Restaurants near Empire Square Shopping Center

54 restaurants available nearby

1. The Yasai

4.0

Excellent(19)

Price: Moderate

• Vegan • Kearny Mesa

Booked 8 times today

Junya Watanabe, owner and executive chef of line-out-the-door Rakiraki Ramen & Tsukemen in Kearny Mesa and Little Italy, brings a new plant-based experience to Convoy Street: The Yasai. We are located in the heart of the Convoy District in San Diego.

2. Rakiraki Convoy

4.6

Exceptional(13)

Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Kearny Mesa

Booked 1 time today

For reservations of 3 or less please book through our sister restaurant The Yasai by RakiRaki Convoy!Experience the original RakiRaki Ramen experience at our first location located in Kearny Mesa—the epicenter of San Diego’s thriving Asian food scene. The lines out the door are worth the wait for Chef/owner, Junya Watanabe’s signature ramen recipes that blend the art of traditional ramen making with the highest quality ingredients available and a modern atmosphere. RakiRaki serves a wide variety of authentic ramen dishes and Japanese cuisine including tsukemen (dipping noodles), charcoal-fired yakitori, curry, ramen burgers, and specialty sushi rolls along with local craft beer and sake selections.

A photo of Javier's - La Jolla restaurant

3. Javier's - La Jolla

4.6

Exceptional(3572)

Price: Moderate

• Mexican • La Jolla

Booked 221 times today

JAVIER'S presents a rich heritage of elevated Mexican cuisine in a friendly, captivating ambiance. Enjoy hand-shaken margaritas, rare tequilas, craft cocktails and a vast selection of beer and fine wines. Dine with us in the main dining room, al fresco patios, one of our semi private dining rooms, or at the exquisite bar surrounded by one of the West Coast's largest selection of the world's finest tequilas. We at JAVIER'S consider all our wonderful customers a part of our family and thank them for their support and sharing in the success and joy that is JAVIER'S. Come experience the freshness of our original Mexican cuisine in a warm, friendly environment at one of our five locations.Please be advised we don't allow strollers. If you bring your stroller we have a designated area to store your stroller while you dine.

A photo of The Godfather Restaurant restaurant

4. The Godfather Restaurant

4.7

Exceptional(1894)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Kearny Mesa

Booked 25 times today

The Godfather, a Balistreri restaurant, is an Italian monument in downtown San Diego providing authentic cuisine from the hills of Italy. Established in 1974, The Godfather is a sophisticated and classy establishment that centers around generational recipes from both Northern and Southern Italy. Over the years, the quality of food and standard of service has never declined and thus garnered The Godfather a national recognition as one of the top twenty-five Italian restaurants in the entire nation. The menu is filled with classic favorites based in steak, chicken and pasta. For an intimate evening for two, try the Sicilian kiss prix fixe meal that includes a bottle of champagne.

5. Madison

4.5

Awesome(3036)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • University Heights

Booked 61 times today

With their stunning design, classic cocktails & highly acclaimed fare, Madison finds itself among San Diego's can't miss restaurants! Serving many of Michelin recognized Chef Mario Cassineri classic dishes, perfect for Date Night of celebrating with friends. ʜᴀᴘᴘʏ ʜᴏᴜʀ - ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴅᴀʏ 4-6ᴘᴍᴛᴜᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 7-9ᴘᴍᴡᴇᴅɴᴇꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅɪɴɴᴇʀ ᴡɪᴛʜ ᴅᴏɢꜱᴛʜᴜʀꜱᴅᴀʏ - ᴅᴊ ꜱᴘɪɴɴɪɴɢ ᴏʟᴅ ꜱᴄʜᴏᴏʟ ᴠɪɴʏʟꜰʀɪᴅᴀʏ & ꜱᴀᴛᴜʀᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ᴀʟᴡᴀʏꜱ ᴀ ᴘᴀʀᴛʏ ᴡᴇᴇᴋᴇɴᴅ ʙᴏᴏᴢʏ ʙʀᴜɴᴄʜ - ʟɪᴠᴇ ᴅᴊꜱꜱᴜɴᴅᴀʏ ɴɪɢʜᴛ - ʟᴀᴛɪɴ ᴊᴀᴢᴢ 6-8ᴘᴍ

A photo of The Amalfi Llama - San Diego restaurant

6. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(391)

Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • University City/Golden Triangle

Booked 49 times today

The Amalfi Llama reimagines the culinary landscape by seamlessly merging the allure of a rustic live-fire steakhouse with the flavors of Italian cuisine, a culinary haven where genuine cooking, down-to-earth cuisine and stylish flair intertwine. Guests embark on a journey from Southern Patagonia to the Mediterranean coast of Italy as they indulge in a multisensory experience that transcends boundaries – from the soothing cream decor to the intimate ambiance of crackling embers accompanied by the melodies of vintage Italian vinyls. Embracing the essence of a modern farmhouse, The Amalfi Llama revolves around an open parrilla grill and wood-burning oven, harnessing fire, smoke, coals and embers to craft dishes. The restaurant’s ethos also meets design with Latin American and Mediterranean influences, resulting in an inviting environment adorned with light woods, natural light and subtly elegant finishes, defying traditional steakhouse and Italian restaurant conventions.

A photo of Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego restaurant

7. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

4.5

Awesome(2586)

Price: Expensive

• Steak • Kearny Mesa

Booked 14 times today

Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, The Butcher Shop features only the finest quality mid-Reminiscent of a classic Chicago-style steakhouse, the ambiance is sexy, warm and intimate, with rich dark wood paneling, comfortable leather booths, gleaming brass and beautifully etched-glass panels.Indulge in the exquisite flavors of USDA Choice & Prime Midwestern steaks and chops, including our signature Prime Rib, slow-roasted to perfection to preserve its tender juiciness. All our steaks are expertly grilled over oak wood, imparting a delightful charred exterior and a hint of smoky richness. In addition to our stellar steaks, we offer a diverse selection that includes salmon, chicken, lamb, and pasta dishes, ensuring there's something to delight every palate.

A photo of 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego restaurant

8. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

4.1

Excellent(3225)

Price: Expensive

• American • Kearny Mesa

Booked 23 times today

For over 40 years, the 94th Aero Squadron Restaurant has been San Diego's landmark dining destination and is undoubtedly one of the most unique and memorable restaurants you will ever find. Located inside a replica of a World War I French farmhouse decorated with fascinating military memorabilia, antiques, and aviation relics, the restaurant overlooks Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport, and has a cozy and romantic ambiance, with large stone fireplaces, intimate booths, and beautiful views. The extensive menu features mid-western aged beef and the freshest seafood. Here you will find USDA Choice Prime Beef steaks, slow-roasted Angus prime rib, fresh fish, salad entrées, seafood, chicken, pasta dishes, and fabulous desserts. Their award-winning Bottomless Champagne Brunch is not to be missed. Beautiful outdoor patios, a very popular Happy Hour, and excellent banquet facilities help make the 94th Aero Squadron one of the greatest dining experiences in all of San Diego.

9. Forbidden Cove

4.4

Awesome(60)

Price: Moderate

• Speakeasy • Kearny Mesa

Booked 8 times today

Enter the Forbidden Cove by unlocking a hidden rum barrel door using your wooden idol key where an island Tiki inspired paradise serving handcrafted cocktails awaits you. Once inside, traverse the Infinity Mirror Bridge and be welcomed by the island's inhabitants to explore the mysteries, culinary pleasures and enchanted elixirs of the Forbidden Cove. Find this tropical escape by entering Kilowatt Brewing located in the Kearny Mesa and Convoy District neighborhoods and kindly asking for a Key to The Cove!Reservations offer a 90-minute experience.WALK-INS WELCOME - Reservations not available? We always set aside space to accommodate walk-ins, first come, first served. And before or after your experience at Forbidden Cove you're welcome to join us at Kilowatt Brewing for our award winning craft beers, hard seltzers, adult slushies, and a bite to eat!

10. Boujiemana

4.8

Exceptional(147)

Price: Expensive

• Mediterranean • Serra Mesa

Booked 15 times today

Voted one of the top ten best ambiance restaurants and the #1 Mediterranean food spot in San Diego, BoujieMana is a secluded gem just a two-minute drive from all the restaurants on Convoy. With over 100 parking spots, we make dining easy and convenient. Our executive chef and team use the finest ingredients from the Mediterranean or our onsite garden to create delicious and timeless dishes that change with the seasons. Whether you're enjoying charcuterie and bubbles with friends or savoring a perfectly aged steak, BoujieMana offers an unforgettable dining experience. Visit us and discover the perfect meal in our charming, hidden location.Please take a moment to make a reservation especially around the holiday season since we often have full campus events where dine in service is limited.

Dining near Empire Square Shopping Center at a glance

Updated on 1/15/2025

Harmony Cuisine 2B1

4.8

View restaurant

Discover local gems

Exceptional reviews

Search top-rated restaurants

American

Search American restaurants

Average check amount

$30 and under

Search in this price range

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

C
Catie
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Trever Johnson was the best at our table. He was the most interactive and keep us smiling and laughing the whole time. Our sever Eric was equally the best at keeping all things amazing for us as well. Can’t wait to be back, and see them both!!
More info
Benihana - San Diego, CAPrice: Moderate• Japanese• Mission Valley
•
4
N
Nidia
San Diego •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Best shrimp with poblano rajas. Food was flavorful, delicious cocktails. Service was wonderful, kind, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable. Including the person assisting in the women’s restroom, she was very helpful and respectful.
More info
Javier's - La JollaPrice: Moderate• Mexican• La Jolla
•
4.6
L
Lois
Las Vegas •47 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The spouse & I were visiting my daughter, who lives in San Diego. She had not been to Madison & neither had we. We all enjoyed the tomato & burrata appetizer. We also had the cioppino, Tuscan sausage rigatoni & chicken piccata; all were so good! Spouse & I had the Ibarra & The Woodsman, which were delicious. Service from Kylee excellent. We also enjoyed the music. My daughter plans to bring her roommates here.
More info
MadisonPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• University Heights
•
4.5
S
SimaVIP
Miami - Dade •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
The food here is always delicious, unique, and fun! I like the versatility of their options and you can tell they use quality ingredients in their dishes! It’s one of my favorite sushi spots in San Diego! definitely give it a try!
More info
The YasaiPrice: Moderate• Vegan• Kearny Mesa
•
4
M
Michelle
San Diego •1 review
5.0
Dined on Dec 28, 2024
Raki Raki never fails, ramen is so good! Appetizers too!
More info
Rakiraki ConvoyPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Kearny Mesa
•
4.6

Restaurants near Empire Square Shopping Center

Price

Cuisine

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Accessibility

54 restaurants available nearby

1. The Yasai

2. Rakiraki Convoy

3. Javier's - La Jolla

4. The Godfather Restaurant

5. Madison

6. The Amalfi Llama - San Diego

7. Butcher Shop Steakhouse - San Diego

8. 94th Aero Squadron - San Diego

9. Forbidden Cove

10. Boujiemana

Dining near Empire Square Shopping Center at a glance

Harmony Cuisine 2B1

American

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable