Best Fun Restaurants in College Area

216 restaurants available nearby

1. MOTHERSHIP

4.8

Exceptional(309)

Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 33 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 Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

2. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(658)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 18 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

3. Wormwood

4.7

Exceptional(789)

Price: Very Expensive

• French • North Park

Booked 14 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.

4. One Door North

4.6

Exceptional(501)

Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 3 times today

At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2634)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 6 times today

The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.

6. Bleu Boheme

4.8

Exceptional(3533)

Price: Expensive

• French • Kensington

Booked 9 times today

Bleu Bohème is a lively spot that's not just about food, but an immersive experience. With its unique blend of Bohemian and rural French styles, it transports you on a culinary journey around the world. Reviews rave about the 'wonderful ambiance', 'delicious food', and 'excellent service'. It's the perfect place for a relaxing dining experience or special occasions.

7. Madi

4.6

Exceptional(407)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 24 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

8. Casa Gabriela

4.6

Exceptional(737)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Mesa

Booked 5 times today

Chef Gabriela Lopez brings her elevated Mexican cuisine to Downtown La Mesa. Using her grandmother's recipes from Guadalajara crossed with her cosmopolitan upbringing in Tijuana, Chef Gabriela's menu features authentic hand-crafted dishes and imaginative takes on classic dishes. All of Baja California is represented along with influences from other regions in Mexico.The spacious outdoor garden, cozy loft, and private dining areas are the perfect places to enjoy tequila and mezcal based cocktails, family celebrations, or brunch with friends.

9. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(26)

Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 4 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

A photo of Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2512)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 13 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

‘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

J
James
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great place to drink and socialize with friends/family. The spaceship themed ambience was most excellent. Tapas style bites to eat were very good. Will go here again.
More info
MOTHERSHIPPrice: Moderate• Tapas / Small Plates• North Park
•
4.8
A
Ashley
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
F*ckin amazing nothing compared in San Diego. Get the oxtail Mac and cheese. You can say you been to heaven after eating that masterpiece. A+
More info
Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
•
4.5
F
Fiona
San Diego •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We ordered the cauliflower appetizer to share and it was delicious I wasn’t a fan of the cheese (mixed on)I believe it was a feta but not sure. Everyone else liked it. I had the duck entree and requested it cooked medium well and it was perfect! The bananas foster is killer good as is the crème brûlée!!!
More info
The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French American• North Park
•
4.8
L
Laura
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Wow the food here is absolutely delicious . We started with the oysters and the Wagyu tartare, both were incredible and I had the black cod and my husband had the pasta for dinner and it was amazing. Service from Erick was with a smile and very friendly atmosphere. It’s a bit small, with only one bathroom and was busy on a Saturday night, but we’ll definitely be back!
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WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
•
4.7
T
Tim
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Gina was great!! Our family had a great time visiting.
More info
One Door NorthPrice: Moderate• American• North Park
•
4.6

Best Fun Restaurants in College Area

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216 restaurants available nearby

1. MOTHERSHIP

2. Louisiana Purchase SD

3. Wormwood

4. One Door North

5. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

6. Bleu Boheme

7. Madi

8. Casa Gabriela

9. Botanica

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

See what locals rave about

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