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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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112 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(269)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Saint James French Diner is a real gem in downtown San Diego, serving up a blend of French and American cuisines. Reviewers rave about the authentic French experience, with comments like 'Flavorful food, well-priced, and the menu has a variety of options to choose from' and 'A must-visit'. The food is consistently described as delicious and the ambiance, with its vintage details, is often referred to as beautiful and charming. It's the perfect place for a date night or a night out with friends and family.
A photo of Romanissimo restaurant
3.7
Very Good(5)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
Romanissimo, the newest restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter, brings the bold flavors of Rome to San Diego Downtown. Conveniently located near the San Diego Convention Center, our upscale yet inviting ambiance is perfect for corporate dinners, private gatherings, and business events. Our menu features traditional Roman cuisine, from Cacio e Pepe to Oxtail Meatballs, all crafted with the finest ingredients. Whether you're entertaining clients or hosting a team dinner, Romanissimo delivers an unforgettable dining experience. Make your next event special at the top Italian restaurant in San Diego.
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1776)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
3.8
Excellent(324)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown
Booked 30 times today
Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.
A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
4.5
Awesome(91)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 10 times today
Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(946)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 1 time today
Bandar Restaurant is considered authentic due to its unique use of Persian spices and original recipes. Reviewers highlight the 'authentic', 'family-run' and 'best' food. The Persian dishes such as 'Ghormeh Sabzi' and 'Shirazi Salad' are favorites among the patrons. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted to be 'much better than what one sees from the outside', suggesting a genuine, traditional setting.
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1383)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!
A photo of Buca di Beppo - San Diego restaurant
4.2
Awesome(621)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
If you are looking for an Italian Restaurant in San Diego, CA then come to Buca. We are located at the corner of Sixth Avenue and G Street and proudly serve authentic family style Italian dishes. We specialize in celebrations and also offer catering suitable for all occasions.
A photo of Callie Restaurant restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(327)
Price: Very Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 102 times today
Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1407)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 77 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Maria
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a great experience. The service was good. The food was excellent. The drinks were yummy! The entertainment was really good. We will definitely be back! We had a wonderful Valentines 💝 at Zama!!!
    More info
    Zama Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
    3.8
  • KassieVIP
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had valentines dinner here with another couple. Food was excellent. Service was a bit slow but the place was packed. We will be back.
    More info
    RomanissimoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
    3.7
  • Jeff
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I took my wife for Valentines dinner to Saint James, and it was our first time at the restaurant. It is located in a historic building that we learned was built in 1912 and was at the time the tallest building in San Diego. The service was excellent, the servers and bussers were very attentive, friendly, and always checking to ensure we had what we needed. The food was delicious and very flavorful. I would recommend Saint James French Diner to anyone it was a really great experience!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    4.6
  • Jerry
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    As always, the lunch at Asti was wonderful! It was Valentine's Day & most choose to dine in the evening, so we had the patio to ourselves. Our server, Anthony, was attentive and personable. The Pasta was cooked to perfection and the salad was fresh & very tasty! All in all, a very nice experience for a beautiful San diego afternoon!
    More info
    Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    4.6
  • JohnVIP
    San Diego •59 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    I'm not one to be overly effusive in my review of restaurants, but Mimoza was surprising good on many fronts. Chosen for its proximity to the Balboa Theatre, we ordered the combination grilled platter, which was very generous in the number of meats included. The hot pita bread was a great accompaniment to the house made baba ghanoush. What stood out most was the attentive and kind service provided by the servers. We will definitely be going back again when we next visit the Balboa for a show.
    More info
    Mimoza Mediterranean RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in Downtown

Downtown San Diego is a culinary hotspot, offering a diverse array of authentic dining experiences that cater to every palate. Whether you're searching for the rich flavors of fresh seafood, the refined tastes of French cuisine, or the bold spices of Persian dishes, Downtown San Diego has something to offer. Each restaurant in this vibrant area prides itself on delivering not only high-quality food but also an atmosphere that enhances the dining experience. Patrons can expect excellent service, beautifully crafted ambiance, and a commitment to authentic, locally-sourced ingredients. From the bustling Gaslamp District to the scenic views at Portside Pier, the authenticity of each eatery is evident in the rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike. This collection of restaurants in Downtown San Diego truly embodies the spirit of authenticity, making each dining outing a unique and memorable event. Whether you're a resident or just visiting, these authentic dining spots in Downtown San Diego are not to be missed.

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