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Best Cozy Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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95 restaurants available nearby

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2727)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Mexican • La Jolla
Dining at RED O is an experience like no other that offers a unique combination of Prime Steak and Seafood with Rick Bayless’ signature Mexican inspired influences. With sustainably sourced and local ingredients, RED O creates flavorful dishes true to the authentic flavors of Mexico. RED O’s team of friendly employees creates a welcoming atmosphere that parallels the luxury resort interior of the restaurant. RED O also features an impressive bar and lounge where you’ll find specialty cocktails, an extensive tequila list and an award winning wine list. The bar also offers Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily and Late Night Happy Hour from 9-11pm Friday-Saturday.
A photo of Queenstown Bistro - UTC restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(189)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 5 times today
We are the lil sis of Queenstown Public House located in the Little Italy district of San Diego. Slightly smaller, but with the same basic ingredients.A beautiful, comfortable, unique, fun setting. A friendly, smiling, courteous staff we hope you get to know. Guests enjoying the moment, sharing a laugh, whom we hope we get to know. Freshly made dishes; locally sourced, passionately created, many unique…and all delicious. A beer list changing daily, proudly from our award winning local craft SD brewers, and a wine list chosen with care from select vineyards and varietals. With a kiwi inspired lineage, and the spirit, love and good nature from the land of the Maori, we hope you will join us. And if we are so fortunate, then, we hope you will have a little too much of a good time, have a few too many laughs, stay a while, and return again soon to see us.
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(430)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 71 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of Le Coq restaurant
4.5
Awesome(384)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French • La Jolla
Booked 26 times today
Le Coq is James Beard Best Chef finalist Tara Monsod’s new wave French steakhouse. Inspired by the modern Parisian culinary landscape, chef Tara reinvents classic dishes through her signature approach, blending cross-cultural references and ingredients for a distinctly SoCal expression of French cuisine. Bright touches and hyper-seasonal products ground the menu with San Diego style, while nods to chef Tara’s Southeast Asian background are interwoven throughout. Located in downtown La Jolla in a 1930’s historic building with exposed brick walls, steel trusses, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Into this storied shell is inserted a posh 1970’s diner club.
A photo of Marisi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1130)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 96 times today
Discovering Italy by way of La Jolla, Marisi focuses on Italian hearth cooking with an emphasis on handmade pastas, fine wine and classic cocktails. The menu celebrates the rich diversity of cuisine from across Italy, fashioned in a time-honored tradition of handmade all day, every day. A dream that lives between the Italian and La Jolla coasts, suspended between tides instead of time — a mood more than a plot. A visit that feels a lot like coming home, if home was a warm, charming villa off the Amalfi coast. Marisi is a taste of something you want to remember. We hope you love it.
A photo of Addison By William Bradley restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1882)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Del Mar
Addison, Southern California’s first three-star Michelin restaurant, showcases the beauty and allure of California Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley offers his distinct culinary perspective through an experience that celebrates regional ingredients and influences. With its picturesque views of the surrounding hillside, the dining room creates a transportive setting for Bradley’s ten-course tasting menu. To further enhance the experience, Addison’s 10,000 bottle wine program showcases small producers, rare Champagnes, and new discoveries from around the world.Since 2006, the purity and precision of Addison's approach has led to global recognition for the restaurant and the San Diego culinary scene. Addison is among an exclusive selection of stand-alone Relais & Châteaux restaurants worldwide, and, in addition to its three-star Michelin designation, is honored on La Liste. It has consistently received the highest recognition from Wine Spectator for its wine program.
A photo of California English restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(529)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 14 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(92)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 23 times today
Rediscover The Whaling Bar in La Jolla, blending historic charm and modern luxury. Once beloved in the La Valencia hotel, it's back after ten years, mixing its rich legacy with today's elegance. Known for its cozy atmosphere and top-notch service, it's been updated for contemporary tastes without losing its heritage essence. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski, with a background in America's top kitchens and Iron Chef America, leads the culinary journey, offering a menu that combines classic and innovative approaches. The Whaling Bar invites both old fans and new to enjoy luxury and become part of La Jolla's ongoing story.
A photo of Piatti - La Jolla restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5095)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 46 times today
Established in 1987, Piatti offers finely crafted fresh Italian cuisine. The soul of the menu is our housemade pasta that we roll, cut and cook by hand everyday. Offering a fresh take on the neighborhood Italian trattoria, Piatti combines a warm, inviting atmosphere, seamless service and an immersive market experience so you can enjoy Piatti at home. Whether dining in or taking home, Piatti brings friends and family together.
A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2389)
Price: Moderate
• American • La Jolla
Booked 47 times today
The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines is a restaurant that offers an exclusive view of the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course. Guests can enjoy wood-fired dishes, craft beer choices, and an expanded patio. The restaurant is known for its decadent Drugstore Hamburger, but it also offers a variety of other dishes, including salads, seafood, and steaks. The Grill is committed to using local ingredients and sound craftsmanship. The restaurant's ambiance is welcoming and thoughtful, and the team is dedicated to providing a memorable experience for guests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Everything was amazing. Omar and Chris had super friendly vibes the whole entire staff were amazing had a warm and inviting feeling some of the most amazing food thanks to the chef omar 🙌🏼 me and my wife will be back thank you Red O for making it a memorable night.
    More info
    RED O Taste of Mexico - La JollaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Mexican• La Jolla
    4.5
  • LotaVIP
    San Diego •29 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Once again San Diegos's first ever James Beard Award finalist,@tara.monsod, Executive Chef @lecoq.sd brought her passion to the table. Everything prepared to perfection & paced beautifully. Ambiance is classy & have a welcoming atmosphere, Service is top notch . Wishing everyone a night filled with love & joy!
    More info
    Le CoqPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French• La Jolla
    4.5
  • AndreaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server, Brian, was great! attentive without being overbearing. There wasn't a bite I didn't love. The extra dirty martini was the perfect amount of dirty. Ribeye well seasoned, good char, and medium rare with a nice truffle mash. My favorite was definitely the roasted burrata. Even the bread paired with it was sensational. Don't miss out on the happy hour. Prices are phenomenal and some apps half off. And since the food gives you an extra pep in your step, you can power shop knowing you can try on clothes with a little extra room for the long haul wear 😉
    More info
    The Amalfi Llama - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Steakhouse• University City/Golden Triangle
    4.5
  • LorraineVIP
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Despite it being Valentine’s Day “a busy and chaotic day at other restaurants”, service and food was phenomenal! 10 out of 10! This place never fails to impress me. Was sat down in less than a minute and waiter Nick took our drink order within minutes. Absolutely the best service provided by Nick and May. All the details and attention were unnoticed. Compliments to the chef for the best prefixed menu I have ever seen! Bring the mussels to the menu please that broth was exquisite. Thank you for making the best Valentines dinner date I’ve ever had.
    More info
    MarisiPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• La Jolla
    4.6
  • OTTSVIP
    San Diego •39 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Jan 28, 2025
    I am a fan of the Queenstown and BareBack team. I really appreciate their dedication to GF options (separate fryer at many locations - BOMB). Good food, nice folks and fair prices.
    More info
    Queenstown Bistro - UTCPrice: Moderate• New Zealand• University City/Golden Triangle
    4.6
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