Old Town San Diego Restaurants
Old Town San Diego has so much to offer like tours, day trips, outdoor activities, and sports. At some point, though, you’ll need to eat. And that is where Old Town shines. Old Town San Diego restaurants offer hungry visitors and residents a wide variety of dining choices, from Mexican, to Thai, to Italian and more. Let’s gear up for a memorable culinary tour.
Trattoria Don Pietro
2415 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 255-7205
Opening its doors in 2020, Trattoria Don Pietro is one of the newest Old Town San Diego restaurants, and it has quickly become one of the area’s go-to Italian dining spots. You’re sure to do back flips when you dive into any Executive Chef Salvatore Busalacchi’s mouth-watering Sicilian pasta dishes, pizzas, vegetable dishes, and desserts. The dining atmosphere here is elegant yet casual, and the dress code is casual as well. Are you planning your first date? Well, this is a great place to make a fantastic first impression. If you’re farther along in your relationship and are thinking of popping the big question, Trattoria Don Pietro is the place to #putaringonit.
El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria
2304 San Diego Ave Ste B San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 220-0692
You have to remember to eat something at the El Agave Restaurant & Tequileria, because once you get into one (or more) of their 2000 home crafted tequilas it may end quite badly if you don’t. Seriously, don’t forget to eat! You won’t have any trouble finding something on the menu that will soak up that tequila. Load up on protein by starting off with some Enchiladas Verdes (chicken enchiladas with tomatillo sauce), then follow up with a Burrito de Filete Y Ave (a tomato tortilla stuffed with filet mignon) and a nice House Salad. Remember, it’s best to do most things in moderation, especially when it comes to tequila.
Harney Sushi
3964 Harney St San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 295-3272
Let’s face it, there are a LOT of Mexican restaurants in Old Town San Diego. If you are not into Mexican, though, do not stress! There are plenty of other dining options for you. Harney Sushi is one of those places. If you want to try something different but really can’t bring yourself to doing the ‘raw seafood thing’, then that’s OK. Harney Sushi offers some tempura items along with a Mongolian Beef Stir Fry and various vegetarian rolls. Whatever you end up choosing, finish it off with a nice slice of Perfect Cheesecake or a serving of strawberry and chocolate Mochi ice cream.
Home & Away
2222 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 501-0522
If the sports bar scene is your thing, then Home & Away is THE place to be. Catch your favorite teams on the big screen out on one of the multiple patios, some covered and some uncovered. Chow down on, of course, a whopping pound of Hot Wings (with various sauces available) to start. They maybe go for some Blackened Shrimp Tacos. You’re seriously still hungry? OK, try the Spicy Surf and Turf Burrito. That will surely fill you up! All the while your server will keep the craft brews flowing your way. Home & Away is undoubtedly the most popular sports bar in Old Town San Diego. INTERESTING TIDBIT: Looking at the Home & Away Facebook page, the owner of appears to lean towards the Kansas City Chiefs. Go figure.
New Orleans Creole Cafe
2222 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 501-0522
Let’s explore the world of Cajun/Creole cuisine and take up a seat at the New Orleans Creole Café. The restaurant itself screams ‘simple and Southern’. Slide into your chair, kick back with a nice cold drink, and immerse yourself in that oh-so-laid-back vibe. Start your meal with a bowl of Dark Roux Gumbo and then wait for your server to bring out your Shrimp Po Boy Sandwich. Tasty, isn’t it? Did you wear your ‘eating pants’? Good, you did, so you’ll have plenty of room for more. So, when your server comes back and asks if you’d like dessert, you can emphatically say ‘YES!’ and then ask them if they have any Bananas Foster. Don’t worry, you can walk it off later.
Old Town Tequila Factory
2222 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 501-0522
The Old Town Tequila Factory is one of many Old Town San Diego restaurants. But when you visit, you will quickly see what makes this restaurant exceptionally special. The views that Old Town Tequila factory offers are truly breathtaking. The restaurant sits high up on a hill, which allows you to look down on the palm trees and floral-covered landscape and see Mount Soledad, Mission Bay, and the Coronado Islands in the distance. Relax on the rooftop while you devour some Wings de Pollo (chicken wings) then move on to some mouth-watering Grilled Fajitas (choose from chicken, shrimp, steak, or vegetables). Are you in the mood for dessert? How about a mind-blowing Deep Fried Ice Cream Sundae?
San Diego Wine & Spirits
2244 San Diego Ave Ste A San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 298-3612
If you don’t feel like sitting down in a crowded restaurant and just want to do something like have a picnic at home or in your hotel, then head over to San Diego Wine & Spirits. Part deli, part liquor store, and part grocery store, this little gem is popular with both natives and tourists. Pop in and grab yourself a Tony Gwynn Sandwich, a side, and a cold drink. If you’re stocking up for a late-night party, San Diego Wine & Spirits is the place to go. Fill up with wine, home-grown liquors and some nice craft beers and you’re all set. Party on!
Tahona Bar
2222 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 501-0522
If you’re really in the mood to try something different, try the cricket-laced guacamole and chips at Tahona Bar. Yes, you read that right. Cricket-laced guacamole and chips, the perfect appetizer to wash down with a little mezcal in the tasting room. Tahona Bar opened its doors to diners in late 2018, and it is located near the historic Campo Santo Cemetery. Are you an early diner? You’re in luck because in addition to its modern Mexican fare, Tahona also offers breakfast and brunch. With its clay walls, traditional furnishings, and brightly colored tiles, you’ll get a true feeling of Mexican culture.
Hungry’s Kitchen & Tap
2222 San Diego Ave San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 501-0522
Looking for a place that serves breakfast all day? Then look no further than Hungry’s Kitchen and Tap. Their breakfast menu is, quite simply, mind-blowing. With offerings like their Scrambowls (3 eggs scrambled with bacon, cheese, green onions, tomatoes and more atop fried potatoes), Chocolate Cakes, and Acai Parfait, you’re sure to find something amazing to start your day. Or make your night. Hungry’s also has a regular menu featuring starters like PSW Pork Fries and a variety of soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. It’s a safe bet to say that you’ll never go hungry when you eat at Hungry’s Kitchen and Tap.
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