Where to Dine: Downtown and Gaslamp

Croce's Restaurant

The popularity of Gaslamp dining begins with Croce's. Because long before it became the center of San Diego nightlife, the Gaslamp had no decent place for food or music until Ingrid Croce, widow of the popular folk singer Jim Croce, opened this restaurant in the mid-1980s. And as the Gaslamp has developed, restaurants have come and gone, but Croce's remains. At the prime crossroads of Fifth and F, Croce's is a great place for contemporary American food, live jazz music, and a mecca for Jim Croce fans. Croce's had the foresight to see the potential of the Gaslamp.

Corner of Fifth & F, downtown San Diego
(619)233-4355
Hours: 5:30 pm to midnight Monday-Friday; 10:00 am to midnight on weekends.
Cuisine: Contemporary American

Anthony's Fish Grotto

OK, so Anthony's might not be the best place for fish in some people's eye, but it has one thing others don't - a stellar location right on the water of San Diego Bay. Plus, it has local roots founded by the fishing Ghio family. Anthony's is a San Diego institution, and for locals wanting to impress visiting family, Anthony's is often a place you consider. You've got good seafood, and a panoramic view of the Star of India, Coronado, and the rest of San Diego Bay before you.

Anthony's San Diego on the Bay
1360 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-5103

Dobson's Bar and Restaurant

Dobson's is old school dining - wood paneling, stained glass, like the proverbial good old boys club. It's also the place where San Diego's movers and shakers go for their power lunches and dinners. It's smack in the middle of downtown, just off Broadway, near city hall and the courthouses, which explains why it's a favorite of politicos and lawyers. But you don't have to be one to eat there. Just go, soak in the ambiance, though it could be a bit cramped, and you might even recognize someone.

956 Broadway Circle
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-6771

Pokez Mexican Restaurant

Now, Mexican restaurants are a dime a dozen in San Diego, and there are lots of good ones. Ask anyone which is their favorite, and you'll likely get a different answer each time. But if you're downtown and want cheap Mexican food with a vegetarian bent and frequented by the hipster crowd, then Pokez Mexican Restaurant is the place to go. With its graffiti-ish decor, indifferent (some say rude) staff, slow service, and, dare I say, tofu burritos, Pokez isn't for everyone. But if you're up for adventure and are slumming downtown and don't feel like dropping a bundle to eat, then Pokez might be fore you.

947 E St
(between 10th Ave & 9th Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 702-7160

Mimmo's Italian Vilage

Before Little Italy completed its transformation into an upscale gentrified neighborhood in downtown, it was a sleepy enclave of longtime Italian families and businesses. Mimmo's Italian Village, along with Filippi's Pizza Grotto and Solunto Bakery, is one of those restaurants that has survived redevelopment. It's a casual, inexpensive eatery, and a favorite of the lunch crowd. They serve your traditional Italian fare of pizza, subs and pasta, but it's all good and hearty. But the best part is when you walk inside: it's done up like you're dining in an Italian village with painted storefronts and balconies. It's something right out of Italy - or Las Vegas.

743 India Street
San Diego, California 92101
619.239.3710

The Mission - SOMA

The Mission SOMA (South of Market) is one of those restaurants that is generating lost of buzz for its distinctive, fresh and affordable food. The concept of a café specializing in simple, healthy, tasty food, with a whimsical edge and a focus on artful presentation at an affordable price. Richard Walker's Pancake House maybe has the name recognition, but those who frequent The Mission swear by its breakfast, and the reasonable prices. A bit off the beaten path, in burgeoning East Village near Petco Park, The Mission serves lunch with a "Chino Latino" conscientious cuisine. Two other locations in Mission Beach and North Park.

1250 J St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-7662

Island Prime/C Level

Island Prime and its adjoining dining patio C Level is the latest offering from the Cohn Restaurant Group (Prado, Dakota Grill, Mister Tiki, Indigo Grill, Kemo Sabe, Gaslamp Strip Club) and it's arguably the most fabulous. Situation on the water on Harbor Island with a "view to dine for," Island Prime is a steakhouse dining room. The adjoining C Level is a bit more casual and situated on the enclosed patio. Both rooms offer a spectacular setting, which goes perfectly with the inventive and tasty menu by chef Deborah Scott (Kemo Sabe and Indigo Grill). It might be busy on most prime hours, but don't let that stop you - dining here is definitely worth the wait.

880 Harbor Island Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 298-6802

Sushi Deli 2

So, I'm obligated to mention at least one sushi restaurant, and one of the most popular ones downtown is Sushi Deli 2. Now, Sushi Deli is not one for the sushi snob crowd, but if you have a craving for sushi and don't want to break the bank, this place offers palatable plates for the mainstream market. The place is always busy, so it must be serving up something good, yes?

135 Broadway
(between 1st Ave & 2nd Ave)
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-3072