Staying in Gaslamp District - What is the one restaurant I HAVE to eat at? (San Diego: neighborhoods, live)

[kate0110]

What is your favorite restaurant in the Gaslamp District? I am overwhelmed and need help choosing a few! I'm not a picky eater at all so any suggestions would help... casual, fancy, type of cuisine.. doesn't matter!

[Jenkay]

I personally don't care for many of the restaurants in the Gaslamp proper, but just outside of the Gaslamp in the East village is Cafe Chloe, everything I've had there has been spectacular.

You might also try Neighborhood, I was pleased with them as well.

Also, if you go to the Chowhound site and search the San Diego message board you'll find some suggestions. (I recommend searching the board rather than posting a question, it's one of those that gets asked so frequently that people have just stopped answering it LOL)

[NYSD1995]

I would say there is really no restaurant in the gaslamp that is a "must". Most are just typical tourist places. A lot of people like Neighborhood, I would second that one. Cowboy Star is also a favorite of many.

[BRinSM]

i've eaten at a handful of places and the only place i've been impressed with is the oceanaire. everything else has been average at best.

[bloom]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

I would say there is really no restaurant in the gaslamp that is a "must". Most are just typical tourist places. A lot of people like Neighborhood, I would second that one. Cowboy Star is also a favorite of many.

Agree. My wife and I had a mediocre experience at Cowboy Star. She has liked Cafe Chloe. For a steak place, someone suggested the Tractor Room in Hillcrest. Wine Vault is a fancy place in Mission Hills. Hoodads is coming to downtown in November, but I prefer In-and-Out.

[MAK802]

We normally avoid the Gaslamp, but we both love Confidential. So far, everything we tried is awesome and you can't go wrong with their happy hour-50% off the entire menu, including all drinks.

Confidential Restaurant and Loft

However, you're more likely to find great food just down the street in Hillcrest. R Gang is a new place that just opened up next to the Tractor Room and much better imo.

R Gang

Hillcrest also has some good sushi, if you're into it.

[shmoov_groovzsd]

Jenkay is spot on, the Gaslamp restaurants are probably not as appealing as some of the other restaurants just outside the Gaslamp. There is a new restaurant which is new and fairly decent on 5th and Market called Searsucker. I have dined there and can say its a nice addition in the area. Go check yelp.com and filter your results.

Cafe Chloe and Neighborhood are my 2 favorites downtown within walking distance of my humble abode. Unfortunately in the Gaslamp its more a matter of convenience than anything else, but definitely not a foodies night out.

Keep in mind, the Gaslamp district is only a small sliver of the downtown area.

[Oerdin]

Originally Posted by Sassberto

I would say there is really no restaurant in the gaslamp that is a "must". Most are just typical tourist places. A lot of people like Neighborhood, I would second that one. Cowboy Star is also a favorite of many.

Cowboy Star's free range grass fed beef burger is pretty good.

[Oerdin]

BTW you'll get better restaurant advice at Chowhound's San Diego forum.

[windnsea00]

Searsucker (Top Chef winner runs it), Rei Do Gado Churrascaria, Oceanaire, Royal India Exquisite Restaurant, Analog and close by I would also recommend Banker's Hill Bistro, Craft & Commerce and Sogno di Vino.