Flavors of the gaslamp

Updated April 26, 2023

A visit to San Diego would not be complete without a stop in the Gaslamp Quarter. This neighborhood is generally considered 4th, 5th & 6th Ave between Harbor and Broadway in downtown San Diego. The Gaslamp Quarter was originally called New Town in 1869 when it hosted the first port in San Diego. Many brothels and bars were established to cater to the sailors and merchants whose ships landed in the newly dug-out harbor. For a long time, most of this area was considered sketchy, and well-heeled individuals wouldn’t be seen south of Broadway. With the construction of the Horton Plaza shopping mall in 1985 and the added effort to renew the neighborhood for tourism, more locals and visitors felt comfortable making the Gaslamp their go-to spot for dining and drinking.

flavors of the gaslamp

These days the Gaslamp Quarter food selection is filled with a range of restaurants from longstanding hole-in-the-wall pizza joints to brand new restaurant concepts with some big names in the back kitchen. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, or something a little more casual, here are some awesome places to eat next time you are in the neighborhood or on food tours and want to try some Gaslamp restaurants.

hamburgers

WEREWOLF

The Gaslamp is such a convenient place for brunch. It’s right off the trolley line and if you are visiting from out of town, it’s likely you are staying in a hotel nearby. Werewolf is a great place to start your day. The brunch menu includes traditional breakfast staples such as biscuits and gravy, mixed with obvious San Diego picks like breakfast burritos. You might choose something a lot different like a Korean bulgogi hash to wake you up in the morning.  With brunch running till 2pm, you should have plenty of time to enjoy yourself.

KARINA’S CANTINA

KARINA’S CANTINA

(Photo Courtesy of Karina’s Cantina)

Karina’s Cantina is a must-visit restaurant in San Diego for those who love Mexican cuisine. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, this restaurant has been serving up delicious food and drinks for over 40 years.

The atmosphere at Karina’s Cantina is warm and inviting, with colorful decor and a lively ambiance that makes it the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner for two. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, the menu at Karina’s Cantina has something for everyone.

One of the standout dishes at Karina’s Cantina is their famous fish tacos. Made with fresh, locally sourced seafood and topped with a zesty lime crema, these tacos are a must-try for seafood lovers. Another popular item on the menu is the Carne Asada, which features tender, grilled steak served with rice, beans, and handmade tortillas.

In addition to their delicious food, Karina’s Cantina also offers a variety of specialty cocktails and margaritas. The restaurant’s mixologists are skilled at creating unique and flavorful drinks that perfectly complement the bold flavors of the food.

Another thing that sets Karina’s Cantina apart from other Mexican restaurants in San Diego is their commitment to sustainability. The restaurant sources many of their ingredients from local farms and fisheries, and they use eco-friendly practices whenever possible.

MEZE GREEK FUSION

MEZE GREEK FUSION

(Photo Courtesy of Meze)

You’ll find Meze located at 6th Ave near Petco Park. It’s a great place to catch dinner and a show. Order the shrimp and ouzo saganaki and watch it set on fire tableside. Then stay late to enjoy the weekend belly dancing show. With an array of seating options, you’ll be sure to find a table perfect for your group, big or small. Besides delicious Greek fusion cuisine, Meze has some tasty cocktails. These days we are loving the Athens Mule. They also have a house salsa/hot sauce that is so good you might even order a jar to take home.

LAVO

Lavo

(Photo Courtesy of Lavo)

If you’re looking for a sophisticated and elegant dining experience in San Diego, look no further than Lavo. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Lavo offers a modern take on Italian cuisine, featuring fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With its chic decor, lively atmosphere, and extensive menu, Lavo is the perfect spot for a night out with friends or a romantic date.

Upon entering Lavo, you’re immediately struck by the sleek and modern decor. The restaurant features a black and white color scheme with pops of gold and marble accents, creating an elegant and upscale atmosphere. The lighting is dimmed, giving the space a cozy and intimate feel, and the music is upbeat, adding to the lively energy of the room.

Lavo’s menu offers a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Start your meal with one of their delicious appetizers, like the tuna tartare, featuring diced yellowfin tuna, avocado, crispy garlic, and black olive dressing, or the charred octopus

For the main course, you can’t go wrong with any of their pasta dishes. The rigatoni alla nonna with vodka sauce is a customer favorite, featuring perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta in a creamy vodka sauce with crispy pancetta and grated Parmesan. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, try the grilled bone-in ribeye with truffle butter and roasted garlic mashed potatoes. All steaks are dry-aged for 28 days.

Of course, no meal is complete without dessert, and Lavo’s dessert menu doesn’t disappoint. Indulge in the warm 20 layer chocolate cake with peanut butter mascarpone or the tiramisu with espresso-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.

Lavo also boasts an extensive drink menu, featuring handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer. Their cocktail menu offers unique and creative drinks like the “Market St. Mule,” featuring Absolut Elyx vodka, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, and mint bouquet served in a copper mug. The wine list offers a variety of Italian and Californian wines, and the beer selection includes local San Diego breweries as well as international favorites.

RUSTIC ROOT

Rustic root

(Photo Courtesy of Rustic Root)

Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Rustic Root offers a unique and vibrant dining experience. With its eclectic decor, creative cocktails, and innovative menu, Rustic Root is a must-visit for anyone looking for a memorable meal in San Diego.

As soon as you step inside Rustic Root, you’ll be struck by the eclectic and colorful decor. The restaurant features a mix of vintage and modern elements, with exposed brick walls, a striking chandelier made from antlers, and colorful murals painted by local artists. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, with a DJ spinning tunes in the background.

Rustic Root’s menu features innovative and creative takes on classic dishes. Showcasing their take on New American Comfort food with a California twist. Classic dishes are rooted in tradition, including regional dishes from around the country. All reimagined with fresh and local ingredients .Start your meal with one of their delicious appetizers, like the southern corn fritters, or the firecracker shrimp with sriracha aioli and sweet & spicy mango sauce.

For the main course, try one of their signature dishes, like theRustic Fried Chicken with buttermilk brined chicken thighs, cheddar and roasted chili cornbread coleslaw and spicy honey.  If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the roasted salmon with purple potato puree,  sauteed spinach and roasted cauliflower.

They also boast an impressive drink menu, featuring creative cocktails and an extensive selection of whiskey. Their cocktail menu includes unique drinks like the “Porch Swing,” featuring basil hayden’s bourbon, blieberry reduction lemon, and black walnut bitters, served in a glass jar. They also offer a rotating selection of seasonal cocktails, using fresh and local ingredients.

BANDAR RESTAURANT

Bandar restaurant

(Photo Courtesy of Bandar)

If you are looking for a more exotic take on dinner dining experience, you can’t go wrong stepping into Bandar for Persian food. You’ll find Bandar on the north end of the Gaslamp Quarter near Broadway on 4th Ave. Bandar has a wide selection for any food preference from steaks and chicken to seafood and vegetarian options. Their lamb dishes are a real winner and of course there is a varied selection of mixed rice to eat along with your protein. This is also a great place to stop if you are in need of halal meats or gluten-free fare.

LE PARFAIT PARIS

Le parfait Paris

(Photo Courtesy of Le Parfait Paris)

Of course, now that you have eaten and walked around for a bit, it’s time for dessert. You should congratulate yourself on your excellent meal choice by heading into Le Parfait Paris for a sweet treat. While this French patisserie has an excellent selection of macarons (try the lavender) you will also find a generous selection of french pastries such as eclairs, fruit tarts and cakes. San Diego is a fan, Le Parfait Paris has four storefront/vendor spots in San Diego with two more opening soon.

If you are interested in learning more about the sordid history of the Gaslamp Quarter you might like to attend our guided tour of the neighborhood. The Brothels, Bites and Booze tour runs up to 6 times weekly. This tour is also available privately for groups of 10+ people. You can also book a private Gaslamp walking tour that is catered to your group’s interest. Whether you want to go on a rooftop bar tour, a craft cocktail tour, or explore the breweries in the area, we have something just for you!

Cheers!

Street parking in the Gaslamp Quarter can be iffy but there are a lot of parking garages and paid lots in the area. Most of these are clearly marked. Ridesharing services are very active in the area, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting a ride back at the end of the night.

 

Written by:

Aleezah DavenportThis blog was written by Aleezah Davenport. Aleezah is a native San Diegan, and a second-generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.

 

 

 

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