Best Fun Restaurants in San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSeafoodMexicanJapaneseChinese

Regions

San Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBarrio LoganChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaDowntownHillcrest

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine winesGreat for happy hour

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

44 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(115)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Asian • Downtown

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

3.9

Excellent(29)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Chinese • Downtown

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.

A photo of Mr. Tempo Sports Bar restaurant

3. Mr. Tempo Sports Bar

4.0

Excellent(4)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sports Bar • Barrio Logan

MR.TEMPO SPORTS BARUNIQUE EXPERIENCE. GOOD VIBES ONLY! #MASCHINGON

A photo of Zama Restaurant & Bar restaurant

4. Zama Restaurant & Bar

3.9

Excellent(345)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Sushi • Downtown

Located in San Diego’s vibrant downtown, Zama brings Latin American cuisine with an Asian infusion in a captivating space inspired by the Amazonian jungle. Zama will focus on Latin American cuisine with the addition of Peruvian and Mexican dishes like Carpaccio, Agua Chile and Tartar and a Japanese-inspired sushi bar created by Chef Tayuka Kudo (formerly of Nobu and Lumi) against the extravagant backdrop of the lush jungle-inspired space.

5. Brisa

new

4.5

Awesome(18)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Little Italy

Booked 26 times today

Brisa is a lively spot in San Diego’s Little Italy serving up bold Latin and Asian fusion flavors in a fun, laid-back setting. The menu is all about fresh ingredients and creative twists—from zesty ceviches to spicy noodles and shareable street food-inspired plates. With its vibrant, plant-filled space and upbeat vibe, Brisa is the perfect hangout for casual bites, craft cocktails, and good times with friends.

6. Books + Records

4.7

Exceptional(457)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Banker's Hill

Global inspired American cuisine, craft cocktails, and weekend brunch in an upbeat atmosphere, with live music.Chef Ryan Stickel is serving up San Diego's freshest food takes in an art deco meets mid-century mod warehouse space. With a tenured run on both Eater's Heat Map and list of San Diego's Hottest Cocktail Bars, the food and drinks are both guaranteed to delight your senses.

7. Monello

4.6

Exceptional(2680)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

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

8. Swing Social

4.5

Awesome(15)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 3 times today

Swing Social is a high-energy dining and drinking experience in the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant features three Full Swing simulators, over 13 interactive virtual sports, exciting cocktails, spirited décor, and handcrafted fare. Swing Social is the perfect place to enjoy a night out with friends or family. The restaurant offers a variety of menu items, including appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Swing Social also has a happy hour menu with discounted food and drinks. The restaurant is open for lunch, dinner, and brunch on weekends. Swing Social is a great place to watch sports, play games, and enjoy a delicious meal. The restaurant is also available for private events.

9. Nolita Hall

4.4

Awesome(827)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Italian • Little Italy

Booked 20 times today

Nolita was inspired by the famous neighborhood in New York City – coined as such for being “North of Little Italy”. Upon opening in 2018, Nolita Hall was awarded an Orchid Award for the stunning interior design provided by Tecture Design and Fabrication.Nolita Hall provides Little Italy with a much needed communal space to enjoy a first class dining and craft cocktail experience, without missing the big games. Our kitchen boasts a Fiori woodfire oven, contributing to most of our Italian inspired menu. Our beverage program provides approachable cocktails with uncompromising integrity of ingredient procurement.

10. MOTHERSHIP

4.7

Exceptional(442)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Tapas / Small Plates • North Park

Booked 51 times today

Tropical space adventure in South Park! Exotic cocktails. Interplanetary fusion small plates. Named Best Bars In America by Esquire Magazine. Reservations offer 90-minute experience like no other, venturing towards the outer limits of the tropical flavor galaxy! WALK INS WELCOME - Walk-in tables are available daily. Early arrival is encouraged and there is a paging system in the event of a waitlist.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

B
BritneyVIP
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Amazing, did not disappoint! Food was absolutely delicious, spectacular drinks and vibes!
More info
Zama Restaurant & BarPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Downtown
•
3.9
P
Paul
San Diego •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Service was excellent, very friendly atmosphere and the food was outstanding. I had the smoked pork and it was by far the best I have ever had.
More info
BrisaPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Little Italy
•
4.5
K
KimVIP
Los Angeles •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Lovely place - I wanted Thai or sushi and got both! Meanwhile hubby wanted a steak, and we both won!!
More info
AKA San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Asian• Downtown
•
4.2
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego •6 reviews
5.0
Dined on Apr 13, 2025
Dined here to celebrate my friends birthday and had a wonderful time.
More info
Year of the FortunePrice: Moderate• Chinese• Downtown
•
3.9
C
Charlie
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Sep 28, 2024
Great ambiance, delicious food, good drinks, and quick service. Great place for a night out or a drink when watching sports on the big screen.
More info
Mr. Tempo Sports BarPrice: Moderate• Sports Bar• Barrio Logan
•
4

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