Best Historic Restaurants in Encanto

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Bay ParkCoronadoDowntownHillcrestLemon GroveLittle Italy

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

32 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

1. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3221)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 48 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 Saint James French Diner restaurant

2. Saint James French Diner

4.4

Awesome(318)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown

Booked 12 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 Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

3. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.3

Awesome(1433)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 43 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 The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

4. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(8106)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 53 times today

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

A photo of Sessions by the Bay restaurant

5. Sessions by the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • National City

Booked 71 times today

Welcome to Sessions By The Bay — San Diego’s first and only 21+ cannabis consumption lounge and dispensary, located right on the waterfront in National City.More than just a weed dispensary, we offer a one-of-a-kind space where premium cannabis, dining, live music, and cutting-edge immersive art spaces come together to create an unforgettable experience.Lounge reservations are highly encouraged; walk-ins welcome based on availability.Lounge Access Details:• Monday – Thursday: FREE lounge entry for all San Diego county locals with valid ID.• Lounge Entry Fee: $10 for non-locals or non-qualifying visitors.*Lounge fee is also waived with a $75 subtotal purchase in the dispensary for anyone. Must show same day receipt.We recommend arriving 30 minutes early to complete your dispensary purchase for lounge use.Guests may bring approved electronic devices for a $10 corkage fee. Standard vape batteries are exempt. Cancel 24+ hours for refund. For help, please call us (619) 935-7374

6. Grant Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1699)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 5 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.

7. Lou & Mickey's

4.7

Exceptional(4322)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 45 times today

Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.

8. Trust Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(1192)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • North Park

Booked 21 times today

We’re a neighborhood restaurant, at our heart. A place for our community to gather, to celebrate, to raise yet another glass in a toast to good tidings. We believe in bold flavors, cooked simply over an open flame. We believe in seasonality, in forging relationships with local farmers, makers, and purveyors to bring you the bounty this fine city has to offer. We believe in the power of wine and cocktails to elevate your meal, to create an experience that, when paired with superior service, creates something completely unique, forging a bond of trust, one would say, between you and us. These four walls were meant for you. Welcome.

A photo of The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter restaurant

9. The Melting Pot - Gaslamp Quarter

4.5

Awesome(2608)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Fondue • Downtown

Booked 22 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!

A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant

10. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1475)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 11 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").

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

E
Erin
Portland / Oregon •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The staff is lovely and attentive, everyone who served us was wonderful! And the food was outstanding!
More info
The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Margarita
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Such a cool experience. They partnered up with farmers cup and hosted a calligraphy class. It was so much fun and the staff was amazing.
More info
Sessions by the BayPrice: Moderate• American• National City
•
4.6
E
Eric
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great romantic setting. They took care of us with the right balance of attention and giving us space. Very friendly service and would recommend to anyone and everyone.
More info
Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
•
4.7
C
Colleen
Wisconsin •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Happy hour deals were great as well as the food. Would definitely recommend it
More info
Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
One of the best happy hours I've been to. The level of coctail you get for the price is unmatched and the food was delicious!!
More info
Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.3

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