Best Historic Restaurants in National City

21 restaurants available nearby

1. Seréa

4.6

Exceptional(2282)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Coronado

Booked 42 times today

Serẽa is proud to bring an exquisite sea-to-table dining experience to San Diego in a comfortable yet sophisticated setting.Located just steps from the beach in the legendary Hotel del Coronado, the restaurant's key focus is the bounty of the sea. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood, with a coastal cuisine menu that spotlights the best of the region's oceans, farms and fields, ranging from the California Coast down to the Baja Peninsula.Creative cuisine with a global flair is prepared by San Diego's own Chef Jojo Ruiz, who creates elegant, fresh dishes with just a hint of Mediterranean flair.*Serea & The Hotel Del Coronado are currently undergoing a once in a century transformation, after 100 years, we felt a facelift was in order!We wish you to be aware there will be evolving changes to the way we are able to serve you during this period as Serea and The Hotel Del Coronado are reimagined for generations to come.*

A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant

2. Saint James French Diner

4.6

Exceptional(244)

Price: Expensive

• French American • Downtown

Booked 20 times today

This American diner meets elegant French bistro is open Monday–Friday for Breakfast and Lunch, every day for Dinner and Happy Hour, and on the weekends for Brunch. With a full bar and an approachable menu, locals and travelers can indulge in a variety of French-inspired classics, from shared mussels to ratatouille and burgers.

3. Grant Grill

4.8

Exceptional(1629)

Price: Expensive

• Californian • Downtown

Booked 16 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.

4. Lou & Mickey's

4.7

Exceptional(4153)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Downtown

Booked 50 times today

Located at the gates to the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Lou & Mickey’s is a timeless American steakhouse serving prime steaks, including in-house, dry-aged steaks, plus choice seafood, classic cocktails and an award-winning wine list, in a relaxing and inviting environment. Private dining capabilities also available.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

5. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.5

Awesome(4577)

Price: Moderate

• Seafood • Little Italy

Booked 96 times today

Little Italy was built by the fishing industry. Ironside attempts to continue that narrative. It's our contemporary interpretation of the classic fish house and oyster bar. Located in a historic auction house on India St we did a full comprehensive restoration of the building, with three open-air culinary hubs featuring an expansive raw bar, chefs table, and bakery. We tried to be mindful of the past while looking towards the future. Groups of 6 or more will be charged an automatic 20% gratuity. A 4% surcharge will be added to all guest checks.Ironside is now taking reservations for patio and dining room seating. We are now offering Happy Hour MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY FROM 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

A photo of The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant

6. The Prado at Balboa Park

4.6

Exceptional(7932)

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 Bali Hai Restaurant restaurant

7. Bali Hai Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(6006)

Price: Expensive

• Polynesian • Shelter Island / San Diego Bay

Booked 41 times today

Exotic Pacific dining on an enchanted tiki island.The Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite in San Diego for over fifty years. Our spectacular views of the San Diego bay and the downtown skyline make us the perfect location for any special event. Along with our dining room upstairs, our premise possesses three different and versatile private rooms. The flexibility of multiple private facilities allows us to accommodate any type of party. We host weddings, class reunions, birthdays, anniversaries, concerts, memorials, festivals, fundraisers, business meetings, seminars, and corporate events.

A photo of Brigantine Coronado restaurant

8. Brigantine Coronado

4.5

Awesome(3250)

Price: Expensive

• Seafood • Coronado

Booked 24 times today

A San Diego tradition since 1969, the Brigantine has received numerous accolades during our 40+ year history: "BEST SEAFOOD", "BEST CASUAL SEAFOOD", "BEST HAPPY HOUR", and even "BEST SWORDFISH IN THE WORLD", according to USA Today - just to name a few. Well-known for our signature Clam Chowder, Grilled Swordfish & Crème Brûlée, the Brigantine is a favorite among locals for consistently fresh seafood, succulent steaks & grilled meats. A favorite destination for locals & tourists alike, the Coronado Brigantine is located in the heart of the village, immediately adjacent to the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Completely remodeled in 2016, the "new" Coronado Brigantine is an elegant adaptation of its former self. The addition of an intimate private dining room, a surround-seating bar and street-side outdoor patio have been equally well-received. Reserve a table in our Del View Dining Room, or walk-in anytime to our Oyster Bar- no reservation needed!

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant

9. Alexander's on 30th

4.7

Exceptional(3107)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • North Park

Booked 66 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 Mimmo's Italian Village restaurant

10. Mimmo's Italian Village

4.5

Awesome(637)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Little Italy

Booked 14 times today

Mimmos Italian Village is one of the 3 original restaurants left in San Diego's historic Little Italy district. Established in 1973 in the heart of Little Italy you will find Mimmos is 3rd generation family owned and operated . Enjoy our amazing food all homemade from scratch daily, using quality ingredients and fresh local produce . Our popular dishes include, campanelle sausage, spicy shrimp linguine, and chicken parmesan. You can enjoy these dishes alongside a nice glass of wine or signature homemade sangria. Mimmo's Italian Village was started by Vincenzo Mimmo Gaglio, originally from Montelepre, Sicily. Before arriving in San Diego, Gaglio sharpened his cooking skills in Tunisia, New York City, Ontario, California, and finally, San Diego.Mimmo's seating areas consist of a charming indoor village, alfresco front and back patio seating.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Milton
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Good oysters , great cocktails, great date. My favorite restaurant in San Diego. Go during happy hour though to save some money
More info
Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
•
4.5
A
AronVIP
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious food and great ambiance. Brett our waiter was fantastic, and provided great recommendations. He also memorized our whole order which was impressive.
More info
SeréaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Coronado
•
4.6
T
TylerVIP
New York City •17 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
this place is awesome. I was very surprised at how delicious the burger parisienne was - and the house whiskey smash! the roast chicken was great too. the happy hour deals were awesome and the staff was great. we live downtown and have to say, some of the best executed cocktails in the city and we’ve been looking for a while!
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Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
•
4.6
G
Gregory
New Jersey •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful experience. Food was delicious and I. Good proportions. I would recommend the Calamari. The NY Strip (non aged) was cooked to perfection and so tender. I was there with a business colleague. We sat outside and did have one homeless man come up to our table asking for for food. Just be aware.
More info
Lou & Mickey'sPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Downtown
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4.7
B
BrookeVIP
Seattle / Eastern Washington •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 25, 2024
We had the pleasure of dining here on Christmas Eve. It was a beautiful 4-course menu including an amuse Bouche, a choice between two salads, four entrees and two desserts. The service was absolutely on point! Great attention to detail and the server assistants were fabulous too. The food runner was lovely and explained each course. The food was absolutely delicious. By far our best meal in San Diego. Thank you all!
More info
Grant GrillPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown
•
4.8

Best Historic Restaurants in National City

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Top Rated

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21 restaurants available nearby

1. Seréa

2. Saint James French Diner

3. Grant Grill

4. Lou & Mickey's

5. Ironside Fish & Oyster

6. The Prado at Balboa Park

7. Bali Hai Restaurant

8. Brigantine Coronado

9. Alexander's on 30th

10. Mimmo's Italian Village

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