Best Family Style Restaurants in University Heights

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4239)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 145 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

2. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(256)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 75 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.

3. Lala

4.6

Exceptional(139)

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.

4. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(814)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 27 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.

5. Cellar Hand

4.6

Exceptional(116)

Price: Expensive

• Farm-to-table • Hillcrest

Booked 21 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. 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!

6. Nobu San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3753)

Price: Very Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 69 times today

World renowned for its award winning "New Style" Japanese cuisine, Nobu continues to offer savvy diners across the globe a culinary adventure. Our San Diego location is yet another canvas for Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to display his legendary dishes, such as the Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. The restaurant which is nestled in the perennially hip and centrally located Hard Rock Hotel also features unique creations by Executive Chef David Meade who has honed his skill at Nobu locations in Miami and New York. Nobu San Diego delivers equally on food, impeccable service and ambiance that is sophisticated yet lively.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

7. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(975)

Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 45 times today

Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

8. Huntress

4.5

Awesome(815)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 34 times today

Huntress is the most adventurous and energetic modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego, offering the finest cuts of meat, one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky brands in California, and a contemporary, lively atmosphere where music elevates every dish.

A photo of Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana restaurant

9. Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana

4.3

Awesome(63)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 10 times today

Experience a taste of Rome Italy in San Diego at Cacio e Pepe, where traditional Italian Roman cuisine takes center stage. Our dishes are crafted authentically using Italian ingredients, spices, and techniques, offering everything from the classic Cacio e Pepe to Roman-style pizza. Immerse yourself in the ambiance that reflects the essence of Rome and Italian culture. Join us for dinner Tuesday to Sunday from 4 pm to 9 pm and indulge in our weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 am to 2 pm.Don't miss our unique selections of wines and delicious cocktails to complement your dining experience. ---Brunch:Saturday and Sunday | 9 am - 2:00 pmDinnerTuesday - Thursday | 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm Closed Monday Night!

10. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3555)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 28 times today

"World travel and its pleasures; items brought back from different places for décors; great stories shared with others; and very importantly, simple, yet delicious recipes from different cultures. Our mission is humble. It is simply for people coming to our restaurant to be transported around the world, and to travel with us for an evening, to a place of well-being and happiness."Bleu Bohème is designed to create a feeling of France's past generations. It mixes the Bohemian and artistic free spirited left bank of Paris with the roots and tradition of the rural areas. Bleu Bohème is a neighborhood restaurant that serves accessible, affordable and comforting French cuisine.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Andrea
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Will definitely be returning I fell in love with the place and the food.
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
J
J EvanVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great food, refined wine selection...what else does one need? Had a great time.
More info
Cellar HandPrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Hillcrest
•
4.6
N
Nancy
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
It was so much more than the exquisite meal - it was an experience. Callie’s servers are the most knowledgable, best trained, most service oriented team we’ve ever experienced. We had the tasting menu which was EXTRAORDINARY and - for the brave - the delicious Kook Juice from the bar. Our favorite place to dine in San Diego!
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
J
Julia
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
my parents are in town visiting, and we brought them here. Not only was everyone lovely, the food was delicious. Everything on the menu seems like it was a conscious choice, and each piece of the meal tasted delicious. We usually don’t order dessert when we go out, but we did this time and didn’t regret it.
More info
WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
C
Christopher
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
Absolutely Beautiful for Christmas Eve dinner!! Decorations were gorgeous, ambiance was intimate, festive, warm, cheerful. Food was delicious loved grilled oysters, bruschetta, fried short rib balls, steak was yummmy!! Drinks were great, and service was on point! Beautiful experience thank You La La!! Merry Christmas Happy Holidays and Happy New Year💗✨
More info
LalaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

Best Family Style Restaurants in University Heights

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

28 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

2. Callie Restaurant

3. Lala

4. Wormwood

5. Cellar Hand

6. Nobu San Diego

7. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

8. Huntress

9. Cacio E Pepe Trattoria Romana

10. Bleu Boheme

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable