Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Fun Restaurants in University Heights

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighbourhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

97 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Barbusa restaurant
1. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4282)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 76 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
2. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8631)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 40 times today
Mister A's is the perfect spot for a special occasion or a night out. With its stunning views of San Diego's skyline and bay, it's a treat to dine in. Reviewers rave about the 'spectacular views, elegant atmosphere, and professional, friendly service'. The food and drinks are consistently praised as 'exceptional' and 'delicious'. The restaurant also boasts one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country, so you know you're in for a treat!
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
3. Louisiana Purchase SD
4.5
Awesome(659)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 66 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 Puesto Mission Valley restaurant
4. Puesto Mission Valley
4.6
Exceptional(1982)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Mission Valley
Booked 53 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.
A photo of ARLO San Diego restaurant
5. ARLO San Diego
4.3
Awesome(748)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 11 times today
ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.
A photo of RustiCucina restaurant
6. RustiCucina
4.7
Exceptional(1128)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Hillcrest
Booked 43 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.
A photo of CUCINA urbana restaurant
7. CUCINA urbana
4.7
Exceptional(7085)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Banker's Hill
Booked 52 times today
CUCINA urbana is a fun Italian restaurant in San Diego's Bankers Hill neighborhood. It's not just a restaurant but also a wine shop. Reviews rave about the 'fun atmosphere', 'creative, delicious food options', 'inventive cocktails', and 'nice vibe'. Plus, the option to handpick and enjoy wines at retail price is a unique feature that adds to the fun. It's a great spot for a date night or a casual fine dining experience.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
8. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4730)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
9. Brigantine at Portside Pier
4.7
Exceptional(4188)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 96 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Nobu San Diego restaurant
10. Nobu San Diego
4.5
Awesome(3731)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 times today
Nobu San Diego is a fun spot with its award-winning 'New Style' Japanese cuisine, such as Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. It's a sophisticated yet lively place with an 'exceptional service', 'amazing food', and 'nice ambiance'. As one reviewer said, 'the food was outstanding', and another noted it as a 'fun experience'.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Matt
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The best atmosphere, team and food in San Diego! A must experience if you haven’t been!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • Linhvip
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    When I say EVERYTHING was scrumptious, I mean it! The Alligator Andouille Cheesecake was creamy, savory, beautiful and delicious! We had a group of 5 and it was perfect to share. Everyone ooooohhh’d and awwww’d their way through their tastebuds trip! We also tried the Rasta Pasta with the most flavorful smoky oxtail, and tasty shrimps. The gumbo which you can tell was cooked Low and slowwww to allow the flavors to flavor. Shrimp & Grits were silky and rich, just like they should be. The Dooky Chase with the biggest and juiciest wings! Deliciously seasoned! Can’t wait to come back to try the rest of the menu! And to get another Alligator Andouille Cheesecake! Hell yeah, Chef Q & Team!
    More info
    Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
    •
    4.5
  • esther
    San Diego •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Went for Thanksgiving buffet and everything was outstanding. Turkey was juicy, prime rib was tender, salads, sides, desserts too many to mention. Will do this again.
    More info
    ARLO San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Mission Valley
    •
    4.3
  • Maia
    San Diego •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Friend and I visited for the Thanksgiving prix fixe dinner. It was absolutely fantastic. We ordered the lamb shank, beef filet, and added the sweet potatoes. Our onion soup and blackened shrimp appetizer choices were delicious. The pumpkin cake and apple pastry desserts were so good. The overall standout was definitely the lamb shank. Unbelievably delicious. The wine list is incredible and we complemented dinner with a lovely Napa Cabernet. The service was excellent and absolutely what you would expect. Bill, was a delight and even took a few photos of us for my visiting friend. Thank you for a wonderful Thanksgiving!
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • VineetM
    New York City •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 19, 2024
    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
    More info
    Puesto Mission ValleyPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Mission Valley
    •
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in University Heights

Discover the vibrant culinary scene in University Heights, San Diego, where the keyword "fun" truly comes to life in its array of dining establishments. This neighborhood is known for its lively and enjoyable dining experiences, perfectly blending great food with an entertaining atmosphere. Restaurants here offer a variety of cuisines, ensuring that every palate is catered to with dishes that are as exciting as they are delicious. Many venues in University Heights also feature unique cocktails and live entertainment, enhancing the dining experience and making each meal memorable. The area is a haven for those seeking a fun night out, where the quality of both food and service is consistently outstanding. Whether you're in the mood for an intimate dinner or a lively group gathering, University Heights promises a dynamic dining experience that catires to the desires of locals and visitors alike. Explore the fun and flavors of University Heights for a truly exceptional gastronomic adventure.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
  • Open for Business Blog
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo