Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Casual Restaurants in University Heights

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

217 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kairoa Brewing Company restaurant
1. Kairoa Brewing Company
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
2. C-Level
4.7
Exceptional(4862)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 91 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 Barbusa restaurant
3. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4278)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 102 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of MOTHERSHIP restaurant
4. MOTHERSHIP
4.8
Exceptional(308)
Price: Moderate
• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park
Booked 54 times today
Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.
A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant
5. Benihana - San Diego, CA
4.1
Excellent(7310)
Price: Moderate
• Japanese • Mission Valley
Booked 136 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
6. Puesto Mission Valley
4.6
Exceptional(1982)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 32 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 Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
7. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.4
Awesome(4532)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 79 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Siamo Napoli restaurant
8. Siamo Napoli
4.6
Exceptional(1295)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 23 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 Cellar Hand restaurant
9. Cellar Hand
4.7
Exceptional(106)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest
Booked 10 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 Wilma's Carousel Bar restaurant
10. Wilma's Carousel Bar
4.7
Exceptional(52)
Price: Expensive
• Cocktail Bar • Little Italy
Booked 24 times today
As one of only two carousel bars in the United States, Wilma’s Carousel Bar offers a truly unique experience.We invite you to immerse yourself in this nostalgic retreat with Executive Corporate Chef Brian Redzikowski’s French-Creole inspired dishes and Beverage Director Eric Johnson’s a selection of cocktails including both innovative spins on traditional favorites and imaginative new concoctions.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cindy
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 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
    •
    4.7
  • NANCY
    San Diego •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Went there are a birthday party with 4 women in their late 70s. They loved it. The food was great but strange, the ambience was wonderful and the waitress was great. The only issue is that is is hard to find (tucked back between a tatoo parlor and a pizza joint) and the parking was difficult. Be prepared to walk a block or two.
    More info
    MOTHERSHIPPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Nicole
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Always a great time with the family. We celebrated our son’s birthday!! Yuki was our server and was phenomenal! Great personality, on top of our request and very pleasant. Fausto our Chef made our food with love and soooo flavorful! Thanks!
    More info
    Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
    •
    4.1
  • TypSD
    San Diego •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Mar 8, 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

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo