Restaurants in Downtown - Center City (San Diego)

Blue Point Coastal Cuisine

This sophisticated restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter enjoys a busy corner location ideal for people watching. Most of the clientele have eyes only for each other, as this dimly-lit restaurant is a popular romantic date spot. Blue Point Coastal Cuisine is as well known for its finely mixed martinis as it is for its Nouveau California cuisine. Choose from seafood offerings like Grilled Mahi Mahi and Caramelized Salmon, or opt for an aged steak, rack of lamb or duck breast.

Jimmy Love's

This vibrant hot spot provides both food and entertainment to the young business crowd. Chef Larry Banares turns out a contemporary "California American" cuisine that is long on flavor and somewhat shorter on fat and calories. Seafood, steak, pastas and chicken all make appearances adorned with fresh vegetables and unusual garnishes. Jimmy Love's is a night club too, with live bands and dancing. The bands change weekly, call for who is playing that night.

Sevilla Restaurant & Tapas Bar

This intensely romantic restaurant offers outstanding Tapas—small, savory dishes served as appetizers or as an entire meal. The salmon, pine nut and cranberry empanada is particularly good, and the rich melted mancheco cheese in the Fundido smears over the crusty bread in a very satisfying way. Enjoy the Tapas in the music-filled bar or dine on a full Spanish meal in the adjacent dining room. The downstairs nightclub is a big draw and also offers dance lessons some nights.

Greystone, The Steakhouse

Greystone, The Steakhouse is devoted to luxury and sophisticated pleasure. You will find aged steaks, tender chops, and a sprinkling of lighter seafood and pasta dishes. Swordfish and salmon make almost daily appearances on the menu, and an Italian influence touches some of the sauces and spices, while other dishes are pure New American cuisine. The service is respectful and attentive, and a well-chosen wine list provides perfect pairings for all of the dishes.

Dobson's Bar And Restaurant

This classic restaurant attracts the top echelons of the San Diego business and government community, providing traditional food in an inviting atmosphere. The Mussel Bisque is renowned. Dobson's Bar And Restaurant is also a popular after work and before theater venue, and it is conveniently located just a few paces away from Horton Plaza. Most of the food is continental, with many dishes exhibiting a lightly French flair. The Rack of Lamb is a toothsome delight.

Old Trieste

Old Trieste traditional restaurant serving San Diego patrons for decades. There is an enforced dress code and jackets are required for men—not a place to pop into in shorts or other casual gear. The generously portioned rack of lamb and other meat-intense dishes are the favorites, but the restaurant also offers some lighter fare and seafood. The wine list is extensive and includes everything from reasonably-priced house wine to vintage splurges.

Laurel Restaurant & Bar

Starting out a few years ago as the latest "in" spot for dinner, Laurel Restaurant & Bar has matured into a permanent San Diego favorite. Located just off of Balboa Park, it is a popular theater dinner choice, with a lively after-five upper-echelon business crowd in the bar. The food note struck is southern French, and the Provencal dishes still dominate much of the menu. The menu changes twice per week. Chicken in Crock and Venison with a dried cherry crust and onion confit are just to name a few items.

de'Medici Cucina Italiana

There are many Italian restaurants in San Diego's popular Gaslamp Quarter, so it is clearly a case of survival of the fittest. De Medici Cucina Italiana has endured and continues to win new fans who enjoy the simple Northern Italian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. The entrées in Northern Italian cooking tend to be heavier on the meat than their Southern Italian cousins. There are specials daily, and recent offerings included veal chops, a Risotto ai Frutti di Mare and Classic Osso Buco.

Rainwater's On Kettner

This East Coast-style classic continues to win awards and gather accolades from its patrons. The quality of ingredients, preparation and service are all uniformly excellent, and Rainwater's is one of the places in San Diego you take guests to impress. Fine caviars are available by the ounce. Steaks and seafood rule the menu. Chocolate Lasagna is the favorite on the dessert menu. The wine list is renowned and is considered by some to be one of the best on the California coast.

The Grape

Many people say one bar cannot stand out in the Gaslamp Quarter where bars are a dime a dozen. This one proves them wrong. Only 11 feet wide, The Grape is long and narrow, but full of character. Elegant Trompe L'oeil frescos adorn the walls creating warmth and openness while bestowing the image of age.

Karl Strauss Brewery and Grill

Noisy, crowded and casual, this hip brewery draws young professionals in downtown San Diego. With 10 to 12 specialty micro-brewed beers each day, you will have a hard time choosing. So, do not torture yourself. Try the sampler instead and enjoy four different beers in four-ounce glasses. Do things a little differently—choose the right beer and order your meal to complement it. Entrees include pastas, burgers, salads, sandwiches and seafood.

Chuey's Numero Uno Restaurant & Cantina

This lively local hangout has been serving patrons with big, inexpensive meals since 1956. Located near the Naval Station at the foot of the Coronado Bay Bridge, Chuey's Numero Uno Restaurant & Cantina attracts many customers in uniform and their families. Look for home-style tamales, burritos, tacos and everything else that makes up basic, flavorful Mexican food. The atmosphere is a little plain minus the large chili pepper hanging from the ceiling, but pleasant—the main emphasis here is on the food and camaraderie.