Interesting Restaurants in Downtown - Center City (San Diego)

Blarney Stone

This established San Diego chain of Irish pubs invaded the Gaslamp Quarter, grabbing a prime corner location on the Convention Center edge of the district. Its charming Irish feel (with a somewhat un-Irish outdoor patio seating section) snags passersby, enticing them to come in and enjoy its ambiance. The late-night hours make this a popular spot among the 20-something local crowd, as well as among visitors seeking a lively evening.

Anthony's Fish Grotto

The Ghio family started out as fishermen plying the San Diego waters. In the late 1940s, clan matriarch Mama Ghio opened a small seafood diner called the Anthony's Fish Grotto. Her restaurants have been wildly successful for years, and though she's no longer overseeing them, her spirit lives on. At this venue, the long glassed-in dining room offers great views of San Diego Bay. On the menu, you will find fresh fish of all descriptions, changing daily. No meal is complete without a bowl of Mama Ghio's red clam chowder.

Pacific Fish Co.

Pacific Fish Co., a new entry on the San Diego restaurant scene is already attracting a loyal following to its home in the Embassy Suites hotel. Bright, pleasant and busy, the restaurant attracts a mixed crowd of businesspeople, conventioneers, hotel guests and locals. There are steaks, chops and chicken dishes on the menu, but your best bet is to choose from the huge selection of fresh seafood. 'Today's Catch' items can be grilled or cooked 'Hong Kong Style'; steamed in a sherry-soy sauce. Selection varies daily, but may include swordfish, tuna, halibut and trout.

Sierra Pacific

Sierra Pacific is carving out a niche for itself with an extensive selection of meats and seafood, served in a beautiful Harbor Island location. Pleasant, casual surroundings let everyone enjoy the food and the view through the big windows. The signature dish may be the Sage and Pinon Nut Crusted Lamb, served with Chipotle-flavored Sweet Potatoes. Pork, often neglected on today's menus, makes a comeback appearance with a tenderloin portion crusted with herbs, white cheddar and a tri-colored peppercorn sauce.

Kiyo's

You cannot always judge a book by its cover, but when a Japanese restaurant includes a menu in Japanese, it is a good sign that the venue will meet the expectations of its own country people as well as modified Western tastes. at the chic Kiyo's, hand rolls, are made to order and Sushi Okonome is also offered. Dinner entrées include a tender, flavorful seared Beef Teriyaki, served with miso soup and rice. The restaurant offers traditional decor inside, along with a few outdoor tables, all next door to a snazzy, sophisticated cocktail bar.

Patrick's II

This intimate music venue features blues, soul and rock and roll acts from around Southern California. Seating just 85, music fans get up close with the bands. The bar/music venue was one of the first businesses to take a chance on what would become the renovated Gaslamp District, and has built up a loyal following over the years with music every night. There is no cover charge Sunday-Thursday; $3 Friday-Saturday from 8p-9p; $5 after 9p.

Molly's Restaurant and Bar

Molly's Restaurant and Bar does not even bother listing itself in the phone book yellow pages, since it draws plenty of clientele from hotel guests and in-the-know downtowners. The quiet, elegant atmosphere offers dark woods and snowy white tablecloths. The heart of the menu offers quality meat and a selection of fresh seafood. Try the flavorful and tender 20-ounce Porterhouse Steak. Fish dishes range daily, but may include Sea Bass or Grilled Halibut. The award-winning wine cellar is paired with an elite selection of bourbons and scotches.

The Mission Restaurant

Located about two miles northeast of Balboa Park, this wonderful early-day restaurant draws crowds from all over San Diego. Simple wooden tables and chairs are scattered about, giving this place a very informal atmosphere. Regular visitors love the blackberry-banana pancakes and the strawberry-granola pancakes. There is also a so-called Zen Breakfast composed of egg whites, tofu, zucchini and brown rice. For lunch, consider ordering Papa's Loco - an appetizer that can almost serve as a meal. Warm potatoes are covered with beans and cheese, providing a nice alternative to ordinary nachos.

Brian's American Eatery

Theme restaurants spend millions trying to re-create what this unashamed coffee shop really is: a holdover from the 1950s, relatively unscathed by remodeling. This restaurant's charm is in its simplicity. It is plain, fun and comfortable, with "genuine naughahyde" booths lining the windows, a counter in the rear and cooks on parade behind the pass-through window. Cheap and good, the breakfast special includes pancakes or a waffle, plus two eggs, bacon and sausage. Dinner specials vary, but can include dishes like the tasty Barbecue Boneless Chicken Breast.

Wine Sellar & Brasserie

Guests enjoy first-class treatment and multi-course meals at the Wine Sellar & Brasserie, a classy and contemporary establishment. The outdoor, greenery-covered walkway will lead you to a modern entrance, with a midnight black canopy and glass-covered entryway. Once inside, the ambiance is formal and the service is beyond compare. For your first course, try the house-smoked salmon with lemon dill. The salad menu includes many original concoctions, such as the organic field Lettuce salad. Favorite entrees include the wild mushroom crusted Alaskan halibut as well as the Moroccan spiced rack of lamb.

Napa Valley Grille

The Northern California wine country ambiance has moved south, bringing the Napa Valley Grille, a wine-oriented restaurant into prominence with the San Diego downtown crowd. The food is sparkling and the wine list features over 250 California wines of all varieties, vintages and prices. Part of the wine collection is on display. An atmosphere like a wine cave greets you as you enter, but the various tables inside and out offer bright, fantastic views of the city and harbor. On the menu, try the Orange-Honey Glazed Rotisserie Rack of Pork or the Juniper-Peppered Ostrich.

Buddha Bar

One of the newer additions to San Diego's downtown dining scene is this restaurant, located on the bottom floor of the Emerald Plaza Hotel. The place is overly crowded so make reservations or prepare to wait. Spotless hardwood floors and linen lamps, decorated with glass beads, create a first-class atmosphere. Begin your evening with the Yin Yan Tempura Rolls, including salmon and sashimi tuna in a seaweed wrap. From the entree menu, consider the popular Kobe Steak. This 14-ounce, thin-sliced cut is marinated in teriyaki, grilled and served with sprouts and mushrooms.