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Best Historic Restaurants in University Heights

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
1. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7921)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 67 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
2. Saint James French Diner
4.6
Exceptional(239)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
3. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.5
Awesome(4565)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 123 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. 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.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4. Grant Grill
4.7
Exceptional(1629)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 13 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
5. Lou & Mickey's
4.7
Exceptional(4150)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 62 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of Tako restaurant
6. Tako
4.2
Awesome(58)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old Town
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
7. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3097)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 55 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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
8. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.5
Awesome(633)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 25 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Officine Buona Forchetta restaurant
9. Officine Buona Forchetta
4.6
Exceptional(504)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Point Loma
Booked 67 times today
Located in the heart of the historic Liberty Station neighborhood, Officine Buona Forchetta blends award winning Neapolitan-style pies and Northern Italian upscale entrees in a family-friendly, approachable space.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
10. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter
4.6
Exceptional(2580)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 37 times today
Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Deni
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    10/10! From the food, to the service (Geena? She was so sweet and attentive!) to the amazing happy hour menu. My boyfriend and I had an absolute blast. Definitely highly recommend!
    More info
    Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
    •
    4.5
  • ChrisVIP
    San Diego •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Balboa Park is beautiful, especially during the Christmas season. The receptionist has a big beautiful welcoming smile and we were seated promptly. The cocktails were delicious (Old Fashioned and raspberry lemon drop). The servers and waitress (Brittany) were very attentive. The food was excellent, as always. Beef sushi roll (who knew?!), the Caesar salad, the short ribs - tender and so flavorful. The Prado never disappoints!
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Alfredo
    Orange County •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    It was a very nice place restaurant is nice and service was excellent, food was super good first time there and I will go back Prime Steaks are very good!!
    More info
    Lou & Mickey'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    •
    4.7
  • Keiko
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was excellent , I felt chef’s pride Waiter Creyton B gave us an excellent service We really enjoyed the time Thank you guys
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • BrookeVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 25, 2024
    We had the pleasure of dining here on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful 4-course menu including an amuse Bouche, a choice between two salads, four entrees and two desserts. The service was absolutely on point! Great attention to detail and the server assistants were fabulous too. The food runner was lovely and explained each course. The food was absolutely delicious. By far our best meal in San Diego. Thank you all!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.7

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