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Food - La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego, San Diego, CA

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

4.5 (1155)
$30 and under
Californian
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA 92110

Make a booking

A photo of La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego restaurant

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

4.5
$30 and under
Californian
Mission Valley

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 24 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Charming
  • Good for groups
  • Great for scenic views
The Grand Dining Room is open for lunch Monday - Friday from 11:30am-1:30pm.
O'Toole's Gastropub is open Monday - Friday 5 - 9 pm (21+ only).

La Gran Terraza is a California bistro with a Mediterranean flair. The Grand Dining Room and Terrace have fantastic views of Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay. O'Toole's Gastropub offers small bites, nightly happy hour, a cozy fireplace, local craft beers and an excellent wine list.

Visit our website for a calendar of special events.

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–13:30 Bar Mon–Fri 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Private events are custom designed to fit your needs. Please email us at terraza@sandiego.edu. We will work with you to create an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. Weekends are available for your special event - book today!
  • Private party facilities
    La Gran Terraza, located on the campus of the University of San Diego, offers stunning views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon and exclusive ambiance, making it the ideal venue for private events.
  • Private party contact
    Carol Norman: (619) 849-8205
  • Area
    Mission Valley
  • Cross street
    Linda Vista Road, on the University of San Diego campus
  • Parking Details
    Comply with all campus parking regulations. Meter info is available at entrance and parking lot kiosks. Complimentary Valet parking is available during lunch, Monday through Friday, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm (in front of the Hahn University Center). Handicap spots are available in front of the Hahn University Center.
  • Public transport
    ~ Linda Vista Road at USD Main Driveway - Bus ~ Morena Trolley Stop within 1 mile
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • All You Can Eat Prime Rib Dinner

    US$45.50 per person

    1 - 9 people

    24 Jun 2026 - 30 Nov 2026
    Treat yourself to an All You Can Eat Prime Rib experience!
  • Thanksgiving Lunch Buffet

    US$44.50 per person

    1 - 9 people

    17 Nov 2026 only
    Our all you care to eat lunch buffet, includes delicious entrees, salads, sides and desserts!
  • Holiday Lunch with Carolers

    US$25.00 - US$55.00 per person

    1 - 9 people

    8 Dec 2026 only
    Celebrate the season with a festive holiday Lunch featuring live carolers!

Private dining

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego.

4.5

4.5
(1155)
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • San Diego

    Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
La Gran Terraza at the University of San Diego offers a "wonderful dining experience" in a "beautiful venue" with "spectacular views." The "excellent service" and "delicious food" make it a favorite for visitors. Highlights include the "prime rib buffet" and "wine pairings." It's a "hidden gem" with "great value."
1,155 Reviews
  1. Lorraine Gold

    San Diego15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 29 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It's a beautiful setting and lovely experience. The staff was very attentive

    Is this helpful?

  2. Barbara Gold

    Las Vegas7 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 22 October 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    What a wonderful dining experience at La Gran Terraza! My son is a freshman at the University of San Diego, and I had the pleasure of dining here last night. The food was incredibly flavorful, the venue was absolutely gorgeous and first-class, and the food stations were beautifully organized. The service was excellent from start to finish. Such an impressive experience all around!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Sandy

    San Diego27 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 30 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This restaurant is a 5 star experience. The food is visually stunning and delicious. The service is excellent. We love that the University students are the servers. The view and decor make the experience totally unique.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Gilbert Gold

    San Diego5 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 18 September 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Loved the fries but everything else was just okay. Steak was cooked med rare but smothered with a slightly salty sauce. The branzino was big in portion so that was also a plus

    Is this helpful?

  5. SDgal

    San Diego10 reviews

    3.0

    Dined on 17 September 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Restaurant Week: Food was not that great this time. Pomme puree was like paste. Vicheyssoise ( a cold soup) was served warm. The salmon and chicken were both dry. The salads were good. Service ok but didnt check back much.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jesus Gold

    San Diego112 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on 17 September 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    We had the San Diego Restaurant Week dinner at La Gran Terraza at USD. Although my reservation was for outdoor seating, the host seated us inside by the window. Unfortunately, there really isn't much of a view from the windows inside the restaurant, so that was a bit disappointing. The food was good and we enjoyed our meal, but what really made the night was the service. The staff was attentive, friendly, and made the overall experience much more enjoyable. Overall, a good Restaurant Week experience, with the service being the highlight of the evening.

    Is this helpful?

  7. julie

    San Diego3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 16 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went for restaurant week and everything we ordered was delicious.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Cervando

    San Diego1 review

    3.0

    Dined on 16 September 2026

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Has a great view, wine and beer selections was great. Best cilantro lime Humus I have ever eaten. The rest of the food did not live up the the Humus we had. Our busser Anna was Amazing big shout out to her.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jennifer Gold

    San Diego6 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on 16 September 2026

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Waited almost 30min for drinks and over an hour for food.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Rosalie

    San Diego2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on 15 September 2026

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great service and overall ambiance. Food was exceptional.

    Is this helpful?

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Californian, Contemporary American, Mediterranean
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30–13:30 Bar Mon–Fri 17:00–21:00
  • Phone number
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Smart Casual
  • Catering
    Private events are custom designed to fit your needs. Please email us at terraza@sandiego.edu. We will work with you to create an unforgettable dining experience for you and your guests. Weekends are available for your special event - book today!
  • Private party facilities
    La Gran Terraza, located on the campus of the University of San Diego, offers stunning views of Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon and exclusive ambiance, making it the ideal venue for private events.
  • Private party contact
    Carol Norman: (619) 849-8205
  • Area
    Mission Valley
  • Cross street
    Linda Vista Road, on the University of San Diego campus
  • Parking Details
    Comply with all campus parking regulations. Meter info is available at entrance and parking lot kiosks. Complimentary Valet parking is available during lunch, Monday through Friday, between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm (in front of the Hahn University Center). Handicap spots are available in front of the Hahn University Center.
  • Public transport
    ~ Linda Vista Road at USD Main Driveway - Bus ~ Morena Trolley Stop within 1 mile
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, La Gran Terraza hosts private gatherings: private parties are allowed, and guests report hosting events (about 30 people) with staff support, AV and preselected menus.

Yes, La Gran Terraza has terrace seating: the Grand Dining Room and terrace offer fantastic views of Tecolote Canyon and Mission Bay, and guests frequently mention sitting on the terrace to enjoy the view.

Smart casual, polished but relaxed; many guests treat special occasions (Valentine’s, anniversaries, wine dinners) as a chance to dress up a touch.

You can dine in the Grand Dining Room, enjoy the terrace/outdoor patio with canyon and bay views, or head to O'Toole's Gastropub (the bar/cozy area); the venue also accommodates private parties.

The Grand Dining Room serves lunch Monday–Friday 11:30 am–1:30 pm, and O'Toole's Gastropub (bar) is open Monday–Friday 5:00 pm–9:00 pm.

Wednesday evenings are a standout, La Gran Terraza’s Wednesday prime‑rib buffet is a guest favourite and frequently praised in reviews.

La Gran Terraza is busiest for special events and dinner‑time features, wine dinners and special dinners draw big crowds (one guest noted nearly 100 attendees), and reviewers say prime‑rib nights get popular enough that arriving before 7 helps. Lunch traffic is mixed: some guests warn that lunchtime can get pretty busy, while others have observed only a handful of diners during midday visits.

Yes, La Gran Terraza is often chosen for romantic evenings: reviewers praise its Valentine's dinners, live pianist, thoughtful wine pairings and intimate, celebratory atmosphere.

La Gran Terraza's weekday lunch (Mon–Fri, 11:30–1:30) is a lovely, popular time to visit for scenic, relaxed dining; for the Prime Rib buffet on Wednesday evenings guests recommend arriving before 7pm to get the best selection.

La Gran Terraza feels elegant and view‑forward: a high‑ceilinged Grand Dining Room and terrace with sweeping canyon and Mission Bay vistas, while O'Toole's Gastropub offers a cozier bar area with a fireplace for a more intimate feel.

For buffet and special‑event meals, like the Wednesday prime‑rib buffet and holiday or brunch buffets, guests describe plentiful, freshly prepared selections.

Yes, families are welcomed here: staff have seated parties with babies and been attentive to little ones, and guests bring children for holiday and brunch buffets like Father's Day.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego
  4. San Diego
  5. Mission Valley

Make a booking

A photo of La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego restaurant

La Gran Terraza - University of San Diego

4.5
$30 and under
Californian
Mission Valley

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 24 times today
Experiences are available.
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