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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Old Town

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24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
1. Trattoria Don Pietro
4.0
Excellent(821)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 5 times 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 Kettner Exchange restaurant
2. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1407)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 72 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.
A photo of Barbusa restaurant
3. Barbusa
4.6
Exceptional(4357)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 100 times today
Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!
A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant
4. The Henry - Coronado
4.8
Exceptional(2563)
Price: Moderate
• American • Coronado
Booked 112 times today
Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.
A photo of Little Frenchie restaurant
5. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1486)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 54 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
6. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(879)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 19 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
A photo of Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
7. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.4
Awesome(650)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 37 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 Nonna restaurant
8. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(970)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 15 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
9. Topsail at Portside Pier
4.8
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 28 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!
A photo of Edgewater Grill restaurant
10. Edgewater Grill
4.3
Awesome(1352)
Price: Moderate
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Edgewater Grill is located in Seaport Village, on downtown San Diego's Bay. We have one of the finest waterfront views in San Diego! Spanning the length of the restaurant are outdoor patios where guests can enjoy an unobstructed view of the Coronado Bridge and Island.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cindee
    Orange County •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    This was our first time here! Amazing service, amazing food, decent pricing. Fun place!! We had the meatballs and garlic bread for appetizer’s. After having that I knew the rest would delicious and I wasn’t wrong! The short rib lasagna was amazing! Portions are big! You will not leave hungry.
    More info
    BarbusaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.6
  • john
    San Diego •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Valentines day was busy and serv8ce was delayed by 30 minutes but the food was worth the wait, can't wait to come back and try the regular menu
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    4
  • Andrew
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Took my wife here for Valentine’s Day pre set menu. Was delicious. She got the wine pairing and Andrew our waiter was so knowledgeable about all the different wines with every course. I got an Old fashion and was so yummy. Just a great date night and loved the atmosphere and Andrew was an incredible waiter. Will definitely be back!
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • NicoVIP
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was truly great as usual… I think the hostess was having a bad day, so I won’t name or fault her for the service she gave us. But our waiter Peter gave us an amazing experience and was super kind. A shout out to Peter for his professionalism and for the great service he provided us. Truly an outstanding individual that made us feel special as we celebrated a special day. Thank you. I always recommend The Henry for its consistency of being one of the greatest restaurants in San Diego.
    More info
    The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
    •
    4.8
  • JenniferVIP
    San Diego •27 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    The restaurant is always a delight! Little Frenchies has wonderful food and fun staff members. Thank you for the great date night.
    More info
    Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
    •
    4.7

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