Best Southern American Restaurants in Old Town, San Diego

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

East CountyNorth San DiegoSan DiegoTijuana

Neighborhoods

Banker's HillCarlsbadCarmel ValleyChula Vista / BonitaCoronadoCrest

Top Rated

CharmingDog-friendlyFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasions

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

218 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Doc Holliday's

4.2

Awesome(13)

$$$$

• Southern american • Old Town

Booked 3 times today

NOW OPEN 7 Days a week! 7:30 AM - Til LateBreakfast 7:30AM-2:30PM Lunch 11:30-4:00PMDinner 4:00PM - Til Late

A photo of Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina restaurant

2. Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina

4.1

Excellent(1163)

$$$$

• Southern american • Old Town

Booked 1 time today

Old Town Tequila Factory Restaurant & Cantina is an exceptional spot for authentic American cuisine, offering a delightful experience in the heart of San Diego’s historic Old Town. Diners rave about the "great service" and "fantastic views," making it an ideal destination for both locals and visitors. The rooftop setting adds a unique charm, perfect for a sunset dinner. The Sunday Champagne brunch is a standout, described as "excellent" with "lots to choose from." Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a casual meal, the "impeccable service" and delicious food ensure a memorable dining experience.

A photo of Cosmopolitan Restaurant restaurant

3. Cosmopolitan Restaurant

new

4.1

Excellent(343)

$$$$

• Southern american • Old Town

Don't miss this an opportunity to join us at The Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel. Currently, we are open for Special Events & Holidays, only. The Cosmopolitan Hotel & Restaurant is a Victorian style boutique hotel in the heart of Old Town, San Diego. The Hotel boasts a beautiful outdoor garden restaurant setting and is equipped with 1800's Victorian style indoor Sala's. We look forward to hosting you on your next event and hope you will join us for one of our beautiful Holiday dining experiences.

4. Starlite

4.8

Exceptional(1377)

$$$$

• Southern american • Mission Hills

Booked 168 times today

Starlite: A timeless San Diego icon with a fresh future, helmed by Chef Ted Smith.Please note: Our establishment is 21+

5. Bacari North Park

4.7

Exceptional(383)

$$$$

• Southern american • North Park

Booked 162 times today

Bacari North Park is a Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant featuring Mediterranean-influenced dishes by Chef Lior Hillel. We are the 9th restaurant of Kronfli Brothers, a family-owned, growing group of restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Alongside our delicious tapas, we offer a rotating curation of small-production wines and eclectic beers, unique craft cocktails & mocktails, and we are also known for our one-of-a-kind 90-minute open bar special. Our team provides warm hospitality in our comfortable, indoor dining room marked with rustic mediterranean decor. You will feel like home when dining at Bacari North Park. We welcome but do not require reservations — we love to accommodate walk-ins and large parties, even on busy nights. Bacari North Park is the go-to spot for our neighbors, and we look forward to hosting you!

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6. Herb & Wood

4.6

Exceptional(7191)

$$$$

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 110 times today

Herb & Wood in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy is a shining example of exquisite American cuisine. Celebrated Chef Brian Malarkey crafts a menu that elevates rustic, wood-fired dishes, blending Mediterranean flair with California's commitment to seasonality and sustainability. Diners rave about the "incredible dinner" experience, showcasing "amazing, flavorful food" and "outstanding service." The ambiance is described as "beautiful" and "welcoming," making every visit memorable. Signature dishes like the pork belly and filet mignon are praised for their exceptional taste. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a night out, Herb & Wood promises a "truly memorable culinary experience."

7. The Remy

4.8

Exceptional(144)

$$$$

• Southern american • Old Town

Booked 25 times today

The Remy is a Fine Dining experience tucked away in San Diego, CA’s West Mission Valley area. Open seven days a week, we offer a bespoke menu featuring premium meat cuts, crafted cocktails, and vintage wines. Contemporary American classics with western grit and a modern twist.

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8. Kettner Exchange

4.8

Exceptional(1699)

$$$$

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 37 times today

Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, offers an exceptional Asian fusion experience that is both inventive and authentic. Executive Chef Brian Redzikowski’s creations have earned the restaurant a coveted spot on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list since 2019, showcasing high-quality meals at accessible prices. Diners rave about the "spicy garlic noodles" and "juicy cheeseburger special," underscoring the delightful fusion of flavors. The rooftop patio with stunning harbor views enhances the dining ambiance, making it perfect for any occasion. Guests frequently praise the "stellar service" and "amazing cocktails," solidifying Kettner Exchange as a must-visit destination for Asian cuisine enthusiasts.

A photo of Ironside Fish & Oyster restaurant

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9. Ironside Fish & Oyster

4.7

Exceptional(5036)

$$$$

• Southern american • Little Italy

Booked 94 times today

Ironside Fish & Oyster in San Diego's Little Italy is a quintessential hotspot for authentic American cuisine, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary flavors. This gem pays homage to its roots in the fishing industry with a mouthwatering menu that features renowned dishes such as the lobster roll and clam chowder, praised for being “chock full of clams.” The vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service are frequently highlighted in reviews, with one diner noting the “excellent experience, food, and ambience.” With a stellar raw bar and an enticing happy hour, Ironside promises a “delightful experience” that diners find irresistible.

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10. Cowboy Star

4.8

Exceptional(5316)

$$$$

• Southern american • Downtown

Booked 58 times today

Cowboy Star in downtown San Diego is a gem of Contemporary American cuisine, capturing the essence of regional American heirloom recipes with a modern twist. Their commitment to using locally sourced, natural, and organic ingredients shines through every dish, offering "exceptional quality" that diners rave about. Known for their impeccable service and warm atmosphere, Cowboy Star is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, with one reviewer exclaiming, "the best steakhouse in San Diego, PERIOD." The diverse menu, which includes top-notch wine and cocktails, ensures that every visit is a "memorable and enjoyable experience," making Cowboy Star a must-visit for any steak lover.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

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