Top 16 french dip in Downtown San Diego
Discover the taste of France in the heart of Downtown San Diego with our delicious French Dip sandwich. This classic dish combines tender, slow-cooked roast beef, melted Swiss cheese, and savory au jus, all served on a toasted baguette. Whether you're a local or a visitor, our French Dip in Downtown San Diego is a must-try culinary experience that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Paris. Indulge in this delectable sandwich and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of San Diego's downtown scene.
- 1. Appetite
- 2. Fred's Lunch Bag Deli
- 3. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant in Downtown San Diego
- 4. Saint James French Diner
- 5. The Melt in Downtown San Diego
- 6. Parfait Paris
- 7. BB's Deli
- 8. Mendocino Farms
- 9. Hazelwoods On the Bay
- 10. Al Teatro Panini Grill in Downtown San Diego
- 11. JRs Grill / G Street Deli
- 12. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
- 13. Ciné Café
- 14. Beach Hut Deli
- 15. Grab & Go Subs
- 16. Earl of Sandwich
1. Appetite
Local favorite with a cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices

The French dip sandwich I tried was decent, although the meat was somewhat dry. Fortunately, the au jus provided a flavorful contrast that improved the overall experience.
During lunch, I opted for the French dip and was thoroughly satisfied. The bread stood out as particularly fresh and complemented the savory meat well. Additionally, the dipping sauce added a rich and enjoyable element to the dish.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Budget-Friendly Eats
- Breakfast
Relate link
2. Fred's Lunch Bag Deli

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
Relate link
3. Dobson's Bar & Restaurant in Downtown San Diego
Housed in a historic building, offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere

The French dip sandwich at Dobson's is a must-try dish. The meat is known for its tenderness, and the au jus provides a burst of flavor that complements the savory beef. Many diners have raved about this sandwich, praising its high quality and delicious taste.
One of the standout elements of the French dip at Dobson's is the freshness of the bread. It has a soft and fluffy texture that provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. The beef is another highlight, as it is cooked to perfection and has a rich and satisfying flavor. Overall, this French dip is a top-notch dish that is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
Relate link
4. Saint James French Diner
Authentic French cuisine in the heart of San Diego

The French dip sandwich was a savory and delicious choice. It featured tender beef and perfectly toasted bread. Whether it's your first time trying it or you're a returning customer, the French dip is sure to impress.
If you're looking for a generous portion and satisfying taste, the French dip is the way to go. The sandwich features high-quality beef and crispy bread, all combined to create a fantastic flavor. It's easy to see why this sandwich is a popular choice.
TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
- Breakfast
5. The Melt in Downtown San Diego
Offers gluten-free bread and vegan options

The French Dip sandwich I tried was incredibly delicious. It featured bread that was crispy and well-toasted, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite. The meat was seasoned well and had a rich flavor that made each mouthful enjoyable. I would certainly order this sandwich again.
The Melt's French Dip is a standout dish. The beef is cooked to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat. The au jus sauce served alongside the sandwich adds an extra layer of flavor and is ideal for dipping. I highly recommend giving this French Dip a try.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
Relate link
6. Parfait Paris
Charming French-inspired cafe in the heart of San Diego

The French dip sandwich at Parfait Paris is a must-try for any sandwich lover. The beef is tender and juicy, providing a satisfying meaty flavor that is complemented by the rich and flavorful au jus. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning customer, this sandwich is sure to impress.
The French dip at Parfait Paris features a perfectly toasted bread that adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. The meat is juicy and well-seasoned, making for a delicious and indulgent sandwich experience. If you're looking for a new spot to try a French dip, Parfait Paris is definitely worth checking out. With its high-quality ingredients and satisfying flavors, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite.
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
Relate link
7. BB's Deli
Home-made bread, slow-cooked meats, and a variety of tasty sauces

BB's Deli's French Dip sandwich is a standout option, known for its delicious flavor and excellent dipping sauce. The beef used in the sandwich is tender and pairs well with the au jus, which is full of rich and savory taste. Overall, BB's Deli's French Dip is a highly recommended choice for anyone looking for a satisfying and tasty meal.
In summary, BB's Deli offers a French Dip sandwich that should not be missed. The tender beef and flavorful au jus create a perfect combination that is sure to delight. Whether you're a fan of sandwiches or just looking for something new to try, BB's Deli's French Dip is a great option. Highly recommended for its quality and taste!
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Cheap Eats
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
8. Mendocino Farms
Chef-driven concept with unique and gourmet twists on classic sandwiches

The French Dip at this location is a must-try. The bread is toasted to perfection, providing a satisfying crunch with each bite. The meat is juicy and flavorful, making for a delicious sandwich. The generous portion size ensures that you leave feeling full and satisfied.
The dipping sauce that accompanies the French Dip is equally impressive. It adds an extra layer of flavor to the sandwich and is just the right consistency. Overall, the French Dip is a standout dish that is worth coming back for.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
9. Hazelwoods On the Bay
Waterfront views, craft beers, and happy hour specials

The French Dip sandwich I ordered was a satisfying meal with excellent flavor. One of my favorite aspects of the dish was the generous portion size, which ensured I left feeling full and content. The highlight of the meal, however, was the tender and juicy beef inside the sandwich, which was perfectly complemented by the savory au jus dipping sauce.
If you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, I highly recommend trying the French Dip. The sandwich was exceptional, and the au jus dipping sauce was absolute perfection. The combination of the high-quality ingredients and the perfect seasoning made for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my meal and would gladly order it again.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Waterfront
- Breakfast
10. Al Teatro Panini Grill in Downtown San Diego
Family-owned and operated since 1975, Casual atmosphere, Friendly service

The French Dip sandwich at the establishment is highly recommended. It features perfectly toasted bread that provides a satisfying crunch with each bite. The meat is juicy and cooked to perfection, making it a standout dish. Whether you're a fan of French Dips or looking to try something new, this sandwich is sure to impress.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Italian Cuisine
- Cheap Eats
- Lunch
11. JRs Grill / G Street Deli
Family-owned and operated for over 40 years, Special sauce and fresh-baked bread

The service at this establishment is commendable, with staff going above and beyond to ensure a great dining experience. A standout menu item is the French Dip, which arrives in a generous portion and offers a delightful taste sensation.
Indeed, the French Dip sandwich is a definite highlight, featuring tender meat that is cooked to perfection. The au jus that accompanies the sandwich is full of flavor, adding an extra element of deliciousness to this dish. Diners should not miss the opportunity to try this exceptional French Dip during their visit.
TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Budget-Friendly Eats
Relate link
12. The Crack Shack - Little Italy
Innovative twists on classic sandwiches, locally sourced ingredients

A friend's recommendation led me to try the French dip, and I was not disappointed. The portion size was generous, and the taste was excellent. The flavors were on point, making for a satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Lunch
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
13. Ciné Café
Local favorite serving sandwiches, salads, and coffee in a converted historic building

The French dip sandwich is a delightful dish, known for its tender meat and flavorful au jus. Many restaurants offer their unique take on this classic sandwich, but the one I had the pleasure of trying stood out. Ciné Café served a French dip sandwich that was incredibly delicious, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The bread was fresh and crispy, providing a nice contrast to the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef. The au jus had a rich and savory taste that elevated the sandwich to a whole new level. Ciné Café's French dip is undoubtedly one of the best I have ever had, and I highly recommend giving it a try if you're in the area.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
Relate link
14. Beach Hut Deli
Family-owned deli with a casual, beach-themed atmosphere.

Beach Hut Deli's French Dip sandwich is a recommended option for those looking for a satisfying meal. The portion size is generous, providing a substantial amount of food for its customers. The dipping sauce that accompanies the sandwich enhances its flavor, making every bite enjoyable.
The beef used in the French Dip is tender, providing a pleasant texture that complements the rest of the sandwich's components. The au jus sauce that comes with it is flavorful, adding a rich and savory taste that elevates the sandwich to a new level. Overall, the Beach Hut Deli's French Dip is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Waterfront
- Budget-Friendly Eats
15. Grab & Go Subs
Located in the Little Italy Food Hall, Offers catering services

The French Dip sandwich at both locations, Grab & Go Subs and an unnamed restaurant, received high praise for its delicious taste. The bread was consistently described as fresh, while the meat was reported to be perfectly cooked and tender. The au jus at Grab & Go Subs was noted for its delicious flavor.
In summary, the French Dip sandwich is a must-try dish at both Grab & Go Subs and the other unnamed restaurant. The freshness of the bread and the quality of the meat were common highlights in both reviews. Additionally, Grab & Go Subs was specifically commended for the flavorful au jus that accompanied its French Dip sandwich.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Social Gatherings
Relate link
16. Earl of Sandwich
Family-owned business with high-quality ingredients and casual atmosphere.

The French dip sandwich is truly delightful and offers great value for its price. It is generously sized, making it a filling meal option. What makes this sandwich exceptional is its fresh ingredients and the top-notch bread that enhances its taste.
Visiting this deli is highly recommended, not only for their delicious French dip sandwich but also for their exceptional service. The staff is friendly and attentive, adding to the overall positive dining experience. The promise of a return visit to this establishment is a testament to the quality of food and service they provide.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Lunch
Relate link