Dining
Downtown's prime time is evening, with tons of restaurants, clubs and bars to check out. Sure, there are the popular standby restaurants, but there's also cuisine from almost every part of the globe.
Indulge in Velvet Garlic Soup at Soleil @ K and fresh oysters from New Zealand to Nova Scotia at Oceanaire Seafood Room. For some hands-on action, the Gaslamp Strip Club puts you behind the grill. For those who'd rather leave the cooking up to the professionals, Monsoon serves traditional Indian cuisine, and hush-hush Confidential serves delicious tapas.
More restaurants:
The Fleetwood
Address: 639 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map The Fleetwood Driving Directions
The Fleetwood sets itself apart from its Downtown neighbors. The modern, versatile space is part restaurant, part nightclub, and part sports lounge, with a menu to suit all occasions. Chef Mark Bolton marries classic comfort food with premium ingredients, offering a menu that runs the gamut from down-home comfort to gourmet elegance - you'll find fried chicken with mashed potatoes and creamed corn next to grilled filet mignon with chanterelle mushrooms. The large, luxurious corner space offers an array of seating options, including communal tables, traditional banquettes, and lounge-style seating for happy hour or late night noshing. With an extensive bar that includes bottle service and a separate sports room that morphs into a posh, late-night lounge, be careful - you may come for dinner and end up staying all night.
Greystone the Steakhouse
Address: 658 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Greystone the Steakhouse Driving Directions
Located in downtown's old Bijou Theatre, Greystone the Steakhouse shows the American infatuation with beef at its finest, with USDA prime-aged meats in the leading role. Many stars play alongside the gourmet steak specialties, with rival roles filled by fresh seafood dishes and pastas that hearken to American, European, and Pacific Rim influences, but with a twist. An award-winning wine list and deliciously naughty desserts complete the final acts and will leave you wanting an encore. The curtain rises nightly for dinner, and Greystone's elegant dining room can be reserved for banquets as well as smaller groups.
Donovan's of Downtown
Address: 570 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Donovan's of Downtown Driving Directions
Following the success of its flagship La Jolla location, Donovan's has opened a new outpost downtown. Now the renowned service, quality, and setting that put Donovan's of La Jolla on the map can be found just steps away from the convention center, the ballpark, and the Gaslamp Quarter. As with its La Jolla counterpart, the menu showcases a variety of cuts of succulent USDA Prime steak, while offering a variety of other options such as Australian rack of lamb and North Atlantic Salmon. Appetizers and salads offer to tantalize the palate before the main course, while potatoes and vegetables - always complimentary - accompany each entree.
Cafe Sevilla
Address: 555 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Cafe Sevilla Driving Directions
Cafe Sevilla provides authentic Spanish tapas and fine cuisine combined with gorgeous decor and a casual, relaxed ambiance. Three different dinner shows showcase the passion and romance of authentic Flamenco, Tango or Salsa dancing. Live Flamenco and Rumba guitarists perform every night in the Tapas Bar.
Bertrand at Mister A's
Address: 2550 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Bertrand at Mister A's Driving Directions
Impeccable service, excellent cuisine, and an extensive wine list are to be expected at any Bertrand Hug establishment and Bertrand at Mr. A's lives up to the highest of expectations. Perched atop a skyscraper on the brink of downtown, the restaurant offers one of the most outstanding dining experiences in San Diego. Modern American cuisine elegantly compliments the cosmopolitan backdrop, with a menu that offers awe-inspiring "glimpses" of both land and sea. The seasonal menu incorporates the utmost quality meats, fish, and accompaniments, resulting in a fresh and tantalizing selection of dishes. The main dining room offers a premier dining experience, while a more casual, although no less sumptuous, selection of dishes is available in the patio and bar.
Osetra - The Fish House
Address: 904 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Osetra - The Fish House Driving Directions
For seafood and wine lovers, Osetra is like heaven, complete with "Wine Angels" who fly to retrieve your fine wine selection from their extraordinary three-story collection. The restaurant's eclectic split-story design features an impressive Oyster Bar with a large and rotating choice of briny delights and an Ice Bar with an extensive collection of vodkas, providing both gustatory and visual enjoyment in the lounge-like first floor and the fine dining area above. Osetra offers fresh seafood, steak, pasta, and exceptional service for all occasions, from intimate happy hour pairings to banquets.
Trattoria La Strada
Address: 702 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Trattoria La Strada Driving Directions
La Strada's prime location at the crossing of Fifth Avenue and G Street makes it a place to see and be seen, with patio dining and walls of windows facing the hippest corner in the Gaslamp. A warm interior suggestive of an Italian villa extends to an open kitchen where Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni prepares the Tuscan specialties that put La Strada in the top ten of Italian restaurants in the U.S. Add to that an excellent selection of Italian wines, moderate prices, and an enthusiastic staff, and it's easy to see why La Strada is booked daily.
De Medici
Address: 815 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map De Medici Driving Directions
Step into de'Medici in downtown San Diego and you will immediately sense a welcoming ambience reminiscent of old world Italy. Renaissance decor adorns the walls above plush, inviting seating, while gentle music fills the air. The impressive menu allows you to imagine yourself worlds away, as de'Medici boasts one of the most extensive selections of authentic Northern and Southern Italian cuisine in San Diego. Whether selecting one of Chef Ricardo Macias's seafood specialties, rich pasta dishes, or aged prime steaks, a deliciously authentic meal and delightfully memorable experience awaits.
Candelas
Address: 416 3rd Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Candelas Driving Directions
Candelas offers a delightfully inspired menu, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, innovative cooking techniques, and flavorful combinations. The sophisticated dishes have roots in Central Mexican cuisine, yet Chef Eduardo Baeza strays from the traditional in innovative ways. He skillfully pairs authentic Mexican ingredients with surprising counterparts, resulting in a creative menu that is sure to delight taste buds in surprising new ways. The atmosphere mirrors the menu, placing patrons in a warm and creative space both rooted in authenticity and inspired to depart from it.
Blue Point
Address: 565 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Blue Point Driving Directions
Blue Point was the first seafood and oyster bar to open in the Gaslamp over a decade ago, and it remains one of the very best. Executive Chef Jonathan Hale pays special attention to interpreting seafood classics in fresh ways that delight all the senses. Specialties extend to a selection of steak and chops, so that both the menu and interior call to mind an old fashioned supper club with nautical flair. A striking and impressively well-stocked antique bar completes the relaxed elegance that keeps Blue Point on the Gaslamp's favored list.
The Palm - San Diego
Address: 615 J St, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map The Palm - San Diego Driving Directions
While just a few blocks shy of the Gaslamp District in San Diego, The Palm seems worlds apart from other restaurants. For one thing, it is steeped in tradition, as part of the oldest family-owned "white tablecloth" restaurant groups in the country. For another, the service is extraordinary and welcoming, making guests feel as if they are dining in the home of a good friend. Then there's the menu, with a famous array of USDA Prime Steaks as well as fresh fish and seafood, classic Italian specialties, and oversized family-style sides meant for sharing. Dine here just once and you're bound to return.
Urban Bar & Grill
Address: 827 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Urban Bar & Grill Driving Directions
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Urban Bar and Grill is a fresh look at contemporary cuisine that is a great value for everyone. In addition to offering a delicious menu, we are the perfect place for an after office happy hour or gathering of friends. The chic urban environment is perfect for having a glass of wine with the girls or catching a game on one of our high definition televisions with friends!
Indigo Cafe
Address: 1435 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Indigo Cafe Driving Directions
Indigo Cafe Downtown opened in May 2004 and has evolved to focus on our love of the blues combined with an eclectic Cajun-California cuisine. It has quickly become a locals' hangout for great drinks, fantastic food and friendly service.
Come try a stack of our Banana Pancakes with cinnamon butter for breakfast, a Blue Cheese Bacon Burger for lunch and our popular Creole Gumbo or Cajun Jambalaya for dinner.
Come join us at Happy Hour, daily from 4 pm until 7 pm. Our Downtown location has a full-service bar, including local beers such as Firehouse and Southern Dixie Lager.
Sole Luna Cafe
Address: 702 Ash St. Suite E, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Sole Luna Cafe Driving Directions
Sole Luna Cafe is your alternative gathering for authentic Italian cuisine. We will fullfill your palat starting sunrise with unique cappuccino's and pastries until sundown with our selectino of wine and cocktails.
Buca Di Beppo
Address: 705 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Buca Di Beppo Driving Directions
Buca di Beppo is an authentic Italian restaurant that offers flavorful Italian dining. Dine with family and friends while enjoying the Italian traditions of food, friendship and hospitality. In the spirit of Italian culture, our dishes are served family style and are meant to be shared.
Blue Ginger
Address: 715 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Blue Ginger Driving Directions
Since opening in 1998, Blue Ginger has treated diners to the best in East-West cuisine, service and wine. To celebrate the restaurant's 10-year anniversary, a renovation added three private dining rooms and a casual, chic lounge serving an Asian Tapas menu.
Hexagon
Address: 495 laurel ST, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Hexagon Driving Directions
With a name referring to the six-sided shape of France, Hexagone offers a culinary tour of that country with an extensive menu that blends traditional French dishes with updated California cuisine. Hexagone's menu is one of the largest of any French restaurant in San Diego, offering 20 appetizers and more than 20 entrees at reasonable prices.Gift Certificate available. Going to the Theatre? Hexagone is now offering a 3 Course Dinner Menu and Transportation to Old Globe Theatre. Menu featured in Special Events.
Prado
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Prado Driving Directions
Set in the rich landscape and finely manicured gardens, the Prado Restaurant is located at the historic House of Hospitality in the center of San Diego's famous Balboa Park.
Bandar
Address: 845 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Bandar Driving Directions
Iran in American Time
"Bandar is a "port" of Persian Perfection" Wolfgang D. Verkaaik
"Bandar prepares the finest Persian Food in the City" Eleanor Widmer
"Persian cuisine is exotic, healthy, and combination of rice and filet mignon beef, lamb, chicken, fish, garlic, onion, vegetables, nuts, pomegranate, and herbs.
To achieve a delicious taste and a balanced diet unique Persian spices such as saffron, limes and different vegetables are mixed delicately, Persian food fits perfectly with today's lightened eating style.
From cultural point of view Persian food has always been considered to be an art providing enjoyment to both body and mind.
The techniques have been passed down generation to generation.
Anthony's Fish Grotto
Address: 1360 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Anthony's Fish Grotto Driving Directions
Voted the Best San Diego Seafood Restaurant
For more than 60 years, Anthony's Fish Grotto has served San Diego residents and its visitors the freshest fish and seafood available. Our delicious menu lets you dive into succulent red lobster, fresh fish, seafood, salads, pastas and of course, our famous fish and chips.
We're committed to providing you with the best dining experience in a friendly home-style atmosphere. Visit one of our San Diego seafood restaurants located in La Mesa, Downtown on San Diego Bay and Chula Vista.
The Fish Market
Address: 750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map The Fish Market Driving Directions
"Today, The Fish Market and its upstairs, upscale Top of the Market rate as probably the most successful restaurant on the California Coast. The reasons are obvious. There are no shortcuts to save a few bucks - this is seafood at its freshest." -San Diego Union Tribune
Joey's Smoking BBQ
Address: 750 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Joey's Smoking BBQ Driving Directions
Joey's Smokin' BBQ is a quick-serve Memphis style barbeque restaurant specializing in authentic southern recipes with a Southern California taste. Joseph and Cristina Maggiore opened their first location in Carlsbad, CA in January of 2005. Since 1968 the Maggiore family has been serving America with fine Italian cuisine. From New York to San Diego the family has owned and operated over 30 award winning restaurants. Joey and his father, Tomaso, have set the bar with Italian dining in the greater San Diego and Phoenix areas. Joey fine-tuned his natural ability in the kitchen while attending the Culinary Institute of Scottsdale in Arizona. At the age of 22 Joey solely owned and operated his first restaurant, Joey's California Bistro in Coronado, CA. Through their personal experiences and culinary studies Joey and Cristina have created a unique menu at Joey's Smokin' BBQ infusing and bringing traditional Memphis style recipes to California.
Fred's Mexican Cafe
Address: 527 5th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101Google Map Fred's Mexican Cafe Driving Directions
Southern California's Favorite Mexican Restaurant! PLANNING A HOLIDAY BASH? FRED'S IS THE PERFECT RESTAURANT TO CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND RING IN THE NEW YEAR! CONTACT A GROUP SALES CONSULTANT TODAY AND BEGIN PLANNING YOUR NEXT EVENT! ALL OF OUR LOCATIONS INCLUDE PRIVATE AND SEMI PRIVATE FIESTA ROOMS! All of our locations were designed with group reservations in mind, with private rooms seating 30 to 300 guests. Our festive decor and atmosphere combined with sensational views, our award winning gourmet menu selections and personal event planners that will assist you in creating an unforgettable event, can surely put the "F" in any Fiesta. Whether you're planning a corporate reception in downtown San Diego, a graduation celebration in Laguna Niguel or a rehearsal dinner in Huntington Beach, all of our Southern California locations make the perfect backdrop for every special occasion. Our dedicated and creative group sales staff can custom tailor an event to remember.
Filippi's Pizza Grotto
Address: 1747 India Street, San Diego, CA 92110Google Map Filippi's Pizza Grotto Driving Directions
Vincent DePhilippis and Madeleine Stefani came to America in 1922, Vincent from Italy and Madeleine from France. They met in New York and married in 1925 and settled in Philadelphia. In 1950 they moved to San Diego where they opened a deli grocery on India Street, which was called Filippi's Cash and Carry. This was the beginning of what was to become a successful line of family restaurants. Today Filippi's Pizza Grottos are owned and operated by family members of the original founders.
Our family would like to welcome your family to visit our restaurants and enjoy the traditional family recipes that our family has been serving for over 50 years!
Old Town Mexican Cafe
Address: 2489 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110Google Map Old Town Mexican Cafe Driving Directions
Make your special event an authentic Mexican fiesta. We cater everything from power breakfasts to awards banquets, Quinceaneras to office parties. We also have banquet facilities available for wedding rehearsal dinners, Christmas parties, family gatherings, birthdays, anniversary celebrations, and meetings.









