Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown

127 restaurants available nearby

1. Cowboy Star

4.9

Exceptional(4756)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

2. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(965)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

3. Saint James French Diner

4.6

Exceptional(237)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

4. Huntress

4.5

Awesome(800)

Price: Very Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 27 times today

Huntress, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a vibrant and modern steakhouse experience that is unmatched. Known for serving "the tastiest steak I ever had at a restaurant," as one diner raved, Huntress specializes in high-quality cuts like the Australian Wagyu and the Bone-In Ribeye, which are seasoned to perfection. The ambiance is enhanced by a selection of Japanese whisky and a lively atmosphere where music uplifts every culinary delight. Patrons consistently praise not only the steak but also the "knowledgeable" staff and the "amazing" overall dining experience. Whether it's the impeccable service or the finely crafted dishes, Huntress promises a memorable steak dining adventure that keeps guests returning for more.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

5. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1733)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

At Lionfish Restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers revel in a culinary experience that is as delightful as it is authentic. This modern sushi and seafood haven, led by the talented local chef JoJo Ruiz, showcases a passion for fresh-catch cuisine that’s evident in every dish. Enthusiastic diners rave about the “best sushi and sashimi I have ever had! Melts in your mouth!” and commend the innovative, delicious dishes like the "Angry Fish," described as “the BEST fish I’ve ever had.” Lionfish not only excels in creating mouthwatering seafood but also provides an atmosphere and service that consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, Lionfish is a must-visit for exceptional seafood in San Diego.

6. Grant Grill

4.7

Exceptional(1625)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Grant Grill, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a truly remarkable dining experience with its focus on Contemporary American cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1951, this iconic spot has been celebrated for its "exquisite" food and "superb" service. Diners rave about dishes like the "out of this world" mock turtle soup and perfectly seared ahi, emphasizing the grill's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, described as "perfect for our dinner date," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the innovative libations or the "party in our mouths" flavors, Grant Grill stands out as a pinnacle of dining excellence in San Diego.

7. STK- San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3341)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 47 times today

STK San Diego, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown, is a seafood lover's paradise celebrated for its exceptional quality and memorable dining experiences. Renowned as "not your daddy’s steakhouse," STK transcends traditional boundaries by infusing classic seafood dishes with innovative twists. Guests rave about the seafood offerings, particularly highlighting the "seafood tower" as an "amazing experience" with its fresh, flavorful selections. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The food was amazing as usual," underscoring the consistent excellence that STK delivers. The lively ambiance, coupled with top-tier service, makes STK San Diego the go-to destination for seafood enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated yet fun dining adventure.

8. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(148)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 15 times today

Bronze Bird in Downtown San Diego is your go-to destination for soul-satisfying Comfort Food. Nestled in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, this eatery offers a casual yet refined atmosphere where every dish speaks volumes about its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "amazing" steak frites and the "perfectly seasoned" ribeye, highlighting the culinary craft that Bronze Bird delivers. A diner enthused, "The burger here was amazing, one of the best hidden gems in San Diego," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch comfort dishes. Whether it's a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal, Bronze Bird's delightful array of entrées and shareables, complemented by exemplary service, makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, comforting cuisine in a vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied guests who assure, "We will definitely be back!"

9. Saltwater

4.3

Awesome(590)

Price: Expensive

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 8 times today

At Saltwater, located in the vibrant Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers can savor the epitome of freshness and quality. Guests rave about the unique experience of selecting their desired seafood directly from an ice display, ensuring what arrives on their plate is exactly to their liking. As one guest enthused, the "salmon was tender and flavorful, while the scallops were perfectly seared, melting in our mouths with each bite." The authenticity of Saltwater’s seafood is unmatched, from the crowd-pleasing oysters to the praised lobster bisque and Mediterranean platter. With glowing testimonials like "Wow!!! Best happy hour" and "The BESTEST happy hour and service downtown," it's clear why Saltwater is a must-visit destination for an exceptional seafood dining experience in Southern California.

A photo of Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego restaurant

10. Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego

4.5

Awesome(37)

Price: Moderate

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 4 times today

A sophisticated watering hole with elevated bare fare. The Pendry San Diego hotel bar, Fifth & Rose, is a classic cocktail bar in an elegant, chic, and comfortable room. A classic setting for a fitting drink, it is a place to engage in conversation, enjoy bar fare, and linger over the perfect cocktail. Rich stone stands out amidst a black and white palette with crimson details, while candles and fresh roses accent tables. Fifth & Rose is inspired by a host’s living room: comfortable, always welcoming, a place you never want to leave.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

Explore OpenTable

Downtown

Southern american

Best Southern American Restaurants in Downtown

Price

Regions

Neighborhoods

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

127 restaurants available nearby

1. Cowboy Star

2. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

3. Saint James French Diner

4. Huntress

5. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

6. Grant Grill

7. STK- San Diego

8. Bronze Bird

9. Saltwater

10. Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego

Explore OpenTable