Best Restaurants for Groups in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanJapanesePizzeria

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Barrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronadoDowntownLittle Italy

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

13 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

1. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.4

Awesome(1395)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 57 times today

Rustic Root showcases our take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients and our Chef’s modern flair. Our Signature drink menus offer our take on timeless classic cocktails as well as Rustic Root originals using creative spirits and the freshest ingredients. Join us in our street-level dining room for dinner nightly or our award-winning weekend brunch. Our rooftop lounge is an excellent place to grab drinks & a bite with friends, enjoying the San Diego weather and our unique location in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Close to the San Diego Convention Center, we're a favorite for locals and out of town tourists alike.

2. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(740)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 49 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.

3. Swing Social

4.5

Awesome(15)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 2 times today

Swing Social is a high-energy dining and drinking experience in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant features three Full Swing simulators, over 13 interactive virtual sports, exciting cocktails, spirited décor, and handcrafted fare. Swing Social is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Swing Social also has a happy hour menu with discounted food and drinks. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. Swing Social is a great place to watch sports, play games, and enjoy a delicious meal. The restaurant is also available for private events.

4. Karina’s Cantina

4.4

Awesome(46)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 18 times today

Simply entering a Karina’s establishment can be a sensory overload. Images, color, music, exquisite aromas and warm hospitality are surrounded by traditional Mexican figures, art and culture. Specially commissioned portraits of Frida Khalo and many of the superstars of classic Mexican cinema grace the walls of Karina’s. The sounds of Mexico with our engaging Mariachi, especially when singing of lost love, are a portrait of Mexico that our Mexican and American clientele alike delight in. Karina’s was founded on the idea of offering traditional Mexican style family cuisine made with the passion of the founding family to make everyone feel like familia.For three generations, each member of the Contreras Curiel Family has passionately and diligently worked year round for over three decades to offer a personalized services that make each guest feel at home.Wherever a Karina’s establishment is found, there will always be a piece of Mexico

5. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4511)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 115 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.

6. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1452)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 67 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.

7. Punch Bowl Social - San Diego

4.1

Excellent(116)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Barrio Logan

Booked 15 times today

We’re all about good vibes and unforgettable hangs. Whether you’re looking for a chill night with friends, belting out karaoke tunes (even if you don’t know all the words), or just laughing over a few gutterballs, we’ve got you covered. With fourteen locations nationwide, each offering unique adventures, there’s always a reason to come through and make some memories with us.Every night brings something new, from our crowd favorites, Music Bingo and Trivia, to a Silent Disco with three DJs. Bring your besties or get ready to meet some new ones!Let us host your next event! We’ve got the beats pumping, drinks flowing, and games ready. From full venue buyouts to exclusive gatherings, we have options to fit your every need.

A photo of Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room restaurant

8. Pali Wine Co. Little Italy Tasting Room

4.7

Exceptional(149)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Wine Bar • Little Italy

Booked 5 times today

Pali Wine Co. is located in famous Little Italy, San Diego, steps from the main strip. The family-owned winery highlights the diversity and nuanced qualities of the California Central Coast wine-growing area. From our Pali Pinot Noirs & Chardonnays, to our Tower 15 bold, nuanced wines, and Neighborhood zippy, natural cuvées, our three wine labels are sure to please any pallet. Stop in for a tasting flight where you can sample wines from our portfolio, step up to the bar for a customized guided tasting or grab a bottle to-go. Our menu features small and sharable plates with locally sourced ingredients ideal for sharing and sipping, including our best-selling burger, charcuterie boards, and seasonal specials. Join our wine club to enjoy complimentary tastings, receive 20% off all wine, & more exciting benefits!Weekly events include Comedy Night on Wednesdays, Trivia on Thursdays, as well as live music Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, happy hour deals weekdays 4-6pm!

9. Tavern

4.8

Exceptional(781)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • Coronado

Booked 2 times today

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Reservations for Lunch are not accepted, however we do accept walk-ins!

10. 31ThirtyOne

new

4.7

Exceptional(14)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Regional Mexican (Baja Med) • North Park

Booked 15 times today

31ThirtyOne by Deckman's is a culinary gem in North Park, San Diego, known for its commitment to sustainability and exceptional Baja-Mediterranean cuisine. Led by Michelin-starred chef Drew Deckman, the restaurant features fresh, seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques in a warm atmosphere.The "zero-kilometer" philosophy at 31ThirtyOne emphasizes locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries, ensuring fresh flavors while supporting local communities and minimizing environmental impact. The menu changes daily, showcasing the vibrant culinary traditions of Southern California and Baja.Diners can embark on a culinary journey with an “À-la-carte” menu.Experience the essence of sustainable dining at 31ThirtyOne, where every meal is a celebration of freshness and flavor.Every evening, from Tuesday through Saturday, you are invited to unwind and indulge 31ThirtyOne’s “Happiest Hour and a Half” - just a little longer, a lot more special, from 5 to 6:30 PM!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

W
will
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Delicious food! Little noisy due to live DJ, but great atmosphere.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6
A
Amy
Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Great venue! The rooftop bar was perfect. Fun drinks, great vibe - highly recommended!
More info
Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.4
E
ElcimVIP
San Diego •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Seneca San Diego is a true gem. From the moment you walk in, the design takes your breath away! Stylish, vibrant, and full of character, with stunning views that elevate the entire experience. The food is absolutely delicious, thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented. Service is attentive and friendly without being intrusive. The ambience strikes a perfect balance between lively and relaxed, making it ideal for both special occasions and a memorable night out. Highly recommend!
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
F
Fabian
Coastal Georgia •1 review
4.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great place to socialize with a group. Negatives is food came out cold, drink menu was not accurate so there were some inconveniences and the price of the simulators are expensive.
More info
Swing SocialPrice: Moderate• American• Downtown
•
4.5
G
gary
Los Angeles •8 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 5, 2025
We enjoyed each dish. Fresh, tasty, original. A beautiful restaurant.
More info
Karina’s CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Downtown
•
4.4

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