Best Family Style Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchChinesePizzeria

Regions

North San DiegoSan Diego

Neighborhoods

Del MarHillcrestKearny MesaKensingtonLa JollaMira Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunchGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Lucrezia

4.5

Awesome(615)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 42 times today

A contemporary twist on Italian cuisine, Lucrezia is a culinary delight. Located in the heart of La Jolla in San Diego, we offer unique culinary experiences that transport our guests to a sunny terrace overlooking the Amalfi Coast. Join us for the next voyage.The ingredients and combinations found in our kitchen evoke the very mystique of Italian summers. We are curators of fine ingredients – the way they translate beautifully into our dishes is what makes us unique. Our dishes were carefully crafted to transport our guests to the most beautiful regions of the land. Travel the Italian countryside through our menu, and select your dish for the evening.La Nostra Famiglia: Passionate about food and good service, Grupo Hunan was born in 1993 in Mexico City to create unique experiences that become part of the best moments of your life. As an expert in over five different gastronomies, Grupo Hunan is set to satisfy all senses.Looking forward to welcoming you soon ! :)

2. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1133)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 106 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 Pacific Catch - La Jolla restaurant

3. Pacific Catch - La Jolla

4.5

Awesome(664)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • La Jolla

Booked 15 times today

Pacific Catch, the Bay Area’s premier fishhouse restaurant group, is opening its first location in San Diego County in October at Westfield UTC. The menu features sustainable seafood served in a wide variety of styles from appetizers and sharing plates to healthy bowls, sushi, tacos and burgers, complemented by a full bar and craft cocktails. The new restaurant will offer two destination patios, an open air cocktail bar, intimate booths and communal dining tables for larger parties. With ample street level parking adjacent to the restaurant, it’s a convenient option for all-day dining

4. The Whaling Bar

4.6

Exceptional(92)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 15 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.

5. Flama Llama

4.3

Awesome(62)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Latin American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 11 times today

Welcome to Flama Llama, where we strive to celebrate classic Latin dishes while bringing a uniquely Asian twist to them. Using the freshest ingredients and original recipes, every single one of our recipes are a labor of love (and the result of lots and lots of taste-testing). The team behind Flama Llama is proud to now call San Diego home, originally hailing from South America with roots Asia as well. We can't wait for you to join us in this celebration of Latin and Asian cuisines, and we hope you'll enjoy eating them just as much as we've enjoyed creating them. (You may also know us from sister restaurants Steamy Piggy and formoosa)

6. Cesarina

4.8

Exceptional(5663)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 160 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

7. Paradisaea

4.7

Exceptional(597)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • La Jolla

Booked 12 times today

A celebration of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality. Housed in the historic Piano Building, in the heart of the vibrant community of Bird Rock, Paradisaea is a destination restaurant and bar, that San Diegans frequent for crave-able, accessible fare, executed at the highest level.

8. Wormwood

4.6

Exceptional(831)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 16 times today

Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.

A photo of Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar restaurant

9. Cucina Enoteca - Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(2749)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 23 times today

Say hello to the sister restaurant of San Diego’s award winning CUCINA urbana! CUCINA enoteca’s menu features Italian classics with a modern twist, traditionally coursed or served family-style, and made with the freshest local, organic and sustainable ingredients. Enjoy wine by the glass or visit the wine shop and select a bottle from over 100 selections at retail price ($10 corkage fee applies).

10. Davanti Del Mar

4.5

Awesome(457)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Del Mar

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to Davanti Enoteca in Del Mar. We offer a delicious twist on rustic Italian cuisine paired with an extensive wine list and creative cocktails. Our chef driven menu is geared towards family style shareable plates, homemade pastas, pizzas and a fantastic assortment of meats and cheeses. Enjoy the lively wine bar ambiance and decor. By the way, you can't miss our Focacia di Recco! Ci vediamo presto!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
NicoleVIP
California Central Coast •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Amazing service and staff. The food was delicious especially the carbonara pasta. We will definitely be coming back.
More info
MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.6
J
Jason
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
My partner and I had an amazing experience. There were absolutely no complaints whatsoever from the service to the food which by the way, spectacular. I don’t think anything was wrong with it and will definitely come back again.
More info
LucreziaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.5
K
Kai
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had a great valentine’s experience, food came out quick and was delicious. Definitely a bit noisy and service was solid but not amazing. Would definitely recommend for a date night.
More info
Pacific Catch - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Seafood• La Jolla
•
4.5
C
Christopher
Virginia •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Great service, well balanced cocktails & tasty food.
More info
The Whaling BarPrice: Expensive• Californian• La Jolla
•
4.6
M
Matthew
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Jan 25, 2025
Food was enjoyable. Service a little slow while we were outside on the patio. Overall great experience. Will be back.
More info
Flama LlamaPrice: Moderate• Latin American• Kearny Mesa
•
4.3

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