3 Best Restaurants in Downtown, San Diego

When Callie arrived in San Diego in 2021, it helped begin the transformation of a once-sleepy city known for fish tacos and craft beer into an internationally renowned dining destination. Callie's chef and owner Travis Swikard worked under chef Daniel Boulud for ten years before returning to his hometown, where he now oversees one of the most in-demand restaurants in the region. Mixing contemporary California technique with Mediterranean flavors, the menu soars from impossibly creamy roasted garlic hummus to their famous uni toast, crispy patatas bravas, pappardelle with duck and kurobuta sausage ragù, and mains like mouthwatering Aleppo chicken and Mediterranean octopus. All the plates come in small portions meant for sharing, so order several per person.  Street parking is extremely limited, so save yourself time and stress by using the parking garage on 11th Avenue between J Street and Island Avenue. Validation at the restaurant provides three hours free---plenty of time for dinner, drinks, and dessert.

Design lovers will fall for celebrity chef Brian Malarkey's sprawling restaurant, a former art store that has been refashioned into four luxe spaces in one—an entryway lounge, outdoor lounge, fireplace-dotted patio, and the main dining room, which is flanked by beaded chandeliers, lush banquettes, and paintings in rich jewel tones. The menu, spearheaded by chef Aidan Owens, is heavy on wood-roasted dishes, many of which are apt for sharing, like the roasted baby carrots or roasted branzino with Castelvetrano olive tapenade. There are also larger options, like an oxtail gnocchi and pizzas with toppings that range from wild mushrooms to hot honey.

At its 10 San Diego locations—Carmel Mountain, Encinitas, East Village, La Jolla, Little Italy, Mira Mesa, Mission Valley, Otay Ranch, Point Loma, and Rancho Bernardo—this fast-food Mediterranean eatery offers a mix of slowly cooked rotisserie meats and crispy falafel served on plates of saffron rice or wrapped in grilled flatbread. Fresh tabbouleh, Mediterranean salads, and baklava desserts round out the meals. For a meal on the go, order the döner box, with options like spiced lamb, marinated chicken, ground beef, or falafel accompanied by fries or rice, fresh veggies, and creamy garlic yogurt sauce.