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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in University City/Golden Triangle

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34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of True Food Kitchen - San Diego UTC restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1084)
Price: Expensive
• American • La Jolla
Booked 17 times today
True Food Kitchen in San Diego UTC is a gem for those seeking a culinary adventure. The restaurant's focus on fresh, flavorful dishes crafted from conscious ingredients makes it a must-visit. As one reviewer put it, 'True Food UTC is great, not only for the food, but the warm and attentive staff.' The consistent high ratings for food, ambience, and service make it a drive-worthy destination. The fact that it is located in a nice location with friendly staff adds to the overall experience. So, if you're up for a healthy, flavorful meal in a pleasant atmosphere, True Food Kitchen is definitely worth the drive!
A photo of Bazille - Nordstrom University Town Center restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(190)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • La Jolla
Booked 3 times today
This full-service restaurant with a casually sophisticated atmosphere features bistro cuisine and a full bar. Enjoy fresh salads, specialty entrées, signature cocktails, a wine list and housemade desserts.Nordstrom is located along Genesee Avenue, between La Jolla Village Drive and Nobel Drive. Bazille is located on the 2nd floor, overlooking the main courtyard of the newly expanded UTC. We offer a full bar with wine, beer & hand crafted cocktails, as well as open patio dining. We are open for dine-in service, covered, heated outdoor patio dining and to-go orders with Curbside Pickup. Call (858) 812-3582 to place your order.Join us for Brunch on weekends;July 4th hours: 11am-5pm
A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant
4.5
Awesome(436)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle
Booked 41 times today
The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.
A photo of California English restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(531)
Price: Expensive
• American • Sorrento Mesa
Booked 17 times today
Located in the Sorrento Valley, California English is the newest culinary creation from celebrity chef, Richard Blais. Blais is creating an all-day menu for California English that’ll interpret classic British dishes through the lens of Southern California ingredients.The idea is a fusion of sorts: the laid-back California lifestyle that makes San Diego so unique, mixed with a cozy pub convivial atmosphere where you can meet friends (or mates) for a pint after work, set up a client lunch with fresh oysters on the menu or have a cozy family dinner over a Sunday roast. Everything on the menu is made from scratch with locally sourced ingredients that make for fresh and flavorful dishes. The effortless vibe of casual yet stylish makes for the perfect place to celebrate the joy of the unexpected coming together to make the perfect culinary match.
A photo of Barbarella restaurant
4.2
Awesome(861)
Price: Moderate
• European • La Jolla
Booked 19 times today
Barbarella is a restaurant and full bar located on Avenida De La Playa in La Jolla Shores. Adorned with an eclectic mix of art and boasting plenty of outdoor seating, Barbarella a one-of-a-kind culinary gem with executive Chef Lynn Crawford!
A photo of Queenstown Village restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(283)
Price: Moderate
• New Zealand • La Jolla
Booked 23 times today
Queenstown Village is a new hotspot in San Diego, serving a mix of New Zealand fare and American comfort food. It's raved for its vibe and ambiance, with many reviewers praising the friendly service, delicious food, and beautiful decor. It's also commended for its full bar offerings, including craft cocktails and local beers. So, if you're looking for a beautiful dining experience with great food and service, it's definitely worth the drive.
A photo of Bistro du Marché by Tapenade restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1492)
Price: Expensive
• French • La Jolla
Booked 16 times today
Bistro du Marché by Tapenade is a gem in San Diego. Reviews rave about its 'consistently delicious food', 'amazing service', and 'beautiful atmosphere'. It's described as 'the best French restaurant in San Diego' with 'authentic French cuisine'. Even the ambience is likened to eating in NYC or France, making it a 'worthwhile drive' according to several patrons. It's more than just a meal, it's an enchanting experience that you won't regret!
A photo of Lobby Lounge  at Fairmont Grand Del Mar restaurant
4.3
Awesome(19)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Carmel Valley
The Lobby Lounge at Fairmont Grand Del Mar has been magnificently reimagined to combine the lavish splendor of Italian palazzos with the natural grandeur of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. Indulge in afternoon tea as the San Diego sun casts its golden light through large arched windows, or linger into the evening over inspired tapas, cocktails, and elevated programming under the warm glow of Venetian glass chandeliers. Take in the beauty of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve —or while sipping a craft cocktail in the bar. In a specially commissioned mural that spans all four walls, artist Jim Wodark pays homage to the canyon’s most iconic elements: its ancient rocks, cascading waterfall, and distant mountains.Live entertainment Fridays and Saturdays 8:00 pm - 12:00 am.LIVE LIMITLESS - Join the rewards program designed with you in mind. As a member of ALL – Accor Live Limitless, you’ll earn points on dining and hotel reservations worldwide. Enroll at https://bit.ly/3gvDtJG
A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1920)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Kearny Mesa
Booked 19 times today
The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.
A photo of Torreyana restaurant
3.8
Excellent(125)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Torrey Pines
From breakfast to dinner and everything in between, the dining options at Torreyana are designed with you in mind. Savor delicious dishes prepared with only the freshest ingredients, or unwind with a craft cocktail by the outdoor fire pits at sunset. Additionally, enjoy an all-star selection of craft beer while you catch a game in the lounge on our 14 HD TVs including an 82-inch TV with surround sound.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JesusVIP
    San Diego •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I went for a "date night" with my wife. It was a Sunday night after a busy Valentine´s weekend so we experienced the restaurant in a smooth setting. The food was great, steaks cooked as ordered and flavourful. What highlighted the night was Chris our server, attentful, knowledgable and always giving the space, showing up to check on us at the correct time. Highly recommend this for every ocassion.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • NorikoVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a fantastic time at Herb & Wood. Since we were both busy on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. From the moment we arrived, everyone at the restaurant greeted us warmly and made us feel truly welcome. Our reservation was at 5 PM, so the restaurant wasn’t too crowded yet, but even as it filled up, the level of attentiveness remained exceptional. Our waiter, Troy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and offered great recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Sicilian Crudo and one of Troy’s suggestions—a warm dinner bread served with butter, honey, and herbs. I don’t remember the exact name, but it was absolutely delicious! For our main courses, my husband had the Iberico Pork, and I had the Roasted Branzino. The Branzino was packed with herbs and flavors—I usually can’t finish a large meal, but I couldn’t stop eating it. We were too full for dessert, though I wish we had saved room! It was our first time at Herb & Wood, but it’s now on our list of favorite restaurants for special occasions.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • DianneVIP
    Tahoe / Reno Area •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Shared a bluefin carpaccio followed by a quinoa salad with grilled fresh sea bass. Delicious. Sat at the bar and although the bartender was very busy, we never felt ignored. They had some nice wines by the glass and the Banjuls he suggest did go perfectly with the lemon tart. Highly recommend
    More info
    The FisheryPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Pacific Beach
    4.8
  • Geegee
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I come here every year for a Valentine’s Day dinner with my little girl for our mom & daughter valentines date & every year they do amazing . Definitely our favorite tradition to come here. Food , service & everything - always amazing.
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    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.7
  • SteffiVIP
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The assortment of fresh ceviche, tiraditos and crudo was amazing! Will take multiple visits to get through the fantastic menu! Service was excellent also.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.8
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