Downtown San Diego is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood that offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From seafood to steakhouses, Italian to Mexican, and everything in between, you’ll find it all in this charming downtown area. But with so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to eat. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the best places to eat in downtown San Diego.
The Best Seafood Restaurants in Downtown San Diego
San Diego is famous for its seafood, and downtown offers some of the best seafood restaurants in the city. Here are a few of our top picks:
🌍 Ultimate Travel Gear Guide
Compare the best travel essentials for your next adventure
📦 Packing & Organization
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Value
Veken 8-Set Packing Cubes
Complete organization system with multiple sizes for efficient packing
|
|
Long trips, families, organized packers | View on Amazon |
|
Premium
tomtoc Travel Backpack 40L
Spacious carry-on compatible backpack with laptop compartment
|
|
Digital nomads, business travelers | View on Amazon |
|
Samsonite Luggage Set
Professional hard-shell luggage set with TSA locks
|
|
Frequent flyers, luxury travel | View on Amazon |
🔌 Electronics & Power
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Best Seller
EPICKA Universal Travel Adapter
All-in-one adapter covering 150+ countries with USB ports
|
|
International travelers, multiple devices | View on Amazon |
|
High Capacity
Anker Portable Charger 20000mAh
Ultra-high capacity power bank with fast charging technology
|
|
Long flights, multiple devices, power users | View on Amazon |
|
BAGSMART Electronic Organizer
Keep all cables, chargers, and electronics perfectly organized
|
|
Tech enthusiasts, organized travelers | View on Amazon |
✈️ Comfort & Wellness
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Premium Audio
Sony WH-1000XM4 Headphones
Industry-leading noise cancellation with premium sound quality
|
|
Frequent flyers, audiophiles, long journeys | View on Amazon |
|
Comfort
BCOZZY Travel Pillow
Patented design prevents head from falling forward during sleep
|
|
Long flights, bus/train travel, light sleepers | View on Amazon |
|
Physix Gear Compression Socks
Medical-grade compression to prevent swelling and improve circulation
|
|
Long flights, medical needs, active travelers | View on Amazon |
🧳 Travel Essentials
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
TSA Approved
BAGSMART Toiletry Bag TSA
TSA-approved clear toiletry organizer with multiple compartments
|
|
Air travelers, organized packing, security | View on Amazon |
|
Etekcity Digital Luggage Scale
Avoid overweight fees with this portable digital scale
|
|
International travel, shopping trips, peace of mind | View on Amazon |
|
Money Belt for Secure Travel
Hidden money belt to keep valuables safe while traveling
|
|
Solo travelers, high-risk areas, peace of mind | View on Amazon |
🏕️ Adventure & Health
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Eco-Friendly
Tru Earth Laundry Strips
Eco-friendly laundry solution perfect for travel washing
|
|
Long trips, eco-conscious travelers, backpackers | View on Amazon |
|
Water Safety
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Portable water filter for safe drinking anywhere in the world
|
|
Adventure travel, hiking, developing countries | View on Amazon |
|
Johnson & Johnson First Aid Kit
Comprehensive first aid kit for travel emergencies
|
|
Family travel, outdoor adventures, safety-conscious | View on Amazon |
The Fish Market
Located on the waterfront, The Fish Market is a San Diego institution. This casual, no-frills restaurant serves up fresh seafood at affordable prices. Try their famous fish tacos or their seafood paella, and don’t forget to order a side of their famous garlic bread.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
For a more upscale seafood dining experience, head to The Oceanaire Seafood Room. This elegant restaurant offers a wide range of seafood options, including oysters, lobster, and crab legs. Be sure to try their famous seafood tower, which features a selection of fresh seafood served with a side of cocktail sauce.
Anthony’s Fish Grotto
Anthony’s Fish Grotto is another popular seafood spot in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of seafood options, including fish and chips, seafood pasta, and fish tacos. Be sure to try their famous cioppino, a San Francisco-style seafood stew.
The Best Steakhouses in Downtown San Diego
If you’re in the mood for a juicy steak, downtown San Diego has some of the best steakhouses in the city. Here are a few of our top picks:
The Westgate Hotel’s Steakhouse
The Westgate Hotel’s Steakhouse is a San Diego institution. This elegant restaurant offers a wide range of steak options, including filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip. Be sure to try their famous prime rib, which is served with a side of au jus.
The Blind Burro
The Blind Burro is a popular steakhouse in downtown San Diego. This trendy restaurant offers a wide range of steak options, including filet mignon, ribeye, and flank steak. Be sure to try their famous burgers, which are made with grass-fed beef. (See Also: Where to Eat in Merida? Best Local Spots)
The Kebab Shop
The Kebab Shop is a unique steakhouse in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of kebabs, including steak, chicken, and seafood. Be sure to try their famous gyro, which features a juicy steak wrapped in a warm pita bread.
The Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown San Diego
If you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned Italian cuisine, downtown San Diego has some of the best Italian restaurants in the city. Here are a few of our top picks:
Caffè Italia
Caffè Italia is a popular Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego. This cozy restaurant offers a wide range of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto. Be sure to try their famous lasagna, which is made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Il Fornaio
Il Fornaio is another popular Italian restaurant in downtown San Diego. This upscale restaurant offers a wide range of Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto. Be sure to try their famous seafood risotto, which features a selection of fresh seafood served with a side of garlic bread.
Pizzeria Mozza
Pizzeria Mozza is a popular pizzeria in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of pizzas, including classic margherita, meat-lovers, and veggie lovers. Be sure to try their famous burrata, which features a creamy cheese filled with fresh mozzarella and basil.
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown San Diego
If you’re in the mood for some delicious Mexican cuisine, downtown San Diego has some of the best Mexican restaurants in the city. Here are a few of our top picks:
La Taqueria
La Taqueria is a popular Mexican restaurant in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Be sure to try their famous carne asada, which features grilled steak served with a side of fresh salsa and warm tortillas.
El Indio
El Indio is another popular Mexican restaurant in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Be sure to try their famous chiles rellenos, which feature roasted poblano peppers filled with cheese and battered to perfection. (See Also: Where to Eat in Fredericksburg Texas? Culinary Delights)
La Mexicana
La Mexicana is a popular Mexican restaurant in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. Be sure to try their famous chicken mole, which features grilled chicken served with a rich, chocolate-based sauce.
Other Great Dining Options in Downtown San Diego
In addition to the many great seafood, steakhouse, Italian, and Mexican restaurants in downtown San Diego, there are many other great dining options to choose from. Here are a few of our top picks:
The Blind Pig
The Blind Pig is a popular gastropub in downtown San Diego. This casual, family-friendly restaurant offers a wide range of pub-style fare, including burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Be sure to try their famous mac and cheese, which features a creamy cheese sauce served with a side of crispy bacon.
The Oceanaire Seafood Room’s Happy Hour
The Oceanaire Seafood Room is a popular seafood restaurant in downtown San Diego, and their happy hour is a must-try. From 4-6 pm daily, you can enjoy discounted prices on a wide range of seafood dishes, including oysters, shrimp, and lobster.
The Westgate Hotel’s Sunday Brunch
The Westgate Hotel’s Sunday brunch is a popular event in downtown San Diego. From 10 am-2 pm, you can enjoy a wide range of breakfast and lunch dishes, including omelets, waffles, and sandwiches. Be sure to try their famous champagne cocktail, which features a glass of bubbly served with a side of fresh fruit and cheese.
Recap
In conclusion, downtown San Diego offers a wide range of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From seafood to steakhouses, Italian to Mexican, and everything in between, you’ll find it all in this charming downtown area. Whether you’re in the mood for something casual and affordable or something more upscale and elegant, there’s something for everyone in downtown San Diego. Be sure to try some of the many great restaurants and dining options we’ve highlighted in this guide, and enjoy your next dining adventure in downtown San Diego.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to get to downtown San Diego?
A: The best way to get to downtown San Diego depends on your starting location and personal preference. You can take a taxi or ride-sharing service, drive and park in one of the many parking garages or lots, or take public transportation, such as the Trolley or bus. (See Also: Where to Eat in Valencia Bukidnon? Best Local Favorites)
Q: What are the best restaurants in downtown San Diego for families?
A: There are many great restaurants in downtown San Diego that are family-friendly and offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. Some popular options include The Fish Market, Anthony’s Fish Grotto, and La Taqueria.
Q: What are the best happy hour deals in downtown San Diego?
A: There are many great happy hour deals in downtown San Diego, including discounted prices on drinks and food at many of the city’s top restaurants and bars. Some popular options include The Oceanaire Seafood Room’s happy hour, The Blind Pig’s happy hour, and The Westgate Hotel’s happy hour.
Q: What are the best brunch spots in downtown San Diego?
A: There are many great brunch spots in downtown San Diego, including The Westgate Hotel’s Sunday brunch, The Oceanaire Seafood Room’s brunch, and The Blind Pig’s brunch. Be sure to try some of the many delicious options and enjoy your next brunch adventure in downtown San Diego.
Q: What are the best places to eat in downtown San Diego for special occasions?
A: There are many great places to eat in downtown San Diego for special occasions, including The Oceanaire Seafood Room, The Westgate Hotel’s Steakhouse, and Il Fornaio. These upscale restaurants offer a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget, and are sure to make your special occasion a memorable one.
