Best Mediterranean Restaurants in University Heights

23 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

4.5

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 60 times today

Madison, nestled in the vibrant University Heights of San Diego, is a jewel of Californian cuisine that resonates with authenticity and culinary excellence. Praised for its "amazing food and drinks," Madison showcases the creativity of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri. Patrons consistently rave about experiences that go beyond dining, highlighting the superb service and vibrant atmosphere, especially during their themed nights like the lively 'Dinner with Dogs' and enchanting live jazz evenings. The carefully curated menu features standout dishes like the Pistachio Pesto Pasta and the Zucchini fries with spicy marinara, making every meal a celebration of California's rich flavors and innovative spirit. As one reviewer puts it, Madison is "definitely a must" for anyone seeking a quintessential Californian dining experience in San Diego.

2. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(238)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 54 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. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2322)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Hillcrest

Booked 63 times today

insideOUT in Hillcrest, San Diego, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Executive Chef Johnny Duran’s creative California-Mediterranean inspired menu features the freshest local ingredients, ensuring each dish is both delectable and authentically crafted. Guests rave about the quality of the seafood, with one patron describing the BBQ Garlic Prawns as "beautiful" and another applauding the Grilled Atlantic Salmon for its perfection. The vibrant ambiance, combined with consistently praised dishes, makes insideOUT a must-visit for seafood lovers seeking an elevated dining experience in San Diego’s only urban oasis.

A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant

4. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(80)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 times today

Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza

5. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6476)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 100 times today

Herb & Wood in Little Italy, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with a delightful twist of Californian flair. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, all centered around a wood-fired concept that accentuates each dish's rustic, authentic taste. Reviewers consistently praise the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and innovative dishes, with one guest exclaiming, "The bone marrow and oyster dish was especially impressive!" and another noting the "swordfish was very fresh and tasty." Herb & Wood not only offers a feast for the taste buds but also a Mediterranean dining experience that is both heartfelt and memorable, making it a culinary jewel in San Diego.

6. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(129)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa

Booked 20 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

7. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7107)

Price: Moderate

• Mediterranean • Banker's Hill

Booked 49 times today

Nestled in the vibrant Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego, CUCINA urbana offers a sublime blend of American cuisine with a unique twist. This gem has been delighting patrons since 2009, merging a cozy farmhouse vibe with a modern art installation, making each dining experience both comforting and visually stimulating. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident, with diners raving about the "stellar" food and "exceptional" service. Highlights include the meatballs with a "spicy" kick and the perfectly cooked rigatoni, not to mention the "spectacular" desserts like tiramisu and limoncello mousse tart. The innovative wine program allows guests to select from a range of both familiar and rare vintages at retail prices, enhancing meals or to enjoy at home. CUCINA urbana isn't just a meal; it's a culinary celebration in the heart of San Diego.

8. Wormwood

4.8

Exceptional(806)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • North Park

Booked 39 times today

Wormwood in North Park, San Diego, is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable experience in a setting that balances French elegance with bohemian charm. This outstanding Cocktail Bar is celebrated for its unique cocktails with a twist on classics, guided by a passion for the storied history of Absinthe. Patrons are enveloped in an atmosphere akin to a Parisian bistro yet uniquely Californian, where the "Secret Garden" speakeasy bar offers a secretive allure with its enchanting cocktail menu. Reviews consistently praise Wormwood, noting that the mixology is "ambitious, delicious, and stunning," and the ambiance is "perfect for an intimate evening." Experience the allure of Wormwood, where every sip is a story, and every visit is a cherished memory.

A photo of Bencotto Italian Kitchen restaurant

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

4.6

Exceptional(3305)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 93 times today

Bencotto Italian Kitchen in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy offers a dining experience that captures the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine with unparalleled authenticity and flair. With 75 different pasta recipes, all fresh and hand-crafted daily, Bencotto epitomizes the meaning of its name, "cooked well." The restaurant's dual dining areas—a modern kitchen-esque bar and a cozy upstairs space—provide the perfect backdrop for savoring dishes that "taste as they should in Italy." Highlighted by glowing reviews, patrons rave about the truffle ravioli and the cheese wheel pasta, describing them as "AMAZING" and "worth the trip." The dedication to quality and a warm, inviting atmosphere make Bencotto a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian cuisine.

10. Monello

4.6

Exceptional(2627)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Little Italy

Booked 63 times today

Nestled in the heart of Little Italy, San Diego, Monello shines as a beacon of Mediterranean cuisine, passionately serving dishes that resonate with authenticity and innovation. Celebrated for its handcrafted pasta, Monello rolls out an impressive 800 lbs of fresh pasta every week, offering diners up to 27 varieties to savor. The restaurant's Mediterranean flair is vividly showcased in its seafood selections and gourmet pizzas. A highlight is the Parmigiano cheese wheel pasta, a tableside spectacle that diners rave about, calling it "a must-try culinary experience" and praising its perfect al dente texture. Awarded Best Happy Hour in 2016, Monello not only promises delightful small plates but also impeccable service and an ambiance that keeps guests returning. Whether it's the Milanese Aperitivo or the unique Italian-style brunch, Monello captures the essence of Mediterranean dining, making every meal memorable.

‘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.

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From verified diners like you

R
RachelVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing waiter, food, wine and ambiance. They were beyond accommodating even though we were 20 mins late for our reservation. They let us stay past closing to finish our wine. Lovely experience all around. Thank you!
More info
CUCINA urbanaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Banker's Hill
•
4.7
E
Ethelyn
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Attended the 5-course Christmas Eve dinner. It was worth every penny- from start to finish it was coursed beautifully, ingredients were fresh and cooked perfectly to temp, plating was festive and colourful; and all this with just the right timed check-ins from my bartender/server James. The couple next to me did the wine pairing and everything was explained nicely and paired well... along with some fun history & stories- I opted for the cocktails which were creative and utilized some lovely ingredients as well as being well balanced.
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Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.8
K
Kathleen
Phoenix / Arizona •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Simply put, one of the best meals I have had the privilege of enjoying! Delightful server, Calvin, was very in tune with the timing of our meal and our needs. The fixed menu was perfect for Christmas Eve, as it kept the meal flowing and decision-making to a minimum. Every course was delectable from the scallop crudo, the creamed mushrooms, and the sea bass, to the date cake with walnut ice cream! Mezcal hibiscus cocktail was creative and tasty, as well! I will definitely be back!
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Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
•
4.7
Y
Yolanda
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Everything was perfect. From the ease of OpenTable reservations , communication via messages to walking in to see the hostess. The seating was absolutely beautiful and atmosphere gorgeous. Just as expected then more. The food and drinks were amazingly delicious!
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insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
•
4.8
J
Jim
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
We were so pleased that Madison has brought back their delicious jambalaya! Having grown up in New Orleans, I can say that Madison‘s jambalaya is some of the best around! Also loved the live jazz, friendly staff, and good vibe of the place!
More info
MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5

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University Heights

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Best Mediterranean Restaurants in University Heights

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23 restaurants available nearby

1. Madison

2. Callie Restaurant

3. insideOUT

4. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

5. Herb & Wood

6. Boujiemana

7. CUCINA urbana

8. Wormwood

9. Bencotto Italian Kitchen

10. Monello

See what locals rave about

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