University Heights Restaurants
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Sonny’s Pizza & Restaurant
$$$$•Pizzeria•4.6(87)Sonny’s Pizza & Fine Foods is a Brooklyn-inspired pizzeria in San Diego’s University Heights, serving 12-inch pies that blend Neapolitan and New York styles. Housed in a 100-year-old former auto shop, the space features vintage decor, a mezzanine dining area, and a lively outdoor patio. The menu includes signature pizzas, Italian-American classics like chicken Francese, and creative amaro-forward cocktails. With its nostalgic vibe and high-quality ingredients, Sonny’s offers a fresh take on the neighborhood pizza joint.Madison
$$$$•Mediterranean•4.3(3,300)With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends.
ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍ
ᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍ
ᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱ
ᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟ
ꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ
ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱ
ꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ
Outdoor dining in San Diego
See what locals rave about in University Heights
- MMatteoPhoenix / Arizona •2 reviews5.0Dined 3 days agoRoxanne couldn’t have made out any better! She went over the top, educating us on our Mezcal, remembering the fine details, and having a great conversation with us. If you’re lucky enough to see Roxanne just know you’re going to have a great experience at Quixote!More infoQuixote$$$$• Mexican• North Park•4.6
- AAmyGoldSan Francisco Bay Area •15 reviews5.0Dined 4 days agoWe had the best time for date night here! The atmosphere is energetic and loud, and the live music was fantastic. While the food and service move at a slower pace, the staff is incredibly sweet and welcoming. Just expect a bit of a wait, sit back, and enjoy the company. We already can’t wait to go back!More infoBacari North Park$$$$• Mediterranean• North Park•4.7
- JJohnMinneapolis - St. Paul •6 reviews5.0Dined 6 days agoAmazing food. Amazing atmosphere. Amazing drinks…….More infoLEILA$$$$• Middle Eastern• North Park•4.8
- KKennethSan Diego •1 review5.0Dined on Jun 27, 2026Excellent. Service was great and the food was fabulous!More infoMadison$$$$• Mediterranean• University Heights•4.3
- AAngieLos Angeles •1 review5.0Dined on Jun 27, 2026Great food, excellent service, and a cheerful ambiance made for a wonderful dining experience. We sat outside on the patio and enjoyed our dinner al fresco, which made the evening even more enjoyable. We would definitely come back!More infoSonny’s Pizza & Restaurant$$$$• Pizzeria• University Heights•4.6
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Discover University Heights
Enjoy casual dining and soak up some San Diego history in this neighborhood that is just a few miles off the coast. The community has embraced its historic character, and walking the streets is like going back in time to the early 1900s. Local restaurants offer a decidedly Mexican coastal flavor with dishes like lobster enchilada, fish tacos, and scallop burrito tacos. Even establishments that specialize in Italian foods will have at least one burrito on the menu. There are more formal restaurants in University Heights, but the smaller, owner-operated eateries really fit in with the atmosphere of this old-fashioned neighborhood.
Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in University Heights is Vulture
The restaurants with the best service in University Heights are Madison, Vulture and Fortuna Ristorante Italiano
The restaurants with the best ambiance in University Heights are Vulture, Fortuna Ristorante Italiano and Sonny’s Pizza & Restaurant