Best Southwest American Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

113 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

1. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3534)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 221 times today

Javier's in La Jolla stands out as a beacon of authentic Mexican cuisine, delighting patrons with its vibrant atmosphere and a rich heritage of elevated dishes. Located in the scenic area of San Diego, the restaurant offers a captivating ambiance, perfect for enjoying their hand-shaken margaritas and a wide selection of rare tequilas. Patrons rave about the quality of the meals, with reviews highlighting the "spectacular" carne asada and the "mouth-watering" lobster enchiladas. As one diner puts it, "Absolutely loved the food and experience." Javier's consistently provides not just a meal but a delightful culinary journey steeped in Mexican tradition, making it a must-visit location for both locals and visitors.

A photo of RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla restaurant

2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

4.4

Awesome(2689)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 63 times today

Experience the vibrant heart of contemporary Mexican cuisine at RED O Taste of Mexico in La Jolla, San Diego. Known for its unique blend of prime steak and seafood with the authentic, rich flavors of Mexico, courtesy of Rick Bayless' culinary influence, RED O stands out for its high-quality, sustainably sourced ingredients and artful presentations. Guests rave about the "smoky chipotle crema & cotija mashed potatoes" and the "passion fruit butter cake," highlighting the restaurant's dedication to elevating traditional Mexican dishes. The luxurious resort-like interior and impeccable service, including a "table side tequila cart," make dining here a memorable affair. Whether it's for the innovative dishes or the specialty cocktails, RED O brings an exceptional Mexican dining experience to the heart of San Diego.

A photo of Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC restaurant

3. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

4.8

Exceptional(4986)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 62 times today

Seasons 52 in San Diego's UTC area stands out as a premier Wine Bar, offering an extensive list of meticulously curated wines that beautifully complement their seasonal, oak-fire grilled, and brick oven roasted dishes. Patrons rave about the ambience and the wine selection, consistently noting how each visit is enhanced by the perfect pairing of wine and food. Reviews like "great wine selection" and "the wines perfectly complemented our meals" exemplify the authentic Wine Bar experience that Seasons 52 provides. This restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in a sophisticated yet approachable wine and dining experience, where every sip and bite is a celebration of seasonal freshness and culinary excellence.

A photo of The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla restaurant

4. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

4.5

Awesome(1449)

Price: Very Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 2 times today

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar epitomizes the essence of sophisticated American dining. This gem has consistently been recognized for its exceptional service and culinary prowess, with Chef Yvon Goetz leading the kitchen. His wine country-driven menu perfectly complements an impressive wine selection of over 650 choices, meriting multiple accolades including 'Restaurant of the Year.' Patrons rave about the "outstanding service and ambiance" and the "delicious food," with favorites like the "perfectly cooked" steak and "tender" slow-braised beef short ribs. The Winery is not just a dining experience; it’s a celebration of the finest American flavors and hospitality.

A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant

5. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC

4.5

Awesome(1071)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 38 times today

True Food Kitchen in La Jolla, San Diego stands as a beacon of farm-to-table cuisine, offering a vibrant menu that marries delicious flavors with conscientious nutrition. Founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, this chef-driven establishment emphasizes dishes that are not only good for you but also environmentally sustainable and bursting with flavor. Guests consistently rave about the quality and creativity of the meals, describing the food as “always delicious and healthy” and praising the “fresh and fantastic” options like the Ancient Grains Bowl. The restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality shines through in every dish, making it a must-visit for those who value a dining experience that supports local agriculture and wholesome eating.

A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant

6. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

4.7

Exceptional(188)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 2 times today

This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining. We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends;July 4th hours: 11am-5pm

A photo of The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines restaurant

7. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

4.6

Exceptional(2350)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 50 times today

The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, San Diego, epitomizes the essence of farm-to-table cuisine with its commitment to locally sourced ingredients and wood-fired specialties. Nestled in a scenic resort, the restaurant offers a menu that celebrates the bounty of Southern California, with patrons raving about the "best hamburger I have ever had" and the freshness of dishes like the avocado toast. The inviting ambiance, complete with stunning views and cozy fire pits, enhances the dining experience, making each meal not just a feast for the palate but also a moment to cherish. Reviewers consistently praise the delicious, slow-cooked menu items and the attentive service, affirming The Grill's status as a top destination for authentic farm-to-table dining.

8. Puesto La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(2125)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 85 times today

Puesto La Jolla is a gem in La Jolla, San Diego, renowned for its exceptional Contemporary Mexican cuisine. This award-winning restaurant, celebrated by outlets like National Geographic and the Michelin Guide, offers a unique culinary experience with its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos on non-GMO, organic maíz azul tortillas. Chef Luisteen Gonzales crafts vibrant dishes, from fresh ceviches to inventive tacos, praised for their “amazing flavors” and described as “the best tacos ever!” by satisfied diners. The lively ambiance, complemented by an innovative bar program featuring hand-crafted cocktails and exclusive Mexican wines, ensures every visit is memorable. As one review raves, it's “an absolute must-try!” with “outstanding service and food.”

9. NINE-TEN

4.7

Exceptional(2934)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 18 times today

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of La Jolla, San Diego, NINE-TEN stands out as a beacon of farm-to-table excellence. Under the helm of nationally-recognized chef Jason Knibb, the restaurant has earned a MICHELIN distinction for its commitment to locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired cuisine. Diners rave about the exceptional quality of dishes such as the "best duck breast I’ve ever had" and praise the innovative "Mercy of the Chef" tasting menu. With ingredients carefully selected daily from local artisans, NINE-TEN not only promises but delivers a dining experience that is both authentic and sublime. Whether you're enjoying a meal on their cozy terrace with ocean views or indulging in the warmth of their elegant indoor setting, NINE-TEN is a true gem in farm-to-table dining.

A photo of California English restaurant

10. California English

4.4

Awesome(487)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Sorrento Mesa

Booked 24 times today

California English in Sorrento Mesa, San Diego, offers a unique Californian cuisine experience by blending the relaxed Southern California lifestyle with classic British flavors, all masterfully crafted by celebrity chef Richard Blais. The all-day menu features locally sourced ingredients, ensuring each dish—from the Scottish egg to the sticky toffee date cake—is both fresh and flavorful. Reviews praise the restaurant's fusion cuisine, highlighting the "creative and delicious meals" and the "fantastic service" that complement the cozy yet stylish ambiance. Whether it's for a casual brunch or a special dinner, California English provides a culinary adventure that celebrates the best of Californian flavors with a British twist.

‘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

M
Melanie
San Diego •58 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Definitely glad we made reservations! It was Christmas night and super busy! Our server was great. Food was good, got a Carnitas taco and it was gushy and had no pork taste. We decided it was pot roast not carnitas! Very disappointed. The white rice was interesting, never seen that at a Mexican restaurant before. Beans were good. The other taco I had was delicious! I think it was called the Gringo. I will go back just for that taco!! Overall it was a good night! We will be back
More info
Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.5
S
Shanta
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Blanco is a hidden jewel in Coronado. The prices are very reasonable and the food and service are outstanding. The staff is extremely professional and very kind. I highly cannot say enough kind things about our dinning experience. We are looking forward to our next visit, keep up the great work.
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Blanco Cocina + Cantina - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
A
Anne
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing food and service. Well designed space with lots of seating. We ordered crab enchiladas, snapper with plantain crust, chicken mole enchiladas, and table side guacamole. My husband ordered a Don Julio margarita and I got a pomegranate spritzer. Really appreciated how many non alcoholic options they had on the drink menu that weren’t just soda! We will definitely be back
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Ortega's A Mexican BistroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Hillcrest
•
4.5
L
Lattie
San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
Better than expected! Great service, food & ambience. We enjoyed it!
More info
Blanco Cocina + Cantina – Fashion ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
•
4.7
C
Cynthia
San Diego •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on Nov 10, 2024
The food was delicious! The drinks were also delicious! Food is moderately priced, but the drinks are quite expensive! Guacamole was plentiful and very tasty! Our server was extremely helpful and personable! First time at blind and we would come again!
More info
Blind BurroPrice: Moderate• Mexican / Regional American (Southwestern)• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.6

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University City/Golden Triangle

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Best Southwest American Restaurants in University City/Golden Triangle

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113 restaurants available nearby

1. Javier's - La Jolla

2. RED O Taste of Mexico - La Jolla

3. Seasons 52 - San Diego - UTC

4. The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar- La Jolla

5. True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC

6. Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center

7. The Grill at The Lodge at Torrey Pines

8. Puesto La Jolla

9. NINE-TEN

10. California English

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