Best Lunch Restaurants in Downtown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchMexican

Regions

East CountySan Diego

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillBay ParkChula Vista / BonitaCollege AreaCoronadoDowntown

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

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

188 restaurants available nearby

1. Lumi

4.6

Exceptional(720)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Japanese • Downtown

Booked 38 times today

Featuring world-renowned celebrity chef Akira Back, Lumi is an energetic and upscale rooftop experience serving innovative Japanese fare and sushi accompanied by handcrafted libations in a vividly unique atmosphere.

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

2. Saint James French Diner

4.6

Exceptional(275)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown

Booked 19 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

A photo of Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego restaurant

3. Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego

4.7

Exceptional(1009)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • Downtown

Booked 28 times today

Provisional Kitchen, Café & Mercantile, open for daily for brunch and select evenings for dinner. Provisional is a sprawling, sunlit communal dining space featuring a Vittoria Coffee espresso bar, bistro tables, and a retail space set within a greenhouse, where guests can shop a curated collection of homeware, ceramics, apothecary items, pantry staples, and jewelry.Provisional serves some of the best cuisine in the city, featuring favorites such as housemade pasta, woodfire-oven baked pizza and Italian-inspired entrées; our lively brunch features bottomless mimosas and seasonal creations.

4. STK- San Diego

4.3

Awesome(3432)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 55 times today

STK Steakhouse is “not your daddy’s steakhouse,” offering a high-energy dining experience that artfully combines the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse with a Vibe Dining atmosphere unlike any other. Delectable cuisine, upscale cocktails and an elevated Happy Hour, along with an in-house DJ and chic décor, all come together to offer a memorable fine dining experience that keeps guests enjoying their evening from drinks to dinner to late night. STK’s menu features reimagined classic American cuisine for lunch, brunch and dinner with unique local flair infused into each location’s menu. The brand’s beef program focuses on the highest quality, delicious and craveable steaks while emphasizing transparency and traceable sourcing practices.

5. Grant Grill

4.6

Exceptional(1656)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 14 times today

A remarkable epicurean experience awaits you at Grant Grill and Lounge. From the iconic, chic setting to our fresh California cuisine and innovative libations, Grant Grill and Lounge carries a tradition of excellence rich in history (since 1951) and history-in-the-making. Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus highlight the best ingredients of the season with a fresh approach to classics. From the bar, proprietary beverage creations are offered alongside an impressive menu of wine, beer and cocktails.

A photo of Fogo de Chao - San Diego restaurant

6. Fogo de Chao - San Diego

4.0

Excellent(3918)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Brazilian • Downtown

Booked 97 times today

Fogo de Chão is an internationally-renowned steakhouse from Brazil that allows guests to discover what's next at every turn. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old culinary art of churrasco - roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame - into a cultural dining experience of discovery. Please join us in our dining room, in our more casual Bar Fogo, or bring the Fogo Experience to you with Fogo To-Go or Catering. Visit our website to make a reservation or place an order.

A photo of Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge restaurant

7. Salvatore's Cucina & Lounge

4.3

Awesome(651)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary Italian • Downtown

Booked 26 times today

Located in the heart of Downtown San Diego near the marina district, Salvatore's inspired by the elegant minimalist details of nature. Salvatores is walking distance from the San Diego convention center and downtown hotel/resort district. The kitchen draws influence from the shores of the Mediterranean and Italy, while creating a visionary express of flavorful and modern California Mediterranean cuisine. Salvatores San Diego embodies a multi-sensory culinary sanctuary for our guests to escape, disconnect and have a great time. EUDAIMONIA' the contended, happy state you feel when you travel.

8. 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.

9. Swing Social

new

4.5

Awesome(14)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• American • Downtown

Booked 11 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.

A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant

10. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(1454)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 9 times today

Dobson's Bar and Restaurant is a hidden treasure in the heart of Downtown San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter. For the last 40 years, this has been the hot spot for business lunches and frequented by many local and nationwide celebrities. Paul Dobson, the namesake for Dobson's bar and restaurant, is one of America's few professional Bullfighters. The food is California cuisine with a touch of Italian, French, Spanish and Asian cuisine. One thing that both local San Diegans and Zagat can agree on is that this is one of the top restaurants in San Diego. Due to the limited seating and popularity, reservations are highly recommended. Owner Paul Dobson "works a room better than Sinatra", which explains why this "local tradition" downtown remains, "after all these years", a "high-powered, hobnob spot"; the Cal kitchen "serves up delicious, innovative food, along with old standbys" ("have the mussel bisque and think of heaven").

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Michael
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Our family had an outstanding experience. The staff made our 4 and 11 year olds feel special while we enjoyed a delicious fine dining experience. Highly recommend for families looking for a special meal.
More info
Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
•
4.6
C
ChipVIP
Atlanta •10 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Creighton (sp?) and Shea were the cherry on top of great service and a great meal. Steak frites and chicken were enjoyed with Ratatouille and green beans. lovely Sancerre to enjoy as well
More info
Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
•
4.6
M
Michael
Los Angeles •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The experience here was great. The atmosphere was lively and very inviting. Food was delicious but a bit pricey. Overall very satisfied with STK. Would recommend highly as long as you are ready for bill over $200 easy.
More info
STK- San DiegoPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
•
4.3
J
JohnVIP
San Diego •127 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
We had a great date night at Lumi. We tried a variety of menu items. Everything was delicious. We tried some of their cocktails this visit and they were interesting and tasty. As always the staff is great and the service was excellent. We have already booked our next reservation.
More info
LumiPrice: Expensive• Japanese• Downtown
•
4.6
G
George
New York City •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
We had an amazing experience our waiter was excellent knowledgeable, and very patient. The food was amazing, we will definitely be back
More info
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San DiegoPrice: Expensive• American• Downtown
•
4.7

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