Eat & Drink Your Way Through the Gaslamp Quarter: 10 Best Spots
Updated July 6, 2024
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is known for its nightlife and colorful past as one of the most prominent red-light districts in Southern California and the West. But, it is also a mecca for amazing food and drink! When planning a weekend in San Diego, eating and drinking your way through the best restaurants in the San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is not to be missed. If you happen to be on a Gaslamp walking tour, discover what the city has to offer in terms of food and fun with our top 10 spots we’ve rounded up for you (in no particular order … they’re all amazing)! Whether you’re a local San Diegan or just visiting, we are confident there is a spot on this list that is perfect for you.
SPOT #1 LUMI
Photo courtesy of Lumi
Lumi is the creation of Michelin Star Chef Akira Back. Enjoy elevated and creative Japanese dishes that he draws inspiration from his culture and travels across the world. Sip on Chef Back’s signature sake or share the iconic Akira Back Pizza, made with tuna, serrano, red onion, beets, and tomato.
- Food style: elevated Japanese fusion
- Food rec: Nigiri and sashimi sushi dishes — everything from spot prawn to freshwater eel.
- Drink recs: Akira Back’s signature sake, Tears of Dawn Daiginjo (anise, banana and a hint of sweet rice).
- Hours: Wednesday: Closed Monday | Tuesday + Wednesday: 5 PM – 11 PM | Thursday: 5 PM – 12 AM | Friday + Saturday: 5 PM – 1 AM | Sunday: 11 AM – 11 PM
- Sunday, 5pm-Close | Weekend Brunch, Saturday & Sunday, 11am-3pm
- Price: $$$
FAQ: IS GASLAMP WORTH VISITING?
Absolutely yes! Gaslamp is 16.5 walkable blocks boasting 100 historical Victorian-era landmarks. There’s no better way to celebrate a night in the town than in a place where the old meets the new! The restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter and the Gaslamp Quarter bars are “bar none,” some of the best places in all of San Diego!
Want help planning your Gaslamp visit? Explore the Gaslamp Quarter’s history and satisfy your inner foodie with a walking history tour of San Diego’s thriving “New Town” on our Brothels, Bites and Booze tour!
SPOT #2 BANDAR
Bandar offers a unique Persian dining experience that stands out in San Diego’s bustling culinary scene. Known for its generous portions and high-quality ingredients, Bandar specializes in traditional Persian dishes that have been perfected over generations.
What to Order:
- Chicken Barg: Juicy, marinated chicken breast skewers grilled to perfection, served with saffron rice and grilled vegetables.
- Lamb Shank: Slow-cooked lamb shank, tender and flavorful, accompanied by a rich tomato sauce and aromatic basmati rice.
- Fesenjan: A savory stew made with ground walnuts and pomegranate paste, offering a delightful balance of sweet and sour flavors, served with basmati rice.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price: $$$
SPOT #3 CAFE SEVILLA
Photo courtesy of Cafe Sevilla
Food, drinks and live music collide at Cafe Sevilla, one of the top restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter. Cafe Sevilla prides itself on giving people the authentic Spanish ambiance in their tapas bar, restaurant and nightclub. Share paella family style with your group as well for anywhere from $56-106, and enjoy this Gaslamp restaurant’s live Latin music seven nights a week, flamenco dinner shows on the weekends, salsa dance classes, happy hour and so much more!
- Food style: Spanish cuisine and tapas
- Meal rec: Journey Through Spain – 5-Course Dinner for Two – $99.50
- Hours: Monday-Friday: 4:30 PM – 1:30 AM | Saturday-Sunday: 11 AM – 1:30 AM
- Price: $$
SPOT #4 MEZE GREEK FUSION
Photo courtesy of Meze Greek Fusion
Meze Greek Fusion is one of the restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter that gives you a taste of Greece! Enjoy Greek fusion food and tasty Greek wines! Although its namesake may mean “small plates,” this Gaslamp restaurant delivers by giving you a variety of menu items incorporating all of the Greek islands.
- Food style: small plates with pita and hummus, individual Greek meals, and family meals (VG and GF options available)
- Food rec: Family Pack for 2 ($34.99) or 4 ($58.99) complete with chicken, filet or gyros with rice pilaf, Greek salad, tzatziki and pita.
- Drink recs: Septem Microbrewery Greek IPA, a glass of Rosé of Agiorgitiko (from Nemea, Greece)
- Hours: Monday-Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM | Friday: 11:30 AM – 12 AM | Saturday: 10:30 AM – 12 AM | Sunday: 10:30 AM – 9:30 PM
- Price: $$
FAQ: DOES GASLAMP HAVE A DRESS CODE?
Since there’s such a wide variety of restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter, the dress code varies. For swankier clubs and speakeasies, they have more stringent rules. Other places are laxer: after all, San Diego is a beach town! As a general rule of thumb, we would say to land somewhere in the middle, so you aren’t denied entry anywhere!
- Gentlemen: closed-toed shoes and collared shirts; no tennis shoes, Jordans, etc., a nice pair of jeans without holes or dress pants/khakis.
- Ladies: Dress to impress in comfy cocktail attire — something you can strut your stuff in but also walk around the Gaslamp Quarter bars comfortably (and bring a pair of dress flats in your purse in case your feet start barking at you!).
FAQ: WHAT TIME DOES GASLAMP DISTRICT CLOSE?
Most Gaslamp Quarter bars and clubs stay open late night and usually close at 1:30 AM. A few, such as Trailer Park After Dark and Room 56 mentioned in our article are open until 2 AM some nights!
SPOT #5 PROHIBITION SPEAKEASY
Step back in time to the roaring 1920s at Prohibition Speakeasy, an underground bar that captures the spirit of the Prohibition era. Tucked away behind an unassuming door, this hidden gem offers a nostalgic escape with its vintage decor, live jazz music, and expertly crafted cocktails. This is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
What to Order:
- The Bees Knees: A classic Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, fresh lemon juice, and honey syrup, served in a chilled coupe glass.
- Old Fashioned: A timeless favorite featuring bourbon, bitters, sugar, and a twist of orange peel, perfectly balanced and served over a large ice cube.
- Corpse Reviver #2: A refreshing and slightly tart concoction of gin, Cointreau, Lillet Blanc, lemon juice, and a dash of absinthe.
Hours: Wednesday – Saturday: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Price: $$
SPOT #6 WEREWOLF
Werewolf is a lively bar and grill known for its playful atmosphere, creative menu, and energetic vibe. Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, it’s a favorite local spot for San Diegans and tourists alike, offering a fun dining experience with a touch of whimsy.
What to Order:
- Pork Belly Benedict: A delicious twist on the classic eggs benedict, featuring crispy pork belly, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce on an English muffin.
- Werewolf Burger: A juicy burger topped with cheddar cheese, bacon, fried egg, and house-made aioli, served with crispy fries.
- Korean Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM, Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Price: $$
SPOT #7 GREYSTONE
Photo courtesy of Greystone
Greystone has been touted to be the best steakhouse and has the best wine list in San Diego. Also, Greystone has been recognized by various specialized magazines as the Best Steakhouse in San Diego and California (SD Entertainer & Best Things California), Best Fine Dining Award (Gaslamp Quarter), and Best Wine List (Wine Spectator). The Greystone has one of the best wine bars in San Diego. It’s also the only steakhouse in San Diego to serve an international variety of Wagyu Beef.
- Food Style: Steakhouse and Seafood
- Eats and Drinks: Take your tastebuds on a journey with True Japanese 100% Wagyu Steak paired with the Domaine Comtesse Cherisey from France..
- Hours: Monday – Thursday: 4 PM – 10 PM | Friday & Saturday: 4 PM – 11 PM | Sunday: 3:30 PM – 9:45 PM
- Price: $$$$
FAQ: IS THE GASLAMP DISTRICT CONSIDERED DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO?
The Gaslamp District is technically in Downtown San Diego, which consists of eight different neighborhoods: Gaslamp, East Village, Columbia, Marina, Cortez, Little Italy, Horton Plaza, and Core. When you say you’re going to Gaslamp, people know you are going to the heart and soul of Downtown’s nightlife scene!
SPOT #8 LOU & MICKEY’S
Lou & Mickey’s is a classic American steakhouse in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Known for its premium steaks, fresh seafood, and timeless elegance, this restaurant has been a staple in San Diego’s dining scene for years. Lou & Mickey’s offers an upscale dining experience with impeccable service and a refined atmosphere. The spacious dining room and outdoor patio provide a comfortable setting for any occasion, from business dinners to family celebrations. With a focus on quality and tradition, Lou & Mickey’s continues to impress with its exceptional cuisine and elegant ambiance.
What to Order:
- Filet Mignon: Tender and perfectly cooked, this steak is a melt-in-your-mouth experience, served with your choice of sides.
- Chilean Sea Bass: A delicate and flavorful fish, pan-seared and served with seasonal vegetables and a light citrus beurre blanc.
- Lobster Bisque: Rich and creamy, this bisque is packed with the robust flavor of fresh lobster, making it a must-try appetizer.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Price: $$$$
SPOT #9 ZAMA
Zama brings a modern twist to traditional Japanese cuisine, offering a vibrant dining experience in the Gaslamp Quarter. With its sleek design, innovative dishes, and extensive sake menu, Zama is a destination for sushi lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
What to Order:
- Zama Roll: A signature sushi roll featuring spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber, topped with fresh salmon, jalapeño, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.
- Wagyu Beef Tataki: Thinly sliced, seared Wagyu beef served with ponzu sauce, green onions, and a hint of garlic.
- Miso Black Cod: A delicate, buttery black cod marinated in miso and sake, grilled to perfection, and served with pickled vegetables.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Friday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Price: $$$
We hope you have a fabulous time eating and drinking your way through the best restaurants and bars in the Gaslamp Quarter! If you want a tour of Gaslamp, leave it to us! Contact us for deets on our Gaslamp food tour! If you’re interested in exploring other San Diego neighborhoods, check out our signature food tours in San Diego.
Written by: Melissa
Melissa hails from San Jose, CA, and has been a San Diego local for five years now after a 10-year long pit stop in Los Angeles. In L.A., she began her writing career crafting digital content for a wide range of clients, including The Real Talk Show, Sharon Osbourne, Hank Azaria, Time Life, and Cardinal Financial. She’s excited to be able to use her passion for writing to introduce people to some of the best spots in San Diego, many of which she has already frequented or has on her ever-expanding list of things to do … In her spare time, she enjoys taking her puppy Milo to all of the best dog beaches in SD, grabbing a glass of wine or a cup of joe at new places, and hosting watch parties for The Bachelor/ette TV show.
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