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Best Historic Restaurants in Downtown

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30 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
1. 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 Grant Grill restaurant
2. Grant Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1656)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
3. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter
4.6
Exceptional(2604)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown
Booked 20 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 Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1454)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").
A photo of Downtown Sushi restaurant
5. Downtown Sushi
4.3
Awesome(80)
Price: Moderate
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 5 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.
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
6. Tapas & Beers
4.9
Exceptional(521)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
7. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.6
Exceptional(4641)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 108 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of Lou & Mickey's restaurant
8. Lou & Mickey's
4.7
Exceptional(4221)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 105 times today
Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
9. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(8005)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 52 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
10. Alexander's on 30th
4.7
Exceptional(3153)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 68 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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