University Heights Dining Guide in San Diego
Known for its eclectic identity, San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood is one of the hottest spots for dining and drinks in Southern California. The must-visit restaurants and bars encompassing the areas of Park Boulevard and Adams Avenue attract from both locals and tourists alike! We’re talking about everything from Thai that feels like it’s served by family to elevated dining with sidewalk dining where you can feel the breeze. Check out the eight restaurants that make our University Heights Dining Guide in San Diego.
Madison
4622 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA
(619) 272-6362
This exceptional eatery with indoor/outdoor dining sets the standard for restaurants in University Heights. Come for brunch, lunch, or dinner. When sitting down for a full-course meal, start with a half wheel of creamy brie presented with bread and apricot-habanero jam. The hand-breaded portabella fries served with a chipotle-lime sauce are also great for sharing. The gnocchi, local pan-seared sea bass, short rib, and avocado citrus salad are some of the menu’s standout items. The beautiful cocktails at Madison are bound to make your Instagram reel! For brunch, waffle churro sticks with maple cream cheese sauce and jalapeno-blackberry jam are divine!
Rare Society
4130 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA
(619) 501-6404
This steakhouse and seafood restaurant offers hip and fashionable dining with incredible cocktails in University Heights. The unique aesthetic of this restaurant is best described as “Las Vegas meets industrial.” While the kitsch is appreciated, it’s the open-flame cooking happening in the kitchen that makes this place worth its salt. In addition to offering a raw bar packed with oysters, shrimp, lobster, and crab, Rare Society also has a world-class menu with filet mignon, wood-grilled lamb lollipop, beef tartare, and dry-aged meatballs served with whipped potatoes and truffle creamed spinach. Also be sure to check out this awesome spot for happy hour.
Parkhouse Eatery
4574 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA
(619) 295-7275
A remarkably elevated menu makes Parkhouse Eatery a must-visit spot in University Heights. In fact, enjoying brunch on the restaurant’s mesmeric sidewalk patio should make any foodie’s wish list! When coming for brunch, the forked avocado on toast, pork belly Benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, and spicy pork chorizo are the big hits. Items from the dinner menu that wow guests include beef meatballs with polenta, baby back pork ribs, and lobster ravioli. Bread pudding and cobbler from the dessert menu are made to be savored with dessert wines from the unforgettable drink list at Parkhouse Eatery.
Bahn Thai
4646 Park Boulevard (Suite 3), San Diego, CA
(619) 299-6363
The family vibe and fresh ingredients that keep regulars coming back to Bahn Thai are apparent from the moment you walk in the door for the first time. It’s fair to call this one of the best Thai restaurants in San Diego. The build-you-own style menu lets you pick your entrée, spice level, and protein. You can also dig into appetizers, skewers, salads, soups, and specialties. While everything here brings the flavor and spice, the standout items are the drunken noodles, red curry, and lemongrass chicken.
The Seventh House
2835 University Avenue, San Diego, CA
(619) 310-5614
Let’s call this one the most romantic restaurant in San Diego’s University Heights neighborhood. The rare vibe of The Seventh House is described as “mysticism meets decadence.” The French-inspired flavors of the menu are undeniable in the brunch, dinner, and happy hour menus. The cocktails at The Seventh House are fragrant creations dripping with citrus, watermelon, and the type of spirits poured at the Moulin Rouge. When out for a celebratory night, the champagne fountain is a must! Menu highlights include squid ink linguine, octopus carpaccio, yellowtail crudo, and fresh oysters.
Stella Jeans
4404 Park Boulevard (Suite B), San Diego, CA
(619) 501-8252
Stella Jeans is a small-batch ice cream shop delivering the ooey-gooey goods in University Heights. The gluten-free waffle cones are incredible! While flavors change weekly, some of the permanent staples on the menu are Madagascar vanilla, brown butter pecan, strawberry oat crumble, milk and cookies, and double chocolate.
Red House Pizza
4615 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA
(619) 546-7430
Where’s the best pizza in University Heights? Locals always recommend the traditional goodness of Red House Pizza. While the pizza here follows the classic rules of great pies, the chefs aren’t afraid to throw pesto, creamy coconut peanut sauce, chimichurri sauce, and other sensational toppings on the specialty pizzas that are designed to test the limits. What makes this pizza joint stand out is its menu of four unique crusts that lets you choose traditional, thin-herb, wheat, or gluten-free crust as your base. You can order appetizers, sandwiches, and salads. While the specialty pizza list is full of creative favorites, you can also simply build your own.
Plumeria Vegetarian
4661 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA
(619) 269-9989
Believe the hype about this vegetarian restaurant in University Heights! Start by ordering the taro tea with coconut milk to sip while you browse the menu. Next, treat yourself to the appetizer sampler to get a taste of flower cups, vegan satay chicken, spring rolls, and wontons. The noodle plates here are very satisfying. You might also want to fill up on something from the wok if “spicy and sautéed” is more your speed!
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our San Diego city page!
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