Best Southern American Restaurants in University Heights

143 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kairoa Brewing Company restaurant

1. Kairoa Brewing Company

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • University Heights

Kairoa Brewing Company, nestled in the vibrant University Heights neighborhood of San Diego, is a true gem for brewery enthusiasts. This establishment stands out not only for its unique New Zealand-inspired cuisine but for its exceptional array of crafted beers that capture the essence of both the Kiwi spirit and Southern Californian flair. Patrons rave about the quality and variety of the brews, with remarks like "Great craft brewery with excellent bartender staff" and "Quite impressed with their beers, all tasty and quite a variety of styles." Additionally, the rooftop bar offers a splendid view of the San Diego skyline, making Kairoa not just a place to eat and drink, but a full sensory experience. Whether it's the Garston Gold IPA or the crisp Pilsner, Kairoa Brewing Company delivers authentic brewery flavors that are both refreshing and memorable.

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

2. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4363)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Hillcrest

Booked 97 times today

Great Maple in San Diego's vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood is celebrated for its exemplary farm-to-table cuisine, crafting a menu that highlights seasonal and local ingredients. Diners rave about the "innovative dishes" and "fresh house-made pies," with special mentions to the "famous maple bacon doughnuts" which are described as an "absolute must-try." The commitment to freshness is palpable, with one reviewer noting, "How do you make veggies that good?" The atmosphere complements the dining experience with its "warm and welcoming ambiance," ensuring every meal is both a delight to the palate and a feast for the senses. Whether it's the "excellent service" or the "social wine list," Great Maple is a beloved destination for those seeking authentic, high-quality farm-to-table dining in San Diego.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

3. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.4

Awesome(4529)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 86 times today

Nestled in the heart of San Diego's vibrant Little Italy, Ironside Fish & Oyster is a gem for seafood enthusiasts. Celebrated for its dedication to the freshest and highest quality seafood, this restaurant has transformed a historic auction house into a bustling seafood haven with an expansive raw bar and open-air culinary hubs. Patrons rave about their "10/10 plump oysters" and assert that the "fish and chips may be the best in San Diego." Not to be missed are their lobster rolls, described as "the best thing I ever had!" With its cool vibe and exceptional service, Ironside Fish & Oyster offers an unforgettable dining experience right by the docks where the city's fishing legacy continues to thrive.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

4. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(654)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • North Park

Booked 58 times today

At Louisiana Purchase SD in North Park, San Diego, you're treated not just to a meal but a vibrant Southern experience true to its roots. Designed to embody the spirit of New Orleans, the restaurant offers an authentic Southern cuisine crafted by Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, who brings a treasure trove of culinary expertise straight from New Orleans. Patrons rave about the unique and flavorful dishes such as the "incredible gumbo" and "delicious catfish," not to mention the innovative Alligator Cheesecake. Reviews consistently highlight not just the food but also the atmosphere, describing it as a place where "everything was amazing" and urging others to "definitely try a potion or two." With such passionate endorsements and a commitment to seasonal, bold flavors, Louisiana Purchase SD is a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of the South.

A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant

5. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

4.7

Exceptional(191)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Mission Valley

Booked 17 times today

Gravity Heights Mission Valley in San Diego is a gem in the American cuisine scene, celebrated for pairing quality craft beers with sublime gastronomic offerings. Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this establishment stands out not just for its fine brews but also for its commitment to top-notch American dishes that receive glowing praise. Patrons frequently highlight the "delicious food" and "exceptional service," noting dishes like the chicken tikka masala pot pie as "outstanding." The ambiance, described as a "refreshingly open and light" space, perfectly complements the culinary experience, making Gravity Heights a must-visit for an authentic and enjoyable American dining adventure.

6. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6425)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 68 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.

7. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1325)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 55 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, is a paragon of Contemporary American cuisine, offering a unique dining experience that reflects the very essence of culinary innovation. With its expansive harbor views from the rooftop patio and the culinary prowess of Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, the restaurant has consistently wowed diners and critics alike, earning a spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019. Reviews often highlight the inspired menu, such as one diner’s praise for the “magical” way flavors and textures are combined. Another reviewer raves, “UNBELIEVABLE! THE MOST INCREDIBLE DINING EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE,” underscoring the exceptional quality and creativity on display. Kettner Exchange's commitment to a thrilling gastronomic journey makes it a must-visit for those seeking the best in Contemporary American fare.

8. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4718)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 49 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

9. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7080)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Banker's Hill

Booked 60 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.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2630)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • North Park

Booked 22 times today

At The Smoking Goat in North Park, San Diego, French cuisine is redefined with a Californian touch, earning it the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego for three consecutive years. Executive Chef Fred Piehl, a Le Cordon Bleu Paris alumnus, masterfully blends rustic yet refined French techniques with San Diego's freshest ingredients. Patrons rave about the authentic French flavors with a local twist, describing dishes like the "perfectly cooked duck" and "incredible mussels and duck fat fries" as culinary marvels. The ambiance is consistently praised as "cozy and nice," making The Smoking Goat a must-visit for an authentic and delightful French dining experience.

‘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.

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University Heights

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in University Heights

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143 restaurants available nearby

1. Kairoa Brewing Company

2. Great Maple San Diego

3. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4. Louisiana Purchase SD

5. Gravity Heights Mission Valley

6. Herb & Wood

7. Kettner Exchange

8. Cowboy Star

9. CUCINA urbana

10. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

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