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Best American Restaurants in Downtown

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127 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
1. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4752)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 39 times today
Cowboy Star in the vibrant heart of Downtown San Diego epitomizes the essence of Contemporary American cuisine with a wild-west twist. Celebrated for its dedication to regional heirloom recipes and superior service, Cowboy Star stands out for its use of local, natural, and organic ingredients, ensuring every dish sings with authenticity and freshness. The menu showcases exceptional dishes, such as the Niman Ranch all-natural beef, earning it rave reviews for the "best steak in SD" and a culinary experience that is both genuine and heartwarming. Diners consistently praise the "excellent vibe" and "impeccable service," making it a must-visit for anyone seeking the pinnacle of Contemporary American dining in San Diego.
A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
2. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(961)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 16 times today
At Provisional Restaurant in the heart of Downtown San Diego, pizza lovers are in for a true delight. The restaurant's Pizza Bar stands out with its woodfire-oven baked pizzas that are a testament to authentic Italian craftsmanship. Diners rave about the quality and flavor, with one guest exclaiming the experience as “fantastic,” especially praising the ambiance that complements the dining experience. The pizzas here are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each pie is both visually appealing and bursting with flavors. Whether you're a local or visiting, Provisional’s Pizza Bar is a culinary gem in San Diego that promises an exceptional pizza experience.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
3. Saint James French Diner
4.6
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 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 Huntress restaurant
4. Huntress
4.5
Awesome(798)
Price: Very Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 23 times today
Huntress, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a vibrant and modern steakhouse experience that is unmatched. Known for serving "the tastiest steak I ever had at a restaurant," as one diner raved, Huntress specializes in high-quality cuts like the Australian Wagyu and the Bone-In Ribeye, which are seasoned to perfection. The ambiance is enhanced by a selection of Japanese whisky and a lively atmosphere where music uplifts every culinary delight. Patrons consistently praise not only the steak but also the "knowledgeable" staff and the "amazing" overall dining experience. Whether it's the impeccable service or the finely crafted dishes, Huntress promises a memorable steak dining adventure that keeps guests returning for more.
A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
5. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(1733)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 23 times today
At Lionfish Restaurant, situated in the heart of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers revel in a culinary experience that is as delightful as it is authentic. This modern sushi and seafood haven, led by the talented local chef JoJo Ruiz, showcases a passion for fresh-catch cuisine that’s evident in every dish. Enthusiastic diners rave about the “best sushi and sashimi I have ever had! Melts in your mouth!” and commend the innovative, delicious dishes like the "Angry Fish," described as “the BEST fish I’ve ever had.” Lionfish not only excels in creating mouthwatering seafood but also provides an atmosphere and service that consistently exceed expectations. Whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, Lionfish is a must-visit for exceptional seafood in San Diego.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
6. Grant Grill
4.7
Exceptional(1621)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 16 times today
Grant Grill, nestled in the heart of Downtown San Diego, offers a truly remarkable dining experience with its focus on Contemporary American cuisine. Since opening its doors in 1951, this iconic spot has been celebrated for its "exquisite" food and "superb" service. Diners rave about dishes like the "out of this world" mock turtle soup and perfectly seared ahi, emphasizing the grill's commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ambiance, described as "perfect for our dinner date," complements the culinary delights, making every meal memorable. Whether it's the innovative libations or the "party in our mouths" flavors, Grant Grill stands out as a pinnacle of dining excellence in San Diego.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
7. STK- San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3335)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 53 times today
STK San Diego, nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown, is a seafood lover's paradise celebrated for its exceptional quality and memorable dining experiences. Renowned as "not your daddy’s steakhouse," STK transcends traditional boundaries by infusing classic seafood dishes with innovative twists. Guests rave about the seafood offerings, particularly highlighting the "seafood tower" as an "amazing experience" with its fresh, flavorful selections. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident, with one reviewer exclaiming, "The food was amazing as usual," underscoring the consistent excellence that STK delivers. The lively ambiance, coupled with top-tier service, makes STK San Diego the go-to destination for seafood enthusiasts seeking a sophisticated yet fun dining adventure.
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
8. Bronze Bird
4.6
Exceptional(148)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 9 times today
Bronze Bird in Downtown San Diego is your go-to destination for soul-satisfying Comfort Food. Nestled in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, this eatery offers a casual yet refined atmosphere where every dish speaks volumes about its quality and authenticity. Patrons rave about the "amazing" steak frites and the "perfectly seasoned" ribeye, highlighting the culinary craft that Bronze Bird delivers. A diner enthused, "The burger here was amazing, one of the best hidden gems in San Diego," underscoring the restaurant's commitment to providing top-notch comfort dishes. Whether it's a pre-theater dinner or a casual meal, Bronze Bird's delightful array of entrées and shareables, complemented by exemplary service, makes it a standout choice for anyone craving hearty, comforting cuisine in a vibrant setting. Join the chorus of satisfied guests who assure, "We will definitely be back!"
A photo of Saltwater restaurant
9. Saltwater
4.3
Awesome(590)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 6 times today
At Saltwater, located in the vibrant Gaslamp District of downtown San Diego, seafood lovers can savor the epitome of freshness and quality. Guests rave about the unique experience of selecting their desired seafood directly from an ice display, ensuring what arrives on their plate is exactly to their liking. As one guest enthused, the "salmon was tender and flavorful, while the scallops were perfectly seared, melting in our mouths with each bite." The authenticity of Saltwater’s seafood is unmatched, from the crowd-pleasing oysters to the praised lobster bisque and Mediterranean platter. With glowing testimonials like "Wow!!! Best happy hour" and "The BESTEST happy hour and service downtown," it's clear why Saltwater is a must-visit destination for an exceptional seafood dining experience in Southern California.
A photo of Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego restaurant
10. Fifth and Rose at Pendry San Diego
4.5
Awesome(37)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • nicki
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Asked for a box because we had about half our 16oz left. Got home and realized they only gave us what was left of our sides and none of the steak.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.5
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • CarlaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    What a charming bistro! The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by the green walls, which create a vintage feel. The staff provided exceptional service with upbeat, happy attitudes—you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together. The food and cocktails were outstanding. My steak and frites were cooked to perfection, and the clams and oysters, praised by our guests, were incredibly fresh with no hint of smell. The bibb salad was perfectly dressed, with subtle notes of Dijon and anise, making it ideal for sharing. While we ordered too many dishes to name, highlights included a perfectly balanced crème brûlée and a decadent chocolate soufflé that was well worth the wait. As a fan of Pali Hotels, I’m always impressed by their in-house restaurants, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in San Diego!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6
  • MONICA
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Kelly our server was lovely. Thank you.
    More info
    Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6
  • jimVIP
    New York City •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Dec 2024
    nice food and nice ambience. good menu choices and variety. gluten free was easy. would go back again for sure loved the buttermilk pancakes and the steel cut oatmeal with blueberries, granola and brown sugar
    More info
    Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.7

Discover best American restaurants in Downtown

Discover the vibrant American dining scene in downtown San Diego, a hotspot for food enthusiasts seeking a diverse array of culinary experiences. From succulent steaks and fresh seafood to innovative craft beers and classic American dishes, downtown San Diego offers a plethora of options catering to all tastes. Each restaurant in this bustling area prides itself on providing exceptional service, a comfortable ambiance, and a menu that embodies the spirit of American cuisine with a local twist. Whether you're looking for a high-energy steakhouse, a cozy seafood spot, or a unique venue to enjoy local brews, downtown San Diego's dining landscape has something to offer. The dedication to quality ingredients, sourced locally and sustainably, ensures every meal is not just a dish but an experience. Enjoy breathtaking views of San Diego Bay or the charm of the historic Gaslamp Quarter as you indulge in a meal that is sure to satisfy your culinary cravings. Explore downtown San Diego for a true taste of American cuisine in one of the city's most dynamic neighborhoods.

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