Where to Eat Near the San Diego Convention Center
When you find yourself attending an event at the San Diego Convention Center or just find yourself in the area, you need to know where to go out to eat! Below we’ve put together a list of all kinds of restaurants you are sure to love when dining near the San Diego Convention Center.
Baja Rick’s Cantina
170 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-8100
When you’re craving cantina food, Baja Rick’s is the place to go. It’s a casual place where you can find a large menu filled with options. Whether you’re in the mood for fish tacos, oyster po’boys, or even burgers, you’ll find it. Dine inside or on the patio where the tables are covered with oversized umbrellas. A large selection of bottled beers is also available behind the bar if you’ve just had a long day at the convention center.
Lou & Mickey’s
224 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 237-4900
Lou & Mickey’s is a longstanding steakhouse where you can find both surf and turf. A regal interior with leather seating and linen tablecloths will greet you. If you’re looking for something more casual, the outdoor patio is almost always open, too. The menu features filet mignon, ribeye, and even salmon. Steak enhancements are available, such as lump crab Oscar and melted Danish blue cheese. The bar menu is particularly impressive with drinks that are shaken, stirred, and served draft.
Trattoria Don Pietro
2415 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 255-7205
Trattoria Don Pietro offers Sicilian-style cuisine with an outdoor dining patio. The modern venue offers pastas, pizzas, and desserts. While it’s only open for dinner throughout the week, it does open for lunch on the weekends. Every dish leaving the kitchen looks like a work of art. And the wine wall with crushed flowers is worthy of a photo backdrop for your Instagram profile.
Water Grill
615 J St, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 717-6992
The Water Grill is a seafood restaurant where the menu is updated daily to reflect what is fresh and available. The modern dining room features wine-lined walls, chandeliers hanging from above, and black linens on the tables. The bar also features a lounge area where you can relax in a comfy chair with a drink in your hand. The raw bar is always a nice treat, and you can choose per piece as a way to customize what is delivered to the table.
The Old Spaghetti Factory
275 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-4323
Located in the Hard Rock, The Old Spaghetti Factory is a family-friendly chain where you can enjoy scrumptious Italian entrees. The turn-of-the-century décor is warm and inviting whether you sit upstairs or down. The menu features classics like ravioli and lasagna. There’s also a gluten-friendly menu and a kid’s menu for those who are 12 and under. With the large portions, there’s no way you’ll leave here hungry.
Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp
333 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-9463
The Union Kitchen and Tap Gaslamp is the perfect getaway from an overwhelming convention. You’ll find a rotating menu of craft beers inside this rustic setting. When you’re looking for food, there’s a large selection of New American small plates. Favorites off the menu include shrimp tacos and the union burger. You won’t want to miss out on their bacon mac & cheese, either. This place gets busy when conventions are in town, so you’ll want to make a reservation.
Lucky’s Lunch Counter
338 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 255-4782
Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, Lucky’s Lunch Counter does quite the business. It’s conveniently located near the convention center as well as Petco Park. The retro diner vibe features vintage baseball photos throughout the interior. Whether you sit at the counter or at a table, you’ll be able to enjoy such things as pancake combos and Reuben sandwiches. Specials are on the wall, so you can always get ideas of what to order. One thing to be aware of is that the sandwiches are huge, which isn’t a bad thing.
Nobu San Diego
207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 814-4124
Nobu is a famed chain that has made its way across the globe. The San Diego location is conveniently found inside the Hard Rock Hotel. The menu features such things as Nobu-style tacos, tuna tataki, and black cod with miso. Various cocktails are created at the bar, and you can also order wine by the bottle. A “Tanoshi Hour” happens Monday through Sunday, too, where you can enjoy reduced-price cocktails and Nobu tapas. This is considered one of the top eats in the city, so if you know when you’ll be in town, go ahead and make a reservation.
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