Best Comfort Food Restaurants in Harbor Island

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoDowntownHillcrest

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

34 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Tom Hams Lighthouse restaurant

1. Tom Hams Lighthouse

4.6

Exceptional(6716)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Downtown

Booked 56 times today

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse was built in 1971 by a man who was not afraid to put his name on his product. Rooted in warm welcomes & excellent food, Tom Ham made his lifelong dream a reality. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse is the only restaurant in the US to have a USCG operated & maintained Lighthouse attached to it. You can locate us on any modern nautical map as Beacon #9. Featuring a 100% responsibly resourced seafood menu & award winning Sunday Champagne Brunch, we are a must when it comes to the San Diego food scene. The dining room, purposely shaped like the state of California, allows for groups as grand as 50 yet private enough for a couple’s night out. Holiday brunches have been long time family traditions for many San Diegans. Start your family’s tradition this next holiday. With the best views of the Downtown City Skyline, Coronado & San Diego Bay, Tom Ham's is & remains a San Diego tradition in dining excellence since 1971.

A photo of Marina Kitchen - San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina restaurant

2. Marina Kitchen - San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina

4.3

Awesome(416)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Comfort Food • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

Marina Kitchen is a dynamic, chic and comfortable San Diego dining venue where people go to relax, socialize and take in the sights and sounds of a rhythmic and vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the San Diego coastline from our bay restaurant.

3. Bronze Bird

4.6

Exceptional(174)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 5 times today

Bronze Bird Food Wine & Spirits is a casual San Diego imbibery for the craft connoisseur, located in The Westin San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. Enjoy tasty takes on So Cal comfort fare with an impressive variety of shareable creations offered alongside entrée-driven dishes.

4. Monello

4.5

Awesome(2657)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 43 times today

As Bencotto's brother located next door,Monello lives up to its sibling's reputation as Best Italian restaurant in San Diego.From the 800 LB of fresh pasta handcrafted every week, Monello displays up to 27 different recipes of pasta. Mediterranean style seafood is served along with gourmet pizza.Monello delivers Pasta & Risotto tossed in the Parmigiano cheese wheel tableside.Unique Italian-style brunch is served on weekends.Voted Best Happy Hour 2016, Monello's Milanese Aperitivo offers small plates on the house with drinks every night.UNABLE TO FIND A TABLE? CHECK OUT OUR BROTHER RESTAURANT BENCOTTO NEXT DOOR

A photo of Claim Jumper - San Diego - Bayside restaurant

5. Claim Jumper - San Diego - Bayside

4.2

Awesome(578)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Little Italy

Booked 9 times today

Claim Jumper - San Diego - Bayside is a comfort food haven. With a wide-ranging menu including Certified Angus Beef®, fresh fish, baby back pork ribs, and fresh baked pot pie, there's something for everyone. Reviewers rave about the 'good quality food', 'excellent service', and 'pretty much always the same' consistency. The 'relaxed atmosphere' and 'great location near the bay' make it a cozy spot to enjoy their 'premium service and good food'. Whether it's a 'Thanksgiving dinner', a 'family style restaurant', or just a casual dinner, Claim Jumper is a place you'll always come back to.

A photo of Joe's Crab Shack - Rowing Club restaurant

6. Joe's Crab Shack - Rowing Club

4.1

Excellent(25)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Barrio Logan

Booked 3 times today

Joe’s Crab Shack offers a variety of favorites from all parts of the sea and shore. From its extensive menu, guests can choose from buckets of seasonal seafood, fried shrimp platters and fish dishes, as well as options from the “mainland” that include steak, sandwiches, and chicken. Guests can indulge in over-sized and creative cocktails, such as the Shark Bite which is playfully garnished with a shark toy. Since its inception, Joe’s popularity has stemmed not only from its menu, but also its retail store. With various pieces of merchandise for purchase, including the ever-popular tie-dye T-shirt with the phrase “Peace, Love and Crabs,” Joe’s has become synonymous with the word “fun.”

A photo of Great Maple San Diego restaurant

7. Great Maple San Diego

4.8

Exceptional(4473)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Hillcrest

Booked 83 times today

We Serve Dinner, Lunch, Brunch and Weekday Breakfast. We are a modern American eatery featuring seasonal fare, fresh house made pies, and local produce cocktails. We have a full bar and a social wine list. Open for Outdoor dining!

A photo of Rustic Root - Gaslamp restaurant

8. Rustic Root - Gaslamp

new

4.4

Awesome(1362)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Downtown

Booked 55 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 Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant

9. Louisiana Purchase SD

4.5

Awesome(759)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park

Booked 46 times today

Conveniently set on Louisiana Street in North Park, our design of this intimate cocktail restaurant was inspired by the charm &; character of New Orleans, with creative touches of personal effects giving guests the feeling of warmth, community & fun Architect Jeff Svitak helped create a modern interpretation of a classic French Quarter restaurant, introducing elements of wood, marble &; rich velvet. Our lush patio seating flows seamlessly into our indoor dining space, a nod to the courtyards found across the beautiful southern city.Our rotating food menu will be dedicated to only the best seasonal ingredients, featuring big &; bold flavors from the region. Executive Chef Quinnton Austin recently relocated to San Diego from New Orleans, bringing with him an exciting wealth of knowledge &; experience in the culinary melting pot that defines southern cuisineAlligator Cheesecake, Andouille Fried Red Beans & Rice w/Chipotle Mousse, &

10. Nonna

4.7

Exceptional(981)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 5 times today

Many restaurants in Little Italy have become destinations, among them the Busalacchi family's Nonna. The rustic décor features a relaxed country-style feel throughout the restaurant, including the delightful patio. The wonderfully welcoming atmosphere celebrates yet another delicious Sicilian food lineup, including pizzas and all that you would expect from an authentic Italian menu. The terrific entrées show the Sicilian influence, and fill the restaurant with great aromas.We would love to hear your feedback on your experience.

‘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

NJ
NancyJ
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Beautiful historic venue with views of San Diego Bay from almost every table. The views- continually changing from catamarans to Aircraft carriers. History- the dining room is in the shape of the State of California. The beacon of light has been shining on the bay for almost 100 years. It is maintained by the Coast Guard. Food- delicious and beautifully presented. We had mussels, fried oysters, grilled peppers, beet salad, and the Yellow tail fish. We were pleased with all of our selections. You can also order seafood individually. Server Alicia was quite informative and attentive. Thank you for a pleasingly memorable afternoon/evening.
More info
Tom Hams LighthousePrice: Expensive• Seafood• Downtown
•
4.6
R
RichVIP
Denver / Colorado •21 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We loved how friendly and attentive the service team was. The food was excellent - it was our first time trying pasta made in the cheese wheel.
More info
MonelloPrice: Expensive• Italian• Little Italy
•
4.5
E
Elna
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 3, 2025
We enjoyed eating @ joes crab we celebrate my son bday every year at this place in Harbor Dr SD
More info
Joe's Crab Shack - Rowing ClubPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Barrio Logan
•
4.1
L
LeslieVIP
San Diego •20 reviews
5.0
Dined on Feb 25, 2025
This is a great place to eat before going to the theatre. Food is carefully prepared, delicious and priced right. We are always pleased.
More info
Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6
J
Jennifer
Sacramento / Sacramento Valley •13 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 13, 2025
Absolutely delicious and excellent location when staying at Marriott Marquis.
More info
Marina Kitchen - San Diego Marriott Marquis & MarinaPrice: Expensive• Comfort Food• Downtown
•
4.3

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