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Best Authentic Restaurants in University Heights

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124 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1194)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 29 times today
Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.
A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2035)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 56 times today
Puesto is family-owned and operated by first generation Mexican American brothers Eric, Alan and Alex Adler, alongside their cousins Isidoro and Moy Lombrozo and founding chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez. With eight locations in California, Puesto provides an innovative and contemporary approach to authentic Mexican cuisine. Sourcing its ingredients locally and regionally, the restaurant has earned national acclaim for its Mexico City-inspired tacos made with non-GMO organic, heirloom Masienda blue corn stone-ground tortillas, crispy melted cheese and scratch salsas.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(651)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 24 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1351)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 42 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 Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(329)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 61 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 Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(740)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 36 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 Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(885)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 57 times today
Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1409)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 51 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.
A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2606)
Price: Moderate
• French • North Park
Booked 31 times today
Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for
A photo of Cloak + Petal restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(994)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Little Italy
Booked 61 times today
WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.
‘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
  • Cecily
    Atlanta •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    From the moment you walk in you feel the warmth of the place. The young man at the hostess stand was great, he acknowledged us as soon as we checked in and kept updating us regarding our seating. Our server Julia was amazing, kept checking in on us and just all around a pleasure. I didn’t particularly like my pasta and when I let Julia know she immediately apologized. Ocean, who is the manager came over to ask what was wrong, I let her know it was watery and didn’t have much short rib. She apologized and returned with a remake and extra short rib. I was so surprised because I wasn’t expecting that. I have to say the customer service here is top tier. Our calamari was yummy and the drinks are amazing. Thanks to the team and their service I will definitely be back. Thank you all for an amazing dinner experience.
    More info
    RustiCucinaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Hillcrest
    4.6
  • MarioVIP
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Food was good and drinks were great. I wish I knew the bar back’s name that assisted at the bar where we sat. He was very helpful and attentive to my wife and I throughout our visit. The Cadillac Margarita was good, however I think it’s a little over priced. That would be my only issue.
    More info
    Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
    4.6
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
  • Vic
    San Diego •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    This is a 5 star experience! Our party of four tried four different cocktails, 12 different dishes and three desserts. Impossible to pick a favorite and impossible to select anything that was not exceptional. Additionally, the chef and team were super sensitive to serving any dishes that would be an allergy issue. So the food was glorious, the chef and team brilliant…yet the staff is what elevated the experience. From our two servers, their assistant, the sommelier and the front of house - one word - Brilliant. Best meal of the year winner
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Giuseppe
    Las Vegas •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Very friendly staff, food was delicious. The artichoke appetizer special was incredibly good. We shared a bottle of wine and had some great entrees. The server was helpful in decision making and offered my wife and I a complimentary dessert with valentines being the next day. What more could you ask for? Take it from this Italian, who has eaten pizza in Napoli this place is the real deal.
    More info
    Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    4.8
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