Best Authentic Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

80 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

1. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 34 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.

2. Catania

4.8

Exceptional(2069)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 25 times today

Inspired by an Italy road-trip Chef Ryan and I (Arturo) took back in 2008, we’re pleased to introduce Catania, the newest member of the Whisknladle Hospitality family. Here, we’ll be featuring simple, seasonal and authentic Italian Coastal Cuisine (None of the Italian version of TexMex you see most other places). Our commitment to authenticity will be evident in our use of wood burning ovens and grills, an all Italian wine list as well as an exclusively craft Italian Beer program. (Yes, Italy has an amazing craft beer movement nobody’s heard about.)

3. Duke's La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(6547)

Price: Moderate

• Hawaii Regional Cuisine • La Jolla

Booked 118 times today

We are open for indoor and outdoor dining, takeout, and delivery! Visit dukeslajolla.com to view our menus or place an online takeout order.You don’t need to cross the Pacific to get a taste of Hawaii. Duke’s La Jolla is San Diego’s island-inspired home, honoring the Ambassador of Aloha, Duke Kahanamoku, with coastal cuisine of Hawaii, craft cocktails and a genuine spirit of aloha. It’s the same authentic hospitality and panoramic ocean view that you’ll find at all of the California and Hawaii Duke’s restaurants, paying tribute to the Duke and welcoming you to celebrate life like the legend himself.

4. Marisi

4.6

Exceptional(1061)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 43 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.

5. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2122)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 49 times today

Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos. Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, Baja craft beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere. We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, LA Times and the Michelin Guide.

A photo of La Dolce Vita Ristorante restaurant

6. La Dolce Vita Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(1118)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 23 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.

7. Piazza 1909

4.7

Exceptional(817)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Jolla

Booked 5 times today

Welcome to Piazza 1909 in the heart of La Jolla! Enjoy chef Stefano's exquisite Italian cuisine and daily specials in a beautiful Mediterranean setting. Great outdoor patios and private event spaces. Gluten free pasta, pizza and Vegan menu available. Best homemade Pasta in La Jolla. Organic, free range meat and fresh Seafood. Dog friendly. DINNER Tuesday-Sunday. HAPPY HOURS Tuesday-Friday 4:30-6:00pm. Team Building cooking Classes. Private Chef Dinners & Catering. WEEKEND BRUNCH will resumes next Summer, but we welcome private luncheons any day of the week. What else to say? If you are looking for a memorable Italian dining experience, you got to the perfect spot! Grazie e ci vediamo in Piazza!

A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant

8. The Godfather Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1877)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Kearny Mesa

Booked 17 times today

The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

9. Ambrogio15

4.9

Exceptional(832)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach

Booked 12 times today

Ambrogio15 is an authentic Pizzeria with a unique Milano gourmet pizza recipe. Reviewers are consistently impressed with the high-quality ingredients and the authenticity of the Italian cuisine. The restaurant is described as 'exceptional', 'fabulous' and 'authentic'.

A photo of Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant

10. Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

4.9

Exceptional(1463)

Price: Expensive

• French • La Jolla

Booked 5 times today

Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is considered authentic due to its French cuisine, cozy ambience, and friendly staff. Reviews highlight the authenticity of the food, with one saying, 'The food is authentic French and it reminds me eating at a 5-star restaurant in France.' Another reviewer, a French person, praised the authenticity of the food and experience. The restaurant's consistent, well-executed French cuisine, coupled with its authentic atmosphere, makes it a beloved spot for those seeking a genuine French dining experience in San Diego.

‘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

G
Giovanna
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
we always love our time at Puesto, the food is very good and we very much appreciate their attention to food allergies! Everyone in the family can always find something delicious to eat! Often it is very energetic, so not the serious conversation type of place. Staff is very friendly and goes out of the way to ensure you have a great meal. Looking forward to going back!
More info
Puesto La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.6
R
Richelle
California Central Coast •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We went for my birthday with my parents and in-laws! It was our first time but we heard good things. I’m so happy we tried it out! Phenomenal food and service! I am pregnant so I couldn’t drink, but the non alcoholic options are actually really good! Thank you!
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MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.6
J
JohnVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •31 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Food is always great and the staff are super friendly. Just a great all around atmosphere on a cold winters night
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CataniaPrice: Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
•
4.8
D
DianeVIP
San Diego •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Manager Lisa was the best, most service-oriented manager I have ever seen. She kicked in when service was a bit slow, checked in on us every so often, comped us a drink when we waited a bit too long for our order, and just made a slow evening into a spectacular one. A great manager. Well done Lisa!
More info
RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.3
C
ColleenVIP
New York City •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Fun place, great food, excellent service! Will definitely be back. Nice casual vibe overlooking the water.
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Duke's La JollaPrice: Moderate• Hawaii Regional Cuisine• La Jolla
•
4.6

Best Authentic Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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80 restaurants available nearby

1. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

2. Catania

3. Duke's La Jolla

4. Marisi

5. Puesto La Jolla

6. La Dolce Vita Ristorante

7. Piazza 1909

8. The Godfather Restaurant

9. Ambrogio15

10. Bistro du Marché by Tapenade

See what locals rave about

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