Best Restaurants with a Vibrant Bar Scene in Old Town

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillCoronadoDowntownKearny MesaLa JollaLittle Italy

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

41 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Starlite

4.7

Exceptional(196)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Mission Hills

Booked 91 times today

Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+

2. Born & Raised

4.7

Exceptional(6767)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Little Italy

Booked 80 times today

Born & Raised is a vibrant bar scene with a lot of positive reviews praising its atmosphere and drinks. Many customers have highlighted the 'great ambiance,' 'awesome city views,' and 'fantastic food.' The rooftop bar is particularly popular, with reviews describing it as 'stunning' and 'cool.' Overall, the restaurant is known for its classy aesthetic and top-notch service, making it a great place for a romantic dinner or a business meeting.

3. Barbusa

4.7

Exceptional(4453)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 95 times today

Barbusa Local Modern Sicilian Restaurant.Lively atmosphere with our craft cocktails, handmade pastas, freshest seafood, delicate pizza, and our famous Sicilian Ribeye.Pizza Served from our stone fired oven.Gluten free and Vegan Items AvailableWHILE WE VALUE THE TIME OF ALL OUR LOYAL GUEST AND SMILING FACES, WE KINDLY REQUEST YOU LIMIT THE TIME SPENT AT YOUR TABLE TO 1 HOUR AND 30 MIN DUE TO MANDATED REDUCTION IN CAPACITY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND SUPPORT, WE COULDNT BE MORE THRILLED TO HAVE YOU DINE WITH US!

4. Island Prime

4.7

Exceptional(8540)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 45 times today

Island Prime is a vibrant steakhouse with an exciting bar scene. Reviews highlight the great ambience, beautiful views, and professional service. Customers enjoy the unique menu and the cool vibe. The location on stilts overlooking San Diego Bay adds to the lively atmosphere.

5. El Agave

4.8

Exceptional(2548)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Old Town

Booked 34 times today

Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting withinthe largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – alsorepeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is theperfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax andunwind sipping find tequila with friends.

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

6. Alexander's on 30th

4.8

Exceptional(3209)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 52 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!

A photo of Benihana - San Diego, CA restaurant

7. Benihana - San Diego, CA

3.7

Very Good(7725)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Japanese • Mission Valley

Booked 128 times today

Welcome to Benihana, a dining experience unlike any other! Our guests are seated at communal tables in groups, where your personal chef will perform the ancient art of Teppanyaki. Watch as we slice and dice, preparing a meal that will dazzle your eyes as well taste buds, whether you choose mouth-watering steak, tender chicken or succulent seafood. You can also enjoy sushi prepared by a talented sushi chef and indulge in a specialty cocktail.

A photo of Solare Ristorante Lounge restaurant

8. Solare Ristorante Lounge

4.7

Exceptional(2521)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Point Loma

Booked 45 times today

Family-owned and operated, Randy Smerik and his team are dedicated to providing an amazing dining experience for you. Our authentic Italian cuisine features a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients ... including fresh pasta made each morning and organic produce, wild fish, and hormone free meat.

9. CUCINA urbana

4.7

Exceptional(7185)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Banker's Hill

Booked 58 times today

CUCINA urbana is known for its lively and vibrant bar scene. It's a wine shop inside a restaurant, offering a country farmhouse feel with a touch of contemporary art. Reviews rave about the excellent service, delicious food, and a fun atmosphere. One customer described it as 'a popular restaurant on Laurel street... with a nice vibe of a middle to younger crowd.' Another review mentions the 'incredible vibe,' and a third describes it as a 'comfortable yet energetic vibe.' It's a place to grab a drink at the bar, enjoy exquisite dining experiences, or pick a bottle at store price and have it corked at your table for $10.

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

10. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(8082)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 59 times today

Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.

‘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

A
Allison
Utah •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Our waitress was amazing! Very good recommendations and everything went perfect ✨❤️
More info
StarlitePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Mission Hills
•
4.7
J
JesseVIP
Los Angeles •126 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great as always! Service is good, good is always on point! Thank you!
More info
BarbusaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.7
D
Donald
South Carolina •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
It was a great way to spend our 40th wedding anniversary. Everyone was very attentive, professional, and conscientious of our every need. The food was prepared exquisitely and we appreciated all of the effort that was put towards a great evening for my lovely bride and myself. We cannot thank you enough for what a great job you did. thank you again for all that you did.
More info
Island PrimePrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.7
R
Rosemary
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Amazing time, great vibes. Food was fantastic and service was excellent!!!
More info
Born & RaisedPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Little Italy
•
4.7
B
BrianVIP
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Great food and service! Margaritas are amazing along with all the in-house made from scratch sauces!
More info
El AgavePrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
•
4.8

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Vibrant bar scene

Old Town

Mission Valley
La Mesa
Ocean Beach
Sorrento Valley
Point Loma
Linda Vista
Shelter Island / San Diego Bay
Oceanside
Old Town
Temecula
Tierrasanta
Encinitas
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