Downtown Restaurants

For a classic seafood experience with a laid-back attitude, look no further then The Fish Market—San Diego’s premiere destination for seafood. Located on Shelter Island below the Top of the Market Restaurant, The Fish Market features options for several types of seafood faire, including seafood cocktails, oysters, fresh filets, and sushi. You can dine while overlooking the breathtaking San Diego bay for either lunch or dinner. Since 1989, The Fish Market has been enchanting and comforting their guests with premium seafood choices and a dazzling waterfront view. Learn More »

For a unique blend of Italian cuisine fused with the flavors of California, Cucina Urbana is a one-of-a-kind fine dining destination in the heart of Banker’s Hill. The interior is reminiscent of an old farm house and a modernized kitchen, with bold abstract paintings on the wall and rich accents of rustic wood. The cuisine is predominantly Italian, such as gourmet pizzas and handmade pastas, but the inspiration from California comes from the subtle flavors, the cooking style, and the stresses of using local and organic ingredients whenever possible. Cucina Urbana is also a Wine Shop-- and the possibilities of … Learn More »

In need of a relaxing moment and a glass of wine or want to sample varietals in a chic, intimate, and sophisticated environment? Come relax and unwind at Toast Enoteca & Cucina in San Diego’s East Village. This combination restaurant and wine bar features around 400 different bottles of wine to sample and purchase. By the glass sales are available as well. Toast offers an extensive and authentic Italian menu complete with antipasti, insalante, primi, pizze, secondi, and Panini courses. This downtown landmark is yet another culinary creation by Martin Gonzalez, the owner and executive chef of Acqua Al 2, … Learn More »

Downtown and thirsty for something a little stronger than water? Look no further than Taste & Thirst, a late night hub of wallet-friendly eats and drinks including a hearty array of appetizers, burgers, soups, sandwiches and salads. Enjoy the Truffle Fries made with truffle oil, tossed in parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and parsley flakes, or the Marinated Sirloin Tips made with a half pound of their charbroiled signature sirloin tips served over rice pilaf and mixed veggies. With 14 High Definition television screens for your sports-viewing pleasure, spend game night at Taste & Thirst where there is plenty to entertain … Learn More »

Directly across the street from Petco Park, The Dragon’s Den is the East Village’s answer to reasonably priced, quality Asian cuisine and sushi. Relax on The Dragon’s Den patio in any of their comfy upholstered chairs as you enjoy the outdoor fire pit and prime views of the ballpark. Inside, a warm color palette of earth tones provides a sophisticated backdrop for original design pieces to shine. The restaurant’s stand-alone raw bar features a number of traditional Japanese sushi favorites, while the full service drink bar showcases original cocktails, craft beers, and fine sakes. Their weekday happy hour specials are … Learn More »

Where Guinness flows, good times follow; and Dublin Square serves up both in abundance. Built in Ireland and transplanted to the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, this authentic Irish pub satisfies appetites and souls with the warm and welcoming spread of Irish culture and fare. If food and drink is what you’re pining for, look to Dublin Square’s menu any time of day. Come for their daily breakfast and enjoy dishes like the Corned Beef Hash and Eggs or the All Day Irish Breakfast that includes black and white pudding. For lunch, dinner, and everything in between, many crave … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

Located in the Gaslamp District, Cremolose is the newest European cafe and specialty dessert restaurant offering exquisite Italian fare and delectable Italian desserts to hungry guests. The 5,000 square-foot establishment fuses the aspects of a European cafe and the historic flavor of the Gaslamp Quarter. Cremolose offers seating for up to 260 guests beneath the tin decal decor in the original 20th century dancehall. The dining room is decorated with furniture which provides a modern aesthetic and showcases a eclectic color palette capable of awaking a tired soul. Cremolose showcases a fully equipped bar and lounge where bartenders offer handcrafted … Learn More »

BiCE Ristorante skillfully fuses the elegance and trend-setting gusto of modern Europe in the historic San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, while introducing patrons to contemporary Italian cuisine melded with California ingredients. Executive Chef Mario Cassineri has created a menu that entices palates with amazing flavor combinations as his attention to detail and presentation mesmerize guests. Start off the night with the Prosciutto con Burrata, 24-month aged prosciutto paired with creamy burrata cheese that will surely tantalize taste buds with its perfected meat-and-cheese combination. Indulge in the Orzotto all’Aragosta e Burratina: “risotto style” barley with Maine Lobster, fresh tomato and burrata cheese, … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

From the rustic stone exterior to the expansive and colorful interior, Little Italy’s hidden treasure, La Villa Restaurant & Bar, blends urban and rural life together seamlessly. Seated at wooden tables, reminiscent of the farmers’ tables in years past, diners enjoy fresh, sustainable Italian delights. La Villa’s seasonal menu emphasizes the “farm to table” concept by incorporating neighborhood farmers’ products and locally caught seafood in every dish. From the handmade mozzarella found on the Naples inspired pizzas, to the oysters, so fresh that the remnant flavors of the ocean are still present, La Villa pleases the palate time after time. … Learn More »

San Diego’s renowned Gaslamp Quarter is a hot spot for casual dining, and Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill occupies a prime piece of real estate on the edge of Horton Plaza’s enormous shopping mall, just minutes from Petco Park, the San Diego Convention Center, and the historic Balboa Theatre. Open since 1994, this location is no stranger to the constant motion of Downtown, and the vibrant menu showcases simple flavor combinations and fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Specializing in traditional woodfired and artisan thin crust pizzas, but diverse enough to include mini burgers, Hawaiian ono tacos, and healthy wraps, Sammy’s Downtown … Learn More »

Family owned and operated since the first day of business in 1940, El Indio offers traditional Mexican dishes in the midst of San Diego's Little Italy. Originally, founder Ralph Pesqueira Sr. opened El Indio as a home-made tortilla factory, and during World War II, evolved by popular demand to provide ready to eat lunches for neighboring factories in the area, creating the very first "taquitos" in San Diego. Since then, the location has changed and a full menu of Sonora-style Mexican dishes has been put in place featuring recipes that have been passed down and perfected for more than three … Learn More »

Salvucci’s is more than just a name. It’s food, rooted in our culture and traditions. It’s recipes, passed down from generation to generation; each adding their own unique touch while still honoring the integrity of the original flavors. It’s community, where neighbors are family and bonds are built and strengthened around the kitchen table. Salvucci's Ristorante brings delicious, homemade meals, pairing traditional Italian recipes with locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes daily homemade pastas, hand tossed wood-fired pizzas, fresh seasonal salads, and fresh baked breads. Learn More »

Pipirins is a new Guadalajaran restaurant in downtown San Diego specializing in campfire flavor carne asada, strip loan asado, chicken asado, homemade horchata, decadent flan, and more. Each entree is served with fresh salsas, Peruvian beans, and just-made white corn tortillas. Learn More »

Full Moon is a kaizen style kitchen featuring fine Japanese delicacies. "Kaizen" means "change for the better," which illuminates Chef Sung's non-traditional Japanese cuisine. Enjoy an intimate group setting in the plush lounge seating, or settle at the bar to relish at the highly regarded sushi chefs. With menu items ranging from hot entrees alongside traditional sushi rolls to an exotic fish menu changed daily; Full Moon sushi has a wide range of food options for everyone. All food items pair well with the large sake menu - most imported from Japan. Learn More »