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Best Neighbourhood Gem Restaurants in Old Town

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101 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant restaurant
1. Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1158)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Jack and Giulio's Italian restaurant has remained a favorite of San Diegans for many years. This popular restaurant, formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, has proudly served the "Best Scampi" since 1961. In addition to this popular dish, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers many homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef, and seafood specialties.
A photo of Books + Records restaurant
2. Books + Records
4.7
Exceptional(367)
Price: Expensive
• American • Banker's Hill
Booked 4 times today
Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
3. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6435)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 40 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
4. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8624)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 23 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 Barbusa restaurant
5. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4279)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 66 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 El Agave restaurant
6. El Agave
4.7
Exceptional(2461)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 7 times today
Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting withinthe largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – alsorepeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is theperfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax andunwind sipping find tequila with friends.
A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
7. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4725)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 29 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 Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant
8. Tom Hams Lighthouse
4.6
Exceptional(6649)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 46 times today
Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring a 100% responsibly resourced seafood menu & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. The dining room, purposely shaped like the state of California, allows for groups as grand as 50 yet private enough for a couple’s night out. Holiday brunches have been long time family traditions for many San Diegans. Start your family’s tradition this next holiday. With the best views of the Downtown City Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971.
A photo of Island Prime restaurant
9. Island Prime
4.6
Exceptional(8316)
Price: Moderate
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 26 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego Bay, Island Prime overlooks the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
10. Water Grill - San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(3581)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 41 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cindivip
    Greater Boston •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    The restaurant is beautiful, both the decor and the view. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly. The food was absolutely delicious. Three of us had 3 different dishes and we were all thrilled. The fillet, the rib eye and the sea bass. We all had Caesar salads and were very happy with their unique spin on a classic. We also tried 3 different desserts and loved those as well. A chocolate one, a pumpkin cake and an Apple tart. Our Thanksgiving dinner could t have been better and we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. We look forward to trying the restaurants regular menu soon!
    More info
    Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • Margaretvip
    Los Angeles •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Excellent food. Great service!!!! Excellent Happy hour menu. Also tried several regular menu items.
    More info
    Books + RecordsPrice: Expensive• American• Banker's Hill
    •
    4.7
  • JoAnnvip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Unmatched hospitality! The server was knowledgeable about the food and able to describe them well. We didn’t have great luck with the clams, they were very chewy & overcooked but the broth was delicious. They took it back and a sweet manager, (I’m forgetting names) sent a hamachi that was to die for! Everything else that hit the table was delicious and we were very impressed. The bubbly and celebration desert was super appreciated as well. Honestly made my birthday dinner feel extra special, some places really don’t go the extra mile but they sure know how to impress.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • johnvip
    Chicago / Illinois •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    We have dined at Jack and Giuliano’s for more than 20 years. Everything on the menu is outstanding. Decent wine list and full bar.
    More info
    Jack & Giulio's Italian RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    4.7
  • Monica
    Las Vegas •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    One of the best in Downtown Little Italy! Food was delicious and you must try the Garlic Bread..so good!! Rosanna was our server and she was the absolute best -Very attentive. The vibe was electric on a Tuesday and we can't wait to go back!
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6

Discover best neighborhood gem restaurants in Old Town

Discover the charm of Old Town San Diego through its neighborhood gems, where culinary delights meet rich history and vibrant culture. Old Town is renowned for its exceptional dining scene, showcasing an array of restaurants that blend traditional flavors with contemporary twists. Each restaurant offers a unique ambiance, from cozy outdoor patios to trendy rooftop views, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine, traditional Italian fare, or innovative Oaxacan bites, Old Town's dining spots provide an unparalleled experience. These establishments are celebrated not only for their delicious food but also for their swift service and inviting atmospheres. Locals and visitors alike praise these spots as must-visit destinations for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal in a historic setting. Step into any of these neighborhood gems in Old Town for an exceptional dining experience that promises to delight your senses and leave you wanting more.

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