Downtown Restaurants

A contemporary, glamorous place to dine, the Grant Grill presents an extraordinary display of modern cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and an elegance that permeates the restaurant’s décor and atmosphere. Originally opened in 1951, the Grant Grill’s historical significance as a “Power Lunch” spot is well-known throughout San Diego. A must-have at this legendary establishment is the Mock Turtle Soup, a staple since the doors opened. The creative California cuisine created by Chef de Cuisine, John Duran, features innovative and seasonal selections. A 3, 4, or 5 Course Tasting Menu with an optional wine pairing is available for those looking to sample …

Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego. Jimmy Love's is occupying two floors of the beautifully restored 125-year-old historic 'Old City Hall' building. With capacity of 600 people Jimmy Love's is one of San Diego's largest clubs featuring live entertainment nightly and have one of San Diego's most creative contemporary thought out menus.

Buca di Beppo is neighborhood restaurant where guests feast on family platters of real Italian specialties in a boisterous, celebratory environment that recalls the Italian-American supper clubs of the 1940s and '50s. It's the marriage of Italy's oldest cuisines and the bounty of America, rich in tradition yet alive with innovation.

Standing as the oldest Italian restaurant in the Gaslamp District, Osteria Panevino is no stranger to providing San Diego with authentic Tuscan cuisine. Featuring rustic, traditional and homemade dishes by Chef Vincenzo Lo Verso, this casual yet fine dining destination is defined by their cuisine and their atmosphere. With famous dishes such as Ossobuco, Lasanga Bolognese, and Ravioli, each dish is crafted from scratch in Osteria’s kitchen. The warmth and comfort of Osteria Panevino makes it a welcoming place to dine for both lunch and dinner, and when paired with fresh dishes and a selection of award-winning wines, it’s a …

In the mood for a night of great food, conversation, drinks, and relaxation amidst the hustle and bustle of Downtown San Diego? Come enjoy an evening at Osetra at the corner of 5th Avenue and E Street. Their menu portrays some of the finest culinary creativity of today’s restaurant scene. Osetra hosts a happy hour six days a week, has an extensive award-winning wine list, and offers banquet facilities to help plan any special event you have in mind. Cocktails are savvy, hip, sophisticated, and hand crafted. The restaurant’s ambiance is romantic and cozy, yet maintains a trendy city hotspot …

Located in San Diego’s stylish and trendy Gaslamp Quarter, Rama blends in perfectly with its fashionable and bustling surroundings. The modern Thai restaurant is the sister restaurant of Hillcrest’s Celadon, and brings owner’s Alex Thao’s stylish, flavorful Thai cuisine to downtown patrons. The dramatic setting offers soft lighting and an earthy minimalist style, with romantic tables separated by floor-to-ceiling sheer panels. The menu is fresh, spicy, and ultimately authentic, with a variety of stir fries and curries that can be prepared with a choice of chicken, pork, beef, vegetables, or tofu, as well as indulgent house specialties such as Rama …

Dining and dancing in downtown San Diego isn’t hard to find. Deco's, located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, is a fine dining restaurant and night club with class and elegance. Their interior is a take on 1930’s art deco décor, with modern plush touches, brilliant chandeliers, and deep red tones accentuating the fine dining style of Deco's. Featuring an eclectic menu, Decos is a great place for a meal, a place to dance, or just a drink.

The minute you step into The Prado you know you’ve entered into a world like no other. Located in the historic House of Hospitality in Balboa Park, the restaurant offers four main dining areas. Each has its own distinctive décor and ambiance: the Terrace features outdoor seating, the Courtyard room overlooks the courtyard and fountain, the Solarium overlooks the Terrace and features skylights, and the Lounge serves up two happy hours with several signature drinks. The California cuisine is expertly prepared, and includes Pan Roasted Sea Bass with cauliflower and truffle puree and Braised Beef Boneless Shortrib with Point Reyes …

Where else can you get good music, over 250 beers on tap, and excellent food? Though named for its yard-tall beer glasses, the Yard House offers more than just a pub experience. Among the traditional burger fare appear elegant dishes that rival less casual, fine dining establishments. A sizable wine list holds its own alongside the beer and spirits. The Yard House is an equally ideal gathering place for happy hour, a business lunch, or a large dinner party because everyone, from the burger-lover to the gourmet connoisseur, is likely to find something that pleases their palate.

Rei Do Gado isn’t your typical buffet—it’s an experience. This traditional Brazilian steakhouse and restaurant boasts 40 different menu options, including slow roasted cooked meats, salads, and side additions. Rei Do Gado is more specifically known for their meats, and each table is assigned a passador, or “meat waiter,” who slices the meat directly off of the skewer and on to your plate. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, this unconventional buffet is an upscale eatery with traditional options that are equally as savory.

Located on 5th Avenue in Downtown San Diego and open since 1991, Maloney’s Tavern is a great place to sit with a group of friends and kick back with a beer. The Tavern’s catch phrase, like the show Cheers, is ‘where everybody knows your name’. Their menu is simple American /goes well with your drink comfort food. They have a full bar and an outdoor patio. Maloney’s offers good food at reasonable prices and provides a friendly relaxing atmosphere. This Tavern also hosts revolving drink specials on Fridays and Saturdays, Weekend football specials, a Happy hour from 4-7pm, and a …

For years, diners have been heading to Seaport Village for a day of fresh air, shopping, and amazing dining. Many have already discovered the delectable cuisine at Sally's Seafood on the Water, while others haven't yet experienced the unique cuisine of Chef Sarah Linkenheil. While Sally's is renowned for its seafood, shellfish, and sushi, it also serves excellent soups, salads, and meat dishes that have mouths watering as soon as the menu is opened. Weekly specials and happy hours make the restaurant an ideal location for a quick bite after work, and there is a large selection at the bar …

If you’re looking for a place with live music and great food, don’t bother hitting up your average bar. Instead, try The Shout! House, a large piano bar with live music and a menu full of bar food like burgers, pizza, and appetizers. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, The Shout! House serves as a live venue and a restaurant all in one, and is recommended as a great place to bring your friends to have a good time. This popular San Diego hotspot usually gets busy on the weekends, so make sure you get there early to enjoy a …

New York’s prized seafood and steakhouse is now in San Diego’s posh East Village. Still family owned and 30 locations strong, The Palm continues to follow tradition as instilled by its founders. Exceptional service and quality American cuisine with signature Italian dishes make The Palm a familiar destination that diners around the country have enjoyed for over 80 years. Centrally located downtown near the ballpark and the convention center, guests can enjoy dinner among friends and family in a warm nostalgic setting. No matter what the occasion – The Palm is a prime choice for great food and hospitality.

Café Chloe, located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego, offers a chic-elegant yet informal atmosphere. The menu is inspired by classic French cuisine with a modern touch, with dishes made of the finest local farm ingredients and fine meats. The restaurant offers a delicious brunch of French cuisine and original mimosas, happy hour half-priced drinks, and urban tea service featuring home-made champagne gravlax. The dinner menu includes a continental assortment of dinner plates like the signature Steak & Frites. Inspiration doesn’t stop at the menu but spills into the carefully selected domestic and international wines and imported champagnes …

In India, Masala literally translates to “spice.” You’ll get that and much more at this Indian-inspired restaurant on Fifth Avenue. As you enter from the chaotic streets of downtown, you are instantly transported to a far away place. The space exudes warmth with its lighting, and delectable colors that mimic India’s traditional dishes such as Mango Chutney, Saffron Rice, and of course, Curry. On the menu is a Spicy Mango Salad which comes with perfectly sliced slivers of mango with greens, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. You’ll also want to try their Masala Mix which marries the spices of India with …

Soulful food and bluesy tunes intertwine inside Crossroads at the House of Blues located in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter. The kitchen’s performance is spot-on, with energetic renditions of hearty classics from celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez like the Applewood Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Jambalaya, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken in addition to tasty signature hamburgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, kid’s selections and desserts. This fun and trendy restaurant celebrates the rich culture of the South with vibrant artwork and live music from an eclectic mix of performers. Come in for the popular happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. nightly and sip …

Over the years, it has become quite common knowledge that Nobu is simply one of the top destinations for truly fine sushi and Japanese-Fusion cuisine in San Diego. Located within the Hard Rock Hotel on Fifth Avenue, this is a hot spot for tourists, and the Gaslamp Quarter is always bustling with locals in search of a good meal. With more than forty sushi and sashimi options, in addition to a broad selection of specialty tempura, salads, special cold dishes, brick oven entrees, and many different hot dishes, including tobanyaki-style beef, vegetables, mixed seafood or tofu, the possibilities are seemingly …

Po Pazzo may have an Italian name, an Italian owner, and it may be located in Little Italy, but it goes far beyond the Italian concept. At this wildly creative, upscale restaurant, the eclectic menu centers on a steak and chop selection, featuring succulent USDA Prime steaks, milk-fed veal chops, and rack of lamb. But don’t worry, Italy isn’t completely left out of the picture—this is a Busalacchi restaurant. A selection of pasta and entrees features flavorful creations such as Veal Saltimbocca Romano, Osso Buco, and the most enticing Spaghetti and Meatballs around. With live music Thursday through Saturdays and …

City Cruises transform the typical dining experience into an adventure. Diners are treated to an exclusive excursion aboard a spacious yacht, featuring champagne, multi-course meals and stunning views of America’s Finest City. 3 hour dinner cruises feature live music, DJs and dancing in addition to the three course extravagance. For a novel take on Sunday brunch, climb aboard the Hornblower for a sunny two hour cruise and treat yourself to a lavish brunch buffet complete with carving stations, salad and dessert bars, a variety of scrumptious breakfast and lunch entrees, and endless champagne. A variety of specialty cruises satisfies any …