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Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in San Diego

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81 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
1. Saint James French Diner
4.5
Awesome(293)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 27 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 Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood restaurant
2. Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood
4.0
Excellent(2414)
Price: Expensive
• Steak • Downtown
Booked 22 times today
Good food, great drinks, and even better company—Greystone is where the night comes alive! Let’s make some memories, in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter with live music every Friday & Sat nights. Recognized as one of the Best Restaurants in San Diego, Best Steakhouse in California,Greystone is the perfect destination for steak,seafood,pasta,wine, and whiskey lovers alike.Best Steakhouse in San Diego and California by SD Entertainer and Best Things CaliforniaBest Fine Dining Award in the Gaslamp QuarterBest Wine List by Wine SpectatorThese prestigious awards affirm Greystone’s commitment to excellence, cementing its position as the premier dining destination in San Diego.Our menu showcases premium USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, and exclusive Wagyu beef sourced from the Miyazaki Prefecture in Japan. A Wine Lover’s Paradise: Wine Spectator winner, wine list. Curated with care, the selection features over 3,000 bottles Live music every Fri & Sat 7PMThe best happy hour daily 4-6
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
3. Grant Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1682)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 17 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.
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
4. Asti Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(1783)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of Osteria Panevino restaurant
5. Osteria Panevino
4.4
Awesome(1785)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 25 times today
Osteria Panevino is the oldest restaurant in all of the Gaslamp Quarter that features the best Italian cuisine that San Diego has to offer.
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
6. Operacaffe
4.7
Exceptional(1407)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!
A photo of Smokin J's BBQ - Gaslamp restaurant
7. Smokin J's BBQ - Gaslamp
4.7
Exceptional(43)
Price: Moderate
• Barbecue • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Grab your partner and hitch up that wagon, Smokin J's BBQ is now open in the Gaslamp Quarter! Located 5 minutes from the Convention Center, and a mere 10 minutes from Petco Park or the Rady Shell by foot, we are your new favorite spot for slow-smoked brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and craft beer. Smokin J's BBQ won Reader Magazine's poll for Best BBQ in San Diego in 2022 and at our spot in the Gaslamp Quarter we strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere perfect for date nights, family outings, Sunday football, weekend brunch, or for anytime you want eat a great meal with great people. Open for lunch, dinner, and breakfast on the weekends, we offer plenty of indoor seating, a spacious bar, and patio seating.
A photo of Mister A's restaurant
8. Mister A's
4.9
Exceptional(8882)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary French / American • Downtown
Booked 57 times today
Mister A's is the penthouse, fine-dining destination of San Diego, and has been for over 50 years. Located just a few minutes from downtown, you will take the elevator to the top floor and look back out over jetliners sweeping past at eye level, the San Diego skyline, bay and Pacific, while enjoying Modern American cuisine, hand-crafted cocktails, and one of Wine Spectator's top-rated wine lists in the country. The culinary staff hand-selects local farm produce and the highest quality ingredients in every category to offer you selections that are made from scratch in house for brunch, lunch, dinner.. or simply the finest rooftop drinks and appetizers in town.Please visit our website for specific dress code guidelines: https://www.asrestaurant.com/contact/(Guests not in dress code will be turned away)
A photo of Water Grill - San Diego restaurant
9. Water Grill - San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(3703)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 101 times today
Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.
A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant
10. Rustic Root - Gaslamp
4.4
Awesome(1395)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Downtown
Booked 74 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Clau6iaVIP
    San Diego •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Always great! Thank you for your service and friendly face for tourists, visitors, and locals.
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Sofia
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    I just had the most amazing dinner experience here with my best friend. We came in for an early dinner to celebrate the start of summer. I ordered the penne al cinghiale, and she got the pizza diavola. Both were so amazing. I was just in Florence this past month, and I felt like I had never left. The servers were all Italian, they played mixes of classic and newer Italian songs, and the food was very authentic. I can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    Osteria PanevinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.4
  • kyla
    San Diego •7 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Greystone Steakhouse offers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The ambiance is sophisticated yet welcoming, perfect for both casual and special occasions. The steaks are cooked to perfection—tender, flavorful, and absolutely melt-in-your-mouth. The service is top-notch, with attentive staff who truly enhance the overall experience. A must-visit for steak lovers! Highly recommended.
    More info
    Greystone Prime Steakhouse & SeafoodPrice: Expensive• Steak• Downtown
    •
    4
  • Alex
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Loved my server she was super nice and she was even well aware of the dishes and what they had. The ratatouille was honestly so amazing with the Salmon 😍 it was beautifully paired. 🖤 The blush was small but a mighty drink lol 10/10 for the food, service and how fast my food came out ☺️
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    •
    4.5
  • michelleVIP
    San Diego •78 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Apr 7, 2025
    How surprising was this perfect dining experience! Servers were so friendly including Soni and Daniel Veal picatto was excellent. Highly recommend We are international foodies!
    More info
    Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.6

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