Best Restaurants for Spicy Food in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Areas

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

117 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

1. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1003)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 13 times today

Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

2. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(1766)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 29 times today

Lionfish, located in the Pendry San Diego, is a modern, cutting edge sushi and seafood restaurant located on 5th Avenue that features fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

3. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.4

Awesome(642)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Downtown

Booked 6 times today

Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego near the marina district, Salvatore's inspired by the elegant minimalist details of nature. Salvatores is walking distance from the San Diego convention center and downtown hotel/resort district. The kitchen draws influence from the shores of the Mediterranean and Italy, while creating a visionary express of flavorful and modern California Mediterranean cuisine. Salvatores San Diego embodies a multi-sensory culinary sanctuary for our guests to escape, disconnect and have a great time. EUDAIMONIA' the contended, happy state you feel when you travel.

A photo of Year of the Fortune restaurant

4. Year of the Fortune

4.0

Excellent(23)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Our Year of the Fortune is a vibrant new Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this unique dining destination offers an immersive experience where flavor meets festivity.Menu Highlights:Asian Cuisine: Enjoy a diverse menu featuring traditional and modern Chinese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.Signature Cocktails: Sip on inventive cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, inspired by the Chinese zodiac signs.Event Hosting: Ideal for private parties, corporate events, and special occasions with tailored services to meet your needs.Ambiance: Step into a world adorned with parasol Chinese umbrellas, sky lanterns, and dragon motifs, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant

5. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.7

Exceptional(2597)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown

Booked 48 times today

Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

6. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

new

4.5

Awesome(1344)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 38 times today

Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.

7. Bronze Bird

4.5

Awesome(167)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.

8. Downtown Sushi

4.3

Awesome(79)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Welcome to Downtown Sushi, nestled in downtown San Diego, just steps from the historic Balboa Theatre. Chef Andy creates a symphony of flavors, with our Omakase Premium Sashimi as the star, featuring the finest fresh, sustainably sourced seafood. Don’t miss our happy hour specials with delicious appetizers and drinks. Signature rolls like the Love Roll, Fire Roll, Downtown Roll, and Tower Roll highlight Chef Andy’s creativity, while the Salmon Flame appetizer bursts with irresistible flavor. For a main course, savor our Ribeye Steak, grilled to perfection with a Japanese twist. We welcome walk-ins and reservations alike. For a truly elevated experience, our VIP space is perfect for exclusive events or intimate celebrations, combining exceptional cuisine with unparalleled service. To make your visit even more convenient, we accept various forms of payment, including credit cards, cash, and Apple Pay.

9. Operacaffe

4.6

Exceptional(1383)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 12 times today

At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!

10. Swing Social

new

4.4

Awesome(14)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 1 time today

Swing Social is a high-energy dining and drinking experience in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant features three Full Swing simulators, over 13 interactive virtual sports, exciting cocktails, spirited décor, and handcrafted fare. Swing Social is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Swing Social also has a happy hour menu with discounted food and drinks. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. Swing Social is a great place to watch sports, play games, and enjoy a delicious meal. The restaurant is also available for private events.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
JovelynVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We’ve dined at the Point Loma location several times, and this new spot in Coronado did not disappoint. We had a reservation and waited only about 5-10 minutes after our expected time, which was no big deal. The views were absolutely stunning, adding to the whole experience. It did take a little while to get our water, but once we placed our drink and food orders, everything came out fairly quickly. The food was delicious, and our waitress was excellent – attentive and friendly throughout the meal. Definitely a spot we’ll be coming back to!
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.6
N
NuiVIP
San Diego •25 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The jerk chicken wings are the best! Also love the island salad with its yummy chimichurri dressing. Coconut margarita is my favorite drink. All the servers are fantastic too!
More info
Miss B's Coconut ClubPrice: Moderate• Caribbean• Mission Beach
•
4.8
M
Manuel y o Anavel
Baja California •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The first time the food was exquisite thise time something is a little bit less like I don’t know the meat something was different. I had to ask for salt
More info
Mochomos -TijuanaPrice: Very Expensive• Regional Mexican• Tijuana
•
4.6

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