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Old Town San Diego Restaurants

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Award winning restaurants in San Diego

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Check out diners' favorite restaurants in Old Town San Diego

Updated on

Diners’ Choice Awards are based on where your fellow diners book, dine, and review. Only verified diners get to review restaurants on OpenTable, so our data doesn’t lie.

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Baci Restaurant - San Diego
Diners’ top pick
•
Price: Expensive
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Italian
•
4.9
(1901)
Baci Ristorante offers diners a hint of old world Italian charm, with plush booths, white tablecloths, and gracious servers clad in tuxedos. While the decor is subtly modern, the menu is classic, celebrating Northern and Southern Italian cuisine. Specialties include classic pasta dishes, veal, and fresh seafood, with especially tempting daily specials offered by Executive Chef Domenico Alioto. In addition to the cuisine, the restaurant's charming and welcoming features--include an extensive wine list, elegant patio setting, and romantic main dining room--have made Baci a consistent favorite among locals for over 30 years.
A photo of Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant restaurant
Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.7
(1161)
Jack and Giulio's Italian restaurant has remained a favorite of San Diegans for many years. This popular restaurant, formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, has proudly served the "Best Scampi" since 1961. In addition to this popular dish, this family-owned and operated restaurant offers many homemade pastas, veal, poultry, beef, and seafood specialties.
A photo of CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA restaurant
CUCINA CAPRESE PIZZERIA & TRATTORIA
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.6
(114)
From My Heart and Soul to Your Table...
Chef Gigi Monaco, Born in Capri, Italy where his passion for cooking took root starting from Mamma Rosa & Papa Giovanni… Gigi was trained in Culinary School in Capri, Italy and has over 30 years experience—Let Gigi take you to his home with the finest Italian meal you have ever had!
Cucina Caprese is a restaurant that uses traditional Italian culinary techniques including il Forno a Legna –old style wood-fired oven– cooking. We use seasonal, local and organic ingredients as well as meats, cheeses and extra virgin olive oil(EVOO) imported from Italy.
Our dough is prepared the authentic way of old Napoli–made only with special ‘OO Flour’, yeast, and water (no sugar oil, or vinegar). Our pizza is then prepared the traditional Neapolitan way, il Forno a Legna, in a wood-fired pizza oven on the side made to order!
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El Agave
Top-rated food
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Price: Moderate
•
Mexican
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4.7
(2468)
Experience the true flavor of Mexico at San Diego’s premier Mexican cuisine destination.
Established in 1996, El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria offers its patrons a unique dining setting within
the largest tequila museum in the United States – with over 3,000 tequilas on display – also
repeatedly voted the #1 tequila bar in the country. Nestled in historic Old Town, San Diego, it is the
perfect place to enjoy a business lunch, romantic date, rehearsal dinner or to simply relax and
unwind sipping find tequila with friends.
A photo of Tahona Bar restaurant
Tahona Bar
Price: Moderate
•
Mexican
•
4.5
(621)
We are welcoming OpenTable online reservations for up to 6 guest for indoor and outdoor dining!
Parties of 7 or more, please email our large party coordinator at zach@tahonabar.com
Welcome to Tahona! We are the first mezcal bar and tasting room in San Diego. In our restaurant, we invite you to taste our incredible craft cocktails and our amazing contemporary Mexican cuisine featuring Oaxacan bites. In our tasting room, we welcome you to indulge on a mezcal tasting experience!
We are located next one of the most iconic historical landmark: the Campo Santo Cemetery in Old Town. Inside Tahona, you will be transported to a modern Mexican hacienda designed with hand painted tiles, handmade rope seats, traditionally crafted fabric brought from Oaxaca, hand clayed walls and more.
We also have a cozy covered outdoor patio dining experience so you will have the choice to dine inside our hacienda or on the streets of Old Town!
A photo of Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town restaurant
Rockin Baja Lobster Old Town
Price: Moderate
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Mexican
•
4.6
(1872)
Rockin' Baja is a full service and fun Mexican-Seafood restaurant that offers uniquely prepared Baja style seafood presented in rustic steel buckets. We created a diverse menu filled with exceptionally great, finger lickin’ good fun food delivered fresh to your table daily. Kick back, drink an ice cold beer or margarita, enjoy a shot of tequila and experience all the good times that are Rockin’ Baja.
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Casa De Freds, Tacos y Tequila
Top-rated hospitality
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Price: Moderate
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Mexican
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4.4
(319)
ABOUT FREDS OLD TOWN | Since 2001, Casa de Freds in Old Town has been bringing the fiesta to San Diego. Freds is the place for amigos - both new and old - to have a great time while enjoying quality food, fresh margaritas and a festive atmosphere. The menu offers a wide variety of delicious, Baja-infused selections that are made from fresh, high-quality ingredients. The vibrant decor and great music provide a unique dining experience right in the heart of historic Old Town. The restaurant offers plenty of versatility for groups of many sizes. The large outdoor patio is dog friendly, so bring in your furry friends and check out the doggy menu! The outdoor bar is a fantastic spot to enjoy the San Diego sun, whether you are here for the weekend or live down the street. Freds newly renovated Fiesta Cantina is the perfect place to watch your favorite sporting events. The Cantina also offers daily specials that will keep your tummies, glasses and pockets full. Thanks Amigo!
A photo of Trattoria Don Pietro restaurant
Trattoria Don Pietro
Price: Moderate
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Italian
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4.5
(795)
Thanks to Trattoria Don Pietro, there is finally something new and fresh happening in Old Town. After spending a lifetime of cooking Italian food and a few years in LA learning from the best restaurants in the industry, Pietro is finally ready to roll up his sleeves and show San Diego his take on traditional Italian cuisine with a trendy twist. Between our groundbreaking Italian menu, wisteria garden patio ambiance, and over-the-top cocktails, we stand alone as the most instagrammable restaurant in San Diego. Come stop by today and experience our delicate balance of tradition and trend.
A photo of Miguel's Cocina - Old Town restaurant
Miguel's Cocina - Old Town
Price: Moderate
•
Mexican
•
4.5
(28)
The Freshest, Best-Tasting, Cali-Inspired Mexican Food. Our full-service, sit-down restaurant is the best spot to bring the whole family to savor handmade tortillas, mouthwatering salsas, and our famous creamy jalapeno white sauce.
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El Sueño
Great vibe
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Price: Moderate
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Mexican
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4
(170)
Coming Soon to Open Table!
Vibrant Mexican Food and Craft Cocktails.
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Tako
Great budget-friendly spot
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Price: Expensive
•
Sushi
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4.1
(51)
Nestled in the most historic neighborhood in California, Old Town San Diego, there is plenty to see and do. We strive to provide an unforgettable experience with top notch cocktails, the freshest fish & ingredients available, and unmatched atmosphere.
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.
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21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!

Outdoor dining in San Diego

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See what locals rave about in Old Town San Diego

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Nicholevip
    San Diego •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Very cute entrance to the restaurant; great music played by the DJ (also the volume was low enough for you to enjoy the music while still being able to hear your date talk); the crispy plantains appetizer and sushi rolls were 5 star (so delicious); the drinks are super cute; the only con is that the tables are so tiny and close together. You can barely fit two sushi rolls on your table without fear of knocking something over—the waiters also struggle getting in between the tables with ease. Had a great time and will be back!
    More info
    TakoPrice: Expensive• Sushi• Old Town
    •
    4.1
  • Randyvip
    San Diego •39 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The food at Tahona was some of the best I’ve had. Very carefully prepared, creative without being pretentious. Lots of authentic flavors, definitely not your typical Mexican food. They explain about the sourcing of the ingredients, and it was just an awesome experience. (The Pozole was the “hidden gem”, very different from anything I’ve ever had, and it was fantastic.)
    More info
    Tahona BarPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4.5
  • Carlos
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Mason took care of us. He was very professional definitely coming back!
    More info
    El SueñoPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Old Town
    •
    4
  • Kelly
    San Diego •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 7, 2024
    Our server was very aware of what we needed and saw to it we had full water glasses. She had excellent recommendations. Everyone loved what they ordered. We had lasagna, fettuccine, and steak. We started with bruschetta, Caesar salad, and arancini. We made reservations, I would recommend doing that.
    More info
    Trattoria Don PietroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    4.5
  • Joash
    London •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on Oct 12, 2024
    great food, very friendly staff, nice environment, all in all just really good and highly recommended.
    More info
    Pizza Bella Italian BistroPrice: Moderate• Italian• Old Town
    •
    4.5

Trending dishes in Old Town San Diego

Explore dishes that diners are raving about
Gnocchi
Gnocchi
Herb & Wood
•
4.7
Brioche French Toast
Brioche French Toast
Parc Bistro-Brasserie
•
4.8
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's Melting Hot Chocolate Soufflé
Roy's San Diego Waterfront
•
4.4
Margherita
Margherita
Provisional Restaurant at Pendry San Diego
•
4.7
Short Ribs Ravioli
Short Ribs Ravioli
Monzu Fresh Pasta
•
4.9
Rigatoni Bolognese
Rigatoni Bolognese
il Sogno Italiano
•
4.3

Restaurant experiences trending in San Diego

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Discover Old Town

Twenty-five historical sites, hundreds of specialty stores and 12 art galleries make Old Town a great place to live or visit. The area originally settled by Kumeyaay Native Americans and immigrants from Mexico also has several innovative restaurants. Many guests enjoy burritos, enchiladas and tacos prepared with the area's freshest produce while listening to roving Mariachi bands. Other restaurants pay tribute to San Diego's location on the Pacific Ocean to serve great seafood, including fish tacos, sushi and lobster. Most restaurants feature outstanding outdoor seating, making them a great place to watch people in this area, especially during Old Town's popular Old Town Art Festival, Cinco de Mayo and Fiesta Navidad.

Frequently asked questions

The best reviewed restaurant in Old Town San Diego is Pizza Bella Italian Bistro

The best vegetarian restaurants in Old Town San Diego are Tahona Bar, Miguel's Cocina - Old Town and El Agave

The restaurants with the best service in Old Town San Diego are Pizza Bella Italian Bistro, Baci Restaurant - San Diego and Cosmopolitan Restaurant

The restaurants with the best ambiance in Old Town San Diego are Pizza Bella Italian Bistro, Baci Restaurant - San Diego and Cosmopolitan Restaurant

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