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Best Open Kitchen Restaurants in University Heights

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Wormwood restaurant
1. Wormwood
4.6
Exceptional(830)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • North Park
Booked 11 times today
Wormwood invites you to explore a bygone era when poets, writers, and painters found inspiration in the Green Fairy. Discover fine Absinthes as we share stories of its golden age and guide your palate on a unique journey.Our restaurant blends French elegance with bohemian charm, creating a cozy haven for food lovers. Each dish, from wagyu tartare to fresh oysters, celebrates local flavors and craftsmanship. Experience curated tastes of our coastal region with passion and finesse.We offer French wines and unique cocktails with a twist on classics. Every meal and drink promises adventure and cherished memories. Discover the fusion of past and present where dining is an unparalleled experience.Enjoy our three dining areas: a cozy indoor space with an open kitchen, an enchanting patio for serene outdoor dining, and the Secret Garden, a speakeasy bar with a unique cocktail menu and Green Hour. We also host private events, from dinners to weddings, ensuring every occasion is memorable.
A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant
2. The Smoking Goat Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2682)
Price: Moderate
• French / American • North Park
Booked 18 times today
The Smoking Goat is an award-winning California-French bistro located in the heart of North Park, San Diego. We have received the Gold Medallion for the best French Bistro in San Diego three years running. Inspired by his European Farm-to-Table up-bringing and culinary training at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Executive Chef and Owner Fred Piehl, marries classic French cuisine with the bounty of San Diego in a way that is rustic, yet refined, imaginative, yet unpretentious. The dinners served feature in-season local, sustainable and organic ingredients and provide guests with a unique culinary experience, reminiscent of the European countryside. Boasting a carefully selected wine and beer list and chef and bartender attention to select spirits to create craft house cocktails, The Smoking Goat assures there is always the correct pairing available.
A photo of Cori Pastificio Trattoria restaurant
3. Cori Pastificio Trattoria
4.8
Exceptional(651)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • North Park
Booked 20 times today
Acclaimed Sicilian Chef Accursio Lota serves up authentic cuisine in a cozy 60's-style Italian trattoria. Voted San Diego's Best Chef five years in a row, and Barilla’s World Pasta Champion, at Cori Trattoria Chef Lota serves up beautifully bold dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas and Beef Bone Marrow, and an unbelievably rich Vegan Parmigiana di Melanzane. The menu melds the flavors of Sicily and Italy with the best of fresh, locally-sourced Southern California ingredients, and is matched by a curated wine list and cocktail program that include indigenous, bio-dynamic varietals from all Italy. The current Spring menu features dishes like Agnolotti with Spring Peas, fava bean, and beef bone marrow, and Cacio e Pepe with sustainably-sourced Petrovich caviar.Enjoy full-service table seating, grab a place at the marble-topped bar, from which you can watch all the action of your meal being prepared in the open kitchen or just order your meal to enjoy at home with your family.
A photo of New York West restaurant
4. New York West
3.8
Excellent(18)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary American • Downtown / Gaslamp
A classy but relaxed sports bar and pizza restaurant awaits when you visit New York West. We feature a diverse menu, fine wines, and a large selection of beers at our sports bar in San Diego, CA, where you can feel at home while visiting with friends and watching the game on one of our many TVs screens, all while enjoying some fine foods made fresh each day in our kitchen.
A photo of Patisserie Melanie restaurant
5. Patisserie Melanie
4.7
Exceptional(51)
Price: Expensive
• French • North Park
Pâtisserie Mélanie offers a taste of Paris in our little corner in North Park. Helmed by Le Cordon Bleu Paris graduate Chef Melanie Dunn, we offer a wide variety of French pastries, coffees drinks, teas, brunch and lunch. At night, join us for elevated bistro fare and a curated selection of French wines, beer and cider.
A photo of Marisi restaurant
6. Marisi
4.6
Exceptional(1132)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 106 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 Paradisaea restaurant
7. Paradisaea
4.7
Exceptional(597)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 11 times today
A celebration of food, cocktails, art, and warm hospitality. Housed in the historic Piano Building, in the heart of the vibrant community of Bird Rock, Paradisaea is a destination restaurant and bar, that San Diegans frequent for crave-able, accessible fare, executed at the highest level.
A photo of The Whaling Bar restaurant
8. The Whaling Bar
4.6
Exceptional(92)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • La Jolla
Booked 10 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
9. Piatti - La Jolla
4.7
Exceptional(5095)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • La Jolla
Booked 50 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • KimVIP
    Orange County •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Cane here for a late Valentine's dinner. This was our second time here and food was delicious just like the first time. We ordered the duck, the rocky Jr. Chicken, escargot and the goat cheese cheesecake was an absolute must to finish off our meal. Staff was super friendly, and food came out in a timely manner. Definitely has become one of our favorite restaurants!
    More info
    The Smoking Goat RestaurantPrice: Moderate• French / American• North Park
    •
    4.7
  • Irianny
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    A fun experience! Came here for Valentine’s Day with reservations and had a smooth experience. Because of the holiday they only had a 5 tasting course. It was a bit packed understandably. The drinks were amazing! The food was a culinary experience. The service was on par. We were there for close to 3 hours however because the food came out very slow, however they gave us a discount because of it without us even asking. Amazing attention to detail!
    More info
    WormwoodPrice: Very Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.6
  • JeffVIP
    San Diego •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We thoroughly enjoyed a romantic and delicious Valentine's Day 6-course chef's dinner at Cori last night. The service was exceptional -- all staff were friendly and professional. The presentation of each dish was beautiful and the black truffle lobster risotto was especially memorable. Excellent Italian wine selection from every region of Italy.
    More info
    Cori Pastificio TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Felix
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 8, 2025
    We had a great time. We enjoyed the live music. Service was great
    More info
    New York WestPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    3.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Jun 21, 2024
    North Park’s best kept secret: this fine patisserie serves dinner, transforming the minimalist patisserie decor with tables, white tableclothes, candles, fresh flowers and so forth into a venue for fine dining. And the dining is memorable. My wife and I agree, this was the finest restaurant meal we’ve had since we moved to SD four years ago. Chef Brad is a gem. Waitstaff is knowledgeable, efficient, friendly, and professional. Don’t be afraid to try anything. Every bite was delicious. Just go and enjoy! Ruth and Ron
    More info
    Patisserie MelaniePrice: Expensive• French• North Park
    •
    4.7

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