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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University Heights

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53 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
1. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6485)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 37 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 Alexander's on 30th restaurant
2. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3096)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 26 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 Siamo Napoli restaurant
3. Siamo Napoli
4.7
Exceptional(1327)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 12 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 Coasterra restaurant
4. Coasterra
4.6
Exceptional(7592)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 65 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
5. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.6
Exceptional(689)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 28 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
6. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
4.5
Awesome(177)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 25 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
7. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4236)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 50 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 STK- San Diego restaurant
8. STK- San Diego
4.4
Awesome(3346)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 123 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
9. Lou & Mickey's
4.7
Exceptional(4143)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 33 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of Madi restaurant
10. Madi
4.7
Exceptional(423)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 30 times today
Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • AaronVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Karissa went above and beyond for our anniversary dinner
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • Dr . SamVIP
    San Diego •30 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Been before and loved it, so we took our brother for his birthday. We ordered multiple appetizers and entrees, sharing all the dishes. Outstanding service (thank you Paolo) and off the charts delicious. The flavors of some the dishes were so brilliant that it's memorable. Try the cheesecake dessert. They make it fresh. Love, love, love.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • Carmen
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Our brunch experience was very enjoyable. Everyone enjoyed what was ordered including the Shashuka, the Brioche French toast with berries, to which I added eggs, bacon and their crispy potatoes, and lastly the Basic Breakfast! We really liked being able to bring our dog and sitting on the patio.
    More info
    MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
    •
    4.7
  • Kathleen
    Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 24, 2024
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    •
    4.6

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