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Best Fun Restaurants in Downtown

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242 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lumi restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(685)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 11 times today
Featuring world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an energetic and upscale rooftop experience serving innovative Japanese fare and sushi accompanied by handcrafted libations in a vividly unique atmosphere.
A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.5
Awesome(798)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 22 times today
Huntress is the most adventurous and energetic modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego, offering the finest cuts of meat, one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky brands in California, and a contemporary, lively atmosphere where music elevates every dish.
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 Cowboy Star restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(4753)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 43 times today
Located in the heart of the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, Cowboy Star is dedicated to providing an unmatched attention to detail and a level of service that immediately sets us apart. Cowboy Star guests are the number one priority and guest satisfaction is the base upon which our entire concept is built. Our level of service is only matched by our celebration of regional American heirloom recipes offered with genuine neighborly hospitality. We are committed to supporting local and regional farmers, fishers and producers by cooking food that recaptures the simple and pure tastes found in locally grown, natural and organic ingredients. We strive to raise awareness of a more sustainable food future, while helping to restore a sense of community that brings us back to a more homegrown time.The Cowboy Star Menu features the finest in select natural products including Niman Ranch all natural beef from the nation's leading Certified Humane Angus herd.
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3335)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 53 times today
STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.
A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2578)
Price: Very Expensive
• Fondue • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 37 times today
Welcome to The Melting Pot San Diego Gaslamp. Located on 5th Ave & E St in the historic Gaslamp Plaza Suites, the San Diego - Gaslamp Melting Pot Restaurant brings a truly unique, romantic and interactive four-course fondue dining experience to San Diego's vibrant downtown dining scene!
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(237)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 12 times today
This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.
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 Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(961)
Price: Expensive
• American • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 16 times today
Provisional Restaurant is a fun place to be, according to reviews. The ambiance is described as 'amazing,' 'wonderful,' and 'outstanding.' It offers 'fabulous' service and 'stellar' service. Plus, the food is 'amazing,' 'delightful,' and 'immaculate.' You can expect a 'surprising' menu, 'good food,' and a 'bit unexpected' brunch. It's also described as a 'trendy' and 'Instagramish' place. All in all, Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego is a fun place to enjoy good food, service, and ambiance.
A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant
4.4
Awesome(629)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary Italian • Downtown / Gaslamp
Booked 11 times today
Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego near the marina district, Salvatore's inspired by the elegant minimalist details of nature. Salvatores is walking distance from the San Diego convention center and downtown hotel/resort district. The kitchen draws influence from the shores of the Mediterranean and Italy, while creating a visionary express of flavorful and modern California Mediterranean cuisine. Salvatores San Diego embodies a multi-sensory culinary sanctuary for our guests to escape, disconnect and have a great time. EUDAIMONIA' the contended, happy state you feel when you travel.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • nicki
    Phoenix / Arizona •2 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Asked for a box because we had about half our 16oz left. Got home and realized they only gave us what was left of our sides and none of the steak.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.5
  • Joanne
    Greater Boston •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    C* is our go-to for any special occasion. They make the best steaks of all of San Diego - possibly of all of Southern California! This time around we were celebrating a birthday. C* service is always impeccable - everyone from the host to the waitstaff asked whose birthday it was and wished our birthday guest a happy birthday which was a sweet touch. We got the French Onion Soup to start, the best made anywhere. Also got the 40oz Porterhouse for 2 which was AMAZING - perfect amount for 2 people. Mac & Cheese side, which was a hit and the bacon was a delicious topping. Sticky Toffee Cake for dessert - also very unique and tasty. Can’t go wrong with their cocktail menu either! Our favorites include the C* Old Fashioned, Smoking Gun, and Oaxaca Old Fashioned. We’ll be back soon enough to try out some of the dessert liquors as well!
    More info
    Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.9
  • 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
    3.8
  • Ben
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Thank you for taking care of it table Raphael, amazing service. Scott you are the best manager and so personable with everyone, thank you for speaking with our table and making sure our service was great. Also, amazing DJ, DJ Mike 🙌
    More info
    STK- San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.3
  • LizVIP
    Greater Boston •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 10 Dec 2024
    Amazing sushi in a really cool rooftop location. The fish was super fresh and flavorful. The mystery box was an outstanding combination of sashimi and sauces. The service was excellent.
    More info
    LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
    4.6

Discover best fun restaurants in Downtown

Dive into the vibrant dining scene of Downtown San Diego where the keyword "fun" takes center stage at a variety of restaurants that promise an exciting and enjoyable dining experience. Each establishment in this bustling area offers a unique blend of ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and top-notch service, making them perfect spots for both casual outings and special occasions. From the thrilling Brazilian churrasco at a renowned steakhouse to the innovative Japanese dishes at a sophisticated locale, these restaurants cater to a diverse palette and are praised for their lively atmospheres and culinary excellence. Whether you're in the mood for a meal with stunning views of San Diego's skyline or a cozy dinner with live music, Downtown San Diego has an array of options that embody the essence of fun dining. Enjoy the local and international flavors, all while soaking in the unique atmospheres that make each restaurant a beloved destination in San Diego’s dynamic culinary landscape. Celebrate life’s moments with delicious food, great company, and the unforgettable charm of San Diego’s downtown eateries.

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