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Best Fun Restaurants in Downtown

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239 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lumi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(694)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 41 times today
Featuring world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an energetic and upscale rooftop experience serving innovative Japanese fare and sushi accompanied by handcrafted libations in a vividly unique atmosphere.
A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.5
Awesome(810)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Huntress is the most adventurous and energetic modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego, offering the finest cuts of meat, one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky brands in California, and a contemporary, lively atmosphere where music elevates every dish.
A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.9
Excellent(65)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown
Booked 20 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4765)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 77 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2580)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 40 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 STK- San Diego restaurant
4.4
Awesome(3354)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 45 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(239)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.
A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
3.9
Excellent(295)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 19 times today
Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.
A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(632)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 23 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 Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant
4.2
Awesome(3841)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown
Booked 100 times today
Fogo de Chao in San Diego is a fun restaurant because of its unique and exciting dining experience. It offers an international-renowned steakhouse from Brazil, known for its 'churrasco' - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame. Reviewers consistently mention the excellent food, service, and ambiance, and describe it as a place for special occasions and celebrations. They also praise the fresh salad bar, plentiful meat selection, and the decadent complimentary sides. The overall atmosphere is described as amazing, magical, and fun!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • StephenVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The great news: service was excellent, food spot on. We had bread (must have), beets, and a charcuterie plate to start, which was plenty for four of us. All was excellent, but the charcuterie was the standout: perfectly balanced, beautifully presented, and even came with notes so you knew what you were eating. For dinner, we had filet mignon, wagyu skirts, and a ribeye. All were superb and cooked exactly to specification. Desserts and drinks were also very good. The less fabulous: We asked for a quiet corner since it is a busy and crowded spot, and while we were in a corner of the private room in the back, so was a loud party of 6 or 8. We asked if they could do something, but nothing was done. Parking: Even at 5:30 on a Sunday, it was not easy to find a spot close by.. If there'd been valet, we'd have definitely used it. All in all, we'd do it again for a special occasion. The manager did listen to our noise issue, and acknowledged it impacted our experience tonight, so I don't expect it to happen again
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • DerekW
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    In town for a concert at Petco Park and was looking for a steak restaurant in the gas lamp district. What a surprise! We were a tad skeptical with the options of apps and sides but absolutely everything was top notch and we loved our dining experience. All servers were extremely friendly and fun yet super professional!
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.5
  • Michael Mikey V
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Always a good time at AKA, the ambiance is quiet when you arrive but at 8pm the DJ starts to play, slowly the music gets loud and by 10pm it is like a night club atmosphere. Dancing girls near the DJ keep you pumped up during the end of dinner and you get up and dance by 11pm. The experience is Fun, happy and elegant. You would dress to impress at AKA. It seems the fun starts late but goes on all night. Also on a side note, the Filet Mignon potstickers are the best. I had the Chilean sea bass and my wife had the Black Cod and both dishes did not disappoint. This place is 10 out of 10. I had so much fun. Giancarlo is the host GM, he makes sure everything is running at peak performance. I love this place and highly recommend it. Mikey V
    More info
    AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown
    3.9
  • melissaVIP
    Los Angeles •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    The view, the view and the ambiance amazing! The food was delicious as well! I got the Wagyu and a roll… the service was fast and great customer service.
    More info
    LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
    4.6
  • GenaVIP
    San Diego •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Dec 2024
    Everything was great for an hitting. Menu selections easy to follow and they were easy to deal with with a sea food allergy
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in Downtown

Dive into the vibrant dining scene of Downtown San Diego where the keyword "fun" takes center stage at a variety of restaurants that promise an exciting and enjoyable dining experience. Each establishment in this bustling area offers a unique blend of ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and top-notch service, making them perfect spots for both casual outings and special occasions. From the thrilling Brazilian churrasco at a renowned steakhouse to the innovative Japanese dishes at a sophisticated locale, these restaurants cater to a diverse palette and are praised for their lively atmospheres and culinary excellence. Whether you're in the mood for a meal with stunning views of San Diego's skyline or a cozy dinner with live music, Downtown San Diego has an array of options that embody the essence of fun dining. Enjoy the local and international flavors, all while soaking in the unique atmospheres that make each restaurant a beloved destination in San Diego’s dynamic culinary landscape. Celebrate life’s moments with delicious food, great company, and the unforgettable charm of San Diego’s downtown eateries.

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