Best Romantic Restaurants in University Heights

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown

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

Wheelchair access

219 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Botanica

4.6

Exceptional(68)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Cocktail Bar • North Park

Booked 10 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.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4512)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 122 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

3. insideOUT

4.8

Exceptional(2544)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Hillcrest

Booked 48 times today

insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.

4. Coasterra

4.7

Exceptional(7773)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Harbor Island

Booked 112 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.

5. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8211)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 44 times today

Juniper & Ivy is the perfect spot for a romantic evening. With its cozy, inviting ambiance and excellent service, it creates a warm and welcoming environment for couples. As one reviewer put it, it's 'very good for romantic dinners' and another noted the 'great ambience and very romantic' setting. The high-quality, innovative food and award-winning wine list also contribute to the romantic atmosphere, making it a popular choice for special occasions.

6. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4904)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 45 times today

Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

7. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3185)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 58 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!

8. Herb & Wood

4.7

Exceptional(6662)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Little Italy

Booked 95 times today

A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.

9. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8882)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 57 times today

Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)

10. ARLO San Diego

4.4

Awesome(809)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Mission Valley

Booked 31 times today

ARLO is an award-winning restaurant known for its scratch-made dishes, crafted from fresh local ingredients. Serving breakfast, weekend DJ brunch, and dinner, ARLO offers a fun and quirky environment. Highlights include a sweeping outdoor patio, swaying palm trees, and a giant outdoor fireplace. The experience is rounded out by an inventive cocktail program, an extensive wine list, and local craft beers on tap. Recently, ARLO won Best Hotel Restaurant and Best Restaurant for Big Groups in the San Diego Magazine Best of 2024 awards. Free parking is available.

‘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

A
Anna
San Diego •28 reviews
5.0
Dined today
This place is amazing. Beautiful and someplace you can relax and have a great time. Our server, Tommy, was wonderful. He recommended drinks that were perfect for us. My husband and I totally loved this place.
More info
insideOUTPrice: Expensive• Californian• Hillcrest
•
4.8
B
Billy
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great place, so bummed that they didn't have the salmon skewers anymore.
More info
BotanicaPrice: Moderate• Cocktail Bar• North Park
•
4.6
C
CharlesVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •161 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Dynamic, eclectic, great food choices and execution, great service. Food was exceptional and interesting. Interesting arrangement, with multiple levels. Would go again.
More info
Juniper & IvyPrice: Expensive• Unspecified• Little Italy
•
4.7
K
Keith
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Love the view and food at coasterra. Our clients had a great experience as did we
More info
CoasterraPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Harbor Island
•
4.7
E
ElcimVIP
San Diego •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Seneca San Diego is a true gem. From the moment you walk in, the design takes your breath away! Stylish, vibrant, and full of character, with stunning views that elevate the entire experience. The food is absolutely delicious, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. Service is attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The ambience strikes a perfect balance between lively and relaxed, making it ideal for both special occasions and a memorable night out. Highly recommend!
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7

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