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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Old Town

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43 restaurants available nearby

A photo of El Sueño restaurant
4.1
Excellent(203)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Old Town
Booked 24 times today
Coming Soon to Open Table!Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
4.0
Excellent(821)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Old Town
Booked 1 time today
Trattoria Don Pietro is a hit in San Diego's Old Town! With a trendy twist on traditional Italian cuisine, this restaurant is loved for its stunning ambience, excellent service, and fantastic food. One reviewer raved, 'Food, drinks and waiter amazing!' while another noted, 'The food was incredible.' Plus, it's located in a wisteria garden patio for an extra special touch. It's a must-visit for Italian food lovers in San Diego!
A photo of Herb & Wood restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(6561)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Little Italy
Booked 99 times today
A timeless, sought-after dining escape, celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey opened Herb & Wood to instant acclaim over four years ago. In that time, the restaurant has become an icon, a dining destination that has helped to propel San Diego's culinary reputation to new heights. By focusing on rustic, wood-fired dishes, Chef Malarkey's menu elevates humble ingredients such as carrots, beets, and chicken, incorporating Mediterranean flavors and a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability.
A photo of C-Level restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5043)
Price: Moderate
• Cocktail Bar • Downtown
Booked 142 times today
Resting on stilts atop San Diego By C Level Lounge, is an upscale-casual lounge on the waterfront overlooking the city skyline and Coronado.
A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3132)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 106 times today
Neighborhood gem located in the heart of the Historic North Park District, adjoining Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Specializing in homestyle Italian with Gourmet Flair. Hand made Pastas, Award Winning Pizza and Voted Best of Restaurants by San Diego Magazine "Most Romantic". Listed as Top 25 Places to Eat in San Diego "Before You Die" by San Diego Union Tribune. Make memorable celebrations on our beautiful patio, the perfect ambiance for any occasion. Remember to try our diners favorites, The Theodore's Fix Pizza and Baked Vodka Bolognese.Look forward to serving you soon!
A photo of Huntress restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(843)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Huntress is the most adventurous and energetic modern steakhouse in downtown San Diego, offering the finest cuts of meat, one of the largest collections of Japanese whisky brands in California, and a contemporary, lively atmosphere where music elevates every dish.
A photo of Crudo Ceviche & Oyster Bar restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(190)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Little Italy
Booked 11 times today
Authentic Baja-style, ceviche, and oyster restaurant. Unique tostadas, oysters, tiradito, clams
A photo of Ortega's  A Mexican Bistro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(1022)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • Hillcrest
Booked 2 times today
Ortega's Mexican Bistro is totally worth the drive! It's a vibrant and festive spot, offering authentic Puerto Nuevo flavors, from Baja style lobster to Chicken Mole. Reviewers rave about the 'amazing' food, 'stellar' service and the 'beautiful surroundings'. One diner even noted they've been dining here for 13 years and 'never ever have been disappointed'. So, if you're up for a memorable and refined dining experience, this is the place to be!
A photo of Louisiana Purchase SD restaurant
4.5
Awesome(740)
Price: Expensive
• Creole / Cajun / Southern • North Park
Booked 33 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, &
A photo of STK- San Diego restaurant
4.3
Awesome(3410)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 44 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.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • JesusVIP
    San Diego •73 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    I went for a "date night" with my wife. It was a Sunday night after a busy Valentine´s weekend so we experienced the restaurant in a smooth setting. The food was great, steaks cooked as ordered and flavourful. What highlighted the night was Chris our server, attentful, knowledgable and always giving the space, showing up to check on us at the correct time. Highly recommend this for every ocassion.
    More info
    HuntressPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
    4.6
  • NorikoVIP
    San Diego •19 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We had a fantastic time at Herb & Wood. Since we were both busy on Valentine’s Day, we decided to celebrate on Saturday instead. From the moment we arrived, everyone at the restaurant greeted us warmly and made us feel truly welcome. Our reservation was at 5 PM, so the restaurant wasn’t too crowded yet, but even as it filled up, the level of attentiveness remained exceptional. Our waiter, Troy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and offered great recommendations. For appetizers, we had the Sicilian Crudo and one of Troy’s suggestions—a warm dinner bread served with butter, honey, and herbs. I don’t remember the exact name, but it was absolutely delicious! For our main courses, my husband had the Iberico Pork, and I had the Roasted Branzino. The Branzino was packed with herbs and flavors—I usually can’t finish a large meal, but I couldn’t stop eating it. We were too full for dessert, though I wish we had saved room! It was our first time at Herb & Wood, but it’s now on our list of favorite restaurants for special occasions.
    More info
    Herb & WoodPrice: Expensive• Californian• Little Italy
    4.7
  • Juliana
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food, service, and ambiance was great!! Loved everything about my experience and would definitely go again!
    More info
    Salvatore's Cucina & LoungePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Downtown
    4.4
  • Geegee
    San Francisco Bay Area •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    I come here every year for a Valentine’s Day dinner with my little girl for our mom & daughter valentines date & every year they do amazing . Definitely our favorite tradition to come here. Food , service & everything - always amazing.
    More info
    The Melting Pot - Gaslamp QuarterPrice: Very Expensive• Fondue• Downtown
    4.7
  • SteffiVIP
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The assortment of fresh ceviche, tiraditos and crudo was amazing! Will take multiple visits to get through the fantastic menu! Service was excellent also.
    More info
    Crudo Ceviche & Oyster BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Little Italy
    4.8

Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Old Town

Embark on a culinary adventure in San Diego’s Old Town with restaurants that are absolutely "worth the drive." Each dining establishment in this historic area offers a unique blend of ambiance and authentic cuisine that promises a memorable meal away from the typical tourist spots. From rooftop dining with panoramic views to quaint patios surrounded by lush gardens, Old Town catifies to food enthusiasts seeking an immersive dining experience. Whether it’s authentic Mexican flavors crafted from old-world recipes or innovative takes on classic Italian dishes, the culinary offerings are as diverse as they are delightful. The dining scene in Old Town is renowned for its commitment to quality and authenticity, ensuring every meal is not just eaten, but experienced. Visitors rave about the exceptional service and the high-quality ingredients, which make each meal a testament to the chefs' passion and skill. Discover these hidden gems where each meal is worth the journey, ensuring a dining experience that is as scenic as it is savory.

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