Downtown Restaurants

If you’re looking for a place with live music and great food, don’t bother hitting up your average bar. Instead, try The Shout! House, a large piano bar with live music and a menu full of bar food like burgers, pizza, and appetizers. Located in San Diego’s Gaslamp District, The Shout! House serves as a live venue and a restaurant all in one, and is recommended as a great place to bring your friends to have a good time. This popular San Diego hotspot usually gets busy on the weekends, so make sure you get there early to enjoy a … Learn More »

New York’s prized seafood and steakhouse is now in San Diego’s posh East Village. Still family owned and 30 locations strong, The Palm continues to follow tradition as instilled by its founders. Exceptional service and quality American cuisine with signature Italian dishes make The Palm a familiar destination that diners around the country have enjoyed for over 80 years. Centrally located downtown near the ballpark and the convention center, guests can enjoy dinner among friends and family in a warm nostalgic setting. No matter what the occasion – The Palm is a prime choice for great food and hospitality. Learn More »

Café Chloe, located in the East Village of Downtown San Diego, offers a chic-elegant yet informal atmosphere. The menu is inspired by classic French cuisine with a modern touch, with dishes made of the finest local farm ingredients and fine meats. The restaurant offers a delicious brunch of French cuisine and original mimosas, happy hour half-priced drinks, and urban tea service featuring home-made champagne gravlax. The dinner menu includes a continental assortment of dinner plates like the signature Steak & Frites. Inspiration doesn’t stop at the menu but spills into the carefully selected domestic and international wines and imported champagnes … Learn More »

In India, Masala literally translates to “spice.” You’ll get that and much more at this Indian-inspired restaurant on Fifth Avenue. As you enter from the chaotic streets of downtown, you are instantly transported to a far away place. The space exudes warmth with its lighting, and delectable colors that mimic India’s traditional dishes such as Mango Chutney, Saffron Rice, and of course, Curry. On the menu is a Spicy Mango Salad which comes with perfectly sliced slivers of mango with greens, onions, tomatoes, and cucumber. You’ll also want to try their Masala Mix which marries the spices of India with … Learn More »

Boasting fresh sushi and an oyster bar overlooking an open kitchen, Ocean Room also offers fresh seafood including shellfish cooked to perfection using a kettle steaming technique. This is something that is rarely seen here on the west coast as it is a technique utilized more in the southern region of the United States, particularly Louisiana. Located in the center of Fifth Avenue in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego, Ocean Room’s contemporary décor, friendly staff, and flavorful seafood creations - headed up by Chef Felix Frias - will be a sure bet to indulge in … Learn More »

Soulful food and bluesy tunes intertwine inside Crossroads at the House of Blues located in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp Quarter. The kitchen’s performance is spot-on, with energetic renditions of hearty classics from celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez like the Applewood Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf, Jambalaya, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken in addition to tasty signature hamburgers, sandwiches, appetizers, salads, kid’s selections and desserts. This fun and trendy restaurant celebrates the rich culture of the South with vibrant artwork and live music from an eclectic mix of performers. Come in for the popular happy hour from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. nightly and sip … Learn More »

Over the years, it has become quite common knowledge that Nobu is simply one of the top destinations for truly fine sushi and Japanese-Fusion cuisine in San Diego. Located within the Hard Rock Hotel on Fifth Avenue, this is a hot spot for tourists, and the Gaslamp Quarter is always bustling with locals in search of a good meal. With more than forty sushi and sashimi options, in addition to a broad selection of specialty tempura, salads, special cold dishes, brick oven entrees, and many different hot dishes, including tobanyaki-style beef, vegetables, mixed seafood or tofu, the possibilities are seemingly … Learn More »

Following the success of its flagship La Jolla location, Donovan’s has opened a new outpost downtown. Now the renowned service, quality, and setting that put Donovan’s of La Jolla on the map can be found just steps away from the convention center, the ballpark, and the Gaslamp Quarter. As with its La Jolla counterpart, the menu showcases a variety of cuts of succulent USDA Prime steak, while offering an array of other options such as Australian rack of lamb and North Atlantic Salmon. Appetizers and salads are available to tantalize the palate before the main course, and potatoes and vegetables … Learn More »

The Gaslamp Strip Club is named after the restaurant's signature "strip steak." This 21-and over steakhouse offers an old-school supper club setting, complete with curved leather booths, dim lighting, and a central grill around which guests cook their own steaks. Grill options include a range of premium steaks and kabobs, as well as poultry, seafood, and vegetarian options. An extensive cocktail selection, late night hours, and a casual vibe amid artwork by the famous "pin up" artist Alberto Vargas makes the Gaslamp Strip Club an ideal destination not only for a meal but for an entire evening. Learn More »

Po Pazzo may have an Italian name, an Italian owner, and it may be located in Little Italy, but it goes far beyond the Italian concept. At this wildly creative, upscale restaurant, the eclectic menu centers on a steak and chop selection, featuring succulent USDA Prime steaks, milk-fed veal chops, and rack of lamb. But don’t worry, Italy isn’t completely left out of the picture—this is a Busalacchi restaurant. A selection of pasta and entrees features flavorful creations such as Veal Saltimbocca Romano, Osso Buco, and the most enticing Spaghetti and Meatballs around. With live music Thursday through Saturdays and … Learn More »

It is the very presence of charismatic Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his lovely wife, Chef Patrizia Branchi that sets Operacaffe apart from the countless “authentic” Italian eateries downtown. The first ingredient in all of Chef Bernadoni’s dishes is his "cuore", his heart and passion for his trade. This is splendidly reflected in the careful presentations, wistful aromas, and creative tastes of their traditional dishes. Allow your taste buds to be transported to Italy by thin crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and herby and flavorful pasta and second course dishes. Chef Bernardoni will be delighted … Learn More »

Named after the six-sided shape of France, Hexagone offers one of the largest French menus in San Diego with twenty appetizers and twenty entrees. Soft jazz croons its way lazily across a dimly lit L-shaped dining room adorned with crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rambunctious Art Nouveau prints. The Beef Bourguignon alone is reason enough to visit, as the rich wine-infused dish braises for a total of three days. This new addition to Banker’s Hill has been competing—and holding its own— against the likes of neighboring Laurel and Bertrand at Mister A’s, a sure indication of the quality of … Learn More »

City Cruises transform the typical dining experience into an adventure. Diners are treated to an exclusive excursion aboard a spacious yacht, featuring champagne, multi-course meals and stunning views of America’s Finest City. 3 hour dinner cruises feature live music, DJs and dancing in addition to the three course extravagance. For a novel take on Sunday brunch, climb aboard the Hornblower for a sunny two hour cruise and treat yourself to a lavish brunch buffet complete with carving stations, salad and dessert bars, a variety of scrumptious breakfast and lunch entrees, and endless champagne. A variety of specialty cruises satisfies any … Learn More »

Steps away from the convention center; a stone’s throw from Seaport Village; and a San Diego minute from the Gaslamp Quarter is Redfield’s Sports Bar, in the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. Redfield’s combines dining elegance and premium seasonal ingredients with delicious, classic sports bar dishes. With twenty-one high definition TV’s showing every sporting event imaginable, a gigantic pool table, and a fully loaded bar, Redfield’s is the ideal destination for game night or after work. Redfield’s also boasts a daily eight hour happy hour, with drink and food specials that will have people wondering why they’re not regulars. Enjoy a … Learn More »

Tucked into a building on Fourth Avenue, Gourmet India is a culinary jewel distinguished by a father-son team serving authentic Indian cuisine. Savory aromas, layers of flavor and extraordinary textures take you abroad without leaving the comfort of your cushions and pillows or more traditional table and chair. Life-size murals, maroon walls and draperies, and sconces of stained glass and mosaics provide an exotic ambience, but the real story is the food. Begin your culinary journey with samosas and sangrias or succulent chicken tikki masala, and you'll soon find yourself at the junction of foreign and delicious. Learn More »

Terms like “chic throwback,” “upscale dive bar,” and “retro lounge” have all been used to describe Downtown San Diego’s latest dining dig, Analog Bar. Aligning itself with such local landmarks as Lamp Lighter and Nunu’s, Analog presents guests with a well-rounded dining experience of lively libations, vinyl tunes and karaoke classics, and charmingly comfort-cuisine bites. Two distinct dining spaces showcase different musical persuasions in the early evening hours, then converge each night for one powerhouse of a good time. Who said hamburgers and karaoke couldn’t be hot! Learn More »

The Melting Pot is a one-of-a-kind restaurant giving guests the opportunity to dip to their hearts’ content – in fondue, that is. Boasting an unbelievably decadent menu of cheese, broth, and chocolate-based fondue options, diners are armed with everything they need to satisfy that certain craving for something sweet or savory. Home in the Gaslamp Quarter’s very first skyscraper, The Melting Pot’s chic décor hearkens back to a golden era of opulence, while maintaining a contemporary air of casual elegance. Join family and friends around the Melting Pot table and partake in the joyous style of dining that is fondue. Learn More »

Stout Public House is one of the finest Irish sports bars in downtown. Being a central hub for the community it is a popular spot to just hang out and watch people as they pass by. One can easily drop in for lunch with a full pint of Guinness and enjoy some time with friends or stop by after work for a drink and maybe a game or two, depending what is on T.V. The pub atmosphere is tight but not hectic and the staff is very friendly, along with plenty of lovely ladies to look at. Their happy hours … Learn More »

Anthology is not only one of San Diego’s premier music venues, but it is also one of the city’s hot-spots for great dining and drinks. Some of the country’s finest Jazz, Rock, Blues, Latin, and Indie musicians grace the Anthology stage on a regular basis; and the restaurant’s farm-fresh fare is enjoyed on all three levels of the main room. This chic and contemporary space entertains many social outlets, and multitasks brilliantly: from the state-of-the-art system and unparalleled attention to acoustics, to the fresh and invigorating California cuisine menu, Anthology is the place to go for an experience that satisfies … Learn More »

Are you looking for an event venue that will touch all of your senses? Centrally located in Downtown San Diego, the LoungeSD is one of the newest scenes in San Diego County. The venue incorporates designer furniture, an urban interior, a built in bar, projector screens, and state of the art sound and lighting systems. This locale creates the ambiance of the San Diego night life, while providing you with privacy of your own home. The LoungeSD also has a fully equipped kitchen and welcomes outside catering. When you enter this locale, you will feel the elegance of the modern … Learn More »