Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. San Diego

Best Authentic Restaurants in Old Town

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Neighborhoods
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

115 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Sueño restaurant
4.0
Excellent(174)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 32 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
4.5
Awesome(625)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 16 times today
Tahona Bar is a gem in Old Town, San Diego, serving up creative, delicious, and authentic Mexican cuisine. The vibe is modern Mexican hacienda, complete with hand-painted tiles, rope seats, and Oaxacan textiles. Reviewers rave about the top-notch service, the freshness of the food, and the incredible mezcal-inspired drinks. One customer even described it as 'quietly putting out some of the best upscale Mexican food in the county.' Definitely a must-visit for foodies and mezcal lovers alike!
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
4.4
Awesome(797)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 13 times today
Trattoria Don Pietro is hailed as 'authentic' by reviewers who have visited Italy. With its traditional Italian cuisine mixed with a trendy twist, it has a balance that resonates well with guests. The atmosphere, service, and food have been consistently praised in reviews, making it a top Italian restaurant choice for many.
A photo of Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1879)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 70 times today
Rockin' Baja is a full service and fun Mexican-Seafood restaurant that offers uniquely prepared Baja style seafood presented in rustic steel buckets. We created a diverse menu filled with exceptionally great, finger lickin’ good fun food delivered fresh to your table daily. Kick back, drink an ice cold beer or margarita, enjoy a shot of tequila and experience all the good times that are Rockin’ Baja.
A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant
3.8
Excellent(1145)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 11 times today
Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina serves authentic Mexican cuisine, using old-world recipes. Reviews consistently praise the flavorful food, generous portions, and exceptional service. The restaurant's location in San Diego's historic Old Town adds to its authenticity, with its rooftop dining and Margaritas being particularly popular.
A photo of Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila restaurant
4.5
Awesome(321)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 10 times today
ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!
A photo of Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1163)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 9 times today
Jack and Giulio's Italian restaurant has remained a favorite of San Diegans for many years. This popular restaurant, formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, has proudly served the "Best Scampi" since 1961. In addition to this popular dish, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers many homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef, and seafood specialties.
A photo of Pizza Bella Italian Bistro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 2 times today
Pizza Bella Italian Bistro, also known as “Old Town’s Best Kept Secret,” isn’t exactly in the heart of Old Town, but people will definitely go a little out of the heart to taste and experience their deliciousness!You can sample a variety of popular Italian dishes from traditional spaghetti to stuffed tortellini to cheesy bread to their award winning pizza.For over forty years Pizza Bella has offered authentic Italian cuisine that has been praised by locals and national food critics alike and has been.written about in six national write ups.
A photo of Cesarina restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(5519)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Ocean Beach
Booked 191 times today
Cesarina is a grandmother, a mother, a daughter—our personification of a nurturer who feeds and cares for her community. From meticulous attention to detail and fresh ingredients to the warm and inviting atmosphere, this restaurant is a celebration of the power of food and family.
A photo of Kettner Exchange restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1362)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary American • Little Italy
Booked 73 times today
Kettner Exchange boasts two levels of indoor/outdoor drinking and dining and Little Italy’s only rooftop patio with spanning harbor views. We feature Progressive American cuisine from critically acclaimed Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski. In 2019, Kettner Exchange was named to Michelin Guide's prestigious Bib Gourmand list. Kettner Exchange has proudly maintained this award every year thereafter. Originally introduced in 1997, the Bib Gourmand category highlights restaurants that serve high-quality meals which include two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for $40 or less.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Cherie
    San Diego •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Great service! The champagne glasses were always being filled before they were even half full!! Buffet was amazing So much variety and the dishes were all delicious and prepared well The flan was the best I have ever had Wonderful atmosphere and gorgeous views on the patio We thoroughly enjoyed our time there and didn’t want to leave A must for a special occasion We went for Christmas and it will be a memory that we will all cherish
    More info
    Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    3.8
  • Marian
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    We had the best meal and the very best server (Glo H)! She was efficient and friendly and took great care of us throughout the entire meal. Our lobster was absolutely delicious and everything was hot and yummy. We would recommend Rockin' Baja Lobster to others!
    More info
    Rockin Baja Lobster Old TownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.5
  • David
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Great customer service. The waiter and host made us feel like home. I had an excellent impression with my date. Thank you!
    More info
    Tahona BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.5
  • Tania sofia
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Loved the place very beautiful. As well for the food even tho it cost a lot for a small portion of the appetizer it was super good do not regret for how much I paid. :)) I would like to thank my server she was super polite.
    More info
    El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4
  • ChristineVIP
    San Diego •13 reviews
    4.0
    Dined on Dec 14, 2024
    Great food....service was excellent. Mylie our server was awesome. Friendly, very attentive, very welcoming.
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    4.4

Discover best authentic restaurants in Old Town

Discover the charm of authentic dining in San Diego's historic Old Town. This vibrant area boasts a rich culinary scene, offering a delightful array of restaurants that specialize in genuine, traditional flavors from around the world. Each venue in Old Town offers a unique ambiance that complements its dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience with cultural and historical authenticity. From traditional Mexican eateries that serve up time-honored recipes to Italian trattorias that transport diners straight to the heart of Italy with their genuine cuisine, Old Town is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authenticity. The dining scene in Old Town is renowned for its commitment to authenticity, often highlighted by the use of traditional cooking methods and ingredients sourced directly from their origins. Whether you're craving the robust flavors of Mexican food or the refined tastes of Italian fare, Old Town provides an authentic culinary journey that's sure to satisfy. Make your reservation today and immerse yourself in the authentic tastes and atmospheres of Old Town, San Diego.

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo