Best Restaurants for Birthdays in San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronadoDowntownImperial Beach

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

43 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4910)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 43 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 The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant

2. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.5

Awesome(2602)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown

Booked 26 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!

3. STK- San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3467)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 38 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.

4. Karina’s Cantina

4.3

Awesome(47)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Downtown

Booked 4 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. Mister A's

4.9

Exceptional(8883)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French / American • Downtown

Booked 60 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)

6. Juniper & Ivy

4.7

Exceptional(8217)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • Little Italy

Booked 66 times today

Juniper & Ivy is a top choice for birthday celebrations. The reviews mention 'amazing service' and 'fantastic food' for birthdays, making it a perfect place to celebrate special occasions. The restaurant also offers personalized menus for special occasions, adding to the overall memorable experience.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

7. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3186)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 68 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!

8. C-Level

4.7

Exceptional(5218)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Cocktail Bar • Downtown

Booked 140 times today

Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.

9. Books + Records

4.7

Exceptional(457)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Banker's Hill

Booked 22 times today

Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

10. Cesarina

4.8

Exceptional(5847)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Ocean Beach

Booked 205 times today

Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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
J
JanelVIP
San Diego •28 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
It was a nice out. Our server was considerate and accommodating. The food was okay, I was impressed with the quality of freshness of the fruits and veggies.
More info
The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
•
4.5
D
DeliaVIP
Los Angeles •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Had the short ribs and brussel sprouts-EXCELLENT. Wonderful service from Justin. Great music and lively atmosphere. Will definitely return.
More info
STK- San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.3
M
MonicaVIP
Las Vegas •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Lovely evening with friends, enjoyed the ambience, food and service. Thank you Nikolai for your attention to detail, and for marking the occasion so much more special.
More info
Mister A'sPrice: Very Expensive• Contemporary French / American• Downtown
•
4.9
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
•
4.3

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Birthdays

San Diego

Carlsbad
Linda Vista
Banker's Hill
Little Italy
Sorrento Valley
Old Town
Point Loma
La Mesa
Chula Vista / Bonita
Poway / Rancho Bernardo
Mission Hills
Kensington
Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
Solana Beach
Normal Heights
Mission Beach
Barrio Logan
San Marcos
Scripps Ranch
Kearny Mesa