Best Authentic Restaurants in San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntown

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

117 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

The default order for search results reflects a number of factors, including table availability, restaurant location, search criteria, and restaurant reviews and ratings. In addition, payment made by a restaurant to OpenTable is also a factor for the relative ordering of restaurants.

1. AKA San Diego

4.2

Awesome(102)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

Booked 31 times today

Located in the bustling heart of Gaslamp, San Diego, AKA is more than just a restaurant. It’s a destination where exceptional food, craft cocktails, and an energetic nightlife converge. With a menu curated by renowned Chef Takuya Kudo, AKA offers a captivating fusion of Chinese, Japanese, and Thai culinary traditions, all crafted with fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. The venue features a vibrant atmosphere complemented by artisanal craft cocktails from mixologist Gerardo Bedolla and striking design by Cassandra Builer. AKA welcomes guests to indulge in its exquisite dishes while enjoying electrifying entertainment. Committed to transforming the dining and nightlife scene in San Diego, AKA offers a unique and unforgettable experience for everyone looking to savor gourmet cuisine, sip on craft cocktails, and dance the night away.

A photo of Year of the Fortune restaurant

2. Year of the Fortune

4.0

Excellent(27)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Our Year of the Fortune is a vibrant new Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Inspired by the Lunar New Year, this unique dining destination offers an immersive experience where flavor meets festivity.Menu Highlights:Asian Cuisine: Enjoy a diverse menu featuring traditional and modern Chinese dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.Signature Cocktails: Sip on inventive cocktails crafted by renowned mixologists, inspired by the Chinese zodiac signs.Event Hosting: Ideal for private parties, corporate events, and special occasions with tailored services to meet your needs.Ambiance: Step into a world adorned with parasol Chinese umbrellas, sky lanterns, and dragon motifs, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.

3. Asti Ristorante

4.6

Exceptional(1783)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!

A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant

4. Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(102)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.- Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza- For Payment, we do not accept more than 6 credit cards for big parties

5. Osteria Panevino

4.3

Awesome(1769)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 17 times today

Osteria Panevino is the oldest restaurant in all of the Gaslamp Quarter that features the best Italian cuisine that San Diego has to offer.

6. Bandar Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(950)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

Bandar Restaurant is considered authentic due to its unique use of Persian spices and original recipes. Reviewers highlight the 'authentic', 'family-run' and 'best' food. The Persian dishes such as 'Ghormeh Sabzi' and 'Shirazi Salad' are favorites among the patrons. The restaurant's ambiance is also noted to be 'much better than what one sees from the outside', suggesting a genuine, traditional setting.

7. Operacaffe

4.7

Exceptional(1404)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown

Booked 7 times today

At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!

A photo of Azuki Sushi Lounge restaurant

8. Azuki Sushi Lounge

4.8

Exceptional(376)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • Banker's Hill

Booked 56 times today

Azuki Sushi is in Banker’s Hill, centrally-located in the heart of San Diego. We are within walking distance of Balboa Park, The Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and Hillcrest.We have been providing a modern approach to the rich traditions of Japanese cooking for over 15 years. We pride ourselves in our charming and boutique setting. We offer a warm and inviting atmosphere for those wishing to indulge in our culinary delights.As in Japan, the menu is based on the seasons, savoring the peak flavor of the ingredients. Our outstanding chefs deliver the fundamentals of Japanese cuisine, respecting the individual ingredients’ natural flavors.

9. Kettner Exchange

4.7

Exceptional(1445)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Little Italy

Booked 66 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.

10. Cloak + Petal

4.7

Exceptional(1019)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Little Italy

Booked 42 times today

WELCOME TO CLOAK & PETAL!Where we invite you to journey into a place of both intimacy and companionshipOur concept is drawn from our name. The word “cloak” implies secrecy, inspiring our concept of a social sphere humming beneath the levels of ordinary life. “Petal” alludes to the Japanese tradition of “hanami,” when family and friends gather under blooming cherry blossoms to savor food, drinks and fellowship.Enter our space and travel underground to décor reminiscent of an abandoned Tokyo subway, a stratum of society all its own, an artist’s dream. Cross the threshold into a mystically transformed Japanese social dining lounge which appears to be an outdoor seating area, similar to a waiting platform. Sit beneath a trellis of draping vines and teardrop lights in the intimate space we’ve thoughtfully created, and feast on authentic Japanese sushi, appetizers, small plates and drinks with family and friends.Journey down to Cloak + Petal… and come unwind your soul.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jamie
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Great vibe dining experience. From the cocktail menu to the fusion food options.
More info
AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown
•
4.2
J
JeffreyVIP
San Diego •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was a first time dining and it was great. The food was delicious, the service excellent and we'll definitely recommend and return.
More info
Osteria PanevinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.3
V
VICKIVIP
Las Vegas •9 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Some of the best Italian food my husband & I have ever had. Run, don't walk to this restaurant. Unfortunately, we ate here while on vacation. This would be our go-to restaurant if we lived here.
More info
Asti RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Downtown
•
4.6
G
Gwen
Los Angeles •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Though busy and loud the food and service was excellent. Fresh pure flavors with excellent nuances in seasonings. All service workers were working hard to accommodate large groups while not ignoring the couples. Don’t skip the baklava!
More info
Mimoza Mediterranean RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
•
4.5
J
julia
Phoenix / Arizona •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Had the best time with my girls, the service was amazing and we were well taken care of. The ambiance was a great vibe and I 10/10 recommend.
More info
Year of the FortunePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Downtown
•
4

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