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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Old Town

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52 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Sueño restaurant
3.9
Excellent(167)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 11 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(794)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 10 times today
Trattoria Don Pietro is a hit in San Diego's Old Town! With a trendy twist on traditional Italian cuisine, this restaurant is loved for its stunning ambience, excellent service, and fantastic food. One reviewer raved, 'Food, drinks and waiter amazing!' while another noted, 'The food was incredible.' Plus, it's located in a wisteria garden patio for an extra special touch. It's a must-visit for Italian food lovers in San Diego!
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5466)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 182 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6443)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 66 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 Coasterra restaurant
4.5
Awesome(7537)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 71 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.
A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(4372)
Price: Moderate
• American • Hillcrest
Booked 60 times today
Great Maple in San Diego is totally worth the drive. It's a modern American eatery with outstanding food and service, as the reviews rave. With their high-end diner ambiance and unique menu, customers love the fresh house made pies and local produce cocktails. The restaurant is also known for its great atmosphere and consistently top-notch food and service. So, if you're in the area, you definitely should stop by!
A photo of Brigantine at Portside Pier restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4189)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 69 times today
The Brigantine is more than just home to some of San Diego’s finest seafood. It’s a place where locals and visitors alike come to share a lively atmosphere and authentic sense of community. The Morton family opened the first Brigantine on Shelter Island in 1969, with a vision that embraced the beach town lifestyle, a dedication to flavorful food, and a passion for friendly service. Today, we’re known far and wide for our San Diego-style surf and turf. From our award-winning fish tacos and freshly shucked oysters, to classic filet mignon or our perpetually best-selling marinated grilled swordfish. Always prepared to exceed expectations, and served with a smile. You can stop in at any neighborhood Brigantine and get a taste of the local flavor, from regionally inspired specials, to custom cocktails and home town craft beers. At the Brigantine we make first timers feel like regulars, and consider regulars part of the family. So come by often, and share our taste for life.
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(662)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 37 times today
Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &
A photo of Gravity Heights Mission Valley restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(193)
Price: Moderate
• American • Mission Valley
Booked 46 times today
We’re not out to take the San Diego beer scene by storm or reinvent the wheel because the truth is, there’s no shortage of good breweries in San Diego. Instead, our aim is to pair that good beer with the same delicious food, exceptional service and genuine hospitality we’re known for so you never have to compromise one for the other again. Situated in Mission Valley, our 9,000 square foot brewpub includes a full service restaurant, an expansive and lush outdoor beer garden, and a pretty stellar team to make sure you always have good food in your mouth and a solid beer in your hand.
A photo of Elvira restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(400)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 49 times today
Benvenuti Nella Mia Cucina, Belli De Nonna! Before we dive into the delicious feast prepared for you, let me give you a little taste of my vita. I was born in the heart of Rome, and I've been cooking up a storm my entire life! My cucina has always been the center of the universe for my 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, their friends, loved ones, and acquaintances – everyone was always Benvenuto!Now, we've brought that same love and flavor right here to San Diego. My beloved grandson, Niccolo', and his amore, Cesarina, are opening the doors of my Cucina with the same warm heart and passion.Wondering how I made it to 95? Well, it's simple: I ate everything that's served here and filled my life with amore! So, Benvenuti! Don't hesitate to indulge in "Scarpetta" - dip that bread into the sauce, just like my grandchildren used to do at the stove when they thought I wasn't looking.Here, Belli De Nonna, it’s all about food, family, and creating beautiful memories!

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Linhvip
    San Diego •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    When I say EVERYTHING was scrumptious, I mean it! The Alligator Andouille Cheesecake was creamy, savory, beautiful and delicious! We had a group of 5 and it was perfect to share. Everyone ooooohhh’d and awwww’d their way through their tastebuds trip! We also tried the Rasta Pasta with the most flavorful smoky oxtail, and tasty shrimps. The gumbo which you can tell was cooked Low and slowwww to allow the flavors to flavor. Shrimp & Grits were silky and rich, just like they should be. The Dooky Chase with the biggest and juiciest wings! Deliciously seasoned! Can’t wait to come back to try the rest of the menu! And to get another Alligator Andouille Cheesecake! Hell yeah, Chef Q & Team!
    More info
    Louisiana Purchase SDPrice: Expensive• Creole / Cajun / Southern• North Park
    4.5
  • Alison
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We love Great Maple for brunch, but this was our first time going for dinner. It was amazing! The holiday decor made for such a fun ambiance after seeing The Grinch in Balboa Park. Food was delicious. Holidays cocktails were jolly. I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    Great Maple San DiegoPrice: Moderate• American• Hillcrest
    4.8
  • Kanna
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Johnny was exceptionally good and really helped us out picking the right menu items
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.6
  • JoAnnvip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 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
  • Dillonvip
    New York City •8 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 23 Nov 2024
    It was a pleasant dining experience. We sat between two heat lamps just outside of the restaurant. The special crudo of the day was refreshing and clean tasting. The two-face tostada was also good. The memorable dish of the night was the risotto. It was creamy but not overly rich and the rice had a good bite to it.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.5

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Old Town

Embark on a culinary adventure in San Diego’s Old Town with restaurants that are absolutely "worth the drive." Each dining establishment in this historic area offers a unique blend of ambiance and authentic cuisine that promises a memorable meal away from the typical tourist spots. From rooftop dining with panoramic views to quaint patios surrounded by lush gardens, Old Town catifies to food enthusiasts seeking an immersive dining experience. Whether it’s authentic Mexican flavors crafted from old-world recipes or innovative takes on classic Italian dishes, the culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delightful. The dining scene in Old Town is renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring every meal is not just eaten, but experienced. Visitors rave about the exceptional service and the high-quality ingredients, which make each meal a testament to the chefs' passion and skill. Discover these hidden gems where each meal is worth the journey, ensuring a dining experience that is as scenic as it is savory.

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