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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.5
Awesome(237)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1625)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 20 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2580)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 44 times today
Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!
A photo of Downtown Sushi restaurant
4.5
Awesome(71)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
Welcome to Downtown Sushi, nestled in downtown San Diego, just steps from the historic Balboa Theatre. Chef Andy creates a symphony of flavors, with our Omakase Premium Sashimi as the star, featuring the finest fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Don’t miss our happy hour specials with delicious appetizers and drinks. Signature rolls like the Love Roll, Fire Roll, Downtown Roll, and Tower Roll highlight Chef Andy’s creativity, while the Salmon Flame appetizer bursts with irresistible flavor. For a main course, savor our Ribeye Steak, grilled to perfection with a Japanese twist. We welcome walk-ins and reservations alike. For a truly elevated experience, our VIP space is perfect for exclusive events or intimate celebrations, combining exceptional cuisine with unparalleled service. To make your visit even more convenient, we accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, cash, and Apple Pay.
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(493)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4137)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 51 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.5
Awesome(4555)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 129 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7914)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 84 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4.5
Awesome(627)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 45 times today
Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.
A photo of Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5991)
Price: Expensive
• Polynesian • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
Booked 65 times today
Exotic Pacific dining on an enchanted tiki island.The Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite in San Diego for over fifty years. Our spectacular views of the San Diego bay and the downtown skyline make us the perfect location for any special event. Along with our dining room upstairs, our premise possesses three different and versatile private rooms. The flexibility of multiple private facilities allows us to accommodate any type of party. We host weddings, class reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, memorials, festivals, fundraisers, business meetings, seminars, and corporate events.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michael
    Phoenix / Arizona •25 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We decided to go to Tapas and Beer prior to a show at Civic Theater. We made a wonderful choice. Great dishes to chose from and my family and I enjoyed. Outstanding, personable service from the French couple that worked very hard for their customers.
    More info
    Tapas & BeersPrice: Moderate• French• Downtown
    5
  • BrookeVIP
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had the pleasure of dining here on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful 4-course menu including an amuse Bouche, a choice between two salads, four entrees and two desserts. The service was absolutely on point! Great attention to detail and the server assistants were fabulous too. The food runner was lovely and explained each course. The food was absolutely delicious. By far our best meal in San Diego. Thank you all!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    4.8
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6
  • CarlaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    What a charming bistro! The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by the green walls, which create a vintage feel. The staff provided exceptional service with upbeat, happy attitudes—you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together. The food and cocktails were outstanding. My steak and frites were cooked to perfection, and the clams and oysters, praised by our guests, were incredibly fresh with no hint of smell. The bibb salad was perfectly dressed, with subtle notes of Dijon and anise, making it ideal for sharing. While we ordered too many dishes to name, highlights included a perfectly balanced crème brûlée and a decadent chocolate soufflé that was well worth the wait. As a fan of Pali Hotels, I’m always impressed by their in-house restaurants, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in San Diego!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    4.5
  • michaelVIP
    Philadelphia County •42 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 10, 2024
    Fabulous meal, delectable food Sweet service Definitely will be back
    More info
    Downtown SushiPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Downtown
    4.5
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