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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Downtown

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42 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Huntress restaurant
1. Huntress
4.6
Exceptional(917)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 32 times today
Bold, flavorful, and built to impress - without the fuss. At Huntress, we serve crave-worthy steak and seafood alongside unexpected bites, house-made pastas, and shareable starters that make any night feel like the right night to indulge. From signature burgers and dry-aged tomahawks to glazed prawns, shrimp & mussel spaghetti, and our Magic Mushroom for two, our menu is playful, polished, and always worth a return visit. Known for unforgettable dishes, signature cocktails, and a lively vibe, Huntress brings just the right amount of indulgence to every night out. From spontaneous bar bites to full-on celebrations, guests come for the energy, stay for the flavor, and always leave planning their next visit.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
2. Juniper & Ivy
4.8
Exceptional(8327)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Little Italy
Booked 54 times today
Juniper & Ivy is a culinary gem in San Diego, offering an innovative, seasonally-driven menu crafted with precision and passion. Reviewers laud the restaurant for its exceptional service, with one stating 'From the time you are greeted at the door to the time you leave, you are served by smiling, knowledgeable, positive-energy individuals who take pride in making your dining experience the very best it can be.' Another review highlights the 'unique and delicious treats all over the menu' and 'impeccable ambiance'. With top-notch service and a menu that consistently impresses, Juniper & Ivy is definitely worth the drive.
A photo of insideOUT restaurant
3. insideOUT
4.7
Exceptional(2646)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Hillcrest
Booked 59 times today
insideOUT is Hillcrest's elevated restaurant and lounge, and San Diego's only urban oasis! We are an 18+ venue.Reservations for our upcoming "Sweetheart Experience" are now open! The Experience will be February 5th - 16th!Our menu is curated by Executive Chef Johnny Duran and is updated seasonally to reflect his creative approach to California-Mediterranean inspired fare, using the freshest ingredients provided by our local purveyors.Aside from our impeccable hospitality, insideOUT is known for their over-the-top seasonal experiences. We also provide customized private event planning with venue buyout options. More information can be found on our website.
A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4. Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar
4.4
Awesome(232)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 15 times today
Authentic Baja-Style Mexican Seafood Restaurant- Cevicheria & Oyster BarDiscover the bold flavors of authentic Mexican Baja-style seafood at our vibrant cevicheria and oyster restaurant. We specialize in fresh, locally sourced seafood, offering a unique selection of tostadas, tiraditos, aguachiles, clams and a wide variety of premium oysters. Whether you're craving classic ceviche or modern coastal dishes, our menu delivers the true taste of Baja California.
A photo of Choi's San Diego restaurant
5. Choi's San Diego
4.7
Exceptional(160)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Asian • Downtown
Booked 12 times today
Choi's is a Korean-American restaurant founded by chef Jiwoo Choi, who was at the time, 23 years old. Voted as the best Korean restaurant by San Diego Magazine, Choi's brings creativity and intensity to its beloved community. With their mainly gluten-free menu, Choi's also reimagines Korean-American flavors in a much healthier way. Choi's offers two hour complimentary parking garage validation in the heart of Downtown, even during Padres Game Days. It is the perfect place for your comforting yet exciting evenings. Please refer our website for our parking validation information.
A photo of Craft Bar Kamon restaurant
6. Craft Bar Kamon
4.9
Exceptional(250)
Price: Expensive
• Japanese • Downtown
Booked 29 times today
"Taisho Roman craft cocktail bar in the heart of East Village San Diego that reflects the period in Japan when traditionalism and modernism first converged. We are committed to offer the unique and best craft cocktails! **To make a reservation for a party of 6 or more, please contact us through email at info@barkamon.com Please refrain from booking multiple tables as we most likely won't be able to accommodate to seat together.**Please be aware that table or bar seating selection is just a request and it is not a confirmation. We will try our best to accommodate but due to limited seating availability, you may be seated to a different section from what you have requested at the reservation.
A photo of Roy's San Diego Waterfront restaurant
7. Roy's San Diego Waterfront
4.0
Excellent(3843)
Price: Expensive
• Seafood • Downtown
Booked 50 times today
Blending classic techniques with adventurous Pacific Rim flavors, culinary pioneer Roy Yamaguchi created an entirely new approach to fine dining. The first Roy's opened in Honolulu in 1988 and we've spread our warm hospitality and passion for innovative and creative cuisine around the world ever since. Indulge in one of our spectacular cocktails or choose a glass from our award-winning wine list while you discover the fresh ingredients and outstanding seafood, expertly prepared by our local chefs that made us famous. We invite you to join us at Roy's Downtown San Diego located on the water at the Marriott Hotel and Marina, featuring a dining room overlooking the marina, or patio dining just steps from the water.
A photo of Allegro restaurant
8. Allegro
4.3
Awesome(1416)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Little Italy
Booked 31 times today
Allegro Restaurant and Bar in Little Italy San Diego offers a true Amalfi coast Italian dining experience. Featuring a combination of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, Allegro San Diego is the perfect venue for your special occasions and party celebration.
A photo of Peohe's - Coronado Waterfront Restaurant restaurant
9. Peohe's - Coronado Waterfront Restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8959)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Coronado
Booked 56 times today
Nestled on Coronado Island, offers spectacular waterfront views of the San Diego Skyline just across the bay. Famous for fresh fish, seafood, steaks, prime rib and other Island-inspired cuisine. 3 Hour Parking Validation when you dine with Peohe's.
A photo of Trust Restaurant restaurant
10. Trust Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1218)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • North Park
Booked 36 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.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Downtown

Discover the culinary gems of Downtown San Diego that are "worth the drive" for an unforgettable dining experience. Each restaurant featured in this collection offers unique flavors and impeccable service, making them stand out in the vibrant San Diego dining scene. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, authentic Mediterranean dishes, or innovative Japanese cuisine, these establishments promise a meal that more than justifies the journey. With their strategic locations in the heart of Downtown San Diego, they provide not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delightful ambiance that encapsulates the lively spirit of the area. Visitors and locals alike agree that these dining spots enhance any trip to San Diego with their commitment to quality and hospitality. Experience the diverse culinary landscape of Downtown San Diego, where each restaurant offers a distinct and memorable dining adventure.

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