Top 21 diners in Gaslamp Quarter
Diners in Gaslamp Quarter, located in downtown San Diego, offer a wide variety of dining experiences. This vibrant district is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse restaurant scene, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. Here are the top 5 diners to check out: barleymash, Werewolf, Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp, Lou & Mickey's, and Cafe 21 Gaslamp. Each one brings its own unique flair to the table, so be sure to visit them all!
- 1. Saint James French Diner
- 2. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
- 3. Maryjane's
- 4. Werewolf
- 5. Ciné Café in Gaslamp Quarter
- 6. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
- 7. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
- 8. Lou & Mickey's
- 9. Rustic Root
- 10. Bronze Bird in Gaslamp Quarter
- 11. barleymash
- 12. Cafe 21 Gaslamp
- 13. Osteria Panevino
- 14. The Melt
- 15. Gaslamp Tavern
- 16. Ghost Heist Taco's in Gaslamp Quarter
- 17. Taste & Thirst
- 18. The Smoking Gun SD
- 19. Gaslamp Eatery
- 20. Gaslamp Burger
- 21. R&B Brunch at Day N Nite SD in Gaslamp Quarter
1. Saint James French Diner

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Vegan Options
- Happy Hours
- Breakfast
2. Gaslamp Breakfast Company
Perfect spot for special occasions or weekend brunch with friends

I had a fantastic breakfast at a cool spot with a great vibe. The service was exceptional, and the food was full of flavor, making it a great change for tourists from the East. The atmosphere was delightful, and the staff provided excellent service while we enjoyed delicious food. Our group of eight was accommodated at a round table, making our dining experience even more enjoyable.
Upon entering, I was delighted to find this new little breakfast spot in the heart of Gaslamp. The menu offered great options, and their coffee was served in the coolest big metal mugs. The restaurant had a fantastic and welcoming ambiance, making it an enjoyable spot to start our day. I would definitely return and recommend the place to others seeking a delicious and satisfying breakfast experience.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Breakfast
3. Maryjane's
Upscale dining experience with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Downtown Spots
- Cheap Eats
4. Werewolf
Immersive and interactive dining experience with a werewolf theme

Werewolf is a highly recommended restaurant in San Diego known for its delicious food and exceptional service. The staff are renowned for their friendliness, warmth, and attentiveness, creating a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. The menu offers a diverse range of dishes, from breakfast burritos to creative salads, all made with high-quality ingredients and generous portions.
In addition to the excellent service and food, Werewolf also offers unique herbal liquor served only in-house and strong cocktails, making it a great spot for brunch with a lively DJ. The biscuits and gravy and chilaquiles are particularly noteworthy standouts. Overall, Werewolf is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for great food and a fantastic dining experience in San Diego.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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5. Ciné Café in Gaslamp Quarter
A combined cinema and café offering a cozy and intimate atmosphere for watching movies while enjoying food and drinks

Cine' Cafe' is a unique establishment in the Gaslamp district, combining the concept of a corner store with a vast array of products and services. It's a smaller-scale grocery store that offers a surprising variety of items, from food and liquor to household necessities and office products. Its offerings are diverse, ranging from fresh produce to frozen TV dinners, making it a convenient one-stop-shop for many customers.
One standout feature of Cine' Cafe' is its deli, which offers delicious and fresh sandwiches made with care. The deli sandwiches are a popular choice for lunch due to their satisfying taste and quality ingredients. Whether you're looking for a quick and convenient meal or a place to buy groceries and household items, Cine' Cafe' has got you covered with its extensive range of products and services.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
6. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar
Industrial-chic hangout with inventive comfort food & a vast craft beer list

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Mid-Range
- Dinner
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7. Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
Modern sports bar with a focus on local and sustainable ingredients

Discover the heart of San Diego's Gaslamp district at Union Kitchen and Tap, where every bite and sip is infused with pure enjoyment. This vibrant hotspot exudes a lively atmosphere, offering an array of delicious dishes and creative drinks. Conveniently situated amidst a bustling culinary scene, it's the perfect starting point for a night of dining and mingling with nearby restaurants and bars.
TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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8. Lou & Mickey's
Elegant and romantic atmosphere with live music on weekends

In San Diego for a business lunch, we chose Lou & Mickey's, an upscale restaurant specializing in steak and seafood near the convention center. Our experience revealed proficient cooking of steak, with my business partner's steak deemed superior to others he had in San Diego, though not quite reaching Midwestern standards, earning a B+.
During a recent visit, we enjoyed a delightful birthday celebration at Lou & Mickey's, savoring the exquisite porterhouse sharer steak. The flawless service contributed to an unforgettable dining experience. Initially selecting this establishment due to its appearance in a favorite Korean drama (Heirs), we were not disappointed.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
9. Rustic Root
Creative American comfort food in a rustic-chic setting

Rustic Root offers signature cocktails and craft drinks, including some that are highly regarded for their great and delicious taste. However, some reviewers have noted the high prices of these mixed drinks. The service at Rustic Root is generally seen as friendly, accommodating, and efficient. However, there is room for improvement in terms of helpfulness and attentiveness, according to some customers.
The food at Rustic Root is another highlight, with options like Glazed Pork Belly, Lamb Sausage, Salmon Blini, Tomahawk steak, and more. While many reviewers have praised the flavor and quality of the food, others have found it to be substandard and overpriced. During brunch, Rustic Root offers tantalizing drinks like Spicy Bloody Mary and Peach Mimosa. The menu features flavorful dishes such as customized vegetarian Eggs Benedict, crispy fried chicken, and pork belly fried rice. The cornbread waffle is a unique standout.
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Rustic Root offers a variety of signature cocktails and craft drinks, but some reviewers find the mixed drinks to be overpriced. The service is generally friendly and efficient, but there is room for improvement in terms of helpfulness and attentiveness. The food is delicious, with options like Glazed Pork Belly, Lamb Sausage, Salmon Blini, and Tomahawk steak. During brunch, Rustic Root serves tantalizing drinks and flavorful dishes such as Eggs Benedict, crispy fried chicken, and pork belly fried rice.
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TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Hidden Gems
- Late Night
10. Bronze Bird in Gaslamp Quarter

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
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11. barleymash
Over 100 beers on tap and a variety of whiskeys

Barleymash is a popular American restaurant in downtown San Diego, known for its lively bar atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Ideal for sports fans, the venue boasts 20 TVs, making it a great spot to catch the game. The regular menu is available until 10 pm, followed by a delicious selection of flatbread pizzas. Standout dishes include the tender and mouthwatering short ribs and the well-recommended mahi-mahi.
As a highly-rated establishment, barleymash continues to impress patrons with its unique offerings. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in its consistently delicious food, such as the still-popular short ribs that have remained a favorite for years. For those seeking a satisfying seafood option, the mahi-mahi is a perfect choice. With its inviting ambiance and delectable fare, barleymash is a top pick for a night out in San Diego.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Vegetarian Options
- Happy Hours
12. Cafe 21 Gaslamp
Romantic atmosphere with heated outdoor patio and cozy fireplace

Amanthus Restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, as well as flavorful drinks, including their signature Amanthus spritz. The restaurant is known for its unique Middle Eastern-inspired ambiance and cuisine. For breakfast, they serve fresh, farm-to-table items and are famous for their latte drinks.
In addition to their food and ambiance, Amanthus Restaurant also offers a popular brunch menu. Standout dishes include their Turkey eggs benedict and mimosas, as well as fresh-squeezed orange juice. The restaurant takes pride in providing high-quality, flavorful dishes and drinks, making it a must-visit destination for those looking for a unique and delicious dining experience.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Vegetarian Options
- Downtown Spots
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13. Osteria Panevino
Authentic Italian food in a fine dining setting

Osteria Panevino is a classy Italian restaurant located in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter, known for its lively atmosphere and people-watching opportunities. The restaurant offers a great selection of fine wines and is an excellent choice for special occasions. As the oldest restaurant in the area, it has won several awards for its Italian cuisine, making it a popular choice for families and food lovers alike.
With its prime location, Osteria Panevino offers a perfect spot for casting sly glances at the diverse crowd outside. The restaurant's charming ambiance and delicious food make it a great place to take a date on a weeknight when the crowds are more tolerable. The menu features a variety of Italian dishes that will surely excite your taste buds, and if you're lucky, you might even get a table on the patio to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Gaslamp Quarter while savoring your meal.
TOPICS
- Celebrations
- Italian Cuisine
- High-End
14. The Melt
Comfort food with a gourmet twist in a relaxed setting

I recently visited a restaurant and had a fantastic burger experience. The burgers were freshly made and generously stuffed, making for a delicious meal. The aroma of grilled meat greeted me upon entering the spacious, bright restaurant with an Instagram-worthy brick wall. However, despite the overall positive experience, I decided to give it 4 stars instead of 5 because the burgers were a bit too greasy and heavy for my preference.
While exploring the Gaslamp district, I stumbled upon this hidden gem. The burgers were awesome, and the messy and melty aspect only added to their appeal. The aroma of grilled meat was tantalizing, and the restaurant's atmosphere was warm and inviting. Although the burgers were delicious, they were a bit too greasy for my taste, which is why I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend stopping by this restaurant for a satisfying and worthwhile meal.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
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15. Gaslamp Tavern
Features live music and DJs on weekends, happy hour specials, and a rooftop bar

I visited the restaurant around 7:30 PM on a weekday evening and found it to be not too crowded. The fried chicken was the highlight of my meal, delivering on taste and satisfaction. However, the bartender seemed uninterested and failed to make me feel welcome.
As I sat at the wrap-around bar, I took in the sights of the Gaslamp area and felt a sense of normalcy with vaccinations becoming more widespread. Miguel, the lone bartender, did an admirable job despite being short-staffed. The canned mystery beer turned out to be a Fat Tire, which I enjoyed for only $4. The sliders were also a hit, priced at $9 for three.
Patrick, our server and bartender, exceeded expectations with his friendly and attentive service. He recommended the burgers, which turned out to be a great choice. The burger came with a choice of tots, fries, or even a salad, and the prices were reasonable for the area. The clean restrooms and cold beer were added bonuses.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Corporate Events
- American Cuisine
- Dinner
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16. Ghost Heist Taco's in Gaslamp Quarter
Experience a spooktacular dining event with unique and delicious offerings

TOPICS
- Mexican Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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17. Taste & Thirst
Extensive craft beer selection and sports viewing

TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
- Downtown Spots
18. The Smoking Gun SD
Unique Southern-style dishes and lively atmosphere

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Celebrations
- American Cuisine
- Affordable Nightlife
19. Gaslamp Eatery

TOPICS
- Italian Cuisine
- Dinner
- Late Night
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20. Gaslamp Burger
Unique and delicious gourmet burgers in a trendy atmosphere

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Downtown Spots
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21. R&B Brunch at Day N Nite SD in Gaslamp Quarter

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Celebrations