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Best Authentic Restaurants in Downtown

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108 restaurants available nearby

A photo of AKA San Diego restaurant
3.8
Excellent(58)
Price: Expensive
• Asian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 times today
Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 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 Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant
4.0
Excellent(294)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 17 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
4.4
Awesome(79)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 15 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 Asti Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 9 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 Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(937)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 4 times 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
4.7
Exceptional(1354)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 4 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 Tapas & Beers restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(490)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 3 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 Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4194)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 92 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1357)
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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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Meagan
    Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Milena was phenomenal as were all of the servers who attended us. Our family loves a meal here when we spend christmas in San Diego and this one was fantastic
    More info
    Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.6
  • JoAnn
    San Diego •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    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.
    More info
    AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown / Gaslamp
    3.8
  • CarlaVIP
    Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    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!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.6
  • Alex
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Incredible food- salmon was spectacular. Awesome drinks as well and the staff was very attentive.
    More info
    Zama Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4
  • Debra
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 8 Dec 2024
    From the food to the service it was exceptional. I had the Sigara Borek and the Sarma Beyti loved every bite.
    More info
    Mimoza Mediterranean RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown / Gaslamp
    4.4

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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