Best Restaurants for Groups in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanChinesePizzeria

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Barrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntownHillcrestLa Mesa

Top Rated

CharmingGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for outdoor diningHot spot

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

1. Zama Restaurant & Bar

3.8

Excellent(333)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Downtown

Booked 25 times today

Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.

2. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(369)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 89 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

A photo of Puesto at the Headquarters restaurant

3. Puesto at the Headquarters

4.6

Exceptional(3545)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 37 times today

Owned and operated by a Mexican American family whose best memories all include tacos, Puesto is an award-winning Mexican Artisan Kitchen & Bar providing an innovative approach to authentic Mexican flavors. Puesto has garnered national acclaim for its Mexico City-style crispy melted cheese tacos, served on handmade non-GMO, organic, maíz azul stone-ground tortillas. In addition to tacos, offerings include a selection of fresh catch ceviches, guacamoles, starters and ensaladas, courtesy of Chef/Partner Luisteen Gonzales. The bar program showcases the best of Mexico City through the use of fresh ingredients in our hand crafted cocktails and housemade Micheladas, tequilas, mezcals, house-brewed beers, and Valle de Guadalupe wines you can’t find elsewhere We’re honored to have been featured by media outlets nationally and internationally, some of which include National Geographic, Huffington Post, Refinery 29, MSN, Insider, Zagat, Eater, Food and Wine, and LA Times.

4. Buona Forchetta

4.7

Exceptional(894)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Park

Booked 49 times today

Buona Forchetta started in 2011 as a craving of Matteo’s to bring some of his native Italy to our adopted home of South Park. We found the perfect corner and built the perfect oven. Since then, we’ve strived to deliver an exceptional and authentic Italian experience to our customers keeping our focus on the simple recipes that Matteo grew up on. We owe a huge “grazie” to our neighbors who have joined us on this awesome journey, and we hope that you will continue to be part of our story.

5. Ciccia Osteria

4.7

Exceptional(232)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Barrio Logan

Booked 24 times today

Nestled in Barrio Logan, San Diego, Ciccia Osteria is a charming Italian restaurant that invites guests on a culinary journey through Italy. With its warm ambiance, attentive service, and exquisite cuisine, Ciccia Osteria is a beloved destination. Notably, it has won the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024Entering Ciccia Osteria, guests are transported to Italy's bustling trattorias. The cozy interior, with small tables, exposed brick walls, and soft lighting, creates an intimate atmosphere perfect for any occasion.Committed to the finest ingredients and traditional techniques, Ciccia Osteria offers handmade pastas, succulent seafood, and tender meats, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience. The curated wine list features Italian and California wines to pair with the menu.Under Chef Mario Cassineri's guidance, Ciccia Osteria is more than a restaurant—it's a destination where guests can savor authentic Italian cuisine and create lasting memories.

6. One Door North

4.5

Awesome(534)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • North Park

Booked 20 times today

At One Door North we host a New American Bar and Eatery that pays homage to the outdoors with the spirit of adventure, serving only fresh farm to table cuisine. Come enjoy the adventure with us, we look forward to serving you.

7. Punch Bowl Social - San Diego

4.1

Excellent(113)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Barrio Logan

Booked 16 times today

We’re all about good vibes and unforgettable hangs. Whether you’re looking for a chill night with friends, belting out karaoke tunes (even if you don’t know all the words), or just laughing over a few gutterballs, we’ve got you covered. With fourteen locations nationwide, each offering unique adventures, there’s always a reason to come through and make some memories with us.Every night brings something new, from our crowd favorites, Music Bingo and Trivia, to a Silent Disco with three DJs. Bring your besties or get ready to meet some new ones!Let us host your next event! We’ve got the beats pumping, drinks flowing, and games ready. From full venue buyouts to exclusive gatherings, we have options to fit your every need.

8. Basta!

4.4

Awesome(59)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com

A photo of Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station restaurant

9. Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Liberty Station

4.6

Exceptional(2267)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Bistro • Point Loma

Booked 25 times today

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station located in San Diego’s Point Loma community encompasses more than 23,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor dining and bars, as well as a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space and lush garden. Executive Chef Richard Sweeney offers an eclectic menu of world-inspired cuisine featuring local, organic fare. The restaurant features 40 unique craft beers on tap and exceptional bottles, including year-round and special releases from Stone Brewing Co. as well as exceptional craft and specialty beers from other breweries.

10. Seaview

4.5

Awesome(348)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

'California coastal' sophisticated and comtemporary design with views of the courtyard and marina set the tone for a delightful dining experience. Join the family for a relaxing meal on our outdoor patio while planning another exciting day of activities in America's Finest City. The spacious setting of our indoor tables allows you to easily convene with colleagues or entertain a client while enjoying Seaview's Grand Breakfast Buffet.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

GJ
GregJVIP
San Diego •4 reviews
4.0
Dined today
Imaginative food well prepared, great wines, excellent service, but some items rather pricey for the size, and very loud.
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great food, and service. A little bit of tight quarters inside.
More info
Buona ForchettaPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Park
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
Los Angeles •4 reviews
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was delicious! I got the yellowtail nigiri and cauliflower entree. Went on a Saturday night at 10pm so there was a DJ club vibe.
More info
Zama Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
•
3.8
JM
JillM
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had an excellent dinner and birthday celebration.
More info
Puesto at the HeadquartersPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.6
S
Steve
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Mar 4, 2025
The food is fresh and delicious, and the service was impeccable. The owner is very friendly and creates an environment which feels very much like a small family restaurant. We highly recommend this restaurant.
More info
Ciccia OsteriaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Barrio Logan
•
4.7

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