2 Best Restaurants in Downtown, San Diego

With seven total locations in the city, Tajima has become a favorite source for ramen-hungry San Diegans. Climb into a cozy booth and order a Japanese craft beer or sake before diving into one of the five types of ramen—all of which come in hefty portions with affordable price tags—including an excellent vegan version with spinach noodles. Add-ins include accoutrements like kimchi, fried garlic, black garlic oil, and corn. Non-ramen options span sushi hand rolls, rice bowls, and Karaage, a Japanese-style fried chicken served with mayo.

Pristine fish imported directly from Japan and presented creatively attracts crowds nightly to this intimate Gaslamp restaurant. Table service is available inside and outside where an omakase (tasting menu) or eight-piece rolls can be shared and savored; take a seat at the bar to watch one of the sushi chefs preparing appetizers. The restaurant is a favorite with Japanese visitors and conventioneers.