The best restaurants in University City, according to people who actually live here.
Home to UCSD and the Westfield UTC mall, this is San Diego's most diverse food district. Korean BBQ, Din Tai Fung, ramen shops, and boba joints share space with fast-casual chains — all anchored by the open-air shopping center that draws from across North County.

University City
“Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.”
$$ · American · 2.5

University City
“Relaxed, contemporary dining spot with a broad menu featuring international & regional dishes.”
$$$$ · Restaurants · 2.5

University City
$ · Restaurants · 2.5

University City
“Compact, informal kitchen with outdoor seats dishing up gluten-free chicken tenders, wings & fries.”
$$ · Korean · 2.4

University City
$$ · Korean · 2.4

University City
$ · Restaurants · 2.4

University City
$ · Vietnamese · 2.4

University City
$$ · Japanese · 2.4

University City
$ · Japanese · 2.4

University City
$$ · Chinese · 2.4

University City
$ · Mediterranean · 2.4

University City
“Classic Chicago hot dogs & burgers with outdoor seating, yellow walls, happy hour & craft beers.”
$ · American · 2.4

University City
$ · Japanese · 2.4

University City
$ · Seafood · 2.3

University City
“Simple fast-food chain preparing Korean-style meat & rice bowls with no dairy, trans-fat or frying.”
$ · Korean · 2.3

University City
“Spacious & stately pick inside the Sheraton offers American dining, plus a lounge for bar bites.”
$$ · American · 2.3
University City
$ · Thai · 2.3

University City
$$ · Japanese · 2.3

University City
“Posh lounge atop the Hyatt Regency featuring a full bar, humidor & a patio with TVs & fire pits.”
$ · Restaurants · 2.3

University City
“Bright, buzzy Italian joint in a strip mall offers subs, salads & thin-crust or deep-dish pies.”
$$ · Pizza · 2.3

University City
$$ · Seafood · 2.3

University City
$$ · Sushi · 2.3

University City
“Trendy spot located in a shopping center features hefty Pan-Asian plates & hopping happy hours.”
$$ · Sushi · 2.3

University City
$$ · Sushi · 2.3

University City
“Focused menu of sushi rolls from basic to deluxe offered for takeout or delivery only.”
$ · Sushi · 2.3

University City
$ · Italian · 2.3

University City
$$$ · Italian · 2.3

University City
$$ · Italian · 2.3

University City
$$ · American · 2.3

University City
“Health-focused Mediterranean pita sandwiches & bowls in an easygoing space with vibrant wall murals.”
$$ · Mediterranean · 2.3

University City
“Casual Middle Eastern eatery with outdoor seating, some vegan options & a selection of beer & wine.”
$$ · Mediterranean · 2.3

University City
“Carrying Middle Eastern groceries, this spot also grills up kabobs & specials such as Persian stews.”
$ · Mediterranean · 2.3

University City
$$ · Chinese · 2.3

University City
$$ · Japanese · 2.3

University City
“Cozy spot for hearty portions of classic Chinese cuisine available for dine-in or takeout.”
$ · Chinese · 2.2

University City
“Cosmopolitan restaurant offering refined, artfully presented takes on classic Thai dishes.”
$$ · Thai · 2.2

University City
$$ · Thai · 2.2

University City
$$ · Indian · 2.2

University City
$ · Korean · 2.2

University City
$$ · Japanese · 2.2

University City
$ · Japanese · 2.2

University City
$$ · American · 2.1

University City
“Local chain offering Korean BBQ grilled tableside & ban-chan in a trendy, modern setting.”
$ · Korean · 2.1

University City
“Vietnamese noodle soups, plus steamed rice dishes & sandwiches in a spare venue inside a strip mall.”
$ · Vietnamese · 2.1

University City
“Standard Indian plates & buffet meals are the draw at this spacious restaurant with an elegant vibe.”
$$ · Indian · 2.0

University City
$ · Chinese · 1.0

University City
“Hip, counter-serve chain for gourmet takes on fast-food classics like burgers & frozen custard.”
$$ · American

University City
“Relaxed, eco-chic chain serving health-conscious fare, including vegan options, plus cocktails.”
$$ · Mediterranean

University City
“Local chain serving Mediterranean food with inventive wraps, bowls, plates & signature sauces.”
$ · Mediterranean

University City
$$$$ · Mexican