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Best Cozy Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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89 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2696)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Booked 42 times today
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Queenstown Bistro - UTC restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(187)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 3 times today
We are the lil sis of Queenstown Public House located in the Little Italy district of San Diego. Slightly smaller, but with the same basic ingredients.A beautiful, comfortable, unique, fun setting. A friendly, smiling, courteous staff we hope you get to know. Guests enjoying the moment, sharing a laugh, whom we hope we get to know. Freshly made dishes; locally sourced, passionately created, many unique…and all delicious. A beer list changing daily, proudly from our award winning local craft SD brewers, and a wine list chosen with care from select vineyards and varietals. With a kiwi inspired lineage, and the spirit, love and good nature from the land of the Maori, we hope you will join us. And if we are so fortunate, then, we hope you will have a little too much of a good time, have a few too many laughs, stay a while, and return again soon to see us.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(374)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 58 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
4.5
Awesome(313)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 61 times today
Le Coq is James Beard Best Chef finalist Tara Monsod’s new wave French steakhouse. Inspired by the modern Parisian culinary landscape, chef Tara reinvents classic dishes through her signature approach, blending cross-cultural references and ingredients for a distinctly SoCal expression of French cuisine. Bright touches and hyper-seasonal products ground the menu with San Diego style, while nods to chef Tara’s Southeast Asian background are interwoven throughout. Located in downtown La Jolla in a 1930’s historic building with exposed brick walls, steel trusses, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Into this storied shell is inserted a posh 1970’s diner club.
A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1884)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Del Mar
Booked 16 times today
Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.
A photo of California English restaurant
4.4
Awesome(493)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 16 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(83)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 18 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Marisi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1075)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 116 times today
Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5060)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 73 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1125)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 34 times today
La Dolce Vita is located in a European courtyard setting at International Shops off Prospect St. Loyal to its name La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a place to sit back and relax in our cozy and romantic indoor dining room or our charming outdoor patio to enjoy a hearty meal along with a bottle of wine while listening to Italian tunes. We serve genuine Italian cuisine in a fine dining setting at affordable prices.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DorisVIP
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Amalfi Lama is one of my favorite places to go. I’ve been there numerous times for dinner and they have great happy hour as well. My favorite waiter is Eugene. He is amazing. This evening was very quiet. Normally they have a DJ that plays loud music. The place is beautiful and has a nice ambience. 
    More info
    The Amalfi Llama - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• University City/Golden Triangle
    4.5
  • Allie
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Always an amazing time at Le Coq. Staff and atmosphere are great- food is excellent. Haven't had anything I didn't like. Faves are celery salad, chicken skin butter, pork croquettes and the roast chicken.
    More info
    Le CoqPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• La Jolla
    4.5
  • LeeVIP
    San Diego •133 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    Christmas Eve Dinner at Red O - A Memorable Experience from ambiance to dessert and everything in between. This Christmas Eve, my family and I broke from tradition and chose to dine at Red O instead of our usual steakhouse or seafood spot. It turned out to be a fantastic decision, and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our experience. Our meals were nothing short of exceptional. The Filet Mignon was perfectly cooked, tender and flavorful, while the Chicken Enchiladas were a savory blend of spices and comfort. The Rack of Lamb was cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of seasoning, and the Surf & Turf offered a delightful combination of succulent grilled lobster and a juicy steak. Every dish exceeded our expectations. The service was also outstanding. Both the management and the staff were incredibly attentive, ensuring that every need was met with warmth and professionalism. It was clear that they were dedicated to making our holiday meal special, setting the tone for a wonderful evening. And of course, save room for dessert. The Tres Leches Cake was an absolute standout—a light, decadent treat that’s a must-try. If you’re a fan of butter cake, the version here is an indulgence you won’t want to miss. Overall, Red O provided the perfect setting and exceptional dining experience for our Christmas Eve celebration. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a memorable meal in a festive atmosphere
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    4.4
  • RebeccaVIP
    San Diego •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 20, 2024
    Always a great experience at Queenstown! Great burgers, friendly service and a lovely indoor/outdoor environment, all in the middle of beautiful UTC. We look forward to next time!
    More info
    Queenstown Bistro - UTCPrice: Moderate• New Zealand• University City/Golden Triangle
    4.7
  • LouiseE
    San Diego •14 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 1, 2023
    worth every penny and every calorie - bravo chef bradley and staff!
    More info
    Addison By William BradleyPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Del Mar
    4.8
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