Best Authentic Restaurants in University Heights

126 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4108)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 97 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. Juniper & Ivy

4.6

Exceptional(7996)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 60 times today

Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

3. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(1982)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 68 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.

4. Buona Forchetta

4.6

Exceptional(840)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 54 times today

Buona Forchetta, meaning 'Good Fork' in Italian, is an authentic Italian restaurant. It was started by Matteo who wanted to bring his native Italy to San Diego. Customers praise its 'excellent and authentic Italian experience' with simple recipes that 'takes me back to all my travels to Italy'. The restaurant is highly recommended for its 'authentic and delicious' food, 'vibrant atmosphere' and 'excellent service'.

5. Siamo Napoli

4.6

Exceptional(1295)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 46 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.

6. RustiCucina

4.7

Exceptional(1115)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest

Booked 47 times today

Welcome to Rusticucina, where locally sourced ingredients, seasonal dishes and a warm ambiance reign supreme. We are named to reflect the merging of two cultures; American and Sicilian, since our owners are straight out of a small town in Sicily. We invite neighborhood dwellers and visitors to experience our farm-to-neighborhood restaurant unlike any other. Aperitivo, a traditional Italian-style happy hour, leads the way—think sensational small bites, Aperol Spritzes, Negronis and Limoncello. We also offer a full bar and carefully curated craft cocktails, along with an impressive beer and wine list. Our food menu, boasts hearty, rustic cuisine, with pasta made in-house, from scratch, as well palate-pleasing entrees and a slate of pizzas and flat breads. Our tableside service offers a one-of-a-kind, dedicated experience, and their outdoor space is the perfect landing spot for dog lovers and sun worshipers. We even offer a pet menu for furry guests.

7. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1325)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 55 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.

8. AKA San Diego

new

3.2

Good(27)

Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 50 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.

A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

9. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(654)

Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 59 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, &

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

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2507)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 39 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

S
Suzanne
Seattle / Eastern Washington •9 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Kevin, our server was superb! We loved sitting at the chef’s counter and getting an up-close look at the absolutely incredible preparations! This was one of the most unique taste experiences I have ever had. We had the whole duck and it was divine — really enough for 4 and we were only two.
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Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• undefined• Little Italy
•
4.6
D
Danielvip
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
charming place with consistently excellent food at reasonable prices.
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Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.6
S
Sandy
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Siamo Napoli exceeded our expectations! Giovanni (one of the owner brother) assisted with our dining choices. We had calamari appetizers, shrimp risotto with a saffron cream sauce, lobster ravioli, and osso bucco everything perfectly executed. We were served tiramisu for our friend’s wedding celebration and a lovely limoncello cake for my birthday on the house. I had Pinot Grigio a Sicilian style and our friends had super Tuscans outstanding! Run don’t walk to experience Sismo Napoli. There is some parking available otherwise street
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Siamo NapoliPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
•
4.6
VM
VineetM
New York City •23 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Nice atmosphere, great food and outstanding service.Excellent Margaritas Please start serving Pinot Grigio. It is inexpensive and one of the most popular white wines now. Highly tecommend
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Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.6
B
Benyamin
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely loved the experience, my girlfriend had told me about the restaurant. She loves the early 90s so the vibes of the restaurant was amazing for her, I loved the decor as well as the general ambiance. The vodka pasta was so good, I got the 40oz porterhouse. The outside was grilled perfectly as well as the medium on the inside. The drinks were so good from the Cabernet my girlfriend had to the Gin & Tonic I had were both wonderfully made. 10/10, will absolutely be suggesting this place to every couple we know as THE date night spot in San Diego.
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SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in University Heights

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126 restaurants available nearby

1. Seneca

2. Juniper & Ivy

3. Puesto Mission Valley

4. Buona Forchetta

5. Siamo Napoli

6. RustiCucina

7. Kettner Exchange

8. AKA San Diego

9. Louisiana Purchase SD

10. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

See what locals rave about

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