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23 Gaslamp Restaurants and Bars That Are Actually Worth Trying

The heart of San Diego houses a number of places to eat and drink — here are a few standouts with notable new ones.

by Helen I. Hwang Updated Sep 11, 2023, 9:15am PDT

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by Helen I. Hwang Updated Sep 11, 2023, 9:15am PDT

1 comment / new

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a lively neighborhood, packed with restaurants and bars, making it the place to check out if you’re looking to have a night out on the town. With flashy restaurants, hopping nightclubs, and spirited sports bars, it tends to cater to visitors but the densely-packed area also holds tons of dining options across all types of cuisines that appeal to locals too. Here’s a list of restaurants and bars worth dining and drinking at in the Gaslamp.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

The Desmond

Chef Jason Neroni has introduced three-course and five-course chef’s tasting menus to the anchor restaurant inside the Kimpton Alma San Diego. If you’re looking to go a la carte, good choices include the pasta or seafood specialties like the king salmon.

Open in Google Maps

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

An aerial photo of plated food. — Plated dishes at The Desmond

Also featured in:

The Grant Grill

The signature restaurant of the historic U.S. Grant Hotel is always a good bet; try the Grant Grill beef burger or seared scallops. Desserts, like lemon-lime crème brulee, are a must-try, along with cocktails like the Tutto Limone, a gin drink made with lemon leaf bitter tea and lemon juice.

Open in Google Maps

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Saint James French Diner

The adorable “American diner meets French bistro” features standouts like steak tartare crostone, roasted chicken, and juicy burgers — American or Parisienne style made with Bordelaise sauce. Pair with cocktails like Bee’s Knees, made with gin and honey.

Open in Google Maps

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

French bistro and American diner dishes.

Also featured in:

14 San Diego Happy Hours to Try Right Now

STK San Diego

A steakhouse known across the world, STK’s locations include New York, Delhi, Dubai, Prague, and Mexico City. Its extensive steak and seafood menu includes a World of Wagyu special with starters and samplers. Date night specials include a meal for two and a bottle of bubbly for $69 per person.

Open in Google Maps

600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Steak seasoned with garlic butter with glass of scotch on the side

Smokin J's BBQ

This is the third and biggest location yet for the local barbecue outpost whose meats are smoked overnight in Poway and delivered daily to the downtown restaurant. Its menu features everything from brisket and pulled pork to St. Louis ribs and chicken available in individual or family-sized portions with tempting sides like smoked succotash.

751 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A dining room in a restaurant. — The dining room.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Barbecue in San Diego Right Now

Karina's Cantina Gaslamp

Karina’s in Gaslamp showcases a robust cocktail menu to pair with its iconic ceviche, seafood plates, and traditional Mexican dishes like carne asada. The location has ample space for large parties with happy hour specials that run every afternoon and all day on Mondays.

Open in Google Maps

755 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Michelada, shrimp and Mexican ceviche.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Seafood in San Diego

Le Parfait Paris

This locally-owned patisserie and cafe focuses on French bistro fare like jambon fromage sandwiches, quiche Lorraine, and sweet or savory crepes. Don’t miss out on the desserts, including rainbow-hued French macarons and luscious parfaits.

555 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

French eats, a macaroon and wine

Also featured in:

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

The elegant steakhouse showcases Wagyu beef from several sources, including A5 Japanese Wagyu, Australian Greg Norman Farms A8 Australian Wagyu and Miyazaki Prefecture Japanese Wagyu, and American Wagyu. Customers can also stop here for Padres specials (two tacos and a beer for $12) and pre-theatre three-course meals for $39.

658 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Werewolf

A downtown hangout spot popular for its champagne and mimosa specials, you’ll also find brunch dishes like Homer Cakes (fluffy cakes with raspberry jelly filling and glazed donut icing). Werewolf also has a special nightly evening menu with Werewolf nugs, burritos, and burgers, all available after 3 p.m. along with karaoke.

627 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Also featured in:

LAVO Italian Restaurant

The Italian restaurant with other locations in L.A., New York, and Las Vegas is known for its onw-pound Wagyu meatball, house-made pasta, and a 20-layer chocolate cake. The restaurant is also offering a $39 prix-fixe three-course menu from Monday through Thursday.

611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A tall tiered cake with frosting and a sign reading Lavo. — 20-layer chocolate cake at LAVO.

Also featured in:

Barleymash

The popular cocktail and sports bar sets itself apart with its beer-and-bourbon-based dishes from executive chef Kevin Templeton, who’s been featured on a range of cooking shows. Try mango-mojito chile chicken wings, Champ burger with beef and ale-braised pork shoulder, and spiced shrimp flatbread with the sweet chinchilla cocktail. The place keeps it lively with DJs, live music, and comedy in the main restaurant and speakeasy.

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Bloody mary bar.

Also featured in:

Bang Bang

Sushi boats, specialty rolls, and sake bomb headline the menu at the Asian fusion restaurant with a happy hour Wednesday through Sunday and VIP bottle service. The location turns into a lively venue where producers and underground artists perform after hours. Designed by the creative team, Gillian and Mauricio Couturier (Wolfie’s Carousel Bar and redesigned Mr. A’s), the Gaslamp restaurant boasts the “largest disco ball on the West Coast.”

526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Red sushi sashimi laid out with toppings and a Hawaiian purple flower.

Also featured in:

Saltwater

This dinner-only seafood restaurant is a product of the San Diego Dining Group that brought Greystone, Osteria Panevino, and Butcher’s Cut to the Gaslamp. Select the fish from the display case, specify the weight, and how you want it to be prepared for a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Customers can also add on caviar or oysters.

565 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Plate of oysters

Taka Restaurant

The Japanese restaurant in the heart of Gaslamp showcases sashimi flown in from Japan, along with an extensive drinks menu that ranges from sake, shochu, and cocktails. The team also offers an omakase menu or you can order teriyaki and sushi pieces on its own.

Open in Google Maps

555 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Sushi chefs behind the bar at Taka Restaurant — Sushi chefs behind the bar at Taka Restaurant.

Also featured in:

The 10 Best Sushi Takeout and Delivery Options in San Diego

Rustic Root

Find comfort food like rustic fried chicken, St. Louis barbecue ribs, and something sweet from the signature dessert cart in the rooftop dining space with views overlooking the Gaslamp Quarter. Their weekend brunch features a Bubbles and Berries menu with a bottle of champagne, berries, fruit purees and fruit juices.

535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Brunch with mimosas.

Also featured in:

Tacos el Cabron

A taco shop serving authentic Tijuana-inspired tacos, this place is open from 8 a.m. everyday and shuts at 1 a.m. on the weekdays and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Try their surf and turf burritos or Baja shrimp tacos, paired with their margarita flight.

532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Selection of tacos

Also featured in:

Where to Get Lunch Downtown

Cafe 222

This friendly, cozy diner is considered one of the best breakfast places in town. It’s particularly known for its waffles with flavors like pumpkin and blueberry cornbread. Pancakes are good, along with the peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast that was featured on national television.

222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Waffle with strawberries and whipped cream.

Also featured in:

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

One of the anchor restaurants drawing diners into the Pendry Hotel, this elegant, two-level seafood restaurant centers on fresh catch and sustainable fish under the direction of executive chef and James Beard Smart Catch leader, JoJo Ruiz. Try the Prime KC Cut Striploin “Oscar” and the Bonecrusha (tuna toro and caviar in bone marrow butter).

435 Fifth Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Sushi sashimi on a blue plate.

Also featured in:

Provisional Kitchen

Provisional Kitchen has a more casual approach, set in an airy dining area with high ceilings and plush velvet couch for communal seating. Dining options are available all day with specialties like churro French toast, panini sandwiches, or an evening five-course chef’s tasting menu. Weekend brunch features an Ostrich Egg Platter, equal to 16 chicken eggs.

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Margherita pizza.

Also featured in:

Huntress

This soaring and style space pairs up a prime steakhouse serving cuts like dry-aged porterhouse, tomahawk steaks, and ribeyes, as well as top-notch seafood with a bar featuring a bountiful collection of Japanese whisky. End with the “Magic Mushroom” dessert, a showstopper that serves two.

376 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Steak.

Also featured in:

Lumi by Akira Back

This rooftop restaurant from world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back brings Japanese and Peruvian-influenced Nikkei cuisine to San Diego. Set in an eye-catching atmosphere with views of downtown and outdoor fire pits, the menu features a daily seven-course omakase menu with daily-caught sashimi, a female-brewed sake tasting menu, and cocktails from a Toki Japanese highball machine.

366 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Sushi, nigiri, sashimi and other Japanese food options.

Also featured in:

Meze Greek Fusion

Meze stands out among the Greek restaurants in the city that are worth mentioning. With vast spaces for large events, it’s a great option for traditional Greek foods done with a California twist. Don’t miss the shrimp and ouzo saganaki (jumbo shrimp flambeed in ouzo tableside), chicken souvlaki, and baklava cheesecake.

345 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Greek food.

Also featured in:

Where to Eat Near Petco Park

The Wild Hare

One of the newest restaurants in the neighborhood, the garden-themed Wild Hare anchors the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter and the hotel’s recent $22.5-million renovation. Dishes like ahi poke include ingredients from the onsite garden. The fried chicken sandwich and shrimp pappardelle are also standouts.

Open in Google Maps

401 K St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

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The Desmond

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Chef Jason Neroni has introduced three-course and five-course chef’s tasting menus to the anchor restaurant inside the Kimpton Alma San Diego. If you’re looking to go a la carte, good choices include the pasta or seafood specialties like the king salmon.

Open in Google Maps

1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

An aerial photo of plated food. — Plated dishes at The Desmond

The Grant Grill

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

The signature restaurant of the historic U.S. Grant Hotel is always a good bet; try the Grant Grill beef burger or seared scallops. Desserts, like lemon-lime crème brulee, are a must-try, along with cocktails like the Tutto Limone, a gin drink made with lemon leaf bitter tea and lemon juice.

Open in Google Maps

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Saint James French Diner

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

The adorable “American diner meets French bistro” features standouts like steak tartare crostone, roasted chicken, and juicy burgers — American or Parisienne style made with Bordelaise sauce. Pair with cocktails like Bee’s Knees, made with gin and honey.

Open in Google Maps

830 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

French bistro and American diner dishes.

STK San Diego

600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101

A steakhouse known across the world, STK’s locations include New York, Delhi, Dubai, Prague, and Mexico City. Its extensive steak and seafood menu includes a World of Wagyu special with starters and samplers. Date night specials include a meal for two and a bottle of bubbly for $69 per person.

Open in Google Maps

600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Steak seasoned with garlic butter with glass of scotch on the side

Smokin J's BBQ

751 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

This is the third and biggest location yet for the local barbecue outpost whose meats are smoked overnight in Poway and delivered daily to the downtown restaurant. Its menu features everything from brisket and pulled pork to St. Louis ribs and chicken available in individual or family-sized portions with tempting sides like smoked succotash.

751 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A dining room in a restaurant. — The dining room.

Karina's Cantina Gaslamp

755 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Karina’s in Gaslamp showcases a robust cocktail menu to pair with its iconic ceviche, seafood plates, and traditional Mexican dishes like carne asada. The location has ample space for large parties with happy hour specials that run every afternoon and all day on Mondays.

Open in Google Maps

755 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Michelada, shrimp and Mexican ceviche.

Le Parfait Paris

555 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

This locally-owned patisserie and cafe focuses on French bistro fare like jambon fromage sandwiches, quiche Lorraine, and sweet or savory crepes. Don’t miss out on the desserts, including rainbow-hued French macarons and luscious parfaits.

555 G St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

French eats, a macaroon and wine

Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood

658 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

The elegant steakhouse showcases Wagyu beef from several sources, including A5 Japanese Wagyu, Australian Greg Norman Farms A8 Australian Wagyu and Miyazaki Prefecture Japanese Wagyu, and American Wagyu. Customers can also stop here for Padres specials (two tacos and a beer for $12) and pre-theatre three-course meals for $39.

658 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Werewolf

627 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

A downtown hangout spot popular for its champagne and mimosa specials, you’ll also find brunch dishes like Homer Cakes (fluffy cakes with raspberry jelly filling and glazed donut icing). Werewolf also has a special nightly evening menu with Werewolf nugs, burritos, and burgers, all available after 3 p.m. along with karaoke.

627 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

LAVO Italian Restaurant

611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

The Italian restaurant with other locations in L.A., New York, and Las Vegas is known for its onw-pound Wagyu meatball, house-made pasta, and a 20-layer chocolate cake. The restaurant is also offering a $39 prix-fixe three-course menu from Monday through Thursday.

611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

A tall tiered cake with frosting and a sign reading Lavo. — 20-layer chocolate cake at LAVO.

Barleymash

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101

The popular cocktail and sports bar sets itself apart with its beer-and-bourbon-based dishes from executive chef Kevin Templeton, who’s been featured on a range of cooking shows. Try mango-mojito chile chicken wings, Champ burger with beef and ale-braised pork shoulder, and spiced shrimp flatbread with the sweet chinchilla cocktail. The place keeps it lively with DJs, live music, and comedy in the main restaurant and speakeasy.

600 Fifth Ave #6916, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Bloody mary bar.

Bang Bang

526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

Sushi boats, specialty rolls, and sake bomb headline the menu at the Asian fusion restaurant with a happy hour Wednesday through Sunday and VIP bottle service. The location turns into a lively venue where producers and underground artists perform after hours. Designed by the creative team, Gillian and Mauricio Couturier (Wolfie’s Carousel Bar and redesigned Mr. A’s), the Gaslamp restaurant boasts the “largest disco ball on the West Coast.”

526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Red sushi sashimi laid out with toppings and a Hawaiian purple flower.

Saltwater

565 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

This dinner-only seafood restaurant is a product of the San Diego Dining Group that brought Greystone, Osteria Panevino, and Butcher’s Cut to the Gaslamp. Select the fish from the display case, specify the weight, and how you want it to be prepared for a choose-your-own-adventure meal. Customers can also add on caviar or oysters.

565 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Plate of oysters

Taka Restaurant

555 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

The Japanese restaurant in the heart of Gaslamp showcases sashimi flown in from Japan, along with an extensive drinks menu that ranges from sake, shochu, and cocktails. The team also offers an omakase menu or you can order teriyaki and sushi pieces on its own.

Open in Google Maps

555 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Sushi chefs behind the bar at Taka Restaurant — Sushi chefs behind the bar at Taka Restaurant.

Rustic Root

535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Find comfort food like rustic fried chicken, St. Louis barbecue ribs, and something sweet from the signature dessert cart in the rooftop dining space with views overlooking the Gaslamp Quarter. Their weekend brunch features a Bubbles and Berries menu with a bottle of champagne, berries, fruit purees and fruit juices.

535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Brunch with mimosas.

Related Maps

Tacos el Cabron

532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

A taco shop serving authentic Tijuana-inspired tacos, this place is open from 8 a.m. everyday and shuts at 1 a.m. on the weekdays and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Try their surf and turf burritos or Baja shrimp tacos, paired with their margarita flight.

532 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Selection of tacos

Cafe 222

222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

This friendly, cozy diner is considered one of the best breakfast places in town. It’s particularly known for its waffles with flavors like pumpkin and blueberry cornbread. Pancakes are good, along with the peanut butter and banana stuffed French toast that was featured on national television.

222 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Waffle with strawberries and whipped cream.

Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine

435 Fifth Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92101

One of the anchor restaurants drawing diners into the Pendry Hotel, this elegant, two-level seafood restaurant centers on fresh catch and sustainable fish under the direction of executive chef and James Beard Smart Catch leader, JoJo Ruiz. Try the Prime KC Cut Striploin “Oscar” and the Bonecrusha (tuna toro and caviar in bone marrow butter).

435 Fifth Ave #2, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Sushi sashimi on a blue plate.

Provisional Kitchen

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Provisional Kitchen has a more casual approach, set in an airy dining area with high ceilings and plush velvet couch for communal seating. Dining options are available all day with specialties like churro French toast, panini sandwiches, or an evening five-course chef’s tasting menu. Weekend brunch features an Ostrich Egg Platter, equal to 16 chicken eggs.

425 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Margherita pizza.

Huntress

376 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

This soaring and style space pairs up a prime steakhouse serving cuts like dry-aged porterhouse, tomahawk steaks, and ribeyes, as well as top-notch seafood with a bar featuring a bountiful collection of Japanese whisky. End with the “Magic Mushroom” dessert, a showstopper that serves two.

376 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Visit Website

Steak.