Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

I took my wife for Valentines dinner to Saint James, and it was our first time at the restaurant. It is located in a historic building that we learned was built in 1912 and was at the time the tallest building in San Diego. The service was excellent, the servers and bussers were very attentive, friendly, and always checking to ensure we had what we needed. The food was delicious and very flavorful. I would recommend Saint James French Diner to anyone it was a really great experience!

The people were very friendly very nice experience with my wife for Valentines Day!

I come here every year for a Valentine’s Day dinner with my little girl for our mom & daughter valentines date & every year they do amazing . Definitely our favorite tradition to come here. Food , service & everything - always amazing.

If you want to enjoy an amazing offering of homemade recipes served by the passionate and friendly owners, then this is your place. The BEST uniquely paired and the best ingredients you can actually taste (like the butter and cream in their recipes). We ate each of the recommended items for soup, salad, entree, dessert & drink. We were NOT disappointed. I can't say enough on how delicious the food was and how you felt like family! We will be back every time we have Balboa Theater tickets. It is worth the traffic heading south on the 5 at rush hour to enjoy Tapas & Beer!

I had the pleasure of dining at Grant Grill in San Diego, and the experience was elevated by the exceptional service provided by Samuel. From the moment we were seated, he was attentive, professional, and genuinely friendly. Samuel’s knowledge of the menu was impressive—he provided thoughtful recommendations that perfectly suited our tastes. Our wine was perfectly paired and he ensured that each course arrived at just the right time. What stood out the most was his ability to balance professionalism with warmth, making us feel truly welcomed. It’s rare to find a server who combines efficiency, attentiveness, and a personal touch so seamlessly. Samuel exemplifies top-tier hospitality, and I highly recommend requesting him for an outstanding dining experience at Grant Grill! Thank you, Samuel, for making our meal memorable—we’ll definitely be back!