THE GUIDE / DINING GASLAMP QUARTER
FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE > Steak $$$$ Upscale steakhouse serves prime steaks, market salads, classic seafood dishes, specialties such as trufflepoached lobster with caviar, and an acclaimed wine list; plus sides such as crispy Brussels sprouts with bacon. 380 K St., Gaslamp, 619.237.1155 Map Q16 HUNTRESS > Steak $$$$ RMD Group’s glamorous new steakhouse boasts the finest cuts of meat, highest-quality seafood, and an extensive Japanese whisky selection—all served inside a posh, multilevel, modern space with a mezzanine and floor-to-ceiling wine display. The wagyu katsu sandwich on toasted brioche literally melts in the mouth. Dress to impress. 376 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.329.4868 Map Q16
Mission Valley Eats Feast on Cali-Baja cuisine amid an indoor-outdoor space —complete with swaying palm trees and a fireplace—at Arlo, the new standalone restaurant at Town and Country Resort. Chef Josh Mouzakes focuses on regional flavors with a menu of grilled and smoked proteins, locally sourced seafood, and vegan dishes. Choose from savory starters such as lamb meatballs and skillet hummus; plus salads, wood-fired flatbreads, and entrees such as Pacific striped bass and flat-iron steak carne asada with saffron frites. The desserts are also divine. (Wood-fired s’mores with New York cheesecake and chocolate ganache, anyone?) To drink: craft cocktails, locally brewed beers, hard ciders and wines from Valle de Guadalupe (aka Baja’s wine country). 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley, 619.908.5058
LIONFISH > Seafood $$$ Hotspot inside The Pendry hotel features modern coastal cuisine, from elevated sea fare—big-eye tuna pizza with truffle oil, specialty sushi rolls, daily fresh catches and a full raw bar—to carnivore-friendly options like duck confit tostadas. 435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.738.7200 Map Q16 LUMI > Japanese $$$$ Two-time Michelin-star celeb chef Akira Back fronts this new upscale hotspot by RMD Group—an outdoor rooftop oasis serving modern Japanese-inspired fare, sushi, A5 Japanese wagyu and inventive cocktails. Entrees include seared salmon and Jidori chicken. 366 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.329.5864 Map Q16 NOBU > Japanese $$$$ The reigning hotspot at Hard Rock Hotel by the legend Nobu Matsuhisa serves authentic sushi, the chef’s famous jalapeño-yellowtail sashimi and excellent miso black cod. For a fun splurge, try the toro tartare with caviar. 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.814.4124 Map Q16 OSETRA SEAFOOD & STEAKS > Seafood $$$ Indulge in caviar, fresh catches, pastas, lamb chops and Baja shrimp cocktail at this progressive eatery, whose interior is defined by a three-story wine tower. Prime-aged meats are also on the menu. 904 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.239.1800 Map Q16 RUSTIC ROOT > American $$$ Featuring seasonal New American cuisine, stylish decor, craft cocktails and an expansive rooftop bar, this Gaslamp hotspot boasts dishes like fried chicken and lobster pappardelle. 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.232.1747 Map Q16 STK SAN DIEGO > Steak $$$$ Steak is the star of the menu here: Choose your size and cut, from a 6-ounce fillet to a 128-ounce dry-aged tomahawk; then choose a topping, such as Alaskan king crab and truffle butter; and finish with a side of their famed sweet corn pudding. 600 F St., Gaslamp, 619.354.5988 Map Q16 WATER GRILL > Seafood $$$ Nautical-inspired fine-dining spot serves fresh seafood, and features a raw bar with more than 15 types of oysters. Extensive menu includes shellfish platters, jumbo lump blue crab cakes, sushi, sandwiches, king crab legs and whole fish preparations. 615 J St., Gaslamp, 619.717.6992 Map Q16
Guidelines Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 44-47. The compendium consists of editors’ recommendations, as well as a small number of advertisers.
Index Gaslamp Quarter...........26 Coronado...................... 30 Downtown/E.V./Barrio...26 Del Mar/Rancho S.F..... 30 Embarcadero/Marina....26 North Coastal............... 32 Little Italy.........................27 Uptown.......................... 32 La Jolla............................28 Old Town/Bay Park........34 Mission Bay/Beaches....29 Mission Valley/ Harbor/Shelter/Loma....30 Kearny Mesa..................34
(V) = Vegan/Vegetarian
DOWNTOWN/EAST VILLAGE CAFE 222 > Breakfast $ Locals love Cafe 222’s quirky American cuisine and whimsical decor. Popular menu items include the peanut butter waffles with bananas at breakfast; and the tuna melts, salads and more at lunch. 222 Island Ave., downtown, 619.236.9902 Map R15 COWBOY STAR > Steak $$$ With barstools upholstered in cowhide, this stylish downtown steakhouse is decked out in Old West adornments. Don’t miss the buttermilk-fried sweetbreads, seared scallops, excellent meat selections and well-crafted cocktails. 640 10th Ave., East Village, 619.450.5880 Map Q17 GRANT GRILL LOUNGE > California $$$ Expect seasonal dishes with local ingredients—we love the braised short-rib sliders—while expert bartenders work their mixology magic behind the bar, all housed inside the historical US Grant hotel. 326 Broadway, downtown, 619.744.2077 Map Q16 THE MISSION > Breakfast $ Acclaimed local mini-chain is known for pancakes, French toast, smoothies, breakfast burritos and healthconscious Asian and Latin dishes. We adore the sweet Portuguese sausage served with over-medium eggs and steamed brown rice. 1250 J St., East Village, 619.232.7662 Map Q17 MORTON’S, THE STEAKHOUSE > Steak $$$$ USDA prime-aged beef, seafood, an excellent wine list, cocktails, decadent desserts, crisp white linens and great service at the edge of the historical Gaslamp Quarter. 285 J St., downtown, 619.696.3369 Map Q16 RICHARD WALKER’S PANCAKE HOUSE > Breakfast $ Beloved family-owned/operated institution since 1948 offers gourmet breakfast and lunch fare. Choose from oven-baked omelets, Bavarian-style oven-baked pancakes, classic griddlecakes, savory and sweet crepes, Benedicts and more. 520 Front St., downtown, 619.231.7777 Map Q15
EMBARCADERO/MARINA DISTRICT ANIMAE > Pan-Asian $$$$ Opulent art-deco decor meets fine Pan-Asian dining at this $5.5 million palace by the Puffer Malarkey Collective, featuring an outdoor dining garden. Specialties include Japanese A5 wagyu, Singapore chili lobster noodles, whole fried snapper and other seafood delicacies. 969 Pacific Hwy., downtown, 619.432.1225 Map Q15
> Information subject to change: Call restaurants or check websites for pandemic-related updates, closures and hours of operation before visiting. 26 SOCALPULSE.COM WINTER 2021
HALEY HILL PHOTOGRAPHY
CAFE SEVILLA > Spanish $$$ A celebrated staple of the Gaslamp, Cafe Sevilla still serves up the same Spanish tapas and seafood specialties that have made it a longtime locals’ favorite. Try the seafood paella made with black rice, and pair it with the cava sangria. 353 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.5979 Map R1
