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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

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20 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
1. Kettner Exchange
4.7
Exceptional(1430)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 55 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 Little Frenchie restaurant
2. Little Frenchie
4.7
Exceptional(1502)
Price: Moderate
• French • Coronado
Booked 49 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 Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
3. Trattoria Don Pietro
3.9
Excellent(826)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 8 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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant
4. Mimmo's Italian Village
4.4
Awesome(659)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 23 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
5. ARTIFACT at Mingei
4.8
Exceptional(890)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
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
A photo of Nonna restaurant
6. Nonna
4.7
Exceptional(981)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 11 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 Brigantine Point Loma restaurant
7. Brigantine Point Loma
4.7
Exceptional(1987)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Point Loma
Booked 20 times today
A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received many accolades in our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few. Beautifully remodeled in early 2009, the Brigantine is well-known for the signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish, and Fish Tacos. The Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks and grilled meats. Home to the America's Cup until 1995, Shelter Island is still the yachting center of San Diego. The Brigantine offers glimpses of this busy marina from the outdoor patio and semi-private banquet areas. The Point Loma Brigantine serves dinner 7 nights a week, and lunch Saturday & Sunday. Join us for our signature $5 Happy Hour from 3-6pm.
A photo of Topsail at Portside Pier restaurant
8. Topsail at Portside Pier
4.8
Exceptional(149)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 8 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 Basta! restaurant
9. Basta!
4.4
Awesome(59)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Join us at Basta!, Sam the Cooking Guy's newest Italian Inspired restaurant. Basta! San Diego is the Best Italian Restaurant in Little Italy, serving Brunch, Everyday Happy Hour, Weekly Specials, and a full bar with cocktails. Check us out on social at @bastaeats or www.bastasd.com
A photo of Sally's Waterfront Dining restaurant
10. Sally's Waterfront Dining
4.5
Awesome(2169)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 16 times today
Sally’s is taking a fresh approach to bayfront dining with an expansive remodel! Currently closed, we will reopen in April 2025 with a reimagined space designed to maximize our stunning bay views and embrace San Diego’s open-air lifestyle. For large-party inquiries please email the Events Department at: mghsd-events@hyatt.com

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • LenVIP
    Orlando / Central Florida East •52 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Excellent food and service from all the staff and especially Olivia. Great values on the happy hour menu. The featured champagne, RH Coutier, Grand Cru Ambonay, Champagne was outstanding and definitely worth the modest price. We started with the Burgundy escargot which were large, delicious and especially flavorful as was the onion soup gratinee.  Next we had a half Frenchie dip in which the beef was very tender and flavorful and enhanced by the au jus, but the baguette is definitely the star of this sandwich. Finally, we ended with the crème brûlée- perfectly prepared and an excellent end to our meal. Love the table side coat stands and the notebook with the cheque- an unexpected and surprising touch. When I’m on Coronado Island again this is definitely a repeat. 
    More info
    Little FrenchiePrice: Moderate• French• Coronado
    •
    4.7
  • Mary Jo
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Excellent fresh food, inventiveuse of ingredients,beautiful presentation, and ,most importantly , delicious. Our server Allie was knowledgable, helpful, and engaging. Gorgeous space in the Mingei Museum at Balboa Park. We ate inside due to rain but will try the spacious side patio next time. We enjoyed our lunch immensly and will return for a Friday dinner and perhaps one of their monthly world dinners. Highly recommend Artifact!
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    •
    4.8
  • Allison
    Utah •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had a wonderful time! Our waiter was very accommodating and the dishes were all incredible! 10/10 recommend and will be back again ☺️
    More info
    Kettner ExchangePrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Little Italy
    •
    4.7
  • MarkVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •23 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We were seated on time and all the staff were very nice and friendly. Food was excellent and served quickly. Would go there again anytime.
    More info
    Mimmo's Italian VillagePrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
    •
    4.4
  • OpenTable Diner
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 28 Feb 2025
    Such a sweet ambiance! Good groovy music and excellent service! Can’t recommend this place enough.
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    3.9

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