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Best Historic Restaurants in College Area

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25 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alexander's on 30th restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3068)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • North Park
Booked 38 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 Lemon Grove Bistro restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(82)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lemon Grove
Booked 2 times today
In addition to offering comforting American favorites, our menu provides a selection of flavors inspired by our chef’s culinary experiences, ranging from classic Spanish fare to Italian favorites. Our menu changes seasonally to feature the freshest ingredients and provide an exciting dining experience throughout the year.The Lemon Grove Bistro is in a historic mission-style building in the heart of Lemon Grove. Since 1912, it’s been a place where locals meet and build connections, whether they were picking up their mail at the Sonka General Store in 1944 or ordering custom cakes at the Grove Pastry Shop in 2012. Come for the food. Stay to experience the inviting ambiance of the historic building and its new garden. Let’s build community--together.
A photo of Saint James French Diner restaurant
4.5
Awesome(223)
Price: Expensive
• French American • Downtown
Booked 11 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.
A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant
4.4
Awesome(4532)
Price: Moderate
• Seafood • Little Italy
Booked 83 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. 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 Seréa restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(2237)
Price: Expensive
• Mediterranean • Coronado
Booked 41 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 The Prado at Balboa Park restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(7847)
Price: Moderate
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 66 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 Lou & Mickey's restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(4105)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Downtown
Booked 61 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 Grant Grill restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(1612)
Price: Expensive
• Californian • Downtown
Booked 11 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 Tako restaurant
4.1
Excellent(43)
Price: Expensive
• Sushi • Old Town
Booked 43 times today
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....21+ Speakeasy, If the light is on we're Open!
A photo of Chez Loma restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(1763)
Price: Expensive
• French • Coronado
Booked 11 times today
Our new San Diego home is located in the Carez Hizar House (circa 1889), a Coronado historical landmark on Loma Avenue almost at the corner of Orange Avenue. We are within walking distance to beautiful downtown Coronado, the Hotel Del Coronado, and the beach. A French inspired bistro where people feel comfortable and enjoy fresh rustic fare at reasonable prices. Sourcing locally to achieve maximum freshness and offering our customers what they want instead of following culinary trends.If your desire is a casual tapa at the bar or a dinner with friends or colleges, Chez Loma under new management, offers an inviting space to relax, enjoy and socialize.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Karinnavip
    Greater Boston •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Crayton and the team are amazing!!!!! Best food!!!
    More info
    Saint James French DinerPrice: Expensive• French American• Downtown
    4.5
  • Carlvip
    Greater Boston •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    This is a bit of a hidden gem in SD. Especially when other lesser restaurants are booked up. The food is really top-notch, and it's in such a beautiful place. The steak is a little nothing, but the fish and vegetables are what they really excel in.
    More info
    SeréaPrice: Expensive• Mediterranean• Coronado
    4.6
  • Nataliavip
    San Diego •21 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    What can I say? This is easily one of the best happy hour spots in San Diego! The ambiance is stunning, the service is outstanding, and the food is absolutely incredible. We had yet another fantastic experience here, this time for an early dinner to celebrate my kid’s birthday. The oysters were incredibly fresh, the Japanese sweet potatoes are a must-try, the fish and chips were amazing—so fresh and moist—and the clam chowder was perfection. The smoked trout dip wasn’t my favorite this time, but it was still a solid appetizer. Our server, Mike, was exceptional—attentive, polite, and spot-on with his food recommendations. We’ll definitely be back, and if you’ve never been to this place, make a reservation now. You can thank me later!
    More info
    Ironside Fish & OysterPrice: Moderate• Seafood• Little Italy
    4.4
  • Davis
    Philadelphia County •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    I went to Alexander's on 30th to celebrate 3 months in my current relationship. The service was great, the food delicious and the ambiance very conducive for a date. The parking was limited but it's SD after all. I highly recommend this restaurant.
    More info
    Alexander's on 30thPrice: Expensive• Italian• North Park
    4.7
  • Deborah A
    San Diego •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    Excellent food, reasonably priced, and homey vibe. Jazz music made the experience even better.
    More info
    Lemon Grove BistroPrice: Moderate• American• Lemon Grove
    4.9
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