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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Downtown

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29 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
1. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 40 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
2. STK- San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3313)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 29 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
3. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(1724)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 21 times today
Lionfish, located in the Pendry San Diego, is a modern, cutting edge sushi and seafood restaurant located on 5th Avenue that features fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz.
A photo of Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood restaurant
4. Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
4.1
Excellent(2287)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 19 times today
The quest for San Diego's premier steakhouse and wine selection ends at Greystone! Acclaimed by esteemed publications as the Best Steakhouse in San Diego and California (SD Entertainer & Best Things California), earning the Best Fine Dining Award (Gaslamp Quarter), and touted for its Best Wine List (Wine Spectator), Greystone has solidified its reputation for excellence. Our dedicated team crafts extraordinary culinary experiences daily, spotlighting premium Miyazaki Prefecture Wagyu Beef alongside Chef Christopher Osborn’s innovative creations, and an award-winning wine list. Savor an unforgettable evening as your taste buds embark on a flavor-filled adventure at Greystone.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
5. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1428)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 10 times today
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is a top choice in San Diego, known for its California cuisine with a twist of Italian, French, Spanish, and Asian flavors. It's been a hot spot for business lunches and local celebrities for 37 years. Reviewers rave about the excellent atmosphere, diverse menu, and exemplary service. Paul Dobson, the owner, is known for his unique charm and 'works a room better than Sinatra'. With high ratings for food, ambiance, and service, it's no wonder this spot is a local tradition.
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
6. Tapas & Beers
4.9
Exceptional(486)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Gaslamp
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 Herb & Wood restaurant
7. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6429)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 75 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
8. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8622)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 54 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
9. Water Grill - San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(3578)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 40 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
10. Coasterra
4.5
Awesome(7531)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 55 times today
Coasterra is San Diego's premier bay front dining destination! We are an innovative and modern restaurant, lounge and floating event center, featuring Mexican cuisine.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Barryvip
    San Francisco Bay Area •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great service and seating around the chef counter was a bonus. You can see all the cooking action right in front of you. The wagyu carpaccio was the highlight of the night. It just melts in your mouth. The organic pear salad was also great for sharing. However the aged duck breast and the dry-aged bone in ribeye had some tendons and chewy parts that is unable to swallow.
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • Jim
    Portland / Oregon •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Impeccable service and amazing food made for a special evening. The atmosphere was festive and fun. The decor was modern and delightful to the eye. Highly recommend!
    More info
    STK- San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.3
  • Joi
    Portland / Oregon •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 19 Nov 2024
    I was with friends celebrating 2 birthdays -- our dinners and service were excellent, although the prices are somewhat expensive and everything is a la carte which can rapidly increase one's bill. However, it was a special event and well worth the splurge. I think our server was Jennifer or Jenny, and she was terrific as were the other wait staff. It was nice that my friends whose birthdays we were celebrating, were each able to select a complimentary dessert for their special day, vs. given a specific dessert for the celebration which is what many restaurants do.
    More info
    Greystone Prime Steakhouse & SeafoodPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.1
  • Joy
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 19 Nov 2024
    My colleagues and I were in town for a convention and wanted so celebrate a great event. Lionfish was recommended and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing, the servers were polite and answered questions regarding plating and atmosphere was relaxing.
    More info
    Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6
  • funda
    New York City •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 16 Nov 2024
    Exceptional. Food, service, our waiter Juan was awesome. We were a table of 6, overlooking the restaurant by the railing. Such a beautiful venue and great atrmosohere. Once they changed the music to more jazz, Sinatra etc it really made the place shine. Nice work Dobson’s. Can’t wait to come back.
    More info
    Dobson's Bar & RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Downtown

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Downtown San Diego, where the keyword "hot spot" truly comes to life with a variety of top-rated restaurants. Each restaurant in this dynamic area offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences, catering to a diverse range of culinary preferences. From the fresh, sustainable seafood delights to exotic Mediterranean spices and authentic Italian pastas, Downtown San Diego is a gastronomic paradise. These restaurants are renowned not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and inviting ambiance. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dinner spot or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, Downtown San Diego’s restaurant scene promises an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for special occasions or a casual night out, each location thrives on providing a memorable atmosphere alongside delicious meals. Explore these culinary gems for a taste of what makes Downtown San Diego a true dining hotspot.

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