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Top picks in University City

Soup

When you need a bowl of soup, you want it to be the main event rather than an afterthought.

Based on 518 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Bazille at Nordstrom image 1
Bazille at Nordstrom image 2
Bazille at Nordstrom image 3
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American restaurant

Quaint bistro offers outdoor seating with a calm, dog-friendly vibe near the mall. Daily chef specials include a soup of the day, with the tomato basil soup as a standout. Unique cocktails add a special touch beyond typical mall dining.

Menu includes a soup of the day and chef specials daily, keeping options fresh. The tomato basil soup stands out as especially flavorful, while French onion and tomato soups are solid choices.

People are saying

"I found the salads to be solid choices."

"Ahmed makes this Lunch Spot feel so happy and comfortable."

"I thought the tomato basil soup was the best I had ever had."

Good to know

1

Bazille has dog-friendly seating for pet owners.

2

Prices at Bazille are reasonable for a mall restaurant.

3

Nordstrom typically offers chef specials every day, making the menu diverse.

02
Aaharn Thai @ University City image 1

Cozy space with warm ambiance and plentiful parking welcomes all, including vegetarians and vegans. Tom yum and Tom Kha soups bring strong flavors while chicken fried rice offers adjustable spice for a quick, fresh meal.

Tom yum soup and Tom Kha soup offer strong, distinct flavors. Chicken fried rice comes with adjustable spice, commonly set at level 3.

People are saying

"The Thai food here, especially the massaman curry, is really good."

"The takeout Khao Soi was amazing, I couldn't recommend it enough."

"The Tom Yum soup has great flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful and easy to find.

2

There is no wait to get seated.

3

The restaurant has happy hour every day.

03
VIET NOM image 1
Vietnamese restaurant

Small space with modern Vietnamese decor and colorful lanterns sets a cozy mood. Broth in pho and short rib soups is flavorful and addicting. Lively R&B throwback music adds energy, making it a welcoming spot for good food and chat.

Broth stands out as flavorful and addicting, especially in the pho and short rib soups. Beef noodle soup features tender beef chunks and rich broth that complements the dish well.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the pho soup to be amazing and flavorful."

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
Ujin image 1
Ramen restaurant

Modern interior with open kitchen creates a lively, romantic vibe. Fish-based broth offers a clean, flavorful soup that avoids saltiness. Seating options include outdoor views of a clock tower, blending community and bar styles.

Soup features a fish-based broth that stands out from typical ramen. It stays flavorful without being salty or oily, and bowl shapes highlight the soup's qualities.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best ramen I've had in San Diego."

"The ramen here has unique, thoughtfully crafted toppings and rich broths."

"The soup here is flavorful without being overpowering or too salty."

Good to know

1

Ujin offers only four types of ramen with smaller portions compared to other places.

2

Prices are slightly high, with ramen dishes costing around $20.

3

Expect variable service experiences; some visits may be better than others.

05
Menya Ultra UTC La Jolla image 1
Ramen restaurant

Ramen spot shines with strong beef broth and creamy vegetable soup that burst with flavor. Small, clean space features traditional Japanese decor and a calm vibe. Outdoor patio adds charm while quick service keeps wait times low.

Soups here offer strong, flavorful beef bone broth and a creamy ramen soup packed with vegetables. Garlic oils around onions add a tasty depth to the dishes.

People are saying

"The ramen broth here is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced."

"The vegetarian ramen's creamy, vegetable-loaded broth is so tasty."

"The creamy soup broth made me feel warm and happy."

Good to know

1

Expect a fast-moving line, making wait times shorter than other locations.

2

Payment is required before receiving food, typical of a counter service setup.

3

Prices are around $15-$17 for a bowl, which some find expensive.

06
Ahi Sushi image 1
Sushi restaurant

Cozy sushi bar offers fresh sushi and a laid-back vibe with anime decor. Family-run spot serves a delicious miso soup that pairs well with rolls. Prices stay reasonable, drawing steady crowds without long waits.

Small miso soup comes with sushi specials and tastes delicious. It pairs well with the two rolls and fills enough for two people.

People are saying

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

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

"The owners are so kind and patient with my family."

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.

07
SilverLake image 1
Ramen restaurant

Bright, clean space offers dog friendly seating but feels cold and noisy. Thick soup with large noodles ranks top for slurpable noodle spots. Functional vibe suits quick dining, not leisurely meals.

Thick soup with large noodles stands out here. The soup ranks among the top two for slurpable noodle spots in the mall.

People are saying

"I thought the ramen here was the best I had ever tasted."

"I found the vegetable ramen at the mall to be among the best."

"The ramen soup here has a delightful, complex broth."

Good to know

1

The food is prepared in less than 10 minutes.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

Each dish costs $15, and no refills are provided without asking.

08
Blue Ocean Sushi & Grill image 1
Sushi restaurant

Oceanic wall tiles and a blue whale mural create a modern, simple style. Spacious seating and an open layout offer a relaxed atmosphere, with a dog-friendly patio featuring heaters and fire pits. Miso soup, served as a starter, has a simple flavor and pairs well with rolls and shrimp.

Miso soup comes with several dishes and during happy hour with a 7-piece nigiri set. It has a simple flavor and serves as a starter alongside rolls and shrimp.

People are saying

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

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

"I really liked their miso soup."

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.

09
Amardeen Lebanese and Mediterranean Cuisine image 1

Small Mediterranean spot shines with a cozy atmosphere and authentic Middle Eastern buildout. Lentil soup is creamy and simple, paired with a basic salad but mild in flavor. Outdoor patio offers beautifully decorated seating and heaters, making it a better dining choice than the noisy, dim indoor area.

Lentil soup comes out creamy and simple, served with a basic salad of lettuce and tomato. It tastes like homemade soup but lacks strong flavor and sometimes utensils are missing.

People are saying

"The Mediterranean food, especially the hummus and kebabs, is authentically delicious."

"The food here is outstanding, especially with the outdoor seating."

"You have to try the lentil soup with your wrap."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is currently undergoing renovations, affecting the dining experience.

3

Expect to pay around $100 for lunch for four without drinks or tips.

10
Panini Kabob Grill - Westfield UTC image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Large space with glass wall seating offers a fresh vibe. Soups like green lentil and unique minestrone add hearty flavors. Generous portions of well-seasoned kabobs make meals satisfying in a casual, vibrant atmosphere.

Green lentil soup stands out with its hearty texture. Minestrone soup offers a tasty twist, different from the traditional Italian version. Soup service timing varies, with some waiting longer than others.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

"The food at these dinner spots is amazing, especially the tender chicken kabobs."

"You should try the minestrone soup; it's delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is convenient as the structure is right around the corner.

2

The restaurant is located next to the parking lot, not inside the mall.

3

Expect generous portions with a moderate price range.

11
Qin West Noodle image 1
Noodle shop

Noodle shop features an open kitchen and a dog-friendly patio for casual dining. Broths are deep and slow-cooked, with standout dishes like beef noodle soup and spicy wonton soup. Self-ordering via iPads adds quick convenience.

Broth stands out as deep and slow-cooked, not instant. Beef noodle soup is tender and consistently good. Spicy wonton soup and lamb rice noodle soup offer distinctive, rich flavors.

People are saying

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

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

"The salt and pepper chicken wings are crispy 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.

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University City, San Diego

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