The Top 4 Restaurants in Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego. Beautiful and rich with history. With the ups and downs of the economy over the years all of the restaurants that carried fond memories suffered and closed.  However, a renaissance in the downtown area started 25 years ago with the opening of Horton Plaza Shopping Mall, San Diego Convention Center, hotel projects along with the construction of thousands of condominiums and apartments. Sleepy little San Diego, a city near the border, was beginning to grow up; not just in the population or the height of the buildings, but with the opening of literally hundreds of dining venues. 

Here are the best restaurants in Downtown San Diego. 

4. Bice Ristorante

​425 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 

(619) 239-2423

Bice Ristorante is a relatively new addition; a reincarnation of a restaurant that was on top of a shopping mall that no longer exists. Managing Partner Rinaldo Colantani, of Rome, and Executive Chef Mario Casineri, of Milan, brought Italian dining to the downtown area.  For years we have gone to a number of other Italian restaurants on Fifth Avenue (there must be a half dozen in the same block).  However, our new favorite is Bice. I went there to try their food in anticipation of writing this article. Since then I have returned with friends. On one occasion it was with five friends from Italy.  Not only did they enjoy conversing in Italian with Rinaldo and Mario and other members of their staff, but they enjoyed Italian food outside of Italy.  What higher compliment can there be?

Having tried a number of Bice’s dishes (all of which have been very good), one of my favorites is their Prosciutto di Parma (an appetizer) innecchiato 24 meri con burrata; a gorgeous presentation and terrific to eat. Share it with a friend.  Their Ravioli di Manzo alla Massaia con salsa di Funghi Profumati al Marsala was terrific; homemade ravioli served aldente and stuffed with braised beef, veal & spinach in a flavorful sauce.  They also have a cheese bar and salumi for appetizers or to linger over with an after dinner drink.  An excellent wine list helps to complete the dining experience.

3. Rustic Root 

535 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Ph: (619) 232-1747 

After the launch of Don Chido, the team behind the downtown restaurant - the RMD Group launches this beautiful roof-top restaurant. Rustic Root, which aims to serve "rustic American cuisine" with a focus on local ingredients. The menu is in the hands of executive chef Antonio Friscia, whose kitchen in Don Chido will also fuel this new restaurant. Rustic Root is now open. 

2. Jsix Restaurant & Lounge

616 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 531-8744 www.jsixrestaurant.com

 JSix opened at the Hotel Solamar to great acclaim with Executive Chef Deborah Schneider.  It was a real night time hot spot with a line out the door for the bar and a wall of Fez’.  It has evolved under the leadership of Executive Chef Christian Graves, who brings the slow food movement and fresh ingredients to every meal.  Their lunches are a treat and dinner is not left in the dust.  On a recent visit we enjoyed the hearts of palm salad, but it was "one-upped" by the grilled asparagus salad.  A terrific tapenade with fresh focaccia and bread is served with each meal (a real treat).  The chicken dumplings served with a truffled chicken consommé, baby carrots, mushrooms, and potato gnocchi was an enjoyable dish.  While not a steak house (The Palm is across the street, and Morton’s, Ruth’s Chris’ and Donovan’s are nearby), the petite fillet served with balsamic roasted Portobello mushrooms and mashed potatoes was tasty and beautifully presented.

1. Searsucker 

611 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 233-7327 www.searsucker.com

One of the newest and much anticipated dining spots in the downtown area is Searsucker under the direction of Brian Malakey of Top Chef fame.  We enjoyed the appetizers that we tried, but were disappointed with the sea bass that was very tough and too small a portion of swordfish bedecked with too many almonds.  We have heard very positive comments as well as some that were less so from friends that have tried Searsucker.  Hopefully they will improve the dishes coming out of the kitchen and become more consistent.  However, if you want to carry on a conversation over dinner, this is not the place.

Some of the other downtown restaurants worth a visit include Roy’s, Cowboy Star, El Vitral, and Rhama.  The number of tourists and downtown residents has made it possible to have a number of good dining choices in the downtown area.