The Best Restaurants For Dining Out in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, CA

If you find yourself hungry in San Diego and lost in the midst of downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter, then you aren’t really lost at all–you are right where you need to be. As far as a food lover’s paradise goes, the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is as close to Nirvana as you will probably ever find yourself. Surrounded on all sides by all variation of dining options, from the hole-in-the-wall type of dingy eateries to the austere and regal fine dining establishments that intimidate you from simply walking by, there is no limit on the types of cuisine you can pile onto your plate (aside from the limits of your stomach, of course). 

We’re here today to talk about the best of the best when it comes to finding restaurants to dine at in the Gaslamp Quarter. No matter what kind of cuisine you are craving, this nifty list will have tons of recommendations for you to try out and enjoy. From delicious bar bites that are deep fried and crispy to high-class venues serving up aged prime rib and handmade pasta, you can find everything your stomach craves in the Gaslamp Quarter. 

Hungry for even more suggestions outside of the Gaslamp Quarter? Check out our lists for restaurants in Little Italy and Old Town San Diego. 

Now then, let’s jump into our list of the best restaurants to try out in the Gaslamp Quarter!

1. Rustic Root

Enjoy a meal while taking in an unfiltered rooftop view of San Diego 

📍 535 Fifth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | rusticrootsd.com

This picturesque rooftop dining destination will give you a scenic view of the city while you enjoy a menu of local and seasonal cuisine alongside craft cocktails in a stylish setting. Feel on top of the world (both literally and metaphorically) as you soak in your view of the Gaslamp Quarter and the surrounding parts of downtown San Diego over a smorgasbord of menu items that make you drool. 

Rustic Root offers New American cuisine options sourced from local ingredients, and their offerings are consistently changing due to what is in and out of season. Rustic Root has both dinner and brunch menus, featuring delicious items like roasted Atlantic salmon, lobster pappardelle, pan-roasted duck breast, wild boar bolognese, Maryland crab cake, bourbon vanilla french toast, and Appalachian biscuits and gravy. Pair your dinner or brunch meal with a signature cocktail and watch how the time flies!

“This is one of the cutest rooftop bars I have been to. We went in the evening and got to people watch the folks walking around 5th Avenue because we were able to snag some seats along the balcony. The drinks were absolutely great as was the ambience of this place.” – Yelp

2. Werewolf American Pub

Food so good you might as well howl about it all night long

📍 627 Fourth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | thewerewolf.net

A great spot for when you want that lowkey pub atmosphere and high-calorie bar bites, Werewolf American Pub is one of the top picks for dining and drinking in the Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown San Diego in general. This divey little bar is well known for its great food, including a phenomenal brunch, strong cocktails, and delicious drafts that are always served chilled. 

Werewolf American Pub may sound like it’s exclusively a nighttime affair, but if you get there early then you have the privilege of trying out their tasty brunch menu (cut off is at 3pm). Some brunch favorites include biscuits and gravy, cinnamon roll cakes, country-fried steak, pork belly benedict, and stacks of super fluffy pancakes. Diners can elevate any brunch experience with great cocktail choices, from their world-famous Irish coffee to their own spiced-up version of a Bloody Mary.  

“First time trying this place and it was absolutely amazing! Food was absolutely great and the staff was awesome. The steak and eggs plates I got was one of the best breakfast plates I've ever got. They even brought me and my table free birthday shots! Love the vibe and ambience here. I will be back.” – Yelp

3. Huntress

Let the music in this restaurant guide your taste buds as you dine

📍 376 Fifth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | huntresssteak.com

If good meat as the centerpiece of the dish is your definition of an excellent meal, then you will not want to pass up on the chance to dine at Huntress in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. A prestigious and modern steakhouse, Huntress offers some of the finest cuts of meat in the entire city. 

Of course, when dining at Huntress, it is all about the steaks, but that doesn’t mean their menu isn’t impressive in and of itself. Some highlights of the menu include tableside caviar service, lobster curry soup, dry aged tuna, whole roasted duck, boneless ribeye, wagyu beef, and tomahawk. Remember, this sleek restaurant is more high end than some others on this list, so be sure to dress your best for the occasion. 

“By the end of the evening we had finished our food, our drinks, our bottle of wine and every carb within reach and had little to show but full stomachs and a thousand dollar tab. Worth. Every. Penny. Without question.” – Yelp

4. La Puerta

Family-style Mexican recipes and top-shelf tequila make an amazing pair

📍 560 Fourth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | lapuertasd.com

Good food, even better tequila, and a rock-music themed ambiance all come together to create a marvelous experience at La Puerta. This chilled-out Mexican dining spot is definitely where you want to be if you want good quality food for not a lot of moolah. 

A little bit of hospitality goes a long way, and you will find La Puerta brimming with enough hospitality to spare. Kick back in a hip, fun atmosphere, converse with friendly servers and bartenders, and chow down on some of the best Mexican food you have ever had. Their menu is packed full of all the staple Mexican dishes, from quesadillas and street tacos to tasty carnitas and giant burritos. Don’t forget to try out their specialty cocktail menu and make dinnertime a party!

“For dinner, I ordered carne asada tacos that were well-seasoned (best seasoned meat I ever had at a restaurant). My friend ordered the surf and turf dish and the shrimp was well seasoned too. I wish I lived locally because I would definitely consider this restaurant for catering if I host an event.” – Yelp

5. Garage Kitchen + Bar

Check out this affordable sports bar for juicy burgers and bar bites

📍 655 Fourth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | garagekitchenbar.com

A happening joint situated in a historic building, Garage Kitchen + Bar is the place to go if you are a fan of sports and appreciate a good deal for happy hour. This top-rated restaurant offers a casual dining experience in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, with delicious menu offerings like craft burgers, ribs, flatbreads, salads, and even brunch specials for the early-bird diners. 

Garage Kitchen + Bar has a rustic atmosphere that adds to the unique quality of the restaurant. Happy hour starts early at four and lasts until six, where customers can get half-priced beverages and cheap bar food. You will appreciate the low prices and the virtually non-existent wait time at Garage Kitchen + Bar. If you want to dine somewhere where you know you’ll be getting fresh, hot food in a matter of moment, this is the spot for you. 

“Staff was friendly and the atmosphere was fun as well. I loved that they had hockey on the tv without me having to ask. Honest, I would be more than happy to come back here and try some of their other foods.” – Yelp

6. Osteria Panevino

Enjoy a classic Italian dish while exploring the streets of California 

📍 722 Fifth Ave Gaslamp Quarter osteriapanevino.com

The oldest restaurant in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego is an old-fashioned Italian joint in a brick-lined shop. Osteria Panevino has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, refined Italian fare, and a near-infinite wine list to complete your meal. 

You can step into a world of the past once you enter the doors of Osteria Panevino. From fine Italian dining to beautiful table setups and artistic decor of Italian scenery, this restaurant is coveted by the locals for the unique dining experience and the delicious traditional Italian food. Some notable dishes include lasagna bolognese, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, Australian lamb chops, and pollo parmigiana. 

“Amazing food all around, and the service was incredible. With the pasta dishes being the main emphasis, I loved how they also have dietary options such as gluten free pasta available. The servers and chefs were incredibly kind, and the dinner topped a great evening visiting San Diego.” – Yelp 

7. Gaslamp Breakfast Company

Because you shouldn’t skip out on the most important meal of the day

📍 551 J St | Gaslamp | breakfast-company.com

The Breakfast Company operates a location in the Gaslamp Quarter that draws folks from all across the city into its doors first thing in the morning. You won’t want to sleep in for too long if you wish to check out the Gaslamp Breakfast Company, since they close in the afternoon and aren’t open for dinnertime. 

Comfortable yet eclectic, cozy yet bold and elegant, the interior of the Gaslamp Breakfast Company is exactly where you want to be to enjoy your fresh breakfast dish. As far as the food goes, all specialty items are kitchen tested and appeal to a wide range of guests with different tastes. From sweet-toothed patrons to those who prefer savory creations, Gaslamp Breakfast Company has the perfect menu option for everyone. Order sweet buttermilk banana bread pancakes, a s’mores waffle, savory french toast picks, varieties of omelets, egg scrambles, and other unique specialties. They even have vegan options for guests who can’t do animal-based products. Now order a drink or two and enjoy one of the best breakfast (or late lunches) of your lifetime!

“Great brunch food, and good for those with dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free (celiac). The server was friendly, and helpful particularly with answering questions for their menu for gluten-free items. They have a large indoor seating area, with a good atmosphere, lots of throwback music playing in the background. All their waffles are gluten-free, which was great!” – Yelp

8. Rei Do Gado 

Some people’s paradise is as simple as all-you-can-eat meat

📍 939 Fourth Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | reidogado.net

Since it is basically impossible to have too many options for steakhouses, we went ahead and included another great one for all you meat-craving enthusiasts. Rei Do Gado, a Brazilian steakhouse, functions as a churrascaria restaurant with all-you-can-eat Brazilian meats served fresh right by the side of your table. 

Rei Do Gado carries the honor of being the first Brazilian steakhouse to operate in San Diego, and it is the only place you can find a Mesquite charcoal grill throughout the city. Peruse a menu of tasty hot dishes like beef ribs, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, skirt steak, lamb chops, and fifteen varieties of never-ending grill items. Be sure to leave some room for heavenly desserts like tiramisu, creme brulee, and chocolate mousse. 

“Overall, I'd recommend this restaurant because the quality of the meats and the friendliness of the chefs made it a wonderful experience. They always had a smile on their faces and were great at explaining the different cuts as well as asking us if we prefer any specific cut.” – Yelp

Our list only covers a small fraction of all the restaurants and dining options available in the Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego. We encourage you to seek out even more great places to grab a bite to eat or a drink during your time in San Diego!