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Best Cozy Restaurants in University Heights

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132 restaurants available nearby

A photo of insideOUT restaurant
1. insideOUT
4.8
Exceptional(2309)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 44 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.We are excited to announce our highly anticipated Holiday Oasis Experience beginning Thursday, November 7th! Visit our website for additional information under "Happenings."Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.
A photo of Wormwood restaurant
2. Wormwood
4.7
Exceptional(797)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 17 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
3. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4744)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6458)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 82 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
5. C-Level
4.7
Exceptional(4895)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 78 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 Juniper & Ivy restaurant
6. Juniper & Ivy
4.6
Exceptional(8028)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 83 times today
Juniper & Ivy is cozy and comfortable according to multiple reviews. The decor and ambiance are praised, with one reviewer stating it was 'beautiful and welcoming'. The 'fun vibe' and 'warm and inviting ambiance' are also mentioned. The restaurant seems to provide a unique, innovative, and cozy dining experience.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
7. Coasterra
4.6
Exceptional(7555)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 72 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
8. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.4
Awesome(4548)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 80 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
9. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1348)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 54 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 Lala restaurant
10. Lala
4.5
Awesome(128)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 27 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.
‘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
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Food was incredible. Started with Hamachi and Crudo apps. Followed by Wagyu NY Strip and husband had the lamb leg. Side of carrots were so good. Wrapped up with the toffee date cake with black walnut ice cream. One of our favorite meals of the year. Ambience was good but a little loud and tables for two was on the small side but overall a fantastic meal and we will be back for sure.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • Connie
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The team there as always provided outstanding service. Very welcoming, attentive and so fun. Unfortunately the food was a little underwhelming (my chicken was dry and my friends’ side dish was cold). However, the holiday decorations were so fun and festive. Had a great evening celebrating my friend’s birthday!
    More info
    insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
    •
    4.8
  • Blythevip
    San Diego •59 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Fantastic steakhouse with real gourmet twist and superb service! Went for my honey’s 50th and they couldn’t have treated us better. Steak was delicious & perfectly cooked, wine list is excellent & they were great about accommodating food allergies. Thank you Lisa & team - We will go back again & again!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    •
    4.9
  • Tandyvip
    Orange County •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We dined at this charming French restaurant and had a pleasant experience overall. The food was good, though not quite a 10/10. We loved the persimmons salad and the steak as meal—both were highlights of the meal. The fish, however, wasn’t our favorite as it leaned a bit too fishy for our taste. Service was attentive and friendly, and the outdoor seating was cute and inviting. A lovely spot for a relaxed evening!
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Deirdre
    Hawaii •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Celebrating my Daughter’s Birthday. It was a beautiful sunny day. We had a table view by the harbor but it was extremely hot. We were hesitant to ask to move seats. We decided it was too uncomfortable to eat there. The staff moved us without a problem and we had a wonderful meal. We ordered Fish tacos and a Lobster BLT sandwich it came with a taste of lobster bisque soup. We had decided to share the meal, there was plenty to share . Took one of the three tacos home. After finishing up our meals the server presented a complimentary mini apple crumble pie for my daughter’s birthday with a candle. It was delicious and the service & staff was wonderful.
    More info
    C-LevelPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• Downtown
    •
    4.7

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