People Watching Restaurants

Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both … 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 »

The North Park neighborhood of San Diego is quickly becoming the welcomed alternative to downtown, with high-quality and hip joints popping up all the time. Toronado is one of those places that have gained quite the local fan base for its staggering selection of craft beers on tap, and its satisfying menu of fresh and tasty pub fare. Toronado boasts a refreshingly casual, roll-up-your-sleeves atmosphere where the enjoyment of fine drink and food takes precedence. In fact, freshness and quality is so important to the Toronado crew that the drink and food menus are updated daily to ensure guests savor … Learn More »

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 … Learn More »

With its intimate, reserved, and romantic ambiance and soft floral palette décor, Primavera strives to provide each guest with a sense of being on vacation while dining. Situated between shops and cafes on Coronado’s Orange Avenue, Primavera brings a little bit of Italian culinary heaven to us right here in San Diego. The restaurant’s menu is loaded with color and flavor from appetizers to desserts. They also have nightly seafood specials along with an extensive menu of entrées and a great selection of pastas, salads, chicken, and meat. Primavera’s extensive wine list contains an assortment of choices suited to pair … Learn More »

Blue Point was the first seafood and oyster bar to open in the Gaslamp over a decade ago, and it remains one of the very best. The restaurant pays special attention to interpreting seafood classics in fresh ways that delight all the senses. Specialties extend to a selection of steak and chops, so that both the menu and interior call to mind an old fashioned supper club with nautical flair. A striking and impressively well-stocked antique bar completes the relaxed elegance that keeps Blue Point on the Gaslamp’s favored list. Learn More »

Café Sevilla delivers the warmth and culture of Southern Spain locally, with a casually elegant atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Café Sevilla offers traditional Spanish items like pitchers of sangria, a wide selection of tapas, and large paella platters which make it an excellent location for small groups. Theatrical Flamenco dinner shows are offered weekly and lively guitarists play Gypsy Rhumba and Latin music each night in the tapas bar. The restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for more than 20 years and a recent move has put their new location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The décor, … Learn More »

Situated on the upper floor of the Fish Market, Top of the Market, serves up the catch of the day in style. Paneled with soft dark wood and accented with crisp white table linens, the chipper dining room is outshined only by the beautiful scene it overlooks. The ocean gleams bright through the large open windows that stretch the length of the restaurant. So while some guests may enjoy watching the preparation of their meal in the airy exhibition kitchen, others are encouraged to soak up the California sunshine and dine on the covered patio. By using the best the … Learn More »

While it may be physically impossible to bring a Florentine trattoria to San Diego, Chef and Owner Martin Gonzalez has come remarkably close. Acqua Al 2 is the sister restaurant of the original Acqua Al 2, located on the Via della Vigna Vecchia in Florence. Using the same menu, recipes, and cooking techniques, Acqua Al 2 offers authentic Tuscan-style dining right in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp district. The charming ambiance hints of old world Italy, while the aromatic and flavorful dishes exude authenticity. Anyone considering an escape to Italy should first pay a visit to this local favorite. Learn More »

Situated just north of Lake Miramar on the corner of Scripps Poway Parkway and Spring Canyon Road, Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza & Grill provides a laid back environment with attentive service and a menu full of delicious, fresh creations. Start off with some signature Tapas out on the covered patio, which are all half price during the daily Happy Hours. They’re the perfect size for sharing around the table, and you’re sure to find new flavors to savor with options like the vegetarian approved Parmesan Crusted Artichokes, Crispy Tofu, and Wok’d Sesame Shishito Peppers, as well as Japanese Style Chicken Meatballs, … Learn More »

Impeccable service, excellent cuisine, and an extensive wine list are to be expected at any Bertrand Hug establishment, and Bertrand at Mr. A’s lives up to the highest of expectations. Perched atop a skyscraper on the brink of downtown, the restaurant offers one of the most outstanding dining experiences in San Diego. Modern American cuisine elegantly complements the cosmopolitan backdrop, with a menu that offers awe-inspiring “glimpses” of both land and sea. The seasonal menu incorporates the utmost quality meats, fish, and accompaniments, resulting in a fresh and tantalizing selection of dishes. The main dining room offers a premier dining … Learn More »

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar La Jolla is a continuing gala of extraordinary food and wine. Patrons can pamper their appetites with the highest quality aged prime beef and discern new flavors with its award-winning wine list, comprised of 100 wines by the glass and a first-rate Reserve List. Famous for its, warm alluring atmosphere and the highest consideration to detail, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar La Jolla features a luxurious dining area constructed around an exhibition kitchen and extensive bar. Adjoining the central dining area are private dining rooms that can comfortably accommodate small or large parties. … Learn More »

Roy’s, a Hawaiian fusion restaurant, is based on the technique using “new directions,” blending freely the European techniques with ingredients of Asia and the Pacific. The first Roy's Restaurant was opened in1988 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and its La Jolla location maintains the fine dining mantra with innovative and flavorful dishes. Using the freshest ingredients of any locale, Roy’s exemplifies the same sense of fun and freedom found in the original restaurants in Hawaii. At Roy’s, you can get a taste of paradise without having to fly across the Pacific. Learn More »

Since opening in 1998, Tapenade has established itself as a La Jolla institution. Diners frequent the sophisticated establishment for acclaimed chef Jean-Michel Diot’s Provençal-style French cooking. Diot, who comes to San Diego after a successful career in Paris and New York, offers a consistently award-winning menu, while Tapenade’s welcoming atmosphere and excellent service complement the cuisine. For an exceptional experience, Diot offers a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, offered daily. 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 »

Sapori, located on the beautiful Coronado Island, offers traditional Italian fare using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create the food connoisseur’s dream. Since 2010, owners Raffaele and Laura Petrazzuolo have worked together to provide the ultimate dining experience for locals and visitors alike, with Laura overseeing the kitchen and her husband Raffaele providing exceptional service. Enjoy the outdoor patio, where you can take in views of Downtown San Diego from across the bay or take advantage of the perfect location for people-watching. Sapori offers an extensive variety of Italian wines to pair with mouthwatering entrees, such as the Steamed Black Mussels … Learn More »

With one of the most extensive menus in town, sure to please even the pickiest of palates, The Cheesecake Factory genuinely has something for everyone at your table. This landmark restaurant prides itself on hospitality and delectable menu items that are both sweet and savory. The restaurant has established itself as the go-to spot for large parties and big celebrations as well as a romantic date for two. Cheesecake Factory’s ambiance combines the hustle and bustle of the city with the quiet intimacy of a corner bistro. Ultimately renowned for their long list of signature cheesecakes, generous portions, and comfortably … Learn More »