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Best Pre-Theater Restaurants in Little Italy

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13 restaurants available nearby

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7903)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 52 times today
Located in San Diego's Balboa Park, in the Historic House of Hospitality, The Prado offers historic charm and California cuisine.
A photo of Grant Grill restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1622)
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 ARTIFACT at Mingei restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(860)
Price: Expensive
• International • Downtown
Booked 14 times today
ARTIFACT is a full-service restaurant featuring craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals located inside the beautiful Mingei Museum at Balboa Park . Offering indoor, outdoor courtyard, and bar seating for lunch Tuesday-Saturday.Crafted by Tim Kolanko, Executive Chef, Urban Kitchen Group, and Tony Coito, ARTIFACT’s Chef de Cuisine, will be a nod to Mingei’s changing international exhibitions in an environment filled with functional, innovative art and design by Jennifer Luce, Founder and Principal of LUCE et studio, who led the design and renovation project. ARTIFACT and CRAFT CAFE at Mingei-the latest additions to restaurateur Tracy Borkum and Executive Chef Tim Kolanko’s CUCINA family of restaurants. An Urban Kitchen Group Concept. CUCINA urbana, enoteca, sorella, UKG Catering, Urban Kitchen at The Ready Shell at Jacobs ParkFollow the journey on social media @Dine.Mingei
A photo of Bronze Bird restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(148)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 16 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.
A photo of Bandar Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(937)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 6 times today
For dining:Monday - Thursday: 4:00pm to 9:00pmFriday-Satuday: 4:00pm to 9:30pmSunday: 2:00pm to 9:00pmWe are open for Takeout everyday For more information on parties of over 6 people please reach out directly to the restaurant 619-238-0101.A 4% surcharge is added to all guest checks.Bandar Restaurant serves Mediterranean food with unique Persian spices flown to San Diego and served in original recipes. Chefs Behrooz and Shokooh create simple preparations to showcase them, alongside an exotic variety of oven-roasted eggplant, charbroiled chicken, seafood and flavorful prime steaks. Look for signature classics such as Nadari, Barg and Soltani. Bandar Restaurant is award-winning since 1996. The restaurant has a unique energy, sitting right in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego. 
A photo of Asti Ristorante restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1754)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 8 times today
Since 1994, Asti has been serving locals and visitors authentic Italian cuisine in a unique and inviting atmosphere. Whether you dine on our lively patio, or choose to sit inside and enjoy the beautiful artwork and brick walls, you're sure to have an unforgettable dining experience.Each dish on our menu, from our selection of antipasti, handmade pastas, fresh seafood, and quality steaks, is inspired by the delicious flavors of Northern Italy. While some restaurants offer small plates, Asti continues to serve up delicious abundance, all freshly and individually prepared to order. With an extensive vintage wine selection and knowledgeable staff, we deliver a true Italian dining experience that will leave your palate asking for more!
A photo of Dobson's Bar & Restaurant restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1430)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 8 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").
A photo of Mimoza Mediterranean Restaurant restaurant
4.4
Awesome(79)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Downtown
Booked 15 times today
Mimoza Restaurant brings the taste of Mediterranean lifestyle to Southern California, particularly with its authentic food, warm welcome, and festive ambiance. We welcome you to join us at our home, Mimoza, to experience the Mediterranean-style home cooking that defines us.Park at Horton Plaza for a $12 flat fee, when you dine at Mimoza
A photo of Operacaffe restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1355)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • Downtown
Booked 5 times today
At Operacaffe we are passionate about our culinary business and our customers. The reputation for excellent cuisine, top-notch service, the quality and freshness of ingredients are the reasons we are so proud of our brand new restaurant!
A photo of Tapas & Beers restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(490)
Price: Moderate
• French • Downtown
Booked 3 times today
Located in Downtown San Diego's historic Spreckels building, Tapas & Beers is a French and Spanish Restaurant.We offer a large selection of Tapas plates to share between friends & familybut also normal size dishes if you don't want to share !Our beers on tap selection highlights breweries from San Diego County and our wine selection from all around the world will make any wine lover happy too !Everything you will eat at Tapas & Beers will be made from scratch to order with fresh and mostly organic ingredients ! Discover why our place isso highly rated !Cheers!

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Jamie
    Portland / Oregon •18 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our dinner at Grant Grill was absolutely phenomenal! From start to finish, every detail was perfect and mad even better by Sarah who guided us through the whole night. She was phenomenal. We started with their homemade bread and butter, which was an amazing way to begin the meal—fresh, warm, and downright irresistible. The famous turtle soup lived up to its reputation, offering a rich, flavorful experience that was both unique and memorable. It was the perfect prelude to the main course. Speaking of which, the steak was nothing short of perfection. Cooked to absolute precision, it was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor—easily one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The potatoes were some of the most flavorful and unique as well. Grant Grill provides not only exquisite dishes but also impeccable service and a sophisticated ambiance. If you’re looking for a truly special dining experience, this is the place to go. I can’t wait to return!
    More info
    Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
    4.7
  • Martina
    Los Angeles •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    I dined on a busy Saturday night. The food was excellent. As a party of two I tried the layered potatoes, calamari appetizer, sea bass and short ribs. I am gluten free and very happy with the options. We sat out on the patio which I highly recommend. All the staff was professional and responsive. I look forward to returning
    More info
    The Prado at Balboa ParkPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    4.6
  • CathyVIP
    San Diego •48 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    Did “dinner & show” with 4 grandkids & my daughters for an outing to see The Nutcracker. Valet parking made our somewhat tight schedule on a Friday night easier. Kids loved the Brussels sprouts & charcuterie plate. Daughter finessed Shirley Temples for the kids, bartender was unsure, probably not a huge call for them. This was repeat for us, did the matinee with lunch last year. Good food, drinks, great service!
    More info
    Bronze BirdPrice: Moderate• Californian• Downtown
    4.6
  • Ericka
    South Carolina •15 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    It was an amazing experience at your establishment. The tofu dish was delicious.
    More info
    ARTIFACT at MingeiPrice: Expensive• International• Downtown
    4.8
  • Marcelo
    San Diego •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Bandar always delivers. Great food and sizable portions.
    More info
    Bandar RestaurantPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Downtown
    4.6
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