Best Casual Restaurants in College Area

99 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

4.7

Exceptional(419)

Price: Moderate

• Breakfast • Kensington

Booked 42 times today

Bringing all-day brunch and grab-and-go coffee to Normal Heights, Madi is the upcoming daytime counterpart to Madison on Park, the well-established mid-century modern restaurant and bar that opened in University Heights in 2015. Offering a quick-service coffee counter fueled by Heartwork Coffee out of Mission Hills that’ll feature the full range of espresso drinks, specialty beverages, and tea as well as fresh pastries, Madi will also be an anytime option for sit-down breakfasts, mimosa-powered brunches, and casual lunches.Its breakfast menu ranges from waffle churro sticks and breakfast burritos to skirt steak eggs Benedict and a variety of pancakes based on a 60-year-old recipe from Madison co-owner Matthew, whose family runs a century-old breakfast spot in the midwest.Lunch will hinge on build-your-own grain and salad bowls along with lettuce wraps, ceviche, a burger, and a classic Tuna Melt!

A photo of Aromi Italian Cuisine restaurant

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(242)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • La Mesa

Booked 14 times today

Discover Aromi, where Italian authenticity meets affordability. Our casual Italian restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, serving up delicious dishes bursting with flavors at budget-friendly prices. From traditional pasta classics to mouthwatering entrees, Aromi ensures an unforgettable dining experience that won't break the bank.

A photo of Giardino Neighborhood Cucina restaurant

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4.8

Exceptional(1069)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lemon Grove

Booked 20 times today

Located in the middle of Lemon Grove’s charming downtown area, Giardino is a welcoming and casual Italian inspired cucina where the neighborhood gathers for fresh and flavorful classic dishes found throughout Italy.Giardino offers an Italian-inspired menu of seasonally-driven dishes that use timeless Italian techniques and fresh ingredients. Guests will find items such as fresh seafood, pastas, pizzas and salads, as well as a variety of elements made in-house.

4. Botanica

4.7

Exceptional(29)

Price: Moderate

• Japanese • North Park

Booked 26 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.

A photo of Brigantine La Mesa restaurant

5. Brigantine La Mesa

4.8

Exceptional(4169)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • La Mesa

Booked 52 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few.Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. With an updated nautical decor, the busy Oyster bar is hands-down the local favorite. Lush flowering foliage outdoors creates an elegant dining experience on one of two charming patios.The La Mesa Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, lunch Monday-Saturday, and brunch every Sunday.Join us for our signature Happy Hour.

6. Siamo Napoli

4.7

Exceptional(1322)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • North Park

Booked 60 times today

Specializing in Napolitano style pizza and pasta. We focus on clean fresh ingredients that thrive in our home land and make simple foods the star. We have a full bar with hand crafted drinks and a range of wines from Napoli and beyond.

A photo of The Smoking Goat Restaurant restaurant

7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(2643)

Price: Moderate

• French American • North Park

Booked 33 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 Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(2550)

Price: Moderate

• French • North Park

Booked 27 times today

Et Voilà! is a vibrant neighborhood bistro, located along the North Park corridor. Et Voilà! French Bistro showcases Chef Vincent Viale’s talents, mixing French classics with a modern accent. Find local and seasonal products building upon French recipes from various regions, such as Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and soufflés. Explore the diverse regions of France through a curated wine list, and taste a variety of distinct local ingredients with our crafted cocktails. Et Voila! French Bistro is the destination for those looking for a vibrant dining experience, or even for those looking for a simple glass of wine and informal bite at the bar. No reservations accepted for happy hour Please be on time to your reservation. Note that your allocated time slot starts at the time of your reservation and NOT when your party is complete. (1.30 hours for 2, 1.45pm for 3/4 people) We likely will not be able to extend your time if you are running late . Thank you for

A photo of Trattoria Da Sofia restaurant

9. Trattoria Da Sofia

4.6

Exceptional(186)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Kensington

Booked 37 times today

Trattoria da Sofia is a brand new Italian restaurant located in the charming Kensington neighborhood of San Diego. Trattoria da Sofia features delicious, comforting Italian dishes paired with warm Italian hospitality. By day, the Trattoria is your new favorite coffee shop and cafe.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

10. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3091)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 50 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jada
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was so cute! I went on a chill vibe to get a drink with my friend and it was so so cute.
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BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Japanese• North Park
•
4.7
D
DianaVIP
San Diego •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food. Good presentation. Fun menu. Parking always a bit difficult in that neighborhood. Group of 7 with an rsvp - we really enjoyed it!
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MadiPrice: Moderate• Breakfast• Kensington
•
4.7
D
Delzio
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Christmas dinner at Giardino’s was nothing short of magical! The cozy atmosphere, twinkling lights, and festive décor made it feel like stepping into a holiday wonderland. The food was absolutely incredible, each dish was bursting with flavor and cooked to perfection. The staff was warm, attentive, and made sure every detail was just right. It was the perfect place to celebrate the season with loved ones. Can’t wait to come back next year!
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Giardino Neighborhood CucinaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lemon Grove
•
4.8
R
Randy
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our reservation was at 2:00pm but we arrived early thinking we would sit in the bar area and have a drink. They accommodated and seated us right away. Everyone was very polite and helpful. Our Waiter was very knowledgeable and the wait times for drinks, dinner, etc. was very short. Food and drinks were excellent.
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Brigantine La MesaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• La Mesa
•
4.8
D
DonaldVIP
San Diego •48 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Aromi consistently has excellent entrees with a good selection of wines. The daily special today was Mahi Mahi with a lemon caper sauce that was delicious. We always enjoy dinner and the friendly staff and servers.
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Aromi Italian CuisinePrice: Moderate• Italian• La Mesa
•
4.7

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College Area

Best Casual Restaurants in College Area

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99 restaurants available nearby

1. Madi

2. Aromi Italian Cuisine

3. Giardino Neighborhood Cucina

4. Botanica

5. Brigantine La Mesa

6. Siamo Napoli

7. The Smoking Goat Restaurant

8. Et Voilà! French Bistro - San Diego

9. Trattoria Da Sofia

10. Alexander's on 30th

See what locals rave about

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