Best of 24 lunch restaurants in Downtown San Diego San Diego
Discover our curated list of top-ranked lunch restaurants in Downtown San Diego San Diego, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like Ironside Fish & Oyster, La Puerta, Puesto At The Headquarters, Hodad's Downtown, Breakfast Republic. Let's explore together!
- 1. Ironside Fish & Oyster
- 2. La Puerta
- 3. Puesto At The Headquarters
- 4. Hodad's Downtown
- 5. Breakfast Republic
- 6. The Old Spaghetti Factory
- 7. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
- 8. Broken Yolk Cafe
- 9. The Mission/ East Village
- 10. Water Grill San Diego
- 11. Herb & Wood
- 12. Juniper & Ivy
- 13. The Taco Stand
- 14. Roy's Restaurant
- 15. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
- 16. Queenstown Public House
- 17. Rustic Root
- 18. Meze Greek Fusion
- 19. Lucky's Lunch Counter
- 20. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
- 21. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
- 22. Bayou Kitchen
- 23. Neighborhood
- 24. Tender Greens
1. Ironside Fish & Oyster
A modern, upscale coastal seafood restaurant and oyster bar

As we sat there, the tantalizing aroma of seafood teased our senses, making the anticipation for the food even more unbearable. Sadly, our experience was cut short as we never got the chance to delve into the menu and savor the acclaimed dishes that had drawn us to Ironside Fish & Oyster in the first place. The echoes of laughter and clinking glasses around us only served as a stark reminder of what we had missed out on.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Kosher Options
- High-End
- Dinner
2. La Puerta
Authentic Mexican cuisine in the heart of San Diego

Traveling all the way from Toronto to San Diego solely to revisit La Puerta is a testament to its irresistible charm. Introduce your loved ones to the melding of American and Mexican culinary traditions, creating a symphony of tastes that titillate the palate. Let La Puerta be the backdrop to unforgettable moments shared over delectable dishes, making it a destination worth revisiting time and time again.
TOPICS
- Indian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Dinner
- Downtown Spots
3. Puesto At The Headquarters
Famous San Diego eatery with a lively atmosphere and craft beer

Our meal at Puesto commenced with a delightful appetizer of Chips & Salsa, followed by a selection of Potato Taquitos, vegetable and fish tacos, mushrooms, and the flavorful Britto Rice Bowl. While the dishes were mostly scrumptious, the fish taco fell short due to an unpleasant odor. The restaurant's setting at Seaport Village exudes a pleasant ambiance, complemented by a helpful and attentive staff.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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4. Hodad's Downtown
Award-winning burgers and a popular spot among locals and tourists

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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5. Breakfast Republic
Kid-friendly menu with fun names, extensive drink menu

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Social Gatherings
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6. The Old Spaghetti Factory
Family-friendly with a nostalgic ambiance and a classic spaghetti menu.

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Corporate Events
7. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Praised by Anthony Bourdain, known for using cage-free chickens

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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8. Broken Yolk Cafe
Known for their award-winning breakfast and brunch

Our visit to Broken Yolk Cafe was a pleasant one, with commendable service and a welcoming ambiance. While the food didn't quite reach the pinnacle of extraordinary, it still pleased the palate. A reliable spot for a satisfying breakfast that promises to hit the spot.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
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9. The Mission/ East Village
Authentic Mexican food with a modern twist in a cozy atmosphere

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
- Dinner
10. Water Grill San Diego
Upscale seafood dining with a raw bar and sushi bar

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- High-End
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11. Herb & Wood
Award-winning chef, locally sourced ingredients, intimate ambiance

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Asian Cuisine
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
12. Juniper & Ivy
High-end dining experience with a focus on unique ingredients and presentation

TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Fusion Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
13. The Taco Stand
Authentic street-style tacos in the heart of San Diego

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Late Night
- Downtown Spots
14. Roy's Restaurant
Signature Hawaiian-inspired dishes in a fine dining setting

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Waterfront
- High-End
15. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
Features a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, perfect for after-work drinks or watching sports

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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16. Queenstown Public House
New Zealand-themed gastropub in a historic building with a spacious patio

️ 1557 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101 ️ 619-546-0444 Website Hours of operation Sunday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. m. to 10 p.m. m. Monday: 11 a.m. m. to 10 p.m. m. Tuesday: 11 a.m. m. to 10 p.m. m. Wednesday: 11 a.m. m. to 10 p.m. m. Thursday: 11 a.m. m. to 10 p.m. m. Friday: 11 a.m. m. to 11 p.m. m. Saturday: 9 a.m. m. to 11 p.m. m. Highlights Delicious food Unique atmosphere Reasonable prices Friendly service Large portions First of all, the macaroni and cheese at Queenstown Public House was absolutely divine. The combination of Gouda, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses resulted in a creamy, flavorful dish that left me wanting more. But it wasn't just the macaroni and cheese that caught my attention. The entire menu was full of delicious options that I can't wait to go back and try. The atmosphere at Queenstown Public House is also worth mentioning. It's unique and quirky, with a rustic feel that transports you straight to New Zealand. The restaurant is actually a renovated house, which adds to its charm. And let's not forget the outdoor patio - it's perfect for enjoying a meal in the beautiful San Diego weather. What surprised me most about Queenstown Public House was their reasonable prices. For such large portions of food, I expected to pay much more than I did. Plus, the friendly service from everyone present made my experience even better. Overall, I highly recommend visiting Queenstown Public House for its delicious macaroni and cheese (among other things), unique atmosphere, reasonable prices, friendly service, and large portions. Trust me, you won't regret it! You may also want to check out the best restaurants in LA Jolla.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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17. Rustic Root
A unique dining experience with a modern twist on comfort food

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Late Night
18. Meze Greek Fusion
Unique Greek fusion cuisine in a stylish setting

TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
19. Lucky's Lunch Counter
Traditional American comfort food

️ 338 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 ️ 619-255-4782 Website Hours of Operation Sunday: 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Monday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Tuesday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Wednesday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Thursday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Friday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Saturday: 7 a.m. m. to 3 p.m. m. Highlights Unpretentious Atmosphere Quick Service Huge Pancakes Upon entering Lucky's Lunch Counter, I immediately noticed their unpretentious atmosphere. The retro decor and cozy tables made me feel like I had stepped back in time to the golden age of diners. The friendly staff greeted me with a warm smile and quickly seated me. The service at Lucky's was incredibly fast. It seemed like my order was taken before I even finished reading the menu. They must have a sixth sense for hungry customers! My food arrived in no time, leaving me impressed by its efficiency. Now let's talk about the main event: the food. Lucky's is famous for their huge pancakes, and boy, do they deliver! These fluffy treats were as big as a frisbee and just as satisfying. Topped with a dollop of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup, each bite was a pleasurable experience. Maybe I need to hit the gym after this pancake feast! In addition to their famous pancakes, Lucky's offers a variety of classic dishes that will please any palate. From juicy burgers to crispy fries, they cover all your comfort food cravings. Overall, my visit to Lucky's Lunch Counter was pleasant. The unpretentious atmosphere, along with the fast service and delicious giant pancakes, made this dining experience truly memorable. Whether you're looking for a hearty breakfast or a satisfying lunch, be sure to stop by Lucky's for old-school charm and delicious eats. You might also want to check out the best tacos in San Diego.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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20. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
Industrial-chic gastropub with a large selection of drinks and elevated bar fare

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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21. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant
AAA Four Diamond restaurant since 1985

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
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22. Bayou Kitchen
Authentic Southern cooking with a lively atmosphere and live music

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
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23. Neighborhood
Authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a convenient Downtown location

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Late Night
- Affordable Nightlife
24. Tender Greens
Committed to ethical sourcing and environmentally friendly operations

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Downtown Spots
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