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Best Authentic Restaurants in Old Town

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120 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Sueño restaurant
3.9
Excellent(165)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 22 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
4.4
Awesome(615)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 17 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
4.5
Awesome(794)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 19 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
4.6
Exceptional(1861)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 28 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
3.9
Excellent(1142)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 5 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
4.4
Awesome(315)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 3 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
4.8
Exceptional(1157)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 4 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
4.4
Awesome(8)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 1 time 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 Seneca restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4108)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 98 times today
Roman trattorias are a timeless expression of simplicity. Immune to the lure of gastronomic experimentation and ego. In Rome, no chef can cook better than the mothers and grandmothers before them. Our goal is to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available to us in San Diego. A True Roman Holiday In SD. A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.
A photo of Juniper & Ivy restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7995)
Price: Expensive
• Unspecified • Little Italy
Booked 54 times today
Nationally-acclaimed Juniper and Ivy-consistently ranked "Best of the Best" by San Diego Magazine, and recognized as a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand establishment-is a foodie paradise on the edge of San Diego's Little Italy. The kitchen delivers a constantly rotating, chef-driven menu that uses hand-selected, seasonal ingredients crafted with precision, passion, and creativity. Founded by Owner Michael Rosen, Juniper's kitchen is backed by a supergroup of culinary minds that produce one of the most refined yet imaginative menus in town, paired with an award-winning wine list from the city's top sommeliers.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • David
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Charming restaurant and bar in old town. Sat at the friendly bar, and enjoyed a cocktail, and a flight of great mezcal along with Tacos, and house special guacamole and chips/salsas. All food was presented nicely and was fresh and delicious. Very fun place.
    More info
    Tahona BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.4
  • Girija
    Corpus Christi / McAllen •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Great food, great service and beautiful decor! Came here for my birthday and loved it. So happy I did! :)
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    4.5
  • NaShawnFvip
    Las Vegas •17 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    The food was great as well as the service. The only downside was it was chilly night and the restaurants indoor option is still sort of outside. The heat lamps helped some, but cold winds still got in. Bring a jacket or sweater on chilly nights!
    More info
    Rockin Baja Lobster Old TownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    4.6
  • Keith
    Denver / Colorado •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    We cut a narrow path through the menu. She had a spicy margarita, I had the Oh Behave (a horchata/rum concoction that was most yummy). We split the queso fundido, and seriously, we could have stopped there, as we're apparently in our eat-like-a-bird era. But no, we plowed ahead, gorging on lobster tacos and enchiladas del mar--all of it was awesome and we each got down like three bites. These are not huge portions (nor are they small)--it is us, of woefully tiny stomachs. Oh well, go, go hungry. You'll be satisfied.
    More info
    El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    3.9
  • Julie
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Nov 10, 2024
    I feel adding more breakfast items to your Sunday brunch would help boost business. Only offering one breakfast item doesn’t make much sense to me.
    More info
    Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & CantinaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    3.9

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.

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