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Best Fun Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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15 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Barbarella restaurant
1. Barbarella
4.3
Awesome(870)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 10 times today
Barbarella is a fun and vibrant restaurant that's perfect for a special occasion or a casual get-together. Reviewers rave about the festive ambiance, unique cocktails, and excellent food. The outdoor seating is a hit too. One review mentioned the decorations and seating were 'fun', while another loved the 'al fresco dining at its most fun'. It's definitely a place where you can enjoy a yummy meal and a great atmosphere.
A photo of Ambrogio15 restaurant
2. Ambrogio15
4.8
Exceptional(855)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • Pacific Beach
Booked 4 times today
Ambrogio15 is a fun spot with a lively atmosphere and great food. Reviews rave about the 'great pizza options', 'friendly service', and 'cozy atmosphere'. The ambiance is described as 'lively and fun', making it a perfect place for a fun night out. The staff's passion for food and service is evident, and the unique dough recipe adds to the overall gourmet pizza experience.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
3. Benihana - San Diego, CA
3.8
Excellent(7580)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 130 times today
Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.
A photo of North Italia San Diego - One Paseo restaurant
4. North Italia San Diego - One Paseo
4.5
Awesome(1594)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Del Mar
Booked 52 times today
At North, we focus on what we do best: Italian from scratch. Enjoy any of our handmade pastas and pizzas, created with seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Or, try a different signature dish, prepared with our fresh flavors from the garden, farm, and sea. We’ve hand crafted seasonal cocktails that pair great with our food, creating a real modern Italia experiences perfect for any occasion.
A photo of The Grass Skirt restaurant
5. The Grass Skirt
4.7
Exceptional(744)
Price: Expensive
• Polynesian • Pacific Beach
Booked 38 times today
From beverage director Eric Johnson love of tiki cocktails, to corporate executive chef Brian Redzikowski’s mastery of southeast asian cuisine, the grass skirt combines the fun, lighthearted, escapist nature of tiki culture, with the creativity and unsurpassed food and beverage quality guests have come to expect from SDCM restaurants.
A photo of Captain’s Quarters restaurant
6. Captain’s Quarters
4.7
Exceptional(75)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • Pacific Beach
Booked 16 times today
Inspired by the literal “captain’s quarters” of 17th century ships, guests will be transported to a luxurious and moody adventure on the high seas. Captain’s Quarters will feature a star cocktail list devoted to various explorations in gin cocktails. For non gin lovers, Beverage Director, Eric Johnson has put his innovative twist on various cocktails concocted with Rum, Mezcal, Bourbon, Tequila and Vodka as well as a small beer and wine selection. In addition to fine spirits, SDCM Executive Chef, Brian Redzikowski has put together an adventurous yet approachable menu which will range from elevated tidbits such as Manchego-Prosciutto “Sandwiches”, Burrata Donuts & Papa's Braves to more substantial fare including Captains Quarters own Double Double. Captain's Quarters kitchen closes at 10PM. Walk in's only after 10PM for Beverage Service. Walk-ins available for Dinner Service based on availability but Reservations Recommended.
A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant
7. Trattoria Da Sofia
4.6
Exceptional(246)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Kensington
Booked 28 times today
Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.
A photo of Scuderie Italia restaurant
8. Scuderie Italia
4.4
Awesome(362)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Pacific Beach
Booked 9 times today
Scuderie (scoo-de-ree-ye) is often referred to, in Italy, as a racing team garage. In the spirit of teamwork we welcome you to Scuderie Italia, our luxurious home providing you with impeccable service and simple, comforting Italian food and pizza. Our true Napoletana pizza is proudly made by our vibrant pizzaiolo, Gimmy Piperku, who also heads the kitchen serving handmade pasta and other popular Italian dishes. Enjoy your meal on either one of our our covered patios or dine inside surrounded by beautiful photos of Italian engines and bright racing yellows. Nothing brings people together like good food and we have that for you and your crew!Buon appetito~ Leonardo and Christine Landini
A photo of LIPS - San Diego restaurant
9. LIPS - San Diego
4.9
Exceptional(111)
Price: Expensive
• American • North Park
Booked 17 times today
Lips has been San Diego's ULTIMATE in Drag Dining for 25 years! Dinner, Drinks & fabulous Drag Shows, as well as Brunch on Saturdays & Sundays. Enjoy a great meal & cocktails served up by over-the-top Drag Queens. DIFFERENT SHOWS WEDNESDAY THRU SUNDAY. Wed: Bithcy Bingo; Thur: Dining with the Divas; Fri: Glitz & Glam Dinner; Sat: 2 Dragalicious Brunches & 2 Glitz & Glam Dinners; Sun: 2 Gospel Brunches & Sunday Nite Showstoppers. ***Prices- Wed/Thur/Sun Dinner: $35.95(shoe & 3-course dinner, drinks additional); Sat/Sun Brunch: $42.95(Show, meal & bottomless Mimosas/Champagne/Bloody Mary; Fri/Sat Nite: $49.95(show & 3-course dinner,drinks additional) All shows subject to 7.75%sales tax & 20% suggested gratuity; $12 celebration package for Birthdays/Bachelorette/Anniversary/Promotion/Graduation. 16+ to enter; 21+ to Drink. GOVERNMENT ID REQUIRED-ALL IDS CHECKED AT THE DOOR
A photo of Urbana Del Mar restaurant
10. Urbana Del Mar
4.2
Awesome(157)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Mexican • Carmel Valley
Booked 2 times today
Its ‘Dia de los Muertos’ every day at URBANA, the Skydeck's most colorful restaurant. Farm Fresh Mexican Chef inspired plates. Complementing the menu, URBANA’S sexy departure on craft cocktails featuring Tequila and Mezcal favorites as well as top shelf agave spirits. Massive smiling murals a tribute to owner Javier Cuadra's Michoacán upbringing where ‘Dia de los Muertos’ is celebrated to define URBANA.
‘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
  • Carl
    San Diego •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We love North Italia Del Mar, but it was evident that you were either short on staff or just very busy. Everything took an extra long time. Not the usual experience. But we still love you!
    More info
    North Italia San Diego - One PaseoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Del Mar
    •
    4.5
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    Houston •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Excellent food and experience. The staff was very professional and the food was delicious.
    More info
    Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
    •
    3.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Greater Boston •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We didn’t eat food The drinks were good and the place is very cool
    More info
    The Grass SkirtPrice: Expensive• Polynesian• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.7
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 5 Mar 2025
    You guys made my friend’s birthday celebration. Incredible. Thank you so much. We celebrated the birthdays of the Surf Diva ladies and it was so fun!
    More info
    BarbarellaPrice: Moderate• European• La Jolla
    •
    4.3
  • Ellen
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Feb 2025
    We were very excited to participate in a second wine tasting paired with a four-course dinner at Ambrogio 15. The island of Sicily is the theme for the dinner. The first course of Caponata was spectacular (my wife's favorite). This was followed by a seafood couscous dish, then a swordfish involtini for a delicious third course. Finally, the cannoli served as dessert had the best shell of any I have ever tasted. Very thin and crispy, a great ending to the meal. The different wines paired with each course were very carefully selected and did nothing but enhance each course. If they have more of these dinners, we will make sure we attend.
    More info
    Ambrogio15Price: Moderate• Pizzeria• Pacific Beach
    •
    4.8

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