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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in College Area

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9 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
1. Lemon Grove Bistro
4.6
Exceptional(106)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
2. Grant Grill
4.6
Exceptional(1693)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 16 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 Bronze Bird restaurant
3. Bronze Bird
4.6
Exceptional(187)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 7 times today
Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.
A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant
4. Cosmopolitan Restaurant
4.1
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 Asti Ristorante restaurant
5. Asti Ristorante
4.6
Exceptional(1784)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 7 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 Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
6. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1464)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 17 times today
Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
7. Operacaffe
4.7
Exceptional(1413)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 10 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 Tapas & Beers restaurant
8. Tapas & Beers
4.9
Exceptional(533)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 11 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!
A photo of P.F. Chang's - San Diego restaurant
9. P.F. Chang's - San Diego
4.3
Awesome(387)
Price: Moderate
• Chinese • Mission Valley
Booked 5 times today
We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • John
    Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing Mother's Day Brunch. Wonderful ambiance, the service was top notch and the food was unbelievably good. 👌
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • CarolynVIP
    San Diego •56 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Lovely gift of chocolates for Mothers Day. Touch of class! 👍🏻
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • CarolVIP
    Palm Springs / Palm Desert Cities •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    We had the most enjoyable meal at Asti’ s on a beautiful Sunday we dined Al fresco and our party celebrated a birthday before going to the ballet at Balboa theatre. We dined on gnocchi which was heavenly, salmon with the most scrumptious sauce and carrots and mashed potatoes, and veal Marsala. The wine list was excellent and the service was attentive and congenial we felt like VIPs! A special shout out to our waiter Saini he reflected all the best attributes of hospitality and customer service ! plus he got as out in time to see the ballet!
    More info
    Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
    •
    4.6
  • Andrea
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing Mothers Day brunch. Thank you! Will do it again.
    More info
    Cosmopolitan RestaurantPrice: Moderate• American• Old Town
    •
    4.1
  • Lori
    San Diego •28 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on May 3, 2025
    We have been coming here since they opened a few years ago. Everything on the menu is so delicious. We love the menu as it changes with the seasons. We hardly ever have the same item twice, however, we do have our favorites!
    More info
    Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
    •
    4.6

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