Best Mediterranean Restaurants in University Heights

25 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 33 times today

Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.

2. insideOUT

4.7

Exceptional(2259)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Hillcrest

Booked 72 times today

insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.

3. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(788)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • North Park

Booked 13 times today

Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.

4. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6430)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 77 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

5. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(181)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 46 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.

6. Cellar Hand

4.7

Exceptional(107)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Hillcrest

Booked 7 times today

Cellar Hand in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, celebrated for its authenticity and dedication to the farm-to-table philosophy. Patrons rave about the "unique flavors and combinations that create an unforgettable dining experience," emphasizing the restaurant’s commitment to using hyper-local ingredients sourced directly from San Diego farms. The menu, crafted by the talented Executive Chef Logan Kendall, receives constant praise, with dishes like the "Aly’s Crudo" and "Thompson Heritage Berkshire pork" standing out as favorites. The ambiance, described as the "perfect blend of comfort, relaxation, and modern style," along with an "excellent wine selection," ensures that Cellar Hand is not just a meal, but a culinary journey through the essence of the Mediterranean. As a top recommendation, the restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking a true taste of Mediterranean flavors in a vibrant community-focused setting.

7. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7085)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Banker's Hill

Booked 45 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

8. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(406)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Kensington

Booked 33 times today

Madi in Kensington, San Diego, is a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, loved for its vibrant and authentic dishes. Praised for its "excellent Mediterranean breakfast" and innovative offerings like shakshuka with the "best carnitas," Madi has become a neighborhood gem where the quality and authenticity of its Mediterranean fare stand out distinctly. Patrons rave about the "delicious" and "super flavorful" food, with dishes such as the shakshuka that had one diner proclaiming it had the "perfect texture." The combination of a welcoming atmosphere and standout Mediterranean flavors makes Madi a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean in San Diego.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

9. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(855)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 times today

ARTIFACT at Mingei, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego's Balboa Park, is a culinary gem that showcases the finest in Asian cuisine. With a focus on craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices, and botanicals, the restaurant's menu offers an exceptional array of Asian flavors that are both authentic and innovative. Diners rave about the "varied and delicious Hong Kong dinner" featuring dumplings, roast duck, and a mango dessert that leaves guests eagerly anticipating the next themed event. The crispy tofu and shrimp gyoza have been highlighted as "phenomenal," capturing the essence of Asian culinary traditions while presenting them in an artful, modern way. The setting inside the Mingei Museum adds an element of cultural enrichment, making each dining experience at ARTIFACT uniquely delightful. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic Asian dining experience in San Diego.

10. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(111)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa

Booked 12 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

‘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

L
Lisa
Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Fantastic food, incredible service and attention to detail! The merguez dolmas, kanpachi, pita, duck, harissa lamb chops and chicken were all scrumptious. Our most memorable dinner in San Diego. Thank you for a great evening!
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Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
D
Dana
San Diego •8 reviews
5.0
Dined today
OUTstanding from start to finish! The decor and ambiance made me so darn happy. It was a golden, gaudy, Christmas explosion and I loved every second of it. Drinks were great and food was incredible. Our server Tommy (I think) was attentive and helpful. We got the Caesar salad, the house salad, the roasted chicken and the short rib. The Caesar salad and short rib were our favorites. We waited a long time to finally make it in but we’ll be back in the spring for a new round of decorations. It’s just so good.
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insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
•
4.7
J
JoAnnvip
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Unmatched hospitality! The server was knowledgeable about the food and able to describe them well. We didn’t have great luck with the clams, they were very chewy & overcooked but the broth was delicious. They took it back and a sweet manager, (I’m forgetting names) sent a hamachi that was to die for! Everything else that hit the table was delicious and we were very impressed. The bubbly and celebration desert was super appreciated as well. Honestly made my birthday dinner feel extra special, some places really don’t go the extra mile but they sure know how to impress.
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Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
L
Laura
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Wow the food here is absolutely delicious . We started with the oysters and the Wagyu tartare, both were incredible and I had the black cod and my husband had the pasta for dinner and it was amazing. Service from Erick was with a smile and very friendly atmosphere. It’s a bit small, with only one bathroom and was busy on a Saturday night, but we’ll definitely be back!
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WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
J
Jessica
San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The ambiance here is so unique and beautiful! Airy, romantic, stylish and peaceful. And they let us bring our puppy. The food is simple but tasty and the value is one of the best in the city! We have been many times and will continue to come for brunch OR dinner! Today I loved the chai latte and white bean shakshuka. I always bring out of town guests to show it off.
More info
MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5

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University Heights

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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in University Heights

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25 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

2. insideOUT

3. Wormwood

4. Herb & Wood

5. Callie Restaurant

6. Cellar Hand

7. CUCINA urbana

8. Madi

9. ARTIFACT at Mingei

10. Boujiemana

See what locals rave about

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