Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Saltwater

4.3

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 37 times today

The best seafood in all of San Diego is officially in the Gaslamp District! Surround yourself in a stunning and vibrant aura while you and your friends indulge in the best seafood, oysters and caviar that Southern California has to offer! Our deal is simple. You pick the fish from our ice display, specify the weight and how you’d like it cooked, and let our world-class chefs do the rest!Using this method we can guarantee the highest quality of freshness and can make sure that you receive exactly what you want! We know that we will provide unparalleled freshness, and taste that cannot be beaten! Stop by today and transform your understanding of excellent seafood!

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1364)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 28 times today

Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4317)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 52 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant

4. The Henry - Coronado

4.8

Exceptional(2480)

Price: Moderate

• American • Coronado

Booked 118 times today

Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.

5. Edgewater Grill

4.3

Awesome(1351)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 21 times today

Edgewater Grill is located in Seaport Village, on downtown San Diego's Bay. We have one of the finest waterfront views in San Diego! Spanning the length of the restaurant are outdoor patios where guests can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Coronado Bridge and Island.

A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

6. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.5

Awesome(632)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 17 times today

Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.

7. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1448)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 75 times today

Little Frenchie is a chef-driven approachable bistro modeled after Parisian neighborhood cafes. Enjoy our rotating menu of Provencal classics, our immense selection of unique cheeses imported from France and our extensive wine collection from both France and California. We take pride in the imported and local ingredients we use; our produce is sourced from regional farmers, and our seafood from local area fisherman.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

8. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(862)

Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 19 times today

ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei

9. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(953)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 11 times today

Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.

A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant

10. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.9

Exceptional(147)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 times today

San Diego's most iconic waterfront property features Topsail, a luxury lounge on the rooftop at Portside Pier! Indulge in fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and small plates while relaxing fireside above the water!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

A
Andre
San Diego •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
Food was good, nothing insanely special. Very large portions. Appetizers were served with main course but otherwise great service.
More info
Edgewater GrillPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.3
S
Shawnte
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The Seafood Tower was amazing. Got it in grande and shared with a friend and it was plenty!
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SaltwaterPrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
•
4.3
S
Scott
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This was our first time dining at The Henry and it was a great experience. The restaurant looked amazing, the staff was courteous and attentive but not interfering, and the food was exceptional. My wife is a vegetarian and loved their harvest bowl, among several other vegetarian friendly options. We are a family of four, and for four entrees, two apps and no drinks it was just over $150 before tip. Somewhat expensive; but, definitely a "get what you pay for" value. I highly recommend it for an nice yet casual night out.
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The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
•
4.8
J
JeanVIP
Fort Lauderdale •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great food at reasonable prices. Good service, floor was a bit cold initially but we eventually got used to it.
More info
BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6
J
jim
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 Dec 2024
The small plates are entirely original, owing more to Asian and other fusion than to Spanish tapas. The cocktails were original and enhanced the meal. Ambience was great
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7

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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Downtown

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20 restaurants available nearby

1. Saltwater

2. Kettner Exchange

3. Barbusa

4. The Henry - Coronado

5. Edgewater Grill

6. Mimmo's Italian Village

7. Little Frenchie

8. ARTIFACT at Mingei

9. Nonna

10. Topsail at Portside Pier

See what locals rave about

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