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Best Hot Spot Restaurants in Downtown

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Cowboy Star restaurant
1. Cowboy Star
4.9
Exceptional(4752)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 41 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
2. STK- San Diego
4.3
Awesome(3335)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 55 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
3. Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(1733)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 23 times today
Lionfish, located in the Pendry San Diego, is a modern, cutting edge sushi and seafood restaurant located on 5th Avenue that features fresh-catch cuisine and seasonal ingredients, all prepared with innovative twists by homegrown San Diego chef JoJo Ruiz.
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1430)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 6 times today
Dobson's Bar & Restaurant is a top choice in San Diego, known for its California cuisine with a twist of Italian, French, Spanish, and Asian flavors. It's been a hot spot for business lunches and local celebrities for 37 years. Reviewers rave about the excellent atmosphere, diverse menu, and exemplary service. Paul Dobson, the owner, is known for his unique charm and 'works a room better than Sinatra'. With high ratings for food, ambiance, and service, it's no wonder this spot is a local tradition.
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
5. Tapas & Beers
4.9
Exceptional(490)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 2 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
6. Herb & Wood
4.7
Exceptional(6462)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 67 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 Mister A's restaurant
7. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8667)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 41 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
8. Water Grill - San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(3599)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 40 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Coasterra restaurant
9. Coasterra
4.6
Exceptional(7563)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Harbor Island
Booked 90 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 Nobu San Diego restaurant
10. Nobu San Diego
4.6
Exceptional(3740)
Price: Very Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 49 times today
Nobu San Diego is a hotspot due to its unique and exceptional cuisine. The menu, crafted by renowned Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and Executive Chef David Meade, features innovative dishes like Black Cod Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeno. Reviewers consistently praise the food as 'consistently and exceptionally delicious', with many recommending the hot and cold dishes and specials. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted for its 'sleek and modern decor' creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • Barbara
    Miami - Dade •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This place is a total Vibe. Classy and Cool. The food was so delicious. Every plate that came out was more amazing than the next. We had some tapas , Pan con Tomate (bread and tomato) came with ham on the side as well. We also had Garlic Shrimp, Mussels a Butternut soup. Simply delicious and wonderful quality. To top off this experience, then there’s the beautiful, nice, friendly people that make the Magic Happen there. So happy we found this little gem. 💎
    More info
    Tapas & BeersPrice: Moderate• French• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.9
  • Ben
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Thank you for taking care of it table Raphael, amazing service. Scott you are the best manager and so personable with everyone, thank you for speaking with our table and making sure our service was great. Also, amazing DJ, DJ Mike 🙌
    More info
    STK- San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.3
  • MONICA
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Had a wonderful experience from beginning to end. Kelly our server was lovely. Thank you.
    More info
    Lionfish Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6
  • Susan
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I have deep rooted history here since I worked in the Spreckels Bldg where Dobsons Restaurant is located. It was still as delicious as ever! I love the ambiance and my memories are as alive as ever! I’m so happy it’s still here and thank you Paul Dobson! Susan Ross
    More info
    Dobson's Bar & RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    •
    4.6

Discover best hot spot restaurants in Downtown

Discover the vibrant dining scene in Downtown San Diego, where the keyword "hot spot" truly comes to life with a variety of top-rated restaurants. Each restaurant in this dynamic area offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences, catering to a diverse range of culinary preferences. From the fresh, sustainable seafood delights to exotic Mediterranean spices and authentic Italian pastas, Downtown San Diego is a gastronomic paradise. These restaurants are renowned not only for their exceptional food but also for their outstanding service and inviting ambiance. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dinner spot or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, Downtown San Diego’s restaurant scene promises an unforgettable dining experience. Perfect for special occasions or a casual night out, each location thrives on providing a memorable atmosphere alongside delicious meals. Explore these culinary gems for a taste of what makes Downtown San Diego a true dining hotspot.

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