On-site at UTC
Hours & Location
True Food Kitchen is located at UTC & University City. Visit our San Diego restaurant to dine in or order online for pickup or delivery.
- Monday
- 11am – 9pm
- Tuesday
- 11am – 9pm
- Wednesday
- 11am – 9pm
- Thursday
- 11am – 9pm
- Friday
- 11am – 9pm
- Saturday
- 11am – 9pm
- Sunday
- 11am – 8pm
Seasonal Dining at UTC San Diego
At UTC, the open-air lifestyle center in University City, True Food Kitchen draws La Jolla professionals on lunch breaks, UCSD faculty and students looking for nourishing bowls and salads, and families meeting for weekend brunch before shopping or heading to the coast. The restaurant has been part of the center since November 2017.
The patio offers outdoor seating with views of the center's landscaped walkways, a comfortable setting for morning meetings over turmeric tea or relaxed dinners with friends. Inside, the dining room balances natural materials and comfortable seating, creating space for both quick bites and longer meals rooted in seasonal, anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Built around Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory food pyramid: whole foods, plant-forward proteins, healthy fats, and seasonal produce.
What to Order Here
VEG = Vegetarian · V = Vegan · GF = Gluten-Friendly · View full menu →
Eating Well, Your Way
Vegan Options Yes
Multiple fully vegan entrées, bowls, and sides. Ask your server about customizations.
Gluten-Friendly Yes
Many dishes prepared gluten-friendly. Shared kitchen; cross-contact possible. See our allergen guide.
Vegetarian Yes
Extensive vegetarian selections across every menu category, from starters to desserts.
Keto & Paleo Friendly
Several high-protein, low-carb options. See our keto & paleo guide.
Host your next gathering with us
From offsites to milestone celebrations, our team handles every detail. Healthy catering for 10 to 100 guests.
UTC & University City
UTC sits at the intersection of La Jolla Village Drive and Genesee Avenue in University City, a central location drawing from surrounding neighborhoods including La Jolla, Clairemont, and Sorrento Valley. The center is minutes from UC San Diego's campus and the Torrey Pines office corridor. Both valet and self-parking are available throughout the center.
True Food Kitchen San Diego UTC FAQ
Do you take reservations?
Call 858-431-4384 to reserve a table, or book online through OpenTable. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability.
What are your hours?
We're open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 9pm, and Sunday from 11am to 8pm.
- Mon – Thu
- 11am – 9pm
- Friday
- 11am – 9pm
- Saturday
- 11am – 9pm
- Sunday
- 11am – 8pm
When’s the best time to visit?
Lunch traffic at UTC peaks between 12 and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays, drawing UC San Diego students and Westfield mall visitors. Dinner crowds build Friday and Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Calmer times include weekday afternoons (2 to 4:30 p.m.) and Sunday evenings after 7:30 p.m.
Is parking available?
Valet and self-parking are both available at UTC.
What dishes are popular here?
San Diego UTC guests regularly highlight the Ancient Grains Bowl, Teriyaki Rice Bowl, and Charred Cauliflower in reviews. The Spicy Panang Curry and True Crisp'd Chicken come up often at dinner, while the Avocado Toast and Inside-Out Quinoa Burger are common picks during weekend brunch and weekday lunches.
Can I order online?
Order True Food Kitchen online for pickup or delivery in San Diego through our website.
Do you accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes. Our menu is built around whole-food nutrition with clear markers for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-friendly dishes. Most items can be modified for common sensitivities including soy, dairy, and nut allergies. Please let your server know about any restrictions.
Can I host a private event here?
We host parties of all sizes, including full buyouts, semi-private sections, and standard group reservations. Submit an inquiry through Tripleseat and our events team will follow up within one business day.
Do you have a kids menu?
Yes. Our Kids Menu features smaller portions of favorites like grilled chicken, buttered noodles, and fresh fruit. Available for guests 10 and under.