the applicant family we were hosting
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V
Vika
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on August 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delightful lunch with one or two friends. Salads are fab but everything is always well prepared and presented. Try it!
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NP
NeicyP
Los Angeles
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on July 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our group of six (including two children) had the best time and best service. She was super attentive, gave us great options, and took great care of our table. Everyone enjoyed their lunch. We look forward to returning when we visit my son who will start at USD next month.
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R
Robert
San Diego
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience4
This restaurant is a hidden treasure, presumably because it is located on a university campus. Even though the restaurant has valet parking, undoubtedly people are not sure where to go. (Enter the kiosk at the top of the hill and turn left at the street soon after pass the kiosk. Valet parking is on the right.) If you do this you almost certainly will taste some of the finest dishes, including seafood dishes, to be found in a San Diego restaurant. (I had seabass on my last visit; the preparation is interesting, but the sauce was subtle and did not upstage the beautifully prepared fish). You also will probably be waited on by a student who is charming and wants to please. And then there is the delightful view. I recommend La Gran Terraza without caveats.
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JN
JulieN
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
These beer dinners are great and such a bargain! Great little secret :)
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LC
LaurieC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I love these wine and beer pairing events at Le Tran Terraza. The food is always amazing and the staff and service are wonderful too!
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C
Conan
San Diego
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined on July 24, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience4
The portions I feel are small, especially the salads. They are adequate for a nice lunch or dinner but not if you're looking to fill up. Prices are high but I believe this attracts a different clientele that are paying for the ambiance.
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T
Tommy
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on July 20, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The menu, food and service were Beyond Expectations !
Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Protective equipment
- Waitstaff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required

FAQs

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego is rated 4.4 stars by 1039 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 3, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 5 times today

Experiences are available.

Google Map for La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Linda Vista Road, on the University of San Diego campus
Neighborhood
Mission Valley
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–1:30 pm Bar Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, Contemporary American, Mediterranean
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Comply with all campus parking regulations. Meter info is available at entrance and parking lot kiosks. Complimentary Valet parking is available during lunch, Monday through Friday, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm (in front of the Hahn University Center). Handicap spots are available in front of the Hahn University Center.
Public transit
~ Linda Vista Road at USD Main Driveway - Bus ~ Morena Trolley Stop within 1 mile
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.lagranterraza.com/
Phone number
(619) 849-8205
Catering
Private events are custom designed to fit your needs. Please email us at terraza@sandiego.edu. We will work with you to create an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. Weekends are available for your special event - book today!
Private party facilities
La Gran Terraza, located on the campus of the University of San Diego, offers stunning views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon and exclusive ambiance, making it the ideal venue for private events.
Private party contact
Carol Norman: (619) 849-8205

Featured in

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

Make a reservation

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Lobster Dinner

Prime Rib Night 1 with Carolers

Holiday Tea 2

Soups

Lobster Bisque

Roasted Corn Soup

Salads

Classic Crab and Shrimp Louie$17.95

Red and Green Caesar Salad$14.00

Terraza Cobb$15.50

Citrus and Roasted Beet Salad$12.75

Heirloom Tomato Salad$13.00

Peach and Burrata Salad$14.25

Fig Salad$14.50

Lemon Salmon with Corn Salad$17.95

Entrées

Airline Chicken Breast$16.50

Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb$18.75

Grilled Hanger Steak$17.25

Pan Seared Salmon Filet$16.25

Seared Scallops$16.50

Black Cod Miso Glazed$16.95

Seafood Linguini$16.95

Artichoke Ravioli$15.25

Terraza Wagyu Burger$15.75

Truffle Grilled Cheese$14.50

Pan Roasted Eggplant Steak$14.25

Beverages

Pellegrino, Sparkling Water

Acqua Panna, Still Water

Seasonal Beverage$3.50

Soft Drink or Lemonade$3.00

Iced Tea$3.00

Coffee$3.00

Espresso$3.75

Double Espresso$5.75

Americano$3.75

Cappuccino$5.75

Latte$5.75

Flavored Latte$6.25

Damman Tea$3.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Cleaning & sanitizing

Physical distancing

Protective equipment

Screening

FAQs

How is La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego restaurant rated?

Is La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

50 San Diego Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day