Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronado

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

305 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Huntress

4.7

Exceptional(888)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 21 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.

2. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4910)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 37 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 Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

3. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.4

Awesome(1401)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 35 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.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

4. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(1033)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 42 times today

Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

5. Lumi

4.7

Exceptional(741)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 33 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 Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant

6. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

4.0

Excellent(3952)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 78 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

7. Saint James French Diner

4.5

Awesome(295)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown

Booked 28 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 The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant

8. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.5

Awesome(2602)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown

Booked 23 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!

9. STK- San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3467)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 32 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.

10. AKA San Diego

4.2

Awesome(115)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 16 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.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Mike
Greater Boston •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Hands down the best steakhouse experience in San Diego. Everything on the menu including the steaks is always meticulously prepared and delicious. The best wedge salad on any coast, their house made bacon is an experience in and of itself! If you’re a banana fan, their “Banana Pudding” dessert is the ultimate experience. The miso banana ice cream alone is worth the visit! Add in their always welcoming knowledgeable service and you cannot miss this spot!
More info
Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
W
will
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Delicious food! Little noisy due to live DJ, but great atmosphere.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.7
A
Amy
Cincinnati / Dayton •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Great venue! The rooftop bar was perfect. Fun drinks, great vibe - highly recommended!
More info
Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.4
T
Tom
Seattle / Eastern Washington •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Brunch options are varied and very tasty. Gluten free and vegan options are clearly labeled. Room is beautiful with high ceilings and nice booths. Juices and coffee options were exceptional.
More info
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Marisa
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined on Apr 22, 2025
We went as a treat to celebrate a birthday, and what made this restaurant such a special place to celebrate was not only the amazing food, but the outstanding service.
More info
HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7

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