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Best Casual Restaurants in University Heights

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153 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Madison restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2996)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • University Heights
Booked 77 times today
With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
A photo of Kairoa Brewing Company restaurant
4.5
Awesome(103)
Price: Moderate
• Brewery • University Heights
Kairoa is the culmination of our passion for food, beer and our original home country of New Zealand. The food is New Zealand comfort food mixed with southern Californian favorites. Nothing beats our New Zealand style smoked lamb fries and a crisp pilsner.Our mission is to create delicious beer and food that makes people feel at home in our modern farmhouse designed space, a nod to our family past. Enjoy our rooftop bar with friends while enjoying the sunset over the San Diego urban scenery.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4861)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 80 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(172)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 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 Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4363)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 98 times today
We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!
A photo of Cellar Hand restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(104)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 15 times today
Nestled in the heart of Hillcrest, San Diego, Cellar Hand embodies a commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Through a farm-to-table approach, our menu showcases hyper-local seasonal fare by Executive Chef Logan Kendall. Our extensive wine list highlights the diverse terroir of California, serving as an extension of founder’s Pali Wine Co. Santa Barbara County winery. By fostering deep connections with local artisans, farmers, fishers, and stewards, Cellar Hand strives to be a destination where guests can savor the essence of California’s bounty in every bite and sip.Enjoy our exposed kitchen, an indoor-outdoor bar, outdoor fire pits, and artwork by Nick Perr. Opened Wednesday - Sunday with daily happy hour specials and Sunday brunch!
A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(191)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 17 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 Lala restaurant
4.5
Awesome(121)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 18 times today
From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.
A photo of Buona Forchetta restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(840)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • South Park
Booked 50 times today
Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.
A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.2
Good(27)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 49 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cindy
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Two friends flew in from out of town & I suggested we try C Level. Neither had been before. It was a sunny gorgeous day & we sat out on the patio. The service was impeccable and the food was delicious. We ordered the lobster Mac & cheese, fish & chips & shrimp & crab Louie salad. Everything was fresh & flavorful. They loved our lunch & would highly recommend it.
    More info
    C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.7
  • Larryvip
    San Diego •34 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    i’ve dined here eight or 10 times over the years just brought someone new last night and he raved about the entire experience: food service creativity. We got the tasting menu and as usual the Alna and the Kampachi were huge hits early on. The subtlety combined with sharp notes took what could otherwise be very straightforward and made them rich. It was all excellent but as usual the Leppo chicken is Callie’s feathering the cap for that experience. Why doesn’t have a Michelin star is beyond me? Perhaps it’s the more casual approach to dining, but the food is easily Michelin quality for my taste by far away the best food in San Diego south of Addison 
    More info
    Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.8
  • Lynnvip
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •54 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 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
  • Caitlinvip
    San Diego •37 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 9 Nov 2024
    We celebrated a birthday here and we are glad we did! The ambiance, drinks, food, and service are always great at Madison. We brought in a cake for a birthday and the server put it in the fridge for us upon arrival and also put on the cake topper and candles before bringing it out to the table. Much appreciated and we will return!
    More info
    MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
    4.5
  • TypSD
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Mar 2020
    Great food, great service. We sat at the rooftop on a beautiful, sunny day. It was really nice and thoroughly enjoyed our time. We took our 4 year old daughter. It’s very family and dog friendly.
    More info
    Kairoa Brewing CompanyPrice: Moderate• Brewery• University Heights
    4.5
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