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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University Heights

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54 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(656)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 34 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4369)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 48 times today
Great Maple in San Diego is totally worth the drive. It's a modern American eatery with outstanding food and service, as the reviews rave. With their high-end diner ambiance and unique menu, customers love the fresh house made pies and local produce cocktails. The restaurant is also known for its great atmosphere and consistently top-notch food and service. So, if you're in the area, you definitely should stop by!
A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(192)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 5 times today
We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7531)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 60 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 Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4181)
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 Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(541)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 4 times today
San Diego, meet Pinsa.An ancient recipe comes back to life at Our Hillcrest Restaurant.Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E Cucina is a full-service Italian restaurant and pizzeria bringing a modern touch to family recipes and an ancient style of pizza called, Pinsa.Tavola Nostra, which means “our table”, is owned and operated by Jeff Oliveri – a first time restaurateur from a family of longtime restaurant owners who hopes to honor his familial heritage and tradition with his Italian dining concept that creates one of the best Hillcrest restaurants.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1295)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 27 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 Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(170)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 8 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3068)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 37 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 Madi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(405)
Price: Moderate
• Breakfast • Kensington
Booked 44 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!
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Robinvip
    San Diego •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    The Pinsa Romano pizza was great, as was the traditional NY style. The antipasto salad was also amazing. We will definitely go back. And the service was perfect. Very attentive waitperson. :) If you haven't been, go check out this hidden gem.
    More info
    Tavola Nostra Pizzeria E CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Hillcrest
    4.9
  • Martyvip
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    If you’re looking for a spot with a lively New Orleans vibe and flavorful dishes, this restaurant hits the mark. The menu was packed with tasty options, and everything we tried was well-prepared and delicious. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant, capturing that Southern charm perfectly. However, the Cognac Espresso Martini was a bit of a letdown. I’d suggest sticking with their other beverage offerings or pairing your meal with a classic cocktail or wine instead. Overall, it’s a great spot for a flavorful meal and a fun experience, but I’d pass on the espresso martini.
    More info
    Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
    4.5
  • Dillonvip
    New York City •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    It was a pleasant dining experience. We sat between two heat lamps just outside of the restaurant. The special crudo of the day was refreshing and clean tasting. The two-face tostada was also good. The memorable dish of the night was the risotto. It was creamy but not overly rich and the rice had a good bite to it.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.5
  • Lynnvip
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We were greeted nicely. I fell down on the way to the restaurant and hurt my finger. The restaurant staff offered me a bandaid and some cream. They also checked on me during our meal! That’s an excellent compliment to them! Thank you so much!
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • Angel
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 12, 2024
    Had an awesome for experience at the melting pot for Veterans Day. Our waitress said this was her first shift working but she gave us a very welcoming and descriptive experience. My favorite parts were the strawberry salad and the turtle chocolate fondue from their 4 course meal.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6
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