Best Restaurants for People Watching in Point Loma

Price

££
£££
££££

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodFrenchMexicanPizzeria

Regions

San Diego

Areas

CoronadoDowntown / GaslampHillcrestLa JollaLittle ItalyMission Bay

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral toiletWheelchair access

20 restaurants available nearby

1. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1426)

££££Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 59 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.

2. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1501)

££££Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 23 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 Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant

3. Trattoria Don Pietro

3.9

Excellent(826)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 1 time today

Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.

A photo of Brigantine Point Loma restaurant

4. Brigantine Point Loma

4.7

Exceptional(1986)

££££Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Point Loma

Booked 6 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few. Beautifully remodeled in early 2009, the Brigantine is well-known for the signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Fish Tacos. The Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Home to the America's Cup until 1995, Shelter Island is still the yachting center of San Diego. The Brigantine offers glimpses of this busy marina from the outdoor patio and semi-private banquet areas. The Point Loma Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, and lunch Saturday & Sunday. Join us for our signature $5 Happy Hour from 3-6pm.

A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

5. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.4

Awesome(657)

££££Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 16 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.

A photo of ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

6. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(887)

££££Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 12 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

7. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(979)

££££Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 23 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

8. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.8

Exceptional(149)

££££Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 6 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!

9. Draft

4.1

Excellent(126)

££££Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Mission Bay

Booked 1 time today

Located directly on the Mission Beach boardwalk, Draft Restaurant is serving up 54 beers on tap pairing the surf and sand with a wide variety of craft beers. But the appeal doesn’t stop at the #brewsandviews; Come hungry and experience a fresh take on beachside dining featuring casual, handcrafted fare from Executive Chef Luis Romero.

10. World Famous

4.6

Exceptional(1040)

££££Price: Moderate

• Californian • Pacific Beach

Booked 33 times today

Specializing in surfside dining featuring Southern California Coastal cuisine, market fresh pacific seafood, hand carved prime rib, & grilled to order steaks. Menus are written daily and inspired by sustainable California harvests.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Seattle / Eastern Washington •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
the host did an amazing job of seating us in our own area of the restaurant so that we had a more private quiet brunch. The ambience was very French styling, felt like we were back in Paris. The wait staff was attentive yet not pushy the food arrived fairly quickly and was superb!
More info
Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
•
4.7
SS
SheilaSVIP
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
This was our first time at this restaurant and it was terrific! Highly recommended.
More info
Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
V
VictoriaVIP
San Diego •21 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Mar 2025
Food and service was excellent. Always consistent at The Brigantine.
More info
Brigantine Point LomaPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Point Loma
•
4.7
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 Feb 2025
Such a sweet ambiance! Good groovy music and excellent service! Can’t recommend this place enough.
More info
Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
3.9
M
Michael
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined on 25 Feb 2025
Ate outside along the sidewalk. Heaters were on so it was plenty comfortable. Fun setting and ambiance. Food was delicious! Looked like a cute indoor setting as well. They ran out of meatballs (huh? - isn't this an Italian restaurant?). But lots to choose from on the menu. A delightful evening.
More info
Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.4

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