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Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown

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187 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant
1. Fogo de Chao - San Diego
4.0
Excellent(3918)
Price: Moderate
• Brazilian • Downtown
Booked 99 times today
Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
2. Saint James French Diner
4.6
Exceptional(274)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 28 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 AKA San Diego restaurant
3. AKA San Diego
4.0
Excellent(91)
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 Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4. Zama Restaurant & Bar
3.8
Excellent(333)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 21 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 Bang on 5th restaurant
5. Bang on 5th
3.8
Excellent(20)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Formerly known as Bang Bang, Bang on 5th is located in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. With an Asian-fusion, sushi-centric food menu featuring fresh-catch cuisine such as flaming sushi boats, sashimi & nigiri, as well as modern touches on traditional asian cuisine. Matched with a tasty drink menu featuring craft cocktails, sake, and Japanese Whiskys. Enjoy our immersive atmosphere as you walk into downtown Tokyo, listening to live music from a DJ while eating under the largest disco ball on the west coast.Whether you’re enjoying a date night, business meeting, or a large group’s celebration; Bang on 5th is an experience like no other.Opentable Diner’s Choice award winner 3 years in a row 2021-2023.
A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
6. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(95)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza
A photo of Vin de Syrah restaurant
7. Vin de Syrah
4.4
Awesome(7)
Price: Moderate
• Wine Bar • Downtown
Inspired by the eclectic lounges of New York’s “meatpacking district” and the warm brasseries of turn of the century Paris, Vin de Syrah is complemented by amazing cheeses, desserts, and a friendly wine list. This subterranean yet organic space pays respect to the old but embraces the new world with a contemporary style all its own.
A photo of Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego restaurant
8. Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego
4.3
Awesome(40)
Price: Moderate
• Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
A sophisticated watering hole with elevated bare fare. The Pendry San Diego hotel bar, Fifth & Rose, is a classic cocktail bar in an elegant, chic, and comfortable room. A classic setting for a fitting drink, it is a place to engage in conversation, enjoy bar fare, and linger over the perfect cocktail. Rich stone stands out amidst a black and white palette with crimson details, while candles and fresh roses accent tables. Fifth & Rose is inspired by a host’s living room: comfortable, always welcoming, a place you never want to leave.
A photo of Mr. Tempo Gaslamp restaurant
9. Mr. Tempo Gaslamp
4.0
Excellent(202)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
Mr. Tempo a unique experience brought by the successful restaurateur Jorge Cueva also known as MR. TEMPO! Enjoy a variety of unique and delicious dishes from seafood, sushi, steak, tacos and more. Our specialty is margaritas and cocktails. #maschingon
A photo of Karina’s Cantina restaurant
10. Karina’s Cantina
4.5
Awesome(44)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Simply entering a Karina’s establishment can be a sensory overload. Images, color, music, exquisite aromas and warm hospitality are surrounded by traditional Mexican figures, art and culture. Specially commissioned portraits of Frida Khalo and many of the superstars of classic Mexican cinema grace the walls of Karina’s. The sounds of Mexico with our engaging Mariachi, especially when singing of lost love, are a portrait of Mexico that our Mexican and American clientele alike delight in. Karina’s was founded on the idea of offering traditional Mexican style family cuisine made with the passion of the founding family to make everyone feel like familia.For three generations, each member of the Contreras Curiel Family has passionately and diligently worked year round for over three decades to offer a personalized services that make each guest feel at home.Wherever a Karina’s establishment is found, there will always be a piece of Mexico

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Victoria
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    We had a delightful and delicious evening. Service by Creighton was superb as was the busboy. Everything was exceptional and we will definitely be back. Noise was very loud but somehow when dessert arrived, an amazing chocolate soufflé, we forgot about how noisy it was, probably because we stopped talking so we could devour the dessert.
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • OpenTable Diner
    Los Angeles •4 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Food was delicious! I got the yellowtail nigiri and cauliflower entree. Went on a Saturday night at 10pm so there was a DJ club vibe.
    More info
    Zama Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
    •
    3.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Food was very tasty. Service was impeccable. Highly recommended
    More info
    AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown
    •
    4
  • Roman
    1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Great experience had a dinner reception for my wedding food was great and served very fast maybe too fast lol, But I had a wonderful dinner Charm was my waitress and did a fantastic job probably the best waitress I had in a long time was always there attending was very kind to my grandmother made her a personal designed desert for her anniversary, If anyone comes to this restaurant I hope you have the chance to have Charm as your waitress.
    More info
    Fogo de Chao - San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Brazilian• Downtown
    •
    4
  • AndreaVIP
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Feb 2025
    Thanks for a great, Galentines and accommodating to adding a person to the reservation. Will definitely be back another time. The food was fresh and great flavors!
    More info
    Bang on 5thPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
    •
    3.8

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