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Best Authentic Restaurants in Old Town

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126 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Sueño restaurant
4.2
Awesome(217)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 21 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
3.9
Excellent(826)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 3 times today
Trattoria Don Pietro is hailed as 'authentic' by reviewers who have visited Italy. With its traditional Italian cuisine mixed with a trendy twist, it has a balance that resonates well with guests. The atmosphere, service, and food have been consistently praised in reviews, making it a top Italian restaurant choice for many.
A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(648)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 7 times today
Tahona Bar is a gem in Old Town, San Diego, serving up creative, delicious, and authentic Mexican cuisine. The vibe is modern Mexican hacienda, complete with hand-painted tiles, rope seats, and Oaxacan textiles. Reviewers rave about the top-notch service, the freshness of the food, and the incredible mezcal-inspired drinks. One customer even described it as 'quietly putting out some of the best upscale Mexican food in the county.' Definitely a must-visit for foodies and mezcal lovers alike!
A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant
4.1
Excellent(1154)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 11 times today
Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina serves authentic Mexican cuisine, using old-world recipes. Reviews consistently praise the flavorful food, generous portions, and exceptional service. The restaurant's location in San Diego's historic Old Town adds to its authenticity, with its rooftop dining and Margaritas being particularly popular.
A photo of Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1899)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 12 times today
Rockin' Baja is a full service and fun Mexican-Seafood restaurant that offers uniquely prepared Baja style seafood presented in rustic steel buckets. We created a diverse menu filled with exceptionally great, finger lickin’ good fun food delivered fresh to your table daily. Kick back, drink an ice cold beer or margarita, enjoy a shot of tequila and experience all the good times that are Rockin’ Baja.
A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(37)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 9 times today
The Freshest, Best-Tasting, Cali-Inspired Mexican Food. Our full-service, sit-down restaurant is the best spot to bring the whole family to savor handmade tortillas, mouthwatering salsas, and our famous creamy jalapeno white sauce.
A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(325)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 4 times today
ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!
A photo of Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1175)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 7 times today
Jack and Giulio's Italian restaurant has remained a favorite of San Diegans for many years. This popular restaurant, formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, has proudly served the "Best Scampi" since 1961. In addition to this popular dish, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers many homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef, and seafood specialties.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5720)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 181 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2452)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 57 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Daniel
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great food great service great environment, will try again
    More info
    El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.2
  • OpenTable Diner
    Washington, D.C. Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Amazing food and service. The cocktails and mezcal were exciting and the food surprised and satisfied with every bite. It was hard to keep from licking the moles and other sauces off my plate.
    More info
    Tahona BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.7
  • OpenTable DinerVIP
    San Diego •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The food is a 5* for sure. They have large servings as well. The carnitas enchiladas were bomb, the steak and shrimp fajitas also bomb. The service was a 3*... the waitress was a bit rude. We had 8 total with 4 kids with us, she was not friendly. I noticed the attitude and didn't say anything, then my husband noticed and told me she wasn't friendly. Our kids were well behaved and we weren't difficult with orders or anything so not sure what was up. I would not consider this place kid friendly for a few reasons. 1. No activity sheet with crayons for kids, they gave us 1 kids menu for both of our families to share, not sure they were low or what but we asked for two and were told they only had 1. They don't have kids cups with lids and straws, this alone is almost worth not going back. Both the 4 year olds spilled their water and were playing with it. Their cups for the kids were just open cups. If you get kids cups with kids and straws then let us know and we will be back. The alcoholic drinks were okay. I sensed some carbonation in the skinny margarita which I hate, the menu did not say it had soda water. The glass was skinny and tall, I personally look forward to the classic old fashioned double walled glasses. The tajin rim was weak too. Overall the food was so good almost worth going back for but would love to see some friendlier service and kids cups.
    More info
    Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.1
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 28, 2025
    Such a sweet ambiance! Good groovy music and excellent service! Can’t recommend this place enough.
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    3.9
  • DavidVIP
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Feb 26, 2025
    I'm a San Diego native and never dared to go to this place before, but decided to go with a coworker for Taco Tuesday and was REALLY impressed by the tacos! I ended up eating 6 or 7 of them, and the drinks were great too. I will be going back!
    More info
    Rockin Baja Lobster Old TownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in Old Town

Discover the charm of authentic dining in San Diego's historic Old Town. This vibrant area boasts a rich culinary scene, offering a delightful array of restaurants that specialize in genuine, traditional flavors from around the world. Each venue in Old Town offers a unique ambiance that complements its dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience with cultural and historical authenticity. From traditional Mexican eateries that serve up time-honored recipes to Italian trattorias that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy with their genuine cuisine, Old Town is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authenticity. The dining scene in Old Town is renowned for its commitment to authenticity, often highlighted by the use of traditional cooking methods and ingredients sourced directly from their origins. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of Mexican food or the refined tastes of Italian fare, Old Town provides an authentic culinary journey that's sure to satisfy. Make your reservation today and immerse yourself in the authentic tastes and atmospheres of Old Town, San Diego.

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