San Diego Restaurants : Gaslamp Quarter

Donovan's Prime Seafood

Address: 333 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Donovan’s Prime Seafood upholds the same high standards of service and cuisine as its Steak and Chophouse counterpoints. As the latest addition to the Donovan’s family of restaurants, Donovan’s Prime Seafood specializes in serving the freshest sustainable seafood and shellfish on the market. The restaurant couples its commitment to sustainably sourced seafood with its promise to use local produce and ingredients. What results from such thoughtful practices is a distinguished and flavorful menu served up in an equally sophisticated and charming dining space. Classic in design, the Donovan’s Prime Seafood dining room suites its downtown location and urban vibe brilliantly. Whether diving into a serving of Alaskan King Crab Legs in the dining room or sipping from a Georgia Peach at the bar, Donovan’s Prime Seafood is the place to sample quality.

Chianti

Address: 644 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

It’s often hard to choose a restaurant on 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp. There are many enticing hostesses with even more enticing menus on display out front, but with so many options, it can still be a difficult choice to make.  Luckily, there’s one restaurant on 5th that emits a radiant glow of friendly service, quality food, and reasonable prices. Chianti has been a 5th Avenue mainstay for nearly a decade for many reasons, including the knowledgeable staff and fresh, delicious, authentic Italian food. The décor is elegant and relaxing, with paintings of the Italian countryside adorning the walls and elegant chandeliers gracing the ceilings. Stop by soon to see what the glow is about!

Operacaffe

Address: 835 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

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 if you select any one of his handsome desserts.

Urban Bar and Grill

Address: 827 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

There is a surplus when it comes to the average run of the mill “Bar and Grill” in San Diego. Fortunately, if you’re looking for one that will satiate your craving for some good ol’ American comfort food while still receiving fine dining service, then Urban Bar and Grill is right up your alley. Outside, the patio seating area is filled with content Happy Hour goers imbibing as they dive into their starters. This seating is ideal for out-of-towners and locals alike who wish to be at the center of the stimulating streets of the Gaslamp Quarter. Inside, flat screens are mindfully positioned throughout to ensure restaurant goers can watch sports as they dine, because frankly, what would a bar and grill be without this focal detail? Take a glance at the menu, and you can let out a sigh of relief because there is literally something for everyone. The menu is diverse, and you can choose from some characteristic bar food such as Onion Rings or the innovative Truffled Macaroni and Cheese with bacon. No matter what you decide to munch on at this stellar spot, you will leave more than satisfied and ready to hit the downtown streets.

Meze Mediterranean Grill

Address: 551 J Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, just a stone’s throw from Petco Park, Mezè Mediterranean Grill offers a wide breadth of Mediterranean cuisine for diners in search of southern European flavors. From Greek Hummus and Falafel to the Grilled Asparagus salad inspired by southern Italian fare, dinner service runs until 11 p.m. throughout the week, and on Friday and Saturday until 12:00pm, Weekend brunch features bottomless mimosas and bloody marys with the purchase of an entree. All throughout the week, the full bar keeps things lively with signature cocktails such as the refreshing Tuscan Gimlet, the savory Dirty Mezè, and the spicy Drop It Like It’s Hot. Mezè also offers catering and special banquet menus, for those looking to host large parties with Mediterranean flair. When in the Gaslamp and cravings for a taste of southern Europe call, the menu at Mezè Mediterranean Grill answers.

Royal India

Address: 329 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Royal India is where to go when you want to dine like kings and queens. The Gaslamp area restaurant serves authentic Northern Indian cuisine in a refreshing, elegant setting. An outdoor patio offers prime views of downtown foot traffic, while inside, the tall ceilings and open space give the feel of a modern palace, complete with regal décor imported from India. Ornate chandeliers cast an elegant glow, while a cascading waterfall offers a backdrop of serenity. The menu is as rich as its surroundings, with flavorful curries, tandoori kababs, and a tempting array of fresh tandoor-baked breads. If you’re unable to make your mind up about the menu, visit during lunch or on Monday evenings, when over 20 dishes are offered buffet-style.

De Medici

Address: 815 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Beyond the heavy glass doors of De Medici lies a wonderland of delight and extravagance. Once inside, wrapped in the cozy embrace of one of the booths, guests are welcomed to linger over an amazing meal and absorb an evening of tantalizing experiences. Under the insistence of owner Salavatore Vitale, many of the signature dishes are still created table-side. The soft rosy glow and intimate ambiance of the dining room is punctuated by the bright flashes of flambéing Bananas Foster and Steak Diane. Specializing in both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, Chef Ricardo Macias charms the palates of many with his supreme offerings of mouthwatering fare. By serving recipes passed down through generations of Italians, De’Medici caters to guests with deft familiarity and graciously serves up a comforting taste of home.

McCormick & Schmick's

Address: 675 L Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

Each one of McCormick & Schmick’s restaurants throughout the United States is designed to create an environment that is unique and welcoming; the one in Downtown San Diego is no different. Located in the Omni Hotel on the corner of L and 7th Street the restaurant is connected via skybridge to Petco Park. The ever-changing menu features the highest quality of steak, like the tender aged Filet Mignon as well as seafood choices from the Pacific Rim, Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. Also, the award winning bar food is just as satisfying as the main entrees. Indulge in classic favorites like the McCormick & Schmick’s Cheeseburger or the Black Mussels with roasted tomatoes and basil. Visit during Happy Hour to enjoy the bar’s specialty cocktails and food options for a great price.

Ocean Room

Address: 630 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

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 some of the freshest seafood that San Diego has to offer.

Hard Rock Cafe

Address: 801 4th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 (Map)

What started off with an Eric Clapton Fender guitar being hung up in a quirky London bar to “hold” his table, turned into a world-wide phenomenon where food, memorabilia and music mix. Downtown in the heart of the Gaslamp District, the Hard Rock Café covers its walls in clothing from Elvis Presley, Stevie Nicks and Gwen Stefani while whisking out American fare from the kitchen. Familiar rock acoustics are pumped out of the reasonably priced restaurant’s speaker system and the exceptional appetizers are a good lead into classic entrees. The openers at the Café are Hickory Smoked Chicken Wings, Potato Skins and Tupelo Chicken Tenders and the Legendary Burger takes top billing on the grill along with aged choice steaks. Sandwiches, salads, smoked chicken and ribs along with dessert back up the main stage menu. The autographed photos, guitars, records and clothing adorn the pillars and almost every inch of the establishment is covered in hard rock history. So if you want a place where the food and music share the spotlight, San Diego’s Hard Rock Café is the hot ticket in town.