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Best Historic Restaurants in Serra Mesa

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32 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
1. Alexander's on 30th
4.8
Exceptional(3131)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 109 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Tako restaurant
2. Tako
4.1
Excellent(87)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old Town
Booked 6 times today
Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!
A photo of El Agave restaurant
3. El Agave
4.8
Exceptional(2494)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 40 times today
Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting withinthe largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – alsorepeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is theperfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax andunwind sipping find tequila with friends.
A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant
4. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina
4.2
Awesome(1151)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 10 times today
Welcome to Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina, a hillside retreat in San Diego offering authentic Mexican food, refreshing margaritas, and breathtaking views from Old Town to Mission Bay. Enjoy fresh tortillas and churros, live music, and rooftop patio dining. Plus, free parking! Located atop the Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel, we're right across the street from Heritage Park on Juan Street. Bring your friends and family for an All American Breakfast Buffet, dive into our Taco & Tostada Lunch Buffet, or sit down for a plated Dinner. On Sundays, enjoy our Bottomless Brunch Buffet, or stop by after work for Happy Hour on the Tequila Terrace. Whether you're here for a meal, a special event, or just to sip on our famous margaritas, we can't wait to welcome you.
A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant
5. Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila
4.5
Awesome(323)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 15 times today
ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!
A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant
6. Cosmopolitan Restaurant
4.0
Excellent(341)
Price: Moderate
• American • Old Town
Don't miss this an opportunity to join us at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel. Currently, we are open for Special Events & Holidays, only. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a Victorian style boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. The Hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant setting and is equipped with 1800's Victorian style indoor Sala's. We look forward to hosting you on your next event and hope you will join us for one of our beautiful Holiday dining experiences.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
7. Saint James French Diner
4.6
Exceptional(269)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 17 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 Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
8. Ironside Fish & Oyster
4.6
Exceptional(4614)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 124 times today
Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.
A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
9. The Prado at Balboa Park
4.6
Exceptional(7981)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 85 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
10. Grant Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1644)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 18 times today
A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Michael
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Alberto took very good care of us and since we were celebrating my wife’s birthday, he made sure to focus on her and had a nice birthday cheesecake to help celebrate the occasion. Everything is top shelp at this fine restaurant and we highly recommend even if you’re not a tequila connoisseur.
    More info
    El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.8
  • Sonu
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We were traveling from Seattle and Chicago. As vegan, we highly appreciated this restaurant had options for us that were not just salad. Food tasted good, portion size was good. Nice views. Overall, a great experience!
    More info
    TakoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Old Town
    •
    4.1
  • Gilbert
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Good overall...tortilla soup was mid at best. The fajitas were good but pricey for what you get. Nice place.
    More info
    Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.2
  • Eden
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was an absolutely amazing experience. Went with a few of my friends as a girls night out and the service was friendly and efficient! Every staff was engaging with their customers and always making sure we were okay or needed anything. Amazing atmosphere with a great vibe (: will definitely go again and highly recommend this place
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    •
    4.8
  • Caroline
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 7 Feb 2025
    Went here for the first time, also have never being to Old town and we enjoyed it very much. The food was well worth the money and I enjoyed the atmosphere. The waiters were also super friendly. Definitely would come back !
    More info
    Casa De Freds, Tacos y TequilaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.5

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