Restaurant Guide
Sophistication has arrived on the downtown waterfront, bringing together the best of the city and the bay. The InterContinental San Diego welcomes you to experience plenty of exciting dining options in its area, many within about 10 minutes’ walk.
The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for dining and entertainment, all easily accessible by foot, car or public transportation. With the swanky Little Italy neighborhood just north of the InterContinental's waterfront location and the nightlife of the Gaslamp District just to the east, you're perfectly positioned to enjoy all of the culinary delights of the city.
But, we know finding the right eatery or watering hole can seem challenging. Therefore, the PDMI team is happy to share this quick guide to help you experience the local flavors of San Diego.
Limited on time? Too tired to leave the hotel? Want something convenient?
InterContinental San Diego has several first-class food and beverage venues:
INTERCONTINENTAL
Southern California coastal-inspired — Serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails.
Italian fine dining — fresh seafood, handmade pasta, Italian-inspired cocktails. Dinner served Thursday-Sunday.
Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
Upscale steakhouse serving dinner and cocktails. Check schedule for live music.
Fine Italian dining in a nautical setting with skyline views. Serves lunch and dinner.
Restaurants in walking distance from PDMI West's host hotel, InterContinental San Diego
WATERFRONT
The Fish Market
Grilled fish and seafood plates served in a bayfront spot, featuring outdoor seating and a retail market.
$$$
750 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-232-3474
Top of the Market
High-end seafood and bay views presented in a white-tablecloth setting upstairs from the Fish Market.
$$$
750 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-234-4867
Animae
Fashionable restaurant showcasing high-end steak and Asian fusion dishes in a luxurious atmosphere. Located in Pacific Gate by Bosa.
$$$$
969 Pacific Hwy.
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-432-1225
Carnitas' Snack Shack - Embarcadero
Counter-serve spot revered for its pork sandwiches and craft beer, plus happy hours and weekly specials.
$$
1004 N. Harbor Drive,
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-696-7675
Hidden Craft SD
Relaxed spot offering self-serve craft beers and pub grub, plus brunch, veggie options, and flatbreads. Located in One America Plaza.
600 W. Broadway, Suite 130
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-782-9113
Stone Brewing Tap Room — Kettner
Outpost of Stone Brewing Company that sells its own beers.
1202 Kettner Blvd. #101
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-450-4518
Beach Hut Deli
Deli-style sandwich chain serving unique combinations in a relaxed environment with a beach theme.
$$
900 Bayfront Court, Suite 104
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-501-3551
Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Rooftop oasis located in the Residence Inn, providing bay and skyline views. Stay for the sunset as you nosh on a seasonal artisan menu and sip hand-crafted cocktails.
900 Bayfront Court
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-831-0224
Ryan Bros. Coffee
Chill standby for locally roasted beans, inventive coffee and tea in a spacious spot, plus a patio. Located in the Residence Inn by Marriott.
$
900 Bayfront Court
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-501-3552
Hazelwoods On the Bay
Deli serving a long list of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and breakfast items beside the San Diego Bay.
$$
1355 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-231-9866
Ruth's Chris Steak House
Outpost of upmarket steakhouse chain known for sizzling, butter-topped beef in an elegant setting.
$$$$
1355 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-233-1422
Claim Jumper Steakhouse & Bar
Family-friendly eatery and bar known for a wide American comfort-food menu and Western-themed environs.
$$
1355 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-531-7994
Miguel's Cocina
Bustling outpost of a small chain serving margaritas and California-inspired Mexican eats. Located at Portside Pier.
$$
1360 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-719-4960
Ketch Grill & Taps
Cocktails and beer, plus seafood and bar bites in a bayside tavern featuring a glass-enclosed terrace. Located at Portside Pier.
$$
1360 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-719-4963
Portside Coffee & Gelato
Fresh coffee and espresso from local roaster Café Moto, along with a wide assortment of fine gelato. Located at Portside Pier.
1360 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-719-4964
Topsail
Rooftop terrace with fire pits and waterfront views. Topsail offers handcrafted cocktails, fine wine selections, and fresh, seafood-focused small plates. Located at Portside Pier.
1360 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-719-4961
Brigantine Seafood & Oyster Bar
Airy waterfront venue specializing in seafood and meat dishes, plus oysters, brunch, and craft drinks. Located at Portside Pier.
$$$
1360 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
+1-619-719-4960
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous and open to taking a 5-minute taxi, Lyft, or Uber ride, we encourage you to explore Little Italy – rich in culture and cuisine.
LITTLE ITALY
Immerse yourself in San Diego's Little Italy district, just north of the InterContinental, where you can grab a slice of pizza or an espresso and biscotti from a local café, or dine at one of the celebrity chef restaurants located on bustling Kettner Blvd., known as "Top Chef Alley."
Herb & Wood
An award-winning restaurant by celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey that is known for wood-fire cookery focusing on basic rustic preparations that rely on the quality of the ingredients.
Juniper & Ivy
Led by "Top Chef: All-Stars" winner Richard Blais and the team at Juniper Hospitality, the popular modern American restaurant sits in a converted 1920s sawtooth warehouse. Blais' innovative approach to cooking and cuisine is a hit with locals.
Kettner Exchange
The menu features progressive American cuisine using seasonal ingredients and is also influenced by Chef Brian Redzikowski's classic French culinary training and passion for Asian flavors and ingredients. The menu boasts some of the most innovative entrees in San Diego.
The Crack Shack
Another of Chef Richard Blais' creations. It's comfort food thanks to locally-raised, free-range, antibiotic-free chicken, and creative recipes.
Bencotto Italian Kitchen
Voted Best Italian Restaurant by San Diego Magazine four years in a row, Bencotto puts a unique spin on traditional Italian cuisine or regional specialties by offering dishes designed to share. The atmosphere is contemporary though mixed with the feel of an Old World kitchen.
For an even wider array of Little Italy's dining and nightlife options, click here to visit the area's website:
Looking for some after-hours fun? The Gaslamp Quarter houses just about every kind of venue you can think of. We’ve pulled a few fun selections together for you here.
GASLAMP
Barleymash
Fun, high-energy downtown restaurant and bar that celebrates the richness of American culture through its appetizing and progressive bar fare. Both the restaurant philosophy and menu offerings draw heavily from two barroom staples: beer and bourbon.
Havana 1920
Downtown restaurant and bar that channels Cuba’s heyday, when the island became a playground for Americans to escape prohibition and hit a happening bar scene. Enjoy live music every Thursday through Saturday evenings!
Prohibition Liquor Bar
Here at the original San Diego speakeasy bar, Prohibition, we go unseen by most people in our underground, secret bar. Be mindful of their strict dress codes.
Side Bar
A cozy New York-style nightclub and lounge with a glamorous yet intimate
feel. Choose your party pleasure at the “Gaslamp’s Favorite Lounge”: a late night on the dance floor with unexpected champagne showers and sparkling chaos, or a classy rendezvous complete with delicious bites and libations.
The Shout! House – Dueling Pianos
It’s the greatest music hits of all time combined with great showmanship, energy, and comedy. Watching the people, watch the people … it’s worth the price of admission alone!
Double Deuce
Downtown San Diego’s original line-dancin’, boot-stompin’, mechanical bull-ridin’ entertainment venue that’s a little bit country, a little bit rock-n-roll, and a whole lot of unique fun!
The Whiskey House
The Gaslamp’s premier whiskey bar, The Whiskey House features more than 2,800 whiskeys, craft cocktails, 20 international draft beers, an eclectic wine list, and a delectable menu of house-made fare.
Vin de Syrah Wine Parlor
Quirky decor plus DJs and live music in this hip, hidden lounge serving wine, cocktails, and small bites.
The Nolen Rooftop Bar
The Nolen is a destination rooftop bar and lounge that honors modern, timeless cocktails and a renewed spirit of community.
Tin Roof
Amazing live music from the country's most talented musicians playing your favorite songs to keep the dance floor rockin' until last call! San Diego's friendliest bartenders serve up drinks behind the bar including $5 shots of Jameson and Fireball all day, every day!
Moonshine Flats
An in-your-face honky-tonk bar with a sexy edge, Moonshine Flats features live music, line dancing, and DJs spinning top country, rock, and pop music.
Noble Experiment
Swanky speakeasy tucked behind a secret door in The Neighborhood eatery that serves incredible craft cocktails. Reservations recommended. Visit Website
Trailer Park After Dark
Subterranean dive bar serving American comfort fare and beer amid funky trailer park-themed decor.
False Idol
Trendy tiki bar located in Craft & Commerce, serving strong drinks in tropical surroundings.
Patrick’s Gaslamp Pub
Circa-1933 haunt presents live blues bands every night, plus happy hour, in a welcoming setting.
The Tipsy Crow
Historic tri-level hangout serves pub grub and signature drinks alongside games, comedy, and live music.
The Smoking Gun
Urban setting and southern-influenced dishes draw industry friends, restaurateurs, and tourists from all over. Grab a drink, enjoy the music, and try your hand at ping pong.
For an even wider array of the Gaslamp's dining and nightlife options, click here to visit the area's website: