Best Restaurants for People Watching in Old Town

24 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant

1. Trattoria Don Pietro

4.4

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Old Town

Booked 10 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.

2. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1373)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 76 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.

3. Barbusa

4.6

Exceptional(4325)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 79 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(2508)

Price: Moderate

• American • Coronado

Booked 143 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.

5. Little Frenchie

4.7

Exceptional(1463)

Price: Moderate

• French • Coronado

Booked 55 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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

6. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.5

Awesome(635)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 21 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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant

7. ARTIFACT at Mingei

4.8

Exceptional(866)

Price: Expensive

• International • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 24 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

8. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(958)

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.

9. Edgewater Grill

4.4

Awesome(1352)

Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 17 times today

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.

A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant

10. Topsail at Portside Pier

4.9

Exceptional(147)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown / Gaslamp

Booked 13 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!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

N
Natalia
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
We were helped immediately, but there was not a lot of people today. Chose outside seating and they have many umbrellas on the outside to cover the sun but not disturbing the view. The food was really good. Only thing I wish was that the rotisserie chicken my table got was really warm. It was a bit on the cold side. Other than that it was great. I tried the strawberry and kiwi cocktail, didn’t disappoint either.
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The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
•
4.8
N
Nicholas
Hawaii •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Our server Maile was absolutely phenomenal. Will definitely be back!!
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Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
•
4.4
B
Bruce
Kansas City / Kansas •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Amazing! Clearly the best restaurant in San Diego! Everything was right. Our server, Sky, was amazing.
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Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
•
4.7
L
Leticia
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Cute restaurant and great ambiance. Everything we tried was amazing. The hot chocolate was next level good. Would totally come again and the service was great.
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Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
•
4.7
L
Laura
Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 Jan 2025
The food, service and atmosphere were all wonderful. Stefano was our server and he was amazing! They were able to accommodate a simple cheese pizza for our kids, Stefano provided an exceptional wine pairing recommendation, and overall a great experience. Can’t wait to return.
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BarbusaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.6

Best Restaurants for People Watching in Old Town

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24 restaurants available nearby

1. Trattoria Don Pietro

2. Kettner Exchange

3. Barbusa

4. The Henry - Coronado

5. Little Frenchie

6. Mimmo's Italian Village

7. ARTIFACT at Mingei

8. Nonna

9. Edgewater Grill

10. Topsail at Portside Pier

See what locals rave about

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