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New Yorkers 1st Choice
University City's best

Dinner spots

You want a dinner experience that feels intentional and worth the time you set aside for it.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Ahi Sushi image 1
Ahi Sushi image 2
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Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi bar offers fresh Ahi Sushi in a laid-back, anime-themed setting. Family-run spot boasts great service and reasonable prices. Unique decor creates a relaxed vibe perfect for dinner.

Dinner features fresh Ahi Sushi served in a setting with cute and unique decorations. The great service adds to a relaxed dining atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"The salmon sashimi here is so fresh and well made."

"The dinner spots here have great quality sushi with generous portions."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a two-for-twenty-five deal for dining in only.

2

Expect no long wait times, even during busy hours.

3

They offer sushi platters and boats for larger parties.

02
URBN Sushi - La Jolla image 1
Japanese restaurant

Cozy Japanese spot offers fresh sushi with huge rolls and well-seasoned rice. Dinner combos include bulgogi and teriyaki, perfect for groups on weekend nights. Enjoy a quiet, clean dining area with complimentary edamame for a simple touch.

Dinner features combo plates with bulgogi and California rolls alongside teriyaki options paired with specialty sushi rolls. Meals come in filling portions suitable for groups on weekend nights.

People are saying

"The sushi here is super fresh and delicious."

"The complimentary edamame was a nice treat."

"The sushi here is so fresh, you'll want to try the specials."

Good to know

1

The average sushi roll costs $18, with lunch combinations being more cost-effective.

2

Vegetarian options are available, but check for cross-contamination with shellfish.

3

Physical menus with QR codes for payment are provided at the restaurant.

03
VIET NOM image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor and colorful lanterns sets a cozy mood. Dinner offers pho nam and pork spring rolls, paired well with Thai tea. Lively R&B throwback music adds energy, making it a welcoming spot for meals and chats.

Dinner features pho nam, pork spring rolls, and bun thit nuong. Thai tea complements the meal well.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has amazing pho with rich, flavorful broth."

"The ribs here are fall-off-the-bone tender."

"The pho broth here is so flavorful, I drank it all."

Good to know

1

Parking is available nearby, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends due to limited staff.

3

The menu has limited options for gluten-free diets.

04
Lucrezia La Jolla image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant shines with beautiful outdoor patio and live music at the bar. Dinner suits both big parties and intimate groups, featuring wine and limoncello. Dog-friendly seating adds a relaxed, lively vibe.

Dinner offers a memorable experience with options for big parties and intimate gatherings. Guests enjoy appetizers, wine, cocktails, dessert, and limoncello while easily communicating across the table.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and fresh."

"The service during dinner was attentive and warm."

"The desserts here are truly unforgettable and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

2

Live music is featured on Wednesdays, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for special occasions like birthdays.

05
Star Anise Thai Cuisine image 1

Outdoor seating features a pet-friendly patio surrounded by trees, perfect for a quiet meal. Cozy, modern interiors offer a comfortable vibe for families. A hidden garden retreat adds charm to dinner spots suitable for both lunch and dinner.

Dinner here offers a family-friendly atmosphere with seating on a back patio. The menu suits both lunch and dinner occasions.

People are saying

"The Thai food here is delicious, especially the Pad Thai."

"The dishes here taste authentic, just like in Thailand."

"I found Star Anise Thai Cuisine to be my favorite Thai dinner spot."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available outside, making it convenient to visit.

2

The restaurant is clean and well-maintained.

3

Expect large portion sizes, often enough for another meal.

06
Lorna's Italian Kitchen image 1
Italian restaurant

Casual trattoria offers authentic Italian flavors with cozy seating and an open kitchen. Birthday celebrations include a cannoli and candle with singing. Outdoor heated tables create a relaxed setting perfect for families and couples.

Dinner feels like an authentic Italian family meal with nostalgic, comforting flavors. Waiters celebrate birthdays with a cannoli and candle while singing Happy Birthday.

People are saying

"The Italian food, especially the tagliatelle bolognese, is super good."

"I highly recommend the pizza; the crust was baked to perfection."

"The food at these dinner spots was fabulous and great."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to ensure seating.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly with a suitable kids' menu.

07
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Oceanic wall tiles and a blue whale mural create a unique decor that feels modern and simple. Fresh seafood shines with delicious sushi perfect for dinner. Enjoy the dog-friendly patio with heaters and fire pits for a cozy outdoor meal.

Fresh seafood stands out with delicious sushi served for dinner. Early arrivals on weekdays find a decent happy hour menu available.

People are saying

"The sashimi here is so fresh and of great quality."

"The vegan sushi here is an amazing work of art."

"These Dinner Spots have amazing fresh, fatty tuna that melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for the first two hours in the nearby structure.

2

Happy hour offers great deals on nigiri and appetizers.

3

The happy hour menu includes 7 nigiri pieces and a miso soup.

08
Outcast Grill image 1
Restaurant

Outdoor seating creates a relaxed atmosphere with dog-friendly patio perfect for groups. Dinner features grilled salmon with veggies and rice, while lamb is a la carte needing sides. Portions are large and prices are on the higher side.

Grilled salmon dinner comes with steamed veggies and basmati rice. Some dinners, like lamb, serve as a la carte options requiring sides to be added.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, delicious, and surprisingly good."

"You've got to try the shawarma and hummus; it's the best Mediterranean food."

"The dinner spots here have amazing, crispy fries."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 5pm on weekdays with drink specials.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy wine and pizza specials.

3

The restaurant has a small parking lot and street parking available.

09
Qin West Noodle image 1
Noodle shop

Noodle shop features open kitchen and dog-friendly patio for casual dining. Offers quick meals with self-ordering iPads and table wipes. Dinner options suit takeout and dine-in, making it great for lunch and dinner.

Offers dinner options suitable for takeout. Recommended for both lunch and dinner dining.

People are saying

"The authentic flavor profiles here are totally rare and delicious."

"The beef noodle soup here is delicious and plentiful."

"The braised pork rice at these dinner spots is so plentiful and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is no dine-in service available.

2

Self-service is expected; customers bus their own trays.

3

The restaurant uses iPads for self-ordering.

10
Fleurette image 1
Restaurant

Mid-century design blends with Cรดte dโ€™Azur elegance, creating a space with high-end finishes and a warm, inviting vibe. Dinner shines with Duck Liver & Bone Marrow Pรขtรฉ, perfect for special occasions like birthdays and New Year's Eve. Service is impeccable throughout.

Dinner features Duck Liver & Bone Marrow Pรขtรฉ with crunchy unsalted bread. The setting suits birthday dinners and special occasions like New Year's Eve.

People are saying

"The food here is pricey for very small portions."

"The Italian food here is unreal, especially the truffle pasta."

"The food at these dinner spots is extraordinary, showcasing creativity and skill."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended due to limited seating options.

2

A 4% automatic surcharge is added to all bills.

3

Expect high prices; a typical bill for two can exceed $250.

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