Best Casual Restaurants in Downtown

Outstanding food and service make up for an iffy location in downtown San Diego. Great pasta and main dishes, had cannoli for desert and they were really good. Enjoyed very much the experience.

Did “dinner & show” with 4 grandkids & my daughters for an outing to see The Nutcracker. Valet parking made our somewhat tight schedule on a Friday night easier. Kids loved the Brussels sprouts & charcuterie plate. Daughter finessed Shirley Temples for the kids, bartender was unsure, probably not a huge call for them. This was repeat for us, did the matinee with lunch last year. Good food, drinks, great service!

Great restaurant. Me and my husband celebrated our anniversary here and we had a great time. The food and drinks were amazing. Service and ambiance can’t complain. At the end of our meal they treated us with a celebratory song complete with a cake and sparkling candles which was really nice. This restaurant is underrated.

What a charming bistro! The cozy, inviting atmosphere is complemented by the green walls, which create a vintage feel. The staff provided exceptional service with upbeat, happy attitudes—you can tell they genuinely enjoy working together. The food and cocktails were outstanding. My steak and frites were cooked to perfection, and the clams and oysters, praised by our guests, were incredibly fresh with no hint of smell. The bibb salad was perfectly dressed, with subtle notes of Dijon and anise, making it ideal for sharing. While we ordered too many dishes to name, highlights included a perfectly balanced crème brûlée and a decadent chocolate soufflé that was well worth the wait. As a fan of Pali Hotels, I’m always impressed by their in-house restaurants, and this one is no exception. Can’t wait to return the next time I’m in San Diego!

Violet & her staff were great in making our work event a success.