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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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39 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(843)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 18 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 STK- San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3409)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 43 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 The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(2597)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 45 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 Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(642)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown
Booked 9 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 Operacaffe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1383)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 13 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!
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6561)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 106 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5042)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 135 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(190)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Craft Bar Kamon restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(201)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 26 times today
"Taisho Roman craft cocktail bar in the heart of East Village San Diego that reflects the period in Japan when traditionalism and modernism first converged. We are committed to offer the unique and best craft cocktails! **To make a reservation for a party of 6 or more, please contact us through email at info@barkamon.com Please refrain from booking multiple tables as we most likely won't be able to accommodate to seat together.**Please be aware that table or bar seating selection is just a request and it is not a confirmation. We will try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating availability, you may be seated to a different section from what you have requested at the reservation.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 103 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JesusVIP
    San Diego •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I went for a "date night" with my wife. It was a Sunday night after a busy Valentine´s weekend so we experienced the restaurant in a smooth setting. The food was great, steaks cooked as ordered and flavourful. What highlighted the night was Chris our server, attentful, knowledgable and always giving the space, showing up to check on us at the correct time. Highly recommend this for every ocassion.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • NorikoVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a fantastic time at Herb & Wood. Since we were both busy on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. From the moment we arrived, everyone at the restaurant greeted us warmly and made us feel truly welcome. Our reservation was at 5 PM, so the restaurant wasn’t too crowded yet, but even as it filled up, the level of attentiveness remained exceptional. Our waiter, Troy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and offered great recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Sicilian Crudo and one of Troy’s suggestions—a warm dinner bread served with butter, honey, and herbs. I don’t remember the exact name, but it was absolutely delicious! For our main courses, my husband had the Iberico Pork, and I had the Roasted Branzino. The Branzino was packed with herbs and flavors—I usually can’t finish a large meal, but I couldn’t stop eating it. We were too full for dessert, though I wish we had saved room! It was our first time at Herb & Wood, but it’s now on our list of favorite restaurants for special occasions.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Juliana
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food, service, and ambiance was great!! Loved everything about my experience and would definitely go again!
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    4.4
  • Geegee
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I come here every year for a Valentine’s Day dinner with my little girl for our mom & daughter valentines date & every year they do amazing . Definitely our favorite tradition to come here. Food , service & everything - always amazing.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.7
  • SteffiVIP
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The assortment of fresh ceviche, tiraditos and crudo was amazing! Will take multiple visits to get through the fantastic menu! Service was excellent also.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.8

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover the culinary gems of Downtown San Diego that are "worth the drive" for an unforgettable dining experience. Each restaurant featured in this collection offers unique flavors and impeccable service, making them stand out in the vibrant San Diego dining scene. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Mediterranean dishes, or innovative Japanese cuisine, these establishments promise a meal that more than justifies the journey. With their strategic locations in the heart of Downtown San Diego, they provide not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delightful ambiance that encapsulates the lively spirit of the area. Visitors and locals alike agree that these dining spots enhance any trip to San Diego with their commitment to quality and hospitality. Experience the diverse culinary landscape of Downtown San Diego, where each restaurant offers a distinct and memorable dining adventure.

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