Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in University Heights

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighbourhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown / Gaslamp

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral washroomWheelchair access

132 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kairoa Brewing Company restaurant

1. Kairoa Brewing Company

4.5

Awesome(103)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brewery • University Heights

Kairoa is the culmination of our passion for food, beer and our original home country of New Zealand. The food is New Zealand comfort food mixed with southern Californian favorites. Nothing beats our New Zealand style smoked lamb fries and a crisp pilsner.Our mission is to create delicious beer and food that makes people feel at home in our modern farmhouse designed space, a nod to our family past. Enjoy our rooftop bar with friends while enjoying the sunset over the San Diego urban scenery.

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1408)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 72 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.

3. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8125)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 65 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.

4. Coasterra

4.6

Exceptional(7666)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 120 times today

Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

A photo of Puesto Mission Valley restaurant

5. Puesto Mission Valley

4.6

Exceptional(2035)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Mission Valley

Booked 52 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.

6. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(46)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 11 times today

Botanica is a craft cocktail bar offering an exquisite selection of unique cocktails inspired by classic paintings. Our sexy and inviting space is perfect for enjoying artfully crafted drinks paired with delectable small bites. Step into our lounge and experience a fusion of artistic elegance and sophisticated flavors.

7. Lala

4.7

Exceptional(155)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 32 times today

From the Owners of Barbusa .we bring you "Lala" a captivating blend of modern and classic Italian cuisine, paired with handcrafted cocktails in a cozy, sexy-chic ambiance. Our menu showcases timeless Italian flavors with a contemporary twist, from traditional Stuffed Shells to inventive loaded potato gnocchi. The intimate atmosphere, with dimmed lights and plush furnishings, sets the stage for romantic dinners or vibrant gatherings.Our bar is a haven of mixology artistry, featuring classic Negronis and signature creations like the "Lala Martini." Sustainability is a core value—we source responsibly and implement eco-friendly practices in both the kitchen and the bar. "Lala" isn't just a restaurant; it's a community that appreciates culinary excellence, inviting you to savor the extraordinary in every bite, sip, and moment. Join us for a celebration of Italian cuisine, crafted with contemporary flair, and served in an ambiance that exudes romance.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

8. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3131)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 106 times today

Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

9. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.6

Exceptional(4615)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 110 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

10. Animae

4.7

Exceptional(3329)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 51 times today

ANIMAE’s eclectic West Coast cuisine, layered with Asian influences, comes to life under Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey. Applying a California cooking style to ANIMAE’S traditional coal-fired oven and grill, Chef Malarkey’s menu is as thoughtful as it is refined, elevating local produce and seasonal ingredients to create a lively and progressive culinary program.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Armando
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
The customer service was amazing... all the staff had happy energy and were willing to help us out. Our food came out quickly and was very tasty. We enjoyed and will most likely come back. My wife loved the decor. Awesome observation...the crew was celebrating a team effort of reaching a sales point for the day...it super cool to see the management and owner celebrate with their staff. I almost asked for an application to work there..celebrating victories is awesome.
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
N
NuiVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The jerk chicken wings are the best! Also love the island salad with its yummy chimichurri dressing. Coconut margarita is my favorite drink. All the servers are fantastic too!
More info
Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
•
4.8
M
Manuel y o Anavel
Baja California •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
The first time the food was exquisite thise time something is a little bit less like I don’t know the meat something was different. I had to ask for salt
More info
Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
•
4.6

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