Restaurants near National City Plaza Shopping Center

Price

$$
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Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

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

113 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Sessions by the Bay restaurant

1. Sessions by the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(104)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • National City

Booked 61 times today

Welcome to Sessions By The Bay — San Diego’s first and only 21+ cannabis consumption lounge and market-style dispensary. Explore a curated selection of premium cannabis in a unique basket-and-browse setting. No reservation is needed for the dispensary. The lounge offers mood-driven dining, Moroccan-inspired interiors, premium device rentals like Puffcos, and rotating cannabis menus featuring rosin extract flights. Lounge reservations are highly encouraged and cover both dining and consumption. Walk-ins are welcome based on availability. Expect live music, comedy, wellness events, and more.Reservations require a credit card hold, charged at time of visit. Entry is $5 during Hashy Hour (open–4:20 PM) and $10 after. Fees are waived with a $75 dispensary subtotal, valid membership, guest pass, or Monday–Thursday for San Diego locals with ID. Please arrive 30 minutes early to shop. Cancel 24+ hours in advance for refund. For booking help, call (619) 935-7374.

2. Cafe La Maze

new

3.5

Very Good(3)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • National City

Booked 4 times today

Café La Maze holds a storied history as a Hollywood hotspot, with its original location on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood, CA frequented by movie stars and celebrities like Jimmy Durante and the Marx Brothers. As the demand grew, Marcel scouted a second location near the Mexican border and found the perfect spot at the Caliente Racetrack in Tijuana, Mexico. This new location, established in 1940, featured a hidden gambling room above the restaurant, adding to its allure as a last chance for patrons to try their luck.The grand opening of Café La Maze in National City became a star-studded event, attracting iconic actors such as Bing Crosby, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, and Johnny Weissmuller. The ambiance of Café La Maze pays homage to the golden era of Hollywood, reminiscent of classic films from the 1940s and 1950s, creating a timeless and glamorous atmosphere for all who visit.**Entertainment 7 nights a week.**

3. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(474)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 66 times today

Callie represents Chef Travis Swikard's debut solo project after spending a decade working alongside the esteemed Chef Daniel Boulud in New York City. The restaurant’s name, "Callie," comes from the Greek word "kallos," meaning "the most beautiful," and embodies its blend of Mediterranean cuisine with local ingredients and terroir, from sea to land from San Diego, Swikard's hometown. In 2022, Callie was acclaimed as one of America's top new restaurants by Esquire and Robb Report, and received both a Bib Gourmand and a Plate from the Michelin Guide. Callie is a dedicated supporter of Feeding San Diego, having contributed over 1 million meals to those in need in San Diego since its launch. Swikard is set to open his second restaurant in La Jolla in 2025.

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

4. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.4

Awesome(1411)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 53 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.

5. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(4937)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 50 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 Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

6. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(8064)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 42 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 Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant

7. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

4.0

Excellent(3967)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 97 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Cocina 35 Coronado restaurant

8. Cocina 35 Coronado

4.5

Awesome(289)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Coronado

Booked 72 times today

Our team is dedicated to bring to you the essence of Mexico, the flavors, aromas, culture, service and textures that were given to us, growing up cooking right next to our grandparents in Mexico.We are the only restaurant in San Diego that specialized in Chilaquiles the Most traditional Mexican Breakfast.#BESTCHILAQUILESINTOWN

9. Lou & Mickey's

4.7

Exceptional(4279)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 108 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.

10. MOTHERSHIP

4.7

Exceptional(452)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 45 times today

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

L
LauraVIP
San Francisco Bay Area •4 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Cowboy Star never disappoints, everything was perfect!!
More info
Cowboy StarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.8
F
Frederick
New York City •12 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
The Rustic Root has a very “different “ menu. A wide variety of plates to share but a limited menu after that. A really cool feature of the menu is a QR code you scan , indicate your food preferences, allergies etc, and it makes suggestions for you. Our food was good, the service fine, but nothing really stood out. I would summarize our experience as a fun atmosphere with acceptable food & service.
More info
Rustic Root - GaslampPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Downtown
•
4.4
A
Allen
San Antonio •15 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Upon arriving staff is very helpful regarding parking and checking in. The ambiance is amazing, intro to popular dishes then seated. Our waitress was kind and courteous and food came out fast! Overall great food, atmosphere and staff!
More info
Cocina 35 CoronadoPrice: Expensive• Mexican• Coronado
•
4.5
K
KEN
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Absolutely tasty and delicious food. Every dish had unique flavors that we could savor and enjoy. The ambience was peaceful, calm, uplifting and relaxing. The staff went out of their way to ensure our Mother's Day celebration was the best. We will be returning to enjoy the food again.
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8
K
Kiki
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on May 6, 2025
Beautiful and relaxing experience,food was amazing
More info
Sessions by the BayPrice: Moderate• American• National City
•
4.6

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