Best restaurants near me in National City, CA

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AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

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Delivery only

Takeout only

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BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

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Wheelchair access

685 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of The Henry - Coronado restaurant

1. The Henry - Coronado

4.8

Exceptional(2846)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Coronado

Booked 174 times today

Welcome to the greatest neighborhood restaurant, a place where you can always count on a warm welcome from baristas, servers and bartenders who know your order by heart. A fusion of industrial and classical influences, our open dining spaces are bursting with charm and energy. Come and go with ease for your morning coffee, enjoy lunch with a colleague, gather the family together for dinner, or treat yourself to a post-work drink at the bar. For craveable eats and downright delicious cocktails, look no further than a place where you'll always be among friends, a place that feels like home: The Henry.

2. Seneca

4.7

Exceptional(4714)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 159 times today

Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.

A photo of Sessions by the Bay restaurant

3. Sessions by the Bay

4.6

Exceptional(191)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • National City

Booked 44 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

4. Callie Restaurant

4.8

Exceptional(567)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 76 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.

5. Nobu Del Coronado

4.5

Awesome(108)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Coronado

Booked 84 times today

Marking the continued expansion of The Del’s culinary experiences, Nobu Del Coronado will be the newest addition to the world-renowned Japanese restaurant empire founded by Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro. Nobu Del Coronado will offer over 3,700 square feet of stunning indoor and al fresco oceanfront dining space, including an outdoor covered patio dining with a pagoda bar and dedicated sushi bar. Nobu Del Coronado will also spotlight Nobu-signature dishes including the iconic Black Miso Cod and Yellowtail Jalapeño, as well as Nobu’s world-renowned sushi, plus locally inspired dishes and cocktails.

A photo of Cocina 35 Coronado restaurant

6. Cocina 35 Coronado

4.6

Exceptional(379)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mexican • Coronado

Booked 66 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

7. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(5015)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 52 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.

8. Animae

4.8

Exceptional(3568)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • Downtown

Booked 76 times today

Located just steps from the waterfront, ANIMAE is where West Coast flair meets Asian soul. Under the direction of Executive Chef Tara Monsod, a James Beard Award finalist, the menu delivers bold, genre-defying dishes like her signature Pork Tomahawk Tocino—a smoky, sweet, deeply umami showstopper grilled over a traditional coal-fired oven.Inside, ANIMAE stuns with a maximalist-meets-modern aesthetic: think art deco glam, velvet banquettes, mirrored ceilings, and an energy that’s both sultry and celebratory. Whether you're dining in the main room or sipping cocktails in the tucked-away lounge, every corner invites you to stay awhile.

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

9. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

4.3

Awesome(1452)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 46 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 Water Grill - San Diego restaurant

10. Water Grill - San Diego

4.6

Exceptional(3781)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 45 times today

Located steps away from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center in the heart of Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego, Water Grill San Diego is an iconic seafood destination to enjoy the first catch of the season and a deep variety of fish, lobsters, crabs, oysters and shellfish on a robust menu that changes daily. New product arrives from boat-to-table in a matter of hours from our exclusive seafood distribution company and our chef’s preparations allow the high-quality product to shine. Consistently rated as one of San Diego’s top seafood restaurants, Water Grill San Diego also offers multiple, customizable private dining options for business meetings and special events.

Dining near National City, CA at a glance

Updated on 7/16/2025

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From verified diners like you

M
Melissa
New York City •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Excellent food and great recommendations from our server!
More info
The Henry - CoronadoPrice: Moderate• American• Coronado
•
4.8
A
Austin
San Antonio •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Great way to celebrate an engagement. Edda was an outstanding host
More info
SenecaPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown
•
4.7
M
MarciVIP
Los Angeles •27 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
We knew going in this would be an expensive dinner and more so than other Nobu locations. It was worth it - the food was excellent and beautifully presented. We tried several appetizers/sides, sushi , the lobster/shrimp/lemon entree and shared the banana dessert. Not a bite was left….there was literally nothing that we thought was ho-hum or would skip next time. Would love to repeat this dinner today! . Portions seemed reasonable. Sat outside on the patio - had it been sunny we would have craved an umbrella, but as it was the temp/overcast was comfortable. Literally the only “off” moment noticeable was the unwelcoming hostess - however our interaction with her was momentary and everyone else more than made up for it. She might prefer a back of house position!
More info
Nobu Del CoronadoPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• Coronado
•
4.5
A
Abraham
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Such a great experience, food is amazing. Literally love everything about this place . Chance was great budtender!
More info
Sessions by the BayPrice: Moderate• American• National City
•
4.6
A
Anthony
San Diego •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent service and delicious food. The staff are clearly and sincerely happy to be there, good vibes all around.
More info
Callie RestaurantPrice: Very Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.8

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Best restaurants near me in National City, CA

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

685 restaurants available nearby

1. The Henry - Coronado

2. Seneca

3. Sessions by the Bay

4. Callie Restaurant

5. Nobu Del Coronado

6. Cocina 35 Coronado

7. Cowboy Star

8. Animae

9. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

10. Water Grill - San Diego

Dining near National City, CA at a glance

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Italian

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