Best Family Style Restaurants in University Heights

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Barrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaDowntownHillcrestKearny MesaKensington

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

35 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4395)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 123 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

2. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(170)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 29 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

3. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(377)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 73 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

4. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.6

Exceptional(4641)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 84 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

5. Wormwood

4.6

Exceptional(846)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 14 times today

Wormwood invites you to step into a bygone era, where poets, artists, and dreamers found inspiration in the Green Fairy. By night, we offer an elegant French dining experience, where each dish is crafted with passion, paired with curated wines and signature cocktails, and brought to life by our exceptional service. Whether in our cozy dining room, enchanting patio, or the hidden charm of our Secret Garden speakeasy, every evening is an unparalleled journey of flavor and hospitality.Now, we invite you to experience Wormwood’s weekend brunch, every Saturday and Sunday. Indulge in a refined menu, sip on handcrafted cocktails and artisanal coffees, and let the soulful sounds of live jazz transport you to Belle Époque Paris. A celebration of indulgence, romance, and hospitality, brunch at Wormwood is a morning affair you won’t want to miss.

6. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(142)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 20 times today

Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and weekend brunch!

7. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3798)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 77 times today

World renowned for its award winning "New Style" Japanese cuisine, Nobu continues to offer savvy diners across the globe a culinary adventure. Our San Diego location is yet another canvas for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to display his legendary dishes, such as the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. The restaurant which is nestled in the perennially hip and centrally located Hard Rock Hotel also features unique creations by Executive Chef David Meade who has honed his skill at Nobu locations in Miami and New York. Nobu San Diego delivers equally on food, impeccable service and ambiance that is sophisticated yet lively.

8. Huntress

4.6

Exceptional(863)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 28 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 Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

9. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(1009)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 28 times today

Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

A photo of Queenstown Public House restaurant

10. Queenstown Public House

4.3

Awesome(582)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Organic • Little Italy

Booked 7 times today

We are a New Zealand inspired whimsical restaurant set in a craftsman house that dates back to 1905. We are one block off the main drag in Little Italy. Sink your teeth into one of our organic beef or lamb burgers. We also have many salads and dinner entrees to try. Portions are generous, and prices are reasonable. For parties of 8 or more please visit our website!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County •1 review
5.0
Dined today
We ordered the 5 course dinner menu and everything was flawless, the agnelotti and the potato side dish to the steak being the highlight for us. We had the desserts changed (for a small fee) and did not regret (neither me nor my wife are super fans of apple desserts). The only asterisk for us is that the wine pairing did not include a glass to pair with the agnelotti, which left us wondering if we should have added the two pairings or if we should have just ordered a bottle. Other than that, again, everything was amazing and I would definitely return for a giant agnelotti plate
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.6
F
FernandaVIP
Türkiye •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Very nice restaurant delicious food, and great servers.
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
GJ
GregJVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
Imaginative food well prepared, great wines, excellent service, but some items rather pricey for the size, and very loud.
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
J
Juan Carlos
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
So accommodating, easy booking, no snobbing, food was better than anticipated especially with so much competition around. Service and location was great
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
R
RichardVIP
Charlotte •92 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wonderful place to relax and enjoy great seafood and drink, in an otherwise busy and crowded area.
More info
Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
•
4.6

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